IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	    3 April 2012

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20110019447 


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 her last name as "A____-M____" instead of "M____."

2.  The applicant states she legally changed her name.

3.  The applicant provides her name change order and Social Security card.

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.  The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 18 February 1999.  All documents in the applicants file show her last name as "M____."

3.  The applicant was honorably released from active duty on 6 April 2001.  The applicant's DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) reflects her last name as "M____."

4.  The applicant's name was legally changed from "M____" to "A____-M____" on 13 September 2011.

5.  Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) establishes the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214.  The regulation directs that the purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service.  It is important that information entered on the form should be complete and accurate.  This regulation has historically stated that item 1 (Name) of the DD Form 214 will contain the name taken from the Soldier's personnel record.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's DD Form 214 and all other available service documents reflect the applicant's last name as "M____."

2.  The fact that she legally changed her last name on 13 September 2011 is duly noted.  However, this does not change the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time her official military personnel file (OMPF) was created.

3.  The Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records.  The data and information contained in the available records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created.  While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record her current name in her military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records.

4.  The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in her OMPF.  This should serve to clarify any questions that may arise regarding the different name recorded in her applicant's military records and to satisfy her desire to have her current name documented in her OMPF.



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 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)                                         AR20110019447



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20110019447



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