RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-02639 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: 1. He be entitled to the Senior Aircrew Member Badge. 2. He be entitled to the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). 3. He be entitled to the Air Reserve Forces MSM. 4. He be entitled to the Aerial Achievement Medal (AAM). ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: In 1955, he began flying duties on B-29 aircraft. He completed an assignment flying on VIP C-54 aircraft in 1959. He then transferred to flight mechanic duties on C-123 aircraft. He separated from active duty and joined the Air Force Reserves and performed crew chief duties. He was a dedicated airman and earned these ribbons. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. ________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: According to the applicant’s Retirement Order, on 12 Mar 1974, he retired in the grade of technical sergeant (TSgt, E-6). The MSM was established on 16 Jan 1969 and is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to 16 Jan 1969. The Air Reserve Forces MSM is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. It is awarded only on specific recommendation of the person's unit commander. It is awarded for a period of four continuous years service computed from the date of assignment to a training category A, B or D for individuals with a beginning date before 1 July 1972. For individuals with a beginning date after 30 Jun 1972, the length of service requirement is three continuous years of service. The AAM was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on 3 Feb 1988. It is awarded for sustained meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. AFM 35-13, Flying Status Aeronautical Ratings, Designations and Parachute Jump Status, dated 23 Nov 1962, states in part that to qualify for the Senior Aircrew Member Badge, personnel must be on flying status as a crew member, physically qualified and (1) have performed seven years as a First Priority crew member (not necessarily consecutive). Time with a principle duty assignment that involved “frequent and regular flights” will be counted as first priority crew member time, and (2) possess at least a 5-skill level in a First Priority (crew member) AFSC. ________________________________________________________________ THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AF/A30-A1 recommends denial of the applicant’s request for entitlement to the Senior Aircrew Member Badge. A30-A1 states a review of his records revealed he held Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) A43171, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, for a portion of his career in the Air Force. AFSC A43171 is a crew member AFSC and does entitle the applicant to the badge. The documents provided did not show the date he was awarded the prefix A in his AFSC. This date is crucial in determining the time assigned as a crew member. Based on the supporting documentation he completed the 36 months required for award of the Basic Aircrew Member Badge. However, the documentation did not validate he completed the seven years required for award of the Senior Aircrew Member Badge. Based on guidance published in AFM 35- 13A, he did not meet the requirements for entitlement for award of the Senior Aircrew Member Badge. Notwithstanding the above, A30-A1 recommends his records be updated to reflect award of the Basic Aircrew Member Badge. Should the applicant provide additional documentation to validate he was a crew member for seven years, A30-A1 would reevaluate his request. Administrative correction of his official military personnel record to add the Basic Aircrew Member Badge will be completed by AFPC/DPSOY. The complete A30-A1 evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit C. AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the applicant’s request for the MSM, the AAM and the Air Reserve MSM. DPSID states after a thorough review of his official military personnel records, they were unable to verify award of the MSM. However, they state he may request this award under the provision of Title 10, Section 1130, United States Code. The law allows for the submission of award recommendations (and the upgrading of previously approved awards) without regard to any previously imposed time constraints for submission if referred by a member of Congress. According to the applicant's statement, he was a member of the Air Force Reserve for about 3 years and 3 months. His DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty, indicates he was in inactive service for a total of 3 years, 2 months, and 24 days. The Air Reserve Forces MSM required a total of 4 years of service if the member joined prior to 1 Jul 1972. The applicant joined the Air Force Reserve on 1 Oct 1966, and is therefore ineligible for the Air Reserve Forces MSM. The applicant retired from Active Duty on 11 Mar 1974. The AAM was authorized on 3 Feb 1988, with no provisions for retroactive award. Therefore, the applicant is ineligible for award of the Aerial Achievement Medal. After review of his official military personnel record, DPSID was able to determine that the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR) should have been awarded during his service and was not reflected in his records. Administrative correction of his official military personnel record will be completed by AFPC/DPSOY. The complete DPSID evaluation, with attachments, is at Exhibit D. ________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF THE AIR FORCE EVALUATION: On 23 Oct 2012, copies of the Air Force evaluations were forwarded to the applicant for review and comment within 30 days. As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit E). ________________________________________________________________ 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 regarding the applicant’s request for award of the MSM, Air Reserve Forces MSM and the Senior Aircrew Member Badge. We took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinions and recommendations of the Air Force offices of primary responsibility (OPR) and adopt their rationale as the basis for our conclusion the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice. We note the Air Force OPRs will administratively correct his records to reflect award of the Basic Aircrew Member Badge and the SAEMR. Aside from these corrections and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to recommend the additional 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 this application in Executive Session on 14 Feb 2013, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: Panel Chair Member Member The following documentary evidence was considered in AFBCMR BC- 2012-02639: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 16 Jun 2012, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Letter, USAF/A30-A1, dated 23 Aug 2012, w/atch. Exhibit D. Letter, AFPC/DPSID, dated 9 Oct 2012, w/atchs. Exhibit E. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 23 Oct 2012.