IN THE CASE OF:  

		BOARD DATE:  30 April 2021

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20200000795


APPLICANT REQUESTS:  correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or 
Discharge from Active Duty) to change his name 

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD:

*	DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
*	DD Form 214, for the period ending 25 February 1987
*	Certificate of Birth
*	Social Security Card
*	Driver License

FACTS:

1.  The applicant did not file within the three year time frame provided in Title 10, United 
States Code, section 1552(b); however, the ABCMR conducted a substantive review of 
this case and determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to 
timely file.

2.  The applicant states (A) was his nickname while he was in the service. He would like 
his name to be corrected for his official records. He cannot use or show his DD Form 
214 without issues due to his first name being incorrect.

3.  The applicant provides his identification cards and birth certificate, which reflect his 
first name as (B).

4.  A review of the applicant’s service records show:

	a.  He enlisted in the Regular Army on 17 April 1984. His DD Form 4 
(Enlistment/Reenlistment Document) and all of his related enlistment/reenlistment 
documentation listed his first name as (A) 

	b.  There is no evidence he applied for a name change while on active duty or that 
he used (B) during his term of service.

	c.  He was honorably released from active duty on 25 February 1987. His DD Form 
214 shows his first name as (A) 

5.  The DD Form 214 is a summary of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous 
active duty. The information entered thereon reflects the conditions as they existed at 
the time of separation.

BOARD DISCUSSION:

After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found that relief 
was not warranted. Board members noted that when he enlisted on 17 April 1984, his 
Enlistment Record and all of his related enlistment documentation listed his first name 
as (A) There is no evidence he applied for a name change while on active duty or that 
he used (B) For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining accuracy of 
its records. The data/information contained in those records should reflect the 
conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created.  

BOARD VOTE:

Mbr 1	Mbr 2	Mbr 3

:	:	:	GRANT FULL RELIEF

:	:	:	GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF

:	:	:	GRANT FORMAL HEARING

:X	:X	:X	DENY APPLICATION

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.
		  
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.
REFERENCES:

1.  Title 10, United States 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 ABCMR to excuse an applicant's 
failure to timely file within the 3 year statute of limitations if the Army Board for 
Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) determines it would be in the interest of justice 
to do so.

2.  Army Regulation 635-8 (Separation Processing and Documents) prescribes the 
separation documents that must be prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or 
release from active duty service or control of the Active Army. It establishes 
standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. 

	a.  The DD Form 214 is a summary of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous 
active duty. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of all current active, prior active, and 
prior inactive duty service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or 
discharge. The information entered thereon reflects the conditions as they existed at the 
time of separation.

	b.  The general instructions state all available records would be used as a basis for 
preparation of the DD Form 214. The specific instructions for Block 1 (Last Name – First 
Name – Middle Name) states to enter the last name, first name, and full middle name or 
names, if any.

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//
ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	 AR20200000795


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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


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