RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2019-04564

	COUNSEL: NONE
	
	HEARING REQUESTED: YES

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

He receive an accession bonus for $30,000.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

He was recruited to the Air Force under the pretense that he would be awarded a $30,000 accession bonus if he signed a four-year contract.  He provided documentation from his recruiter and the recruiting flight chief that states he meets all criteria for the accession bonus.  Once he was under contract and at his first duty station, he was informed, only after he followed up numerous times, that the bonus was denied because he did not meet the criteria (42S3).  He is a fully licensed provider (LCSW) recruited for the 42SI (residency program).

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is currently serving on active duty in the grade of first lieutenant (0-2).

The applicant provided his FY19 Consolidated Special Pay (CSP) Accession Bonus Contract, dated 15 Apr 19, which reflects he chose a 4-year accession bonus (paid as single lump sum) in the amount of $30,000.  The contract was endorsed on 15 Apr 19 by the Recruiting Flight Chief.  His Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is 42S.

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP2N recommends granting the application.  Based on the analysis of the facts, there is evidence of an error or injustice on the part of the government and given misinformed information.  The applicant was recruited with an accession bonus and was misled in believing he was eligible for an accession bonus.  The recruiter and flight chief approved the applicant’s accession bonus prior to him entering active duty.  

The complete advisory opinion is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION

The Board sent a copy of the advisory opinion to the applicant on 13 Dec 19 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

1.  The application was timely filed.

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

3.  After reviewing all Exhibits, the Board concludes the applicant is the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2N and finds a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

4.  The applicant has not shown a personal appearance, with or without counsel, would materially add to the Board’s understanding of the issues involved.

RECOMMENDATION

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to the APPLICANT be corrected to show that on 15 Apr 19, competent authority approved his $30,000 accession bonus under 42S Air Force Specialty Code.

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-2019-04564 in Executive Session on 14 Jan 20:

All members voted to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 12 Sep 19.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2N, atch, dated 9 Dec 19.
Exhibit D:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 13 Dec 19.

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