RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF				DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-00828

							COUNSEL: NONE

							HEARING: NO

APPLICANT'S REQUEST.  He be allowed to update his Reserve Component Survivors Benefit Plan (RCSBP) so that his wife is covered by the plan.

APPLICANT'S CONTENTION.  He received his 20-year retirement letter, then later his RCSBP automatically covered his son.  When he remarried and brought his wife and step children to the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) for identification cards and enrollment in Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting system (DEERS), he was not advised to update his RCSBP.  The applicant's complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS.  The applicant is currently serving as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve, with a Mandatory Separation Date (MSD) of 1 Jan 19.  Records reflect a 4 Mar 09 Memorandum, which notified the applicant he was eligible to participate in RCSBP (page 4 of Exhibit B).  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant's record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION.  ARPC/DPTTT recommended denying the application.  On 22 Apr 09, the applicant was notified of his eligibility to participate in RCSBP, but he did not make an election within the required time.  Therefore, he was automatically enrolled in the annuity for children only option.  On 23 Jun 11, the applicant married his current spouse; however, the applicant did not notify HQ ARPC of his intent to change his RCSBP election, within one year of marriage.  The complete advisory is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION.  The board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 1 Feb 18 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 27 Feb 18.  The applicant contends because he was on temporary duty when the 20 year letter arrived he never saw it, or signed for it, but his father signed for it.  He also reiterates that he was not properly advised of procedures when he brought his wife to the MPF after they were married.  The applicant's complete response is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board's opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of ARPC/DPTTT and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant's contentions.   

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  The APPLICANT be informed that the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the board.

CERTIFICATION:  The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5., considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-00828 in Executive Session on 20 Mar 18:


All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

   Exhibit A:  Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 28 Jan 17.
   Exhibit B:  Excerpts from Personnel Records.
   Exhibit C:  Advisory opinion, ARPC/DPTTT, w/atchs, dated 18 Dec 17.
   Exhibit D:  Letter, AFBCMR, dated 1 Feb 18.
   Exhibit E:  Applicant Rebuttal, dated 27 Feb 18.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.