RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:			DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2016-02607
		
						COUNSEL:  NONE

						HEARING DESIRED:  NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be awarded the Reserve Affiliation Bonus for Fiscal Years 2009 through 2011 (FY09-FY11).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

When he joined the Air Force Reserve (USAFR), his leadership told him that he was not eligible for the affiliation bonus, so he did not apply.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

According to the applicant’s DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, on 13 Dec 08, he received an honorable discharge with a narrative reason for separation of “Completion of Required Active Service.”  He was credited with nine years, five months and eight days of total active service.

According to the applicant’s ARPC IMT 92, Appointment Order, on 14 Dec 08, he was appointed by the President of the United States (POTUS) to the USAFR.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is included at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFRC/A1K recommends granting the applicant’s request, indicating there is evidence of an error or injustice.  The applicant’s discharge order, dated 13 Dec 08 and Officer Appointment Order, dated 14 Dec 08 prove he did not have a break in service, was in the correct Duty Air Force Specialty Code (DAFSC), and had fewer than 20 years of military service; all which were required criteria for the affiliation bonus.  At the direction of leadership, the applicant did not complete a bonus contract and was unaware he was eligible to receive a bonus. 

According to HQ AFRC/A1/08-148, Critical Skills Officer Incentive, Affiliation Agreement, AF/RE approved a new officer incentive effective 1 Sep 08 for Air Force Reserve Command in accordance with (IAW) Title 37, USC, Section 308j, Chapter 5.  The Accession and Affiliation Officer Incentive Bonus Program was designed for recruitment and retention in specific officer Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) that were determined to be critical skills AFSCs.  The officer incentive program consisted of $10,000 encompassing a three year period to eligible members and was authorized for the 11F/Pilot Fighter AFSC.

A complete copy of the AFRC/A1K evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 2 Aug 17 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by this office.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case and agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force OPR and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has been the victim of an error or injustice.  Therefore, we recommend the applicant's records be corrected as indicated below.	

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that he was approved, by competent authority, to apply for and receive an affiliation bonus, effective 14 Dec 08, as a result of the HQ AFRC/A1/08-148, Critical Skills Officer Incentive program since he is serving in the qualified Duty Air Force Specialty Code (DAFSC).

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-02607 in Executive Session on 10 Aug 17 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

					 , Panel Chair
				    , Member
					, Member

All members voted to correct the records as recommended.  The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 6 May 16, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFRC/A1K, dated 17 Apr 17, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 2 Aug 17, w/atchs.

Pursuant to paragraph 1 of AFI 36-2603 (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 865.1), it is certified that a quorum was present at the Board's review and deliberations, and that the foregoing is a true and complete record of the Board's proceedings in the above entitled matter.