RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2021-02155

XXXX X. XXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING REQUESTED: YES 

APPLICANT’S REQUEST

His DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, be updated to reflect:

	a. The United States Air Force (USAF) Space Badge.

b. Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal (NDOSM). Administratively corrected.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

The Nuclear badge did not exist while he served in the Air Force.  The Secretary of the Air Force approved the NDOSM on 27 May 14 to recognize direct support to nuclear deterrence operations.  The medal is authorized for Airmen who directly impacted the Nuclear Enterprise.  The NDOSM may be awarded retroactively to 27 Dec 91 to fully-qualified Airmen.  The Space Badge is awarded to those that perform operations-focused duties such as directly employing space systems to deliver space capabilities.  Examples include sending commands to satellites on orbit, performing space-launch countdown duties, operations duties in the Joint Space Operations Center and working a space staff assignment in Air Force Space Command Headquarters.  He worked on the Cryptographic Satellite portfolio including Remote Rekey and Combat Key Generator as well as the Space Based Infrared System and Space Tracking and Surveillance Program while at the Space and Missile Center.  He is still serving on active duty and would like to be able to wear these devices on his uniform. 

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a prior service Air Force captain (O-3) who is currently serving in the Navy.

For period of service 3 Sep 02 through 29 Sep 06, DD Form 214, Item 11, Primary Specialty, lists the applicant’s Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) as 65W3, Cost Analysis and Item 13, Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized, shows the applicant was awarded the Basic Acquisition and Financial Management Badge. 

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

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP2SSM recommends denying the applicant’s request for the USAF Space Badge.  Based on the documentation provided by the applicant and analysis of the facts, there is no evidence of an error or injustice.  The applicant’s DD Form 214 does not possess an authorized AFSC listed in Item 11 for this request, unless the applicant can provide proof of being awarded a badge outside of his AFSC. Occupational Badges are awarded when the AFSC associated with that badge is awarded.  In this circumstance the applicant makes mention of being assigned to the Space Command, but there is nowhere in the Military Personnel Data System to update badges because they are a result of being awarded an AFSC (which is listed in Item 11 of the DD Form 214). The only badges listed on the DD Form 214 will be special badges that are the result of being qualified in something outside of their normal job, for example Parachutist, Aviation, Medical Insignia.

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 29 Jun 21 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/DP2SSM and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Specifically, the applicant’s DD Form 214 does not possess an authorized AFSC listed in Item 11, Primary Specialty, for the award of the USAF Space Badge.  Therefore, beyond relief provided administratively, 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-2021-02155 in Executive Session on 10 Nov 21:

, Chair, AFBCMR 
, Panel Member
, Panel Member

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

Exhibit A:	Application, DD Form 149, dated 15 Jun 21.
Exhibit B:	Documentary evidence, including relevant excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C:	Advisory Opinion, AFPC/DP2SSM, dated 24 Jun 21.
Exhibit D:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to Applicant, dated 29 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.