RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2010-00797 COUNSEL: HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be corrected to reflect award of the Combat Action Badge (CAB). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was awarded the Combat Action Badge by the Department of the Army, by Special Order, dated 7 Feb 07. In support of his request, the applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214, Special Order, and DA Form 4187, Personnel Action. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant entered the Regular Air Force on 3 Aug 89 and was permanently retired by reason of a physical disability, in the grade of master sergeant, on 9 Jan 10. Personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge or Combat Action Ribbon while assigned with the U.S. Army or U.S. Marine Corps may submit a copy of that award, along with other prescribed documentation to the Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) for consideration for award of the Air Force Combat Action Medal. On 7 May 10, the office of primary responsibility for DD Form 214 corrections at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) advised the applicant that in accordance with governing instruction, the Combat Action Badge could not be updated in his military personnel records nor placed on his DD Form 214 (Exhibit E). _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: HQ AFPC/DPSIMC recommends denial. DPSMIC states the Combat Action Badge is not authorized to Air Force personnel for permanent wear. In accordance with AFI 36-2904, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, Table 2.5, Note 11, sister-service badges are worn only while permanently assigned to and performing duties with other services. Upon permanent change of station (PCS) to an Air Force unit, the member will remove them. The complete AFPC/DPSIMC evaluation is at Exhibit B. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant states he is retired from the Air Force and will never wear the uniform again. He feels the award will assist him with his claim for compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs and show his extensive involvement in the war against terrorism to potential employers. The applicant’s complete response is at 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. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. Therefore, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2010-00797 in Executive Session on 25 May 2010, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 24 Feb 10, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSIMC, undated. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Apr 10. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, dated 21 Apr 10. Exhibit E. Letter, HQ AFPC/DPSOY, dated 7 May 10.