RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2021-01941

XXXX X. XXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

		HEARING REQUESTED: NO 

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

Her gap in service from 5 Aug 20 to 31 Oct 20 be corrected and removed.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

She initiated communications with her local in-service recruiter in 2019 in preparation for separation; however, the in-service recruiter did not respond to final correspondence to start separation/AF 1288, Application for Ready Reserve Assignment, process or to phone calls.  She reached out to an alternate recruiter, however due to the COVID pandemic, communication was limited.  After initiating the AF 1288 with the alternate in-service recruiter and providing medical separation documents, she received an email from the new local in-service recruiter in May 20.  The alternate in-service recruiter then recommended she work with her new local in-service recruiter.  The new local in-service recruiter and her gathered the required documents and applied to vacancies.  The AF 1288 was signed by the new local in-service recruiter in May 20; however, the gaining unit did not sign until Oct 20.  She was informed by the new local recruiter, her records would be backdated as the process was started before separating and it was due to the delay in processing.  She was officially released to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) after her active reserve assignment on 5 Aug 20 due to the AF 1288 not being completed, and not gained as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) until 1 Nov 20.  Her service gap has resulted in non-Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP)/Tricare coverage for her and her beneficiaries from Aug 20 to Feb 21, which has caused a medical balance that exceeds $2,500.  

In support of her application, the applicant provided Email Correspondence, MyPers message, and AF 1288.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a currently serving Air Force Reserve major (O-4).

On 2 Mar 17, according to AF 125, Application for Extended Active Duty with the United Sates Air Force, the applicant applied to the Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty (VLPAD) program.

On 7 Jul 17, according to Special Order XXXX, the applicant was ordered to Extended Active Duty (EAD) from 4 Aug 17 thru 4 Aug 20 under the VLPAD program.

On 12 May 20, according to AF 1288, Application for Ready Reserve Assignment, the applicant applied for a Ready Reserve position.  On 28 May 20, the in service recruiter signed the first endorsement.  The second endorsement was completed 8 Oct 20.  The Estimated Date of Change of Strength Accountability (EDCSA) reflects 1 Nov 20.

On 4 Aug 20, according to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, the applicant completed 3 years and 1 day of active service.

On 1 Nov 20, the applicant’s Report on Individual Personnel (RIP) reflects her Effective Duty Date (EDD) at XXXX.

On 7 Dec 20, according to Reserve Order XXXX, the applicant was assigned to XXXX as an IMA with an EDCSA of 5 Aug 20.  Reserve Order XXXX, dated 24 Mar 21, amended the EDCSA of Reserve Order XXXX from 5 Aug 20 to 1 Nov 20.

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

APPLICABLE AUTHORITY/GUIDANCE

AFI 36-2008,  Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty (VLPAD) for Air Reserve Component (ARC) Service Members and the Career Intermission Program, dated 1 Feb 21:  

3.1. Program Scope. 
3.1.1. Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty (VLPAD).  Allows ARC members trained in specific AFSCs the opportunity to volunteer for EAD for three years and one day to fill vacant funded AD authorizations.  This program is intended to minimize shortages in constrained AFSCs while aiding RegAF end-strength. 

3.1.1.7. ARC members completing a VLPAD tour are not guaranteed return rights to the ARC position the member left.  Members who wish to transfer to an ARC position upon completion of the ARC member's VLPAD tour must contact an in-service recruiter to apply for ARC assignment consideration. (T-1).  Members without an approved application prior to the member's date of separation will be transferred to the IRR. (T-1).

DAFI 36-2110, Total Force Assignments, dated 2 Aug 21:

Section 9D-Assignment Processing.
9.24. AF Form 1288. 
9.24.1. The AF Form 1288 is not required for assignments to colonel positions, nor for members applying to O-5 and below AGR positions, if member is currently an AGR, TR, or ART. 
9.24.2. The AF Form 1288 is used to obtain reassignment approval from: 
9.24.2.1. The losing and gaining RIO Det/CC or designated representative. 
9.24.2.2. The losing and gaining unit commander (if required). 

9.24.3.2. The second endorsement includes the following: 
9.24.3.2.1. The gaining RIO Det/CC is required to make mandatory comments in the second endorsement for IR assignments to include the member’s duty title and the reporting official’s name and SSN (last 4) and Estimated Date of Change Strength Account (EDSCA).  The EDSCA will be a date on or after when the second endorsement is signed. 
9.24.4. Hiring officials have 10 calendar days from application receipt for non-interview positions and 30 calendar days for interview positions to approve or disapprove qualified applicants. 
9.24.4.1. Should the hiring authority exceed these timeframes, the Recruiting Flight Chief will work with the servicing FSS or RIO Detachment to validate that all qualifications are met, and will then affect the accession. 

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 took notice of the applicant’s complete submission in judging the merits of the case, and finds a preponderance of the evidence substantiates the applicant’s contentions.  In this respect, the applicant has shown she was diligent in communicating with her local in-service recruiter in preparation for separation and application for an assignment.  However, delays caused by the COVID pandemic and timely feedback from the in-service recruiter caused her release from extended active duty and transfer to the IRR.  Therefore, the Board recommends correcting the applicant’s records as indicated below.

RECOMMENDATION

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to show her Estimated Date of Change of Strength Accountability (EDCSA) be corrected to reflect 5 Aug 20 instead of 1 Nov 20.

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-2021-01941 in Executive Session on 15 Mar 22:

, Panel Chair 
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, w/atchs, dated 31 May 21.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.

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.