RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2020-01291

XXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING REQUESTED: YES

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

She receive constructive service credit (CSC) for her Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

As a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer, she did not receive credit for her MBA degree from American Military University, because it is not accredited by the Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  However, her degree is nationally accredited and has special accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  Furthermore, since her accession, she has been advised that other similarly situated officers have received waivers for the AACSB accreditation and received CSC.  Since America Military University is accredited by the Higher Leaning Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and also the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, she should receive CSC to maintain equal standing with her peers who have the same education level.  

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a first lieutenant (O-2) in the Regular Air Force.  

According to MSC Constructive Credit Computation, dated 4 Dec 17, the applicant received 00-00-00 grade credit for her MBA from American Military University, because it was not AACSB accredited.  

On 6 Jan 18, the applicant entered the Regular Air Force in the grade of O-1.  Her primary Air Force Specialty Code was 41A1, Health Services Administrator.

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 denying the application.  In Oct 17, the applicant acknowledged she would not earn credit for her MBA by signing AFRS Form 1431, Estimated Medical Service Grade and Pay Computation Worksheet.  On 27 Jul 17, the Secretary of Defense approved her regular appointment in the grade of second lieutenant (O-1) and on 6 Jan 18 the applicant entered active duty.  On 5 Jul 18, the AFPC MSC Utilization and Education program manager again informed the applicant that her MBA degree is not accredited by the AACSB.  In accordance with DoDI 6000.13, Medical Manpower and Personnel, AFI 36-2005, Officer Accessions, FY18 Medical CSC Guidance memorandum and the MSC Accession Year 2018 Guide, the applicant’s MBA is not accredited by AACSB and therefore does not meet the requirements for CSC. 

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 23 Apr 20 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 22 May 20.  In her response, the applicant provides copies of various guidance, which indicate that waivers have been allowed in the past, and contends that if they have been granted she believes there is an issue of fairness that should be applied.  In addition, her recruiter told her that she would receive credit for her MBA and that she would promote to first lieutenant after one year.  

In support of her appeal, the applicant also provides AFRS Form 1431 dated 24 Apr 17, which was completed by her recruiter.  The form indicates that she may receive 2 years of grade credit for her MBA.  However, the form also states that it is not a contract and serves as an estimate for grade, pay, and allowances.   

The applicant’s complete response, with attachments, is at Exhibit E.

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 applicant's complete submission was thoroughly reviewed, and her contentions were duly noted.  However, the Board does not find the applicant’s assertions and the documentation presented in support of her appeal sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by AFPC/DP2N.  Therefore, in the absence of sufficient evidence the applicant was entitled to receive CSC for her MBA degree, or she was treated differently from others similarly situated, the Board agrees with the recommendation of AFPC/DP2N and adopts the rationale presented as the basis for the decision that the applicant has failed to sustain her burden of establishing she has suffered either an error or an injustice. In view of the forgoing, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

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 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-2020-01291 in Executive Session on 25 Jun 20:

	, Panel Chair
	, Panel Member
	, Panel Member

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 27 Mar 20.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, AFPC/DP2N, dated 16 Apr 20.
Exhibit D:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 23 Apr 20.
Exhibit E:	Applicant’s response, dated 22 May 20.

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.