IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 10 August 2020 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20180007918 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his records to reflect he is enrolled in the Legacy Retirement System instead of the Blended Retirement System (BRS). APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * Blended Retirement System Course, dated 22 November 2017 * Sworn Statement, dated 14 May 2018 FACTS: 1. The applicant states on 3 January 2018, he incorrectly selected the BRS opt in menu without realizing that the opt in function was repositioned to the top of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) menu when attempting to check his military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) in MyPay. While concurrently working on dual computer screens, he subsequently clicked through the BRS buttons thinking that would get him to his LES as he had done in the past for many years using the top menu. He didn’t realize he inadvertently clicked into the BRS menu. Upon realizing his error, he immediately called DFAS and spoke to four separate representatives explaining his situation, with one informing him to call the Human Resources Command (HRC). He was informed by all that the error was irrevocable and that his request was final. He took his BRS training on 22 November 2018 and was fully aware of the impact that opting in would have on his military retirement. In July 2018, he would have 20 constructive years in the Army National Guard (ARNG) and hopes this mistake does not adversely affect his retirement. 2. A review of the applicant’s service records show: a. On 2 October 1994, the applicant was appointed as a Reserve commissioned officer and executed an oath of office. b. On 2 August 2018, he received a Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay for Non-Regular Service (20 year letter). In addition, an NGB Form 23A (Army National Guard Current Annual Statement) reflected the applicant had 21 years of creditable service for retired pay. 3. The applicant provides: a. the certificate showing he completed the BRS Opt-In Course, dated 22 November 2017. b. a sworn statement wherein he states he opted into the BRS by mistake on 3 January 2018 as stated on his application to the Board, and he would like to know if there was anything that could be done to reverse the error. 4. The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, reviewed the applicant's records and rendered an advisory opinion in his case. After a thorough review, the Chief, Compensation and Entitlements Division, supports the applicant’s request for removal from the Blended Retirement System (BRS). On 1 January 2018, eligible Soldiers were given access to the BRS line on MyPay to enroll in the BRS. Prior to the beginning of the BRS enrollment, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) moved the LES link on MyPay and replaced it with the BRS opt-in line. Service members immediately began to contact their respective Services regarding their “erroneous” enrollment while trying to acquire a LES and surprisingly receiving notification that they had opted into BRS. After several complaints, the Department in coordination with DFAS moved the LES link back to its customary first position on MyPay and relocated the BRS line effective 26 January 2018. Given the relatively small numbers involved and the potential long-term impact on the Soldier, Army G-1 considers it is in the Army’s best interest giving these Soldiers relief on the basis that they may have mistakenly enrolled in the BRS due to the change in MyPay. 5. A copy of this advisory opinion was mailed to the applicant to provide him an opportunity to comment. He did not respond. 6. All Army Activities (ALARACT) Message Number 028/2018 states, effective 1 January 2018, eligible Soldiers who completed the mandatory training were eligible to enroll in the BRS. The Department of Defense policy is that this informed decision by a Soldier eligible to enroll in the BRS is irrevocable. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found the requested relief is warranted. The Board concurred with the advisory official's recommendation to grant relief based on the possibility that the applicant erroneously enrolled in the BRS. The Board determined the applicant's record should be corrected to show he did not enroll in the BRS and remained in the legacy retirement system. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING : : : DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected to show he did not enroll in the Blended Retirement System. 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. REFERENCE: ALARACT Message Number 028/2018 states, effective 1 January 2018, eligible Soldiers who completed the mandatory training were eligible to enroll in the BRS. The Department of Defense policy is that this informed decision by a Soldier eligible to enroll in the BRS is irrevocable. Several Soldiers from all components have notified their respective component and the Army G-1 of their unintentional enrollment in the BRS. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20180007918 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1