RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-03875 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Enlisted Performance Report (EPR) rendered for the period 1 Mar 08 through 15 Dec 08 be upgraded to an overall performance assessment of “5.” ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: An overall performance assessment of “5” is a more accurate assessment of his performance during that period then the overall “4” he received. His rater, additional rater, and unit commander who signed the EPR in question each signed memoranda for the record supporting his request. His chain of command re- evaluated his performance during this period and all wish to correct the rating to an overall “5.” The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The relevant facts pertaining to this application are described in the letters prepared by the Air Force offices of primary responsibility which are included at Exhibits C and D. ________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSID recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of an error or injustice. The applicant provided insufficient justification from his evaluators to support his request. Air Force policy states an evaluation report is accurate as written when it becomes a matter of record, and represents the rating chain’s best judgment at the time it is rendered. In accordance with AFI 36-2401, Correcting Officer and Enlisted Evaluation Reports, in order to change an EPR which is a matter of record “Statements from the rating chain should cite important facts or circumstances that were unknown when the evaluators signed the report; detail the error or injustice; explain how and when it was discovered; include the correct information; relate to the contested reporting period; and address the allegations and substantially change or disprove comments or ratings in the report.” The simple willingness by evaluators to upgrade, rewrite, or void a report is not a valid basis for doing so. While the applicant provides support for his request from his rater, additional rater, and commander, they do not explain or justify what the error or injustice was, or provide proof the ratings were incorrect at the time the report was rendered. Further, a report is not erroneous or unfair because an applicant believes it contributed to a non-selection for promotion or may impact future promotions or career opportunities. This report closed out over three years ago. The applicant has not substantiated the contested EPR was not rendered accurately by all evaluators based on knowledge available at the time. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSOE defers to the AFPC/DPSID recommendation concerning replacement of the contested EPR. The first time the EPR in question was used in the promotion process was cycle 11E8. The applicant received an EPR score of 130.20 (max points is 135.00), a Board score of 337.50, and a total score of 578.95. The cutoff score required for selection in his AFSC was 663.50. The next time the contested report was used in the promotion process was cycle 12E8. The applicant received an EPR score of 130.80, a Board score of 322.50, and a total score of 602.24. The cutoff score required for selection in this AFSC was 652.29. Should the AFBCMR grant the applicant’s request to replace the contested report, he would be eligible for supplemental promotion consideration beginning with cycle 11E8. The next Senior Noncommissioned Officer promotion board is scheduled to convene in Jun 13. A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSOE evaluation is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant on 25 Jan 13 for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit D). ________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 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. While we note the comments from the Air Force OPR indicating the applicant has not substantiated the contested EPR was not rendered accurately by all evaluators at the time, we believe the documentation submitted by the applicant, specifically, the replacement EPR signed in 2009 by all three of the official signatories on the EPR in question, as well as signed memoranda from every member of his chain of command at the time recommending the requested change, is sufficient for us to recommend granting the requested relief. Therefore, we recommend his 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: a. The Enlisted Performance Report (EPR) rendered for the period 1 Mar 08 through 15 Dec 08 be declared void and removed from his records, and replaced with the attached reaccomplished EPR covering the same time period and reflecting an Overall Performance Assessment of “5.” b. His corrected records, to include his reaccomplished EPR, be provided supplemental consideration for promotion to the grade of senior master sergeant (E-8) for the cycle 11E8 board and any subsequent cycles for which the original report was a matter of record. ________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-03875 in Executive Session on 11 Apr 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-03875 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 21 Aug 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 13 Dec 12. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSOE, dated 2 Jan 13. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 25 Jan 13.