RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-05128

							COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be eligible for the career status bonus (CSB).

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

On 3 Aug 17, he received an email from the Fairchild AFB, Military Personnel Section (MPS), stating he was eligible to receive CSB, and to complete the appropriate form.  He was then advised by AFPC he was ineligible for CSB.  He was given false information about his CSB eligibility.  He does not recall receiving an email in 2014 affording him the opportunity to request CSB.  He was dealing with the death of his wife, and due to his mental state was not able to make or comprehend this type of decision.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a master sergeant in the Regular Air Force.  

The applicant entered the service on 13 Feb 01.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2STM recommended denying the application.  

The MPS is responsible for notifying members of CSB eligibility at approximately 14 ½ years of total active federal military service.  Members respond by completing the CSB notification memorandum by the suspense provided during the notification process (when the member reaches 15 years of active military service, or six months from the date of notification, whichever is later).  Failure to submit DD Form 2839, Career Status Bonus Election, by the suspense indicates the airman’s desire to remain under the High-3/50% retirement plan.

On 3 Aug 15, the applicant was notified by AFPC of the opportunity to elect CSB, with a suspense date of 13 Feb 16.  On 18 Aug 17, he signed and submitted his DD Form 2839.  The applicant failed to make an election, or take action, by his 15th year of service, 13 Feb 16.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 7 Mar 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response. 

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2STM and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  

The applicant be informed that the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the board.

CERTIFICATION:  

The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5., considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2017-05128 in Executive Session on 24 Apr 18:

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:  Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 20 Nov 17.
Exhibit B:  Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:  Advisory Opinion, AFPC/DP2STM, dated 27 Feb 18.
Exhibit D:  Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 7 Mar 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.