RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2017-03349

XXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: YES

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be promoted to the grade of SMSgt (E-8).  

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He took the qualifying test on 8 March 1967, but scores were never entered into his official record.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.  

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is a retired Air Force master sergeant (E-7).  

On 1 June 1966, the applicant was promoted to the grade of master sergeant.

On 1 November 1974, the applicant retired in the grade of master sergeant. (E-7).  He was credited with 26 years, 1 month, and 21 days of active service.

For more information, see the excerpt of the applicant’s record at Exhibit B and the advisory at Exhibit C.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DP2SPP recommends denying the application.  Promotions during this timeframe were made at the major command, unless delegated by the major command to the wing, group, or squadron levels.  HQ USAF distributed promotion quotas to the major commands based on projected vacancies within each career field subdivision.  Promotion boards selected individuals and the quotas received determined the number that could be promoted.  Some career fields received more promotions than others based on vacancies and the needs of the Air Force.  To be considered for promotion to the grade of SMSgt during the timeframe in question, minimum eligibility requirements such as time in grade, skill level, and recommendation by the commander were necessary for consideration, but in no way guaranteed promotion.  Supervisors and commanding officers at the time were in a better position to evaluate the applicant’s potential and eligibility for promotion.  Promotion history files are only maintained for a period of 10 years as outlined in AFR 4-20, Table 35-12, Rule 29, “Records Disposition Schedule;” therefore, we are unable to determine the results of his promotion consideration.  Ten years is generally considered an adequate period to resolve any promotion inquiries or concerns.  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 11 July 2018 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 and injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2SPP and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  The Board also notes the applicant did not file the application within three years after the alleged error or injustice was discovered, or should have been discovered, as required by Title 10, United States Code, Section 1552, and Air Force Instruction 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR).  Moreover, the applicant has offered no plausible reason for the delay in filing the application.  The Board finds the application untimely and concludes it would not be in the interest of justice to excuse the delay.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

4.  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 the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The applicant be informed the application was not timely filed; it would not be in the interest of justice to excuse the delay; and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

The application was adjudicated without a personal appearance.

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-2017-03349 in Executive Session on 21 August 2018:

Panel Chair
Panel Member
Panel Member

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 15 July 2017.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2SPP, dated 9 July 2018.
Exhibit D:	Letter, AFBCMR to applicant, dated 11 July 2018.

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