RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2021-00488

XXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING REQUESTED: YES

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

He receive three satisfactory years of service credited under the Healthcare Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

In Mar 03, during his medical residency, he was recruited and entered into the United States Air Force Reserve stipend program in exchange for a Reserve service commitment.   In 2006, he graduated and earned his doctorate degree in Family Medicine and started his reserve career.  He recently discovered that one of his colleagues earned satisfactory service years under the HPSP while he completed his medical residency.  However, while he was undergoing his residency training from 2003-2006 he only earned 15 points a year.  He submitted a request through myPers for three years of satisfactory service, but was told that he did was not eligible for HPSP credit.  He believes that he and his colleague had a similar experience and he worked hard to pass his medical board and should also receive three satisfactory years.  

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is an Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel (O-5).  

On 31 Mar 03, according to Appointment Order PA-XX-XXXX, dated 10 Apr 03, the applicant was appointed as a captain (O-3) in the Individual Ready Reserve (Category J, Special Professional Education and Stipend). 

On 1 Mar 06, according to Reserve Order DA-XXXXX, the applicant was reassigned to the Selected Reserve as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA).  

According to ANG/USAFR Point Credit Summary Inquiry (PCARS), the applicant was credited with the following Active Duty (AD), Inactive Duty for Training (IDT), membership (MBR), and retirement points from 2003 to 2006:

R/R Year	AD	IDT	MBR	Retirement	Satisfactory Service (Year)	
31 Mar 03 – 30 Mar 04	0	0	15	15	000000	
31 Mar 04 – 30 Mar 05	0	0	15	15	000000	
31 Mar 05 – 30 Mar 06	0	0	15	15	000000	

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

ARPC/DPATI recommends denying the application.  The applicant was recruited by a Reserve recruiter, who would not be in a position to offer a HPSP contract as it is an active duty program that has a very competitive selection process and requires an active duty service commitment. In accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 41-110, Medical Healthcare Professions Scholarship Program, civilians should contact their local Air Force Health Professions recruiter to inquire about the HPSP program.  If the applicant did not contact an active duty recruiter, he did not receive information regarding the HPSP program.    

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 7 Jun 21 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 7 Jun 21.  In his response, the applicant contends the HSPS scholarship covers much more than the stipend program and he has to serve double the years in the Air Force Reserve to payback the time received for the stipend.  In this regard, he believes the time served is the same as the HSPS program and since he has reached the minimum 50 points for a “good year” he deserves the same benefits the HSPS program offers.  

The applicant’s complete response 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 Board concurs with the rationale and recommendation of ARPC/DPATI and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Specifically, the Board notes that the applicant was not part of the HPSP and did not enter active duty upon completing his residency. Therefore, 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-2021-00488 in Executive Session on 24 Jun 21:

, 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 22 Jan 21.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory opinion, ARPC/DPATI, dated 6 Apr 21.
Exhibit D:	Notification of advisory, SAF/MRBC to applicant, dated 7 Jun 21.
Exhibit E:  Applicant’s Response to the Advisory, dated 7 Jun 21. 

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.