RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2021-01023

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING REQUESTED: YES 

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

He be allowed to use the Enlisted College Loan Repayment Program (ECLRP) to repay his student loans. 

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

The ECLRP program was a driving force for why he decided to enlist in the Air Force; however, he recently contacted the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) and was told that it was not on his original enlistment contract as it should have been.  He further states that due to the high ops tempo and temporary duty assignment (TDY) of his Loadmaster position, he never had the opportunity to pursue this oversight in a timely manner.

In support of his appeal, the applicant provides copies of his college loans, and four letters of support from his first sergeant, chief enlisted manager, director of operations, and commander who all support his claim that he was promised ECLRP when he enlisted, has been attempting to access the benefits to no avail, and is a highly valued Airman within their unit.   

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is an active duty Air Force technical sergeant (E-6).

On 24 Jan 12, DD Form 4/3, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States, shows that the applicant enlisted in the Regular Air Force for a period of six years in the pay grade of airman first class (E-3).  

On 24 Jan 12, the applicant signed AF Form 3008, Supplement to Enlistment Agreement-United States Air Force, which states “I have been briefed on the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) and either do not meet the program requirements, or elect not to participate.  I understand my initial enlistment is the only opportunity to enroll in CLRP and I permanently waive my CLRP enrollment option.”  While the applicant signed the contract indicating that he accepted the terms of the enlistment, it is unclear if he initialed the portion to acknowledge the CLRP enrollment option. 

On 15 Oct 18, according to DD Form 4, Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States, the applicant reenlisted in the Air Force for a period of 4 years and 19 months in the grade of staff sergeant (E-5).  

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP1SSB recommends denying the application.  The ECLRP is a recruiting enlistment incentive offered to potential recruits prior to their induction into the Air Force. Enrollment is documented on AF Form 3008. It is at the discretion of the recruiter to offer the incentive. If a member has college loans prior to enlisting it is not a requirement for the recruiter to offer the ECLRP. There is no documentation the applicant was offered the ECLRP and he does not have the program annexed to his enlistment contract.  The ECLRP is only valid during a member’s initial enlistment.  Once a member reenlists, separates or becomes a commissioned officer, that member is no longer eligible to participate in the ECLRP.  The applicant reenlisted on 15 Oct 18 and the ECLRP is no longer a valid program in the Air Force. 

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 10 May 21 for comment (Exhibit D), but has received no response.

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 AFPC/DP1SSB and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  The Board notes that the AF Form 3008, Supplement to Enlistment Agreement-United States Air Force, that the applicant signed on 24 Jan 12, when he originally enlisted in the Air Force does not reflect that he was offered the ECLRP.  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-2021-01023 in Executive Session on 18 Aug 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 8 May 21.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory Opinion, AFPC/DP1SSB, w/atch, dated 28 Apr 21.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to Applicant, dated 10 May 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.