BOARD DATE: 1 August 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160001315 BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ___x_____ __x______ __x_ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 1 August 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160001315 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. BOARD DATE: 1 August 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160001315 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, in effect, correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to show his social security number (SSN) as "XXX-X8-XXXX" instead of "XXX-X7-XXXX." 2. The applicant states his SSN is incorrectly shown on his DD Form 214. 3. The applicant provides copies of his DD Form 214 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 Illinois Army National Guard on 24 April 1981. His DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document – Armed Forces of the United States) shows his SSN as "XXX-X7-XXXX." 3. He was ordered to active duty for training (ADT) on 25 January 1982 and was honorably released from ADT on 3 September 1982. Item 3 (SSN) of his DD Form 214 shows his SSN as "XXX-X7-XXXX." 4. A review of the applicant's available record reveals he served under the SSN he claims is incorrect throughout his entire period of military service. When required, he authenticated various documents by placing his signature where necessary. There is no evidence that shows he ever listed the SSN he now claims is correct. 5. The applicant provides a copy of his social security card, which shows his name and his SSN as "XXX-X8-XXXX." REFERENCES: Army Regulation 635-5 (Separations Documents), in effect during the applicant's active duty service, prescribed the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army. It established standardized policy for the preparation of the DD Form 214. It stated the DD Form 214 is a synopsis of the Soldier's most recent period of continuous active service. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. It is important that information entered on the form is complete and accurate and reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation. DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant's request for correction of his DD Form 214 to show a different SSN has been carefully considered. 2. The evidence of record shows the applicant listed the contested SSN "XXX-X7-XXXX" throughout his entire period of military service. He did not list the requested SSN at any point during his period of military service; it does not appear in his records. 3. 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 evidence showing a material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. 4. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his official military records. This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the SSN recorded in his military record and the SSN shown on his social security card. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160001315 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160001315 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2