BOARD DATE: 12 January 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150015379 BOARD VOTE: _________ _______ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ____x____ ___x_____ __x___ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 12 January 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150015379 BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. ___________x______________ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. BOARD DATE: 12 January 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20150015379 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty), ending on 27 May 1977, to show GED (General Education Development) as his highest education level. 2. The applicant states, in effect, his DD Form 214 does not show such entry. 3. The applicant does not provide any additional evidence. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 20 March 1973. His enlistment contract and DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) indicated he attended Springfield Gardens High School in Manhattan, NY, and reached the 11th grade. 3. He was honorably discharged from active duty on 9 May 1973. His DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) shows in item 30 (Remarks) the entry "Civilian Education: 11 Years." 4. He completed a DD Form 398 (Statement in Personal History) as part of a tentative enlistment. He indicated in Item 9 (Education) of this form, that he attended Springfield Gardens High School from 1967 to 1969 but he did not graduate. 5. He enlisted in the Regular Army on 28 May 1974. Item 17 (Civilian Education and Military Schools) of his DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) shows the entry "Springfield Gardens, General Major, 11 years in duration, did not complete [High School], 1969." 6. His DA Form 669 (General Education Development Individual Record) shows he attended Springfield Gardens High School in Queens and his highest education level was "11." 7. There is no indication in his service records that confirms graduation from High School or completion of his GED. The applicant's record is void of a certificate or any documentation that show he completed his GED. 8. The applicant was honorably released from active duty on 27 May 1977. Item 20 (Highest Education Level Successfully Completed (In Years)) is shows as "Secondary/High School: 11 Years (1-12 Grade" and "College: zero Years." REFERENCE: Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, established the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The purpose of the separation document was to provide the individual with documentary evidence of their military service and that it was important that information entered on the form was complete and accurate. Chapter 2 of Army Regulation 635-5 contained guidance on the preparation of the DD Form 214. Item 20 showed the highest education level successfully completed in years and is obtained from the Soldier's service records. DISCUSSION: The applicant's record is void of any documentation that shows he completed his GED. Furthermore, his DA Form 20, DA Form 669, and DD Form 214 all indicate he only completed 11 years of civilian education. There is insufficient evidence in the applicant's records that shows he completed his GED during his military service. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150015379 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150015379 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2