RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-01319

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE	 

  	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He receive full credit for unit training assembly (UTA) participation for 2015 to 2016.

He receive his full enlistment bonus for the year.  
 
APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His FY15/16 UTA attendance days did not meet the minimum required to receive his full bonus.  As a result, his bonus was partially withheld.  It was due to an unfortunate scheduling mistake and he fulfilled all of his duty requirements.    

The applicant provides a letter dated 7 Aug 16 from the Development and Training Manager, which states the applicant was excused from the Mar 15 UTA.  It was the practice of the 433d Airlift Wing to excuse non-prior service members from scheduled UTAs until they were effectively gained.  They were unaware the practice would cause financial hardship.  Due to their oversight, the applicant lost $625.00 of his bonus payment.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a senior airman in the Air Force Reserve.  

On 26 Feb 15, the applicant enlisted in the Air Force Reserve for 6 years.  

He was excused from the Mar 15 UTA and scheduled for newcomer’s orientation 2 to 3 Apr 16.  For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFRC/A1K recommends approval.  There is evidence of an error or injustice.  Bonuses are paid based on UTA participation on the anniversary date of enlistment.  He had a partial bonus withheld due to being excused from the Mar 15 UTA.    The practice in existence at the wing prevented him from meeting the participation requirements to receive the full bonus payment for FY 15/16.  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 20 Aug 18 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

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 the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFRC/A1K and finds that a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends the applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that:

a.	 He participated in the Mar 15 Unit Training Assembly (UTA).  

b.	 He be paid his full incentive eligibility enlistment bonus for his 2015 to 2016 
anniversary year.   

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-2017-01319 in Executive Session on 2 Oct 18:

 , Panel Chair
 , Panel Member
 , Panel Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following in Docket Number BC-2017-01319:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 27 Feb 16.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFRC/A1K, w/atch, undated.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 20 Aug 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.