RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2019-04584

	COUNSEL: NONE
	
	HEARING REQUESTED: NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, item 23 (Type of Separation) reflect, “Release from Active Duty” rather than “Resignation.”   

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

Prior to his separation from active duty, he had been hired into an Air Force Reserve position.  His USAF Reserve scroll application was previously approved as he was applying for PALACE CHASE.  He was assigned to a Cat E position at xxxxx effective 25 Jun 18 before subsequently being assigned to his current position on 20 Dec 18.  This error on his DD Form 214 was discovered by the Reserve in-service recruiter.  He never intended to resign his officer commission.  Please correct this error to prevent undue hardships in the future.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is currently serving in the Air Force Reserve in the grade of major (O-4).

In Jul 17, the applicant voluntarily requested separation and that he be given an Air Force Reserve Commission.  His request was approved under Completing Required Active Service for 24 Jun 18.  On 12 Feb 18, he applied for a Ready Reserve Assignment and his request was approved.

On 24 Jun 18, the applicant was discharged from the Regular Force under the provisions of AFI 36-3207, Separating Commissioned Officers, (Completion of Required Active Service), with an honorable service characterization.  He served 13 years and 24 days on active duty.

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP2STM recommends denying the application.  Palace Chase applications are for individuals who still have a Military Service Obligation (MSO).  The applicant completed his required active service and voluntarily requested separation.  While serving active duty, all officers receive a “regular” commission.  When they request separation upon completion of their MSO, they are resigning their “regular” commission.  The applicant’s subsequent request for Reserve commission was a Palace Front application because he had no remaining MSO.  In accordance with AFI 36-3207, regular officers without an MSO resign regardless of the reason for separation.  The applicant resigned his regular Air Force commission when he completed his MSO.  He then chose to apply for a Reserve appointment and was accepted after his separation from active duty.  Based on review of the applicant’s request and the master of personnel record, there is no error or injustice with the discharge processing documentation.      

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 5 Nov 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 not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of AFPC/DP2STM and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

RECOMMENDATION

The Board recommends informing the applicant the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice, and the Board will reconsider the application only upon receipt of relevant evidence not already presented.

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-2019-04584 in Executive Session on 14 Jan 20:

All members voted against correcting the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 9 Aug 19.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2STM, dated 1 Nov 19.
Exhibit D:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 5 Nov 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.