RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-00304 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His narrative reason for separation (Failure to complete a course of instruction) and corresponding separation code (JHF) be changed to reflect “reduction in strength.” _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: The narrative reason for separation listed on his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, fails to take into account the extenuating circumstances for his honorable discharge, i.e., the ongoing reduction in strength, the timing of the reclassification board, the Air Force’s refusal of appeals, and the nature of the screening program from which he was eliminated. The Air Force misplaced his reclassification paperwork and he had to resubmit it numerous times. Ultimately, he ended up meeting a late board for the fiscal year which resulted in a high percentage of non-reclassified officers. These numbers were not based upon merit, but rather a downsizing in numbers to meet force strength requirements. He was not allowed to appeal due to the Air Force’s blanket and rigid refusal of any appeals of these board’s decisions. Although reclassification was initiated due to the results of the Initial Flight Screening Program, he was separated from the service due to the reduction in strength. In support of his request, the applicant provides a personal statement, and a copy of AF Form 77, Letter of Evaluation. The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: On 31 Mar 10, the applicant entered active duty in the grade of second lieutenant, as a pilot trainee. On 12 Jul 10, the applicant’s military training officer recommended he be eliminated from training for failure to meet proficiency standards, specifically for flying deficiencies. His commander recommended elimination from the program, and stated although he was unable to complete the program, he felt the applicant would be a strong asset to the United States Air Force. On 27 Dec 10, the applicant was honorably discharged from the Air Force for “Failure to complete a course of instruction.” _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIP makes no recommendation. DPSIP states the applicant was eliminated from Initial Flight Screening for flying deficiency on 3 Aug 10. On 22 Sep 10, an Initial Skills Training (IST) elimination package was presented to the reclassification panel, and the applicant was not selected for reclassification and was subsequently discharged. The complete DPSIP evaluation is at Exhibit B. AFPC/DPSOS recommends denial. DPSOS states the applicant’s separation code and narrative reason for separation were properly established based upon his elimination from training. DPSOS found no evidence of an error or injustice in the establishment of his narrative reason for separation and separation code. The applicant was discharged in accordance with AFI 36-3207, Separating Commissioned Officers, Air Force Guidance Memorandum, 1.1; it authorizes the Air Force to discharge probationary officers when they do not complete initial skills training and there is no requirement for the officer’s continued service. The applicant was eliminated from Initial Flight Screening for flying deficiency on 3 Aug 10. He was subsequently recommended for discharge by the IST panel which convened on 22 Sep 10. The complete DPSOS evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 9 Sep 11, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. To date, a response has not been received (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 (DPSIP) 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-2011-00304 in Executive Session on 13 Oct 11, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 14 Jan 10(sic), w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIP, dated 1 Jan 11(sic). Exhibit C. Letter, AFPC/DPSOS, dated 22 Aug 11, w/atch. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 9 Sep 11. Panel Chair