RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-01618 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: YES APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His record be corrected to show he is eligible for an enlistment bonus, as of the date he earned his General Education Development (GED) certificate. He also requests to remain part of the Air Force Reserve, contributing to the Wing. APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: He was told by his recruiter, and substantiated in writing on his enlistment contract, he qualifies for enlistment bonus [in the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 2A551, Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice] after completing basic training and technical training. The AFI governing the bonus program (AFI 36-2638, Air Force Reserve Enlisted Incentives), does not state he must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) prior to signing an enlistment contract. He further contends if he had known he was ineligible for a bonus, he would not have selected this particular specialty. The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant currently serves in Air Force Reserve, in the grade of Senior Airman (E-4). On 11 Feb 11, the applicant initially entered the Air Force Reserve. His DD Form 1966, Record of Military Processing, Section III-Other Personal Data, block 22, indicates he did not graduate from high school. His DD Form 1966, Section IV, Certification, block 32a., indicates his guaranteed specialty as “2A551 (Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice), bonus AFSC.” On the DD Form 1966, Section VI-Remarks, both the applicant and recruiter signed the Enlisted Incentive eligibility and verification paragraphs, indicating the applicant meets the initial eligibility requirements (including being a high school graduate or equivalent) and was qualified for incentives listed for bonus AFSC 2A551. On 27 Jan 12, the applicant completed Basic Military Training (BMT). On 27 Apr 12, the applicant completed technical training, earning a 3 skill-level in AFSC 2A551. On 10 Jul 12, according to information provided by the applicant, he earned his GED certificate. On 11 Aug 13, the IG inquired as to the circumstances of the applicant’s accession and how it could be possible that the applicant could have executed his enlistment agreement without a member of the recruiting staff verifying his eligibility to do so. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C. AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFRC/A1K recommends denial, indicating there is no evidence of an error or an injustice. AFI 36-2638, Air Force Reserve Enlisted Incentives, states (para 1.7) the applicant must possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate in order to be eligible for a bonus, as well as (para 5.2.1) all eligibility criteria must be verified on the date of enlistment. Because the applicant did not possess a GED certificate on the date of enlistment, he is not eligible for an enlistment bonus. A complete copy of the AFRC/A1K evaluation is at Exhibit C. APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the applicant on 4 Aug 14 for review and comment within 30 days (Exhibit D). As of this date, no response has been received by this office. 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 an error or injustice with respect to the applicant’s request to remain part of the Air Force Reserve. According to information extracted from the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS), it appears the applicant is currently serving satisfactorily in the Air Force Reserve in the grade of senior airman (E-4); therefore, no action by the Board is required. 4. Notwithstanding the above, sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice with respect to the applicant’s request for an enlistment bonus. The applicant contends that he was erroneously led to believe that he qualified for an enlistment bonus and, were it not for this erroneous information, he would not have enlisted in his chosen career field. After a thorough review of the evidence of record and the applicant’s complete submission, we believe the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice. While we note the comments of the Air Force office of primary responsibility indicating that relief should be denied because he was ineligible for an enlistment bonus because he did not have a General Education Development (GED) certificate, we believe a preponderance of the evidence substantiates that corrective action is warranted. In this respect, we note the applicant has provided copies of his DD Form 1966, Record of Military Processing, dated 11 Feb 11, indicating the information he provided met initial eligibility qualifications, and his DD Form 1966 was subsequently verified by multiple recruiters, only to find out later that he was not qualified to serve in the bonus specialty. Given these facts, we find it more likely than not the applicant would have made other enlistment decisions regarding his terms of service and/or specialty of choice had the recruiting staff appropriately advised him he was ineligible for the enlistment bonus he desired. Therefore, in view of the fact the applicant has since completed requirements for his General Education Development (GED), thus nullifying the factor which disqualified him for the bonus he seeks in the first place, we believe it would be in the interest of justice to recommend the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below. 5. The applicant’s case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issues involved. Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 10 July 12, the applicant met all eligibility criteria for an enlistment incentive bonus for Aerospace Maintenance Apprentice (2A551) and competent authority approved his request to receive the bonus. The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2014-01618 in Executive Session on 28 Jan 15 under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member All members voted to correct the records as recommended. The following documentary evidence was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 8 Dec 13, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Applicant's Master Personnel Records. Exhibit C. Memorandum, AFRC/A1K, dated 19 May 14. Exhibit D. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 4 Aug 14.