RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-03023 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: The Enlisted Medical Badge be added to his DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He realizes the badge did not exist at the time he served, but was wondering if it could be added to his records. In support of his request, the applicant provides DD Form 214. His complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant enlisted into the Regular Air Force on 25 Jun 62 and was progressively promoted to the grade of airman first class (E-4). He was honorably discharged after serving 4 years on active duty. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIMC recommends denial. DPSIMC states the Enlisted Medical Badge was not approved until 1987; therefore, the applicant is not eligible for the badge. The DPSIMC complete evaluation is at Exhibit B. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: The applicant responded by stating that he has since learned that the Prisoner of War (POW) medal was authorized the same year as the Enlisted Medical Badge and yet POWs as far back as World War II are authorized to wear it; he feels it is unfair and a double standard. The applicant’s complete submission 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 not timely filed; however, it is in the interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file. 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. While we note the applicant’s view that not awarding him the enlisted medical badge retroactively as has been done with the POW medal constitutes a double standard, we would point out the determination of eligibility criteria for awards and decorations is not within the purview of the Board. Additionally, the applicant has not shown that he has been treated any differently than others similarly situated regarding award of the enlisted medical badge. 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 AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2011-03023 in Executive Session on 29 Nov 11 and 19 Jan 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: The following documentary evidence for Docket Number BC-2011-03023 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Aug 11, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIMC, dated 2 Sep 11. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 30 Sep 11. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, dated 5 Jan 12.