RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2021-02764

XXXXXXXXXX	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING REQUESTED: NO
 
APPLICANT’S REQUEST

His date of request to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits (TEB) be changed to reflect 27 Jan 20.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTIONS

He submitted a request for TEB in Jan 20 and assumed it was complete.  He was unaware that an email was sent requesting he secure retainability on his enlistment because it was sent to the wrong email address.  He rarely checked the Air Force Personnel Services website (myPers) or the Air Force Portal due to teleworking, and would have secured the retainability immediately had he been aware of the requirement.  The applicant discovered the denial one year later when he checked myPers for an unrelated reason.  He contacted the TEB office who directed him to submit a new application.  He completed the application, which was approved and required him to extend his enlistment to Feb 25.  The applicant is currently assigned to a developmental special duty (DSD) position within a geographically separated unit that expires in Sep 23.  His unit was willing to extend him in the position to allow for a Jan 24 retirement.  However, if he extends the current enlistment due to the new application date, then he will be forced to PCS during his son’s senior year in high school.  He is requesting to have his TEB application date changed to reflect 27 Jan 20 so that he can continue with his plan to retire Jan 24 and not be required to PCS due to the extended enlistment.

The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

The applicant is a currently serving Air Force master sergeant (E-7).

For more information, see the advisory at Exhibit B.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION

AFPC/DP3SA recommends denying the application.  Based on the documentation provided by the applicant and analysis of the facts, there is no evidence of an error or injustice on the part of the Air Force.  The reason for the applicant’s initial TEB denial was due to his failure to secure the required retainability.  In addition, in accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2649, Air Force Voluntary Education Program, it is the applicant’s responsibility to verify all email addresses through the Virtual Military Personnel Flight system.  The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) records indicate the applicant applied for TEB on 27 Jan 20.  However, his application was rejected on 3 Mar 20 because he failed to secure the required retainability within the application period.  The applicant reapplied for TEB on 24 Jan 21.  His application was approved on 24 Feb 21, along with him incurring a service obligation ending date of 23 Jan 25.  

The complete advisory opinion is at Exhibit B.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION

The Board sent a copy of the advisory opinion to the applicant on 7 Oct 21 for comment (Exhibit C), 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/DP3SA and finds a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, the Board recommends against correcting the applicant’s records.

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-2021-02764 in Executive Session on 30 Nov 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 Aug 21.
Exhibit B:	Advisory Opinion, AFPC/DP3SA, w/atchs, dated 23 Sep 21.
Exhibit C:	Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBC to Applicant, dated 7 Oct 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.