BOARD DATE: 31 October 2013 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20130005350 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 his military records to show his current name. 2. He states he decided to change his name upon his departure from the U.S. Army because it was not a reflection of him and his personality. He did not change his name for any religious reason or affiliation; therefore, he has no intention to be treated differently in any manner. 3. He provides his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), social security card, and a Fairfax Circuit Court final order for a change of name. CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. On 22 November 2010, the applicant enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve Delayed Entry/Enlistment Program (DEP). The DD Form 4 (Enlistment/ Reenlistment Document – Armed Forces of the United States) completed at that time shows his name as "W____ A. W____." On 11 April 2011, he was discharged from the DEP and enlisted in the Regular Army on 12 April 2011. His name was recorded at that time as "W____ A____ W____." 2. On 10 August 2012, he was discharged under honorable conditions (general). Item 1 (Name (Last, First, Middle)) of his DD Form 214 shows the entry "W____, W____ A____." 3. His records are void of documentation showing he served in the Army under any name other than "W____ A____ W____." 4. He provides: * a Fairfax Circuit Court final order for a change of name, dated 13 September 2012, showing he legally changed his name changed from "W____ A____ W____" to "A____-J____ S____ A____-J____" * his social security card issued on 1 October 2012 showing his name as "A____-J____ S____ A____-J____" DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant's military service records show he enlisted, served, and was discharged under the name "W____ A____ W____." He provides a Fairfax Circuit Court final order for a change of name showing a judge granted his petition to change his name on 13 September 2012, approximately 1 month after he was discharged. 2. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records. The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable that the applicant desires to record the name he now uses in his military records, his decision to change his name after he was discharged is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records. 3. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his military personnel records. This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion regarding the difference between the name recorded in his military records and the name he now uses. 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) AR20130005350 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20130005350 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1