RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS.


IN THE MATTER OF: 			DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2015-01888

 					COUNSEL:  NONE

					HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His records be corrected to reflect he is authorized to wear the 
NATO Medal, the Armed Service Medal and the Unit Combat Patch.


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

During an audit of his records, he discovered the Air Force 
never processed the orders for his NATO Medal or his combat 
patch for Operation Joint Forge. 

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.


STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former member of the Air Force Reserve.  He 
honorably separated on 27 March 1999 in the rank of captain.

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:

ARPC/DPTS recommends denial.  The Armed Forces Service Medal was 
established by Executive Order (E.O.) 12985.  The medal is 
awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participate in a 
United States (U.S) Military operation deemed to be a 
significant activity and who encounter no foreign armed 
opposition or imminent hostile action.  In accordance with E.O. 
11446, the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the 
Secretary of State, may approve the acceptance and wear of NATO 
medals authorized by the Secretary General of NATO and offered 
to the U.S. Representative to NATO to recognize U.S. Service 
members who meet the eligibility criteria specified by NATO.

The applicant contends that based on his temporary duty to 
Istres, France to participate in Operation Joint Forge, he 
should be awarded the NATO Medal and the Armed Forces Service 
Medal or a combat patch.  In accordance with DoDM 1348.33-V2 
paragraph 5 and AFI 36-2803 Table 7.2 and paragraph 7.4.6.5, 
service members who participated in, or provided direct support 
to OJF and who were deployed to Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia, 
Serbia, and Hungary as well as Bonia-Herzegovina and respective 
air space would be entitled to these awards.  The applicant was 
not in the area of eligibility as evidenced by his orders.  

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPTS evaluation, with attachments, 
is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 15 September 2015 for review and comment within 
30 days (Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been 
received by this office.


FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE BOARD:

Insufficient evidence has been presented to demonstrate the 
applicant is the victim of an error or injustice.  After careful 
consideration of applicant’s contentions, documentation 
submitted in support of his request and the complete evidence of 
record, we are not convinced the applicant has provided 
sufficient evidence for us to conclude that he is the victim of 
an error or injustice.  We also note the applicant did not file 
the application within three years after the alleged error or 
injustice was discovered as required by Title 10, United States 
Code, Section 1552 and Air Force Instruction 36-2603.  
Therefore, because we do not find it would be in the interest of 
justice to recommend granting relief and the applicant has not 
shown a plausible reason for the delay in filing the 
application, we cannot conclude it would be in the interest of 
justice to excuse the failure to timely file the application.  
Accordingly, we find the application untimely.


THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The application was not timely filed and it would not be in the 
interest of justice to waive the untimeliness.  It is the 
decision of the Board, therefore, to reject the application as 
untimely.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2015-01888 in Executive Session on 11 February 2016 
under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	
The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2015-01888 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 4 May 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPTS, dated 9 Jun 15, w/atchs.
	Exhibit D.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Sep 15.