BOARD DATE:	  8 December 2011

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110009475 


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 to be paid the remainder of his enlistment bonus in the amount of $10,000.00.

2.  The applicant states he only received $10,000.00 of his $20,000.00 enlistment bonus.  He attempted to resolve this issue several times prior to his separation.  He feels an injustice has been done because he signed a legal contract and should receive the remainder of his bonus.

3.  The applicant provides copies of his enlistment documents.

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant's record shows he enlisted in the Regular Army on 24 August 2007 for a period of 3 years.

2.  His DA Form 3286 (Statement of Understanding – U.S. Army Enlistment Program) shows he enlisted for the following programs:

* 9A  U.S. Army Training Enlistment Program
* 9C  United States Army Incentive Enlistment Program (U.S. Army Seasonal Bonus (High Priority Seat), IIIB, U.S. Army College Fund ($51,300.00), IIIB, 3 Year)

3.  This same document states the incentive is a U.S. Army cash bonus and he understands the bonus amount is $20,000.00 authorized by Headquarters, Department of the Army, DAPE-MPA, Enlisted Incentive Program, effective 25 July 2007 and will be paid in accordance with Department of the Army instructions.

4.  On 4 October 2010, the applicant was honorably released from active duty upon completion of his required active service.

5.  The Chief, Incentive and Budget Branch, Enlisted Accessions Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Headquarters, Department of the Army, provided an advisory opinion on 21 July 2011 and recommended granting the applicant relief.  The opinion states the applicant's initial enlistment contract, dated 24 August 2007, shows he was to be paid a $20,000.00 Seasonal Enlistment Bonus which was given to all recruits who shipped for active duty between 25 July 2007 and 8 October 2007.  A review of available records shows no further bonus payments after the initial $10,000.00 payment.

6.  A copy of this advisory opinion was furnished to the applicant on 21 April 2011.  He replied that he had no further information to provide.

7.  A representative of the DFAS reviewed the applicant's bonus history and stated that his enlistment bonus was entered in the amount of $10,000 and not $20,000. 

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant requests to be paid the remainder of his enlistment bonus in the amount of $10,000.00.

2.  The evidence of record confirms he enlisted for a period of 3 years on 24 August 2007 for an option that authorized him payment of a $20,000.00 enlistment bonus.  The available evidence shows he satisfied the terms of his contract; however, because his enlistment bonus was incorrectly input at DFAS as $10,000, he was only paid that amount.  He is entitled to payment of the remainder of his enlistment bonus in the amount of $10,000.00.  

3.  In view of the above, his request should be granted.



BOARD VOTE:

____x____  ____x____  ___x_____  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

________  ________  ________  DENY APPLICATION

BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The Board determined the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief.  As a result, the Board recommends the Defense Finance and Accounting Service audit the applicant's pay record as a final confirmation of nonpayment and issue the remainder of his $20,000 enlistment bonus in the amount of $10,000.00 upon verification the applicant met all requirements and payment was not previously disbursed.




      __________x_______________
       	     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)                                         AR20110009475



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110009475



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