RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-00909
	COUNSEL: 
	
	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

In two DD Form 149s, Application for Correction of Military Record, he requests the following:

1.	He be awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR).
2.	Boots on Ground letter for his service in Thailand (1974-195) – administratively corrected.

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His records should be reviewed to verify his eligibility for the SAEMR. In support of his request, the applicant submits a picture of him wearing the ribbon during his time at Technical School at Chanute AFB in 1973.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a former member of the Regular Air Force.    

On 6 Apr 18, AFPC/DP3AM informed the applicant that they were able to verify and confirm that he had boots on ground in Thailand from 19 Aug 74 to 18 Jul 75 and will administratively correct his record.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP3SP recommends denying the applicant’s request to be awarded the SAEMR.  There is no official documentation in the applicant's official military personnel record verifying he qualified as expert with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun nor did the applicant provide any to support his claim.  He will need to provide official documentation such as an Air Force Form 522 verifying the applicant qualified as expert with either the issue handgun or M-16 rifle for award of the SAEMR.  

The SAEMR was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on 28 Aug 62 and is awarded to all United States Air Force members, who, after 1 Jan 63, qualify as “Expert” in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.  Qualification as “Expert” in both weapons after 22 Jun 72 shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn on the service ribbon.  

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 8 May 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The application was not 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 AFPC/DP3SP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  We note AFPC/DP3AM has determined the applicant’s eligibility for a boots on ground letter and will administratively correct the records.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, 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 Docket Number BC-2017-00909 in Executive Session on 13 Jun 18:

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149s, w/atchs, dated 30 Sep 16 and 23 Jan 17.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP3SP, dated 18 Dec 17.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 8 May 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.