IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 26 June 2008 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20080005276 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of her records to show she was entitled to an enlistment bonus. 2. The applicant states, in effect, that she was entitled to an enlistment bonus of $3,000.00 for volunteering to be Airborne. 3. The applicant provides her enlistment contract; her Statement for Enlistment - United States Army Enlistment Program, dated 9 March 2005; United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) Message 05-054, dated 29 October 2004; an Airborne Course Diploma, dated 12 August 2005; and an enlistment reservation congratulation letter, dated 2 November 2004. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. A DD Form 4/1 (Enlistment or Reenlistment Agreement - Armed Forces of the United States) shows that the applicant enlisted in the United States Army Reserve (USAR) delayed enlistment program (DEP) on 30 July 2004. On 3 February 2005, she enlisted in the Regular Army for a 4-year period. 2. The applicant’s Statement for Enlistment - United States Army Enlistment Program, dated 9 March 2005, show that the applicant enlisted for military occupational specialty (MOS) 37F (Psychological Operations Specialist) with option 04 [airborne training]. The document stated, "In addition to my MOS training I am required to complete airborne training, I understand that I am volunteering to perform frequent aircraft flights, parachute jumps and to participate in realistic combat training while receiving airborne training or perform Airborne duties." This document does not show the applicant was entitled to an enlistment bonus. 3. USAREC Message 05-054, Subject: Enlistment Incentives Effective 29 October 2004, dated 29 October 2004 stated, in pertinent part, "A $3000 airborne enlistment bonus may be offered to Non-Prior Service applicants with tier I education credential, TSC I-IIIA that is combined with airborne training (option 4 and 20) and a guaranteed airborne assignment. This bonus may be combined with other incentives." The document further showed that the airborne bonus was authorized for MOS 37F. 4. The applicant provided a United States Army Infantry School Diploma, dated 12 August 2005, that shows she successfully completed the Airborne Course. 5. In the processing of this case an advisory opinion was obtained from the Department of the Army, Office of The Deputy Chief of Staff G-1. The advisory opinion stated, "A review of applicable HQDA incentive message dated 29 October 2004 shows that a bonus incentive of $3,000 existed for MOS 37F applicants who enlisted for the airborne option. Although the airborne option was not entered on the Soldier's contract, completion of the airborne training immediately after advanced individual training fulfills the requirement for the bonus. This bonus should have been paid at the Soldier's first permanent duty station." 6. The advisory opinion recommended that the applicant be granted relief and be paid a bonus in the amount of $3,000.00. A copy of the advisory opinion was provided to the applicant for comment or rebuttal. On 22 April 2008, the applicant concurred with the advisory opinion rendered in her case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. On 30 July 2004, the applicant enlisted in the DEP for a period of 8 years. Her enlistment contract shows that she enlisted for training in MOS 37F and requested option 04 [airborne training]. 2. The applicant was discharged from the DEP and enlisted in the Regular Army on 3 February 2005 for a period of 4 years. She successfully completed airborne training on 12 August 2005. The applicant’s enlistment contract did not specify entitlement to an enlistment bonus; however, in accordance with the advisory opinion, a bonus incentive of $3,000.00 existed for applicants enlisting for MOS 37F and for the airborne option. Therefore, in the best interest of the Army, it would be equitable to show that the applicant is entitled to the bonus. 3. In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected as recommended. BOARD VOTE: __xxx __ __xx ___ __xx ___ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by amending her enlistment contract to show that the applicant enlisted in the Regular Army for the U. S. Army Cash Bonus Enlistment (Airborne) Option for $3,000.00 and that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service pay the applicant a bonus amount of $3,000.00 as a result of this correction. _ xxxxxxxxx ____ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20080005276 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20080005276 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1