IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 6 December 2011 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110011984 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 the social security number (SSN) that is recorded in his military service records. 2. The applicant states the wrong SSN was recorded in his military records and it should be changed from "XXX-XX-" to "XXX-XX-." 3. The applicant provides a copy of his birth certificate, social security card, Social Security Administration SSN Printout, and his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. A DD Form 1966 (Application for Enlistment - Armed Forces of the United States) completed by the applicant for entrance in the U.S. Armed Forces shows SSN "XXX-XX-." The applicant certified the accuracy of the information on the form by placing his signature on the document on 17 March 1981 and again on 1 April 1981. 3. A DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document - Armed Forces of the United States) shows the applicant enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) on 25 March 1981, he was discharged from the USAR on 31 March 1981, and enlisted in the Regular Army on 1 April 1981. Item 2 (Social Security Account Number) shows "XXX-XX-." 4. The applicant's DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) shows in item 2 (SSN) "XXX-XX-." 5. A DD Form 214 shows the applicant entered active duty on 1 April 1981. He was honorably released from active duty (REFRAD) on 30 March 1984 and transferred to the USAR Control Group (Reinforcement) to complete his Reserve obligation: a. He completed 3 years of net active service. b. Item 3 (SSN) contains "XXX-XX-." 6. USAR Personnel Center, St. Louis, Missouri, Orders D-03-023308, dated 25 March 1987, honorably discharged the applicant from the USAR, effective 31 March 1987. His SSN is shown as "XXX-XX-." 7. In support of his application the applicant provides the following documents: a. His Social Security Card that shows his SSN as "XXX-XX-." b. A Social Security Administration SSN Printout, dated 17 September 1990, that shows SSN "XXX-XX-" is assigned to the applicant. 8. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribed the separation documents that must be prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or REFRAD service or control of the Active Army. It stated that the source documents for entering information on the DD Form 214 would be the Personnel Qualification Record, Officer Record Brief, enlistment/reenlistment documents, personnel finance records, discharge documents, separation orders, military personnel records jacket, or any other document authorized for filing in the Official Military Personnel File: a. Table 2-1 (DD Form 214 Preparation Instructions) contained item-by-item instructions for completing the DD Form 214. b. Item 3 stated to verify accuracy with the SSN of record. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant contends the SSN that is recorded in his military service records should be corrected to show his SSN is "XXX-XX-." 2. The evidence of record shows that upon entry in the U.S. Armed Forces the applicant reported his SSN was "XXX-XX-." The evidence of record also shows this SSN was consistently recorded in the applicant's official military service records, including on his DD Form 214, when he was REFRAD. 3. The applicant now provides evidence that his SSN is "XXX-XX-." 4. Considering all the evidence and information presented by the applicant, together with the evidence of record, applicable law, and regulations, it is concluded that the evidence provided by the applicant relating to his SSN is insufficient to warrant a change to his military service records and separation document. 5. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the integrity of its records. The data and information contained in those records should actually reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. a. The applicant's military service records clearly show he reported his SSN was "XXX-XX-" and this is documented in his military service records. b. In view of the foregoing, there is no basis for granting the applicant's request to change the SSN in his military service records or his separation document because his military service records accurately reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed during the period of his military service. c. Therefore, the applicant is not entitled to correction of his records in this instance. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ___X___ ___X____ ___X____ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. __________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) AR20110011984 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110011984 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1