BOARD DATE: 3 April 2020 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20190003739 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty), for the period ending 1 September 1998 to show in: * Item 4a (Grade, Rate, or Rank) the entry "SPC" instead of "PFC" * Item 4b (Pay Grade) the entry "E4" instead of "E3" * Item 7a (Place of Entry Into Active Duty) the entry "MEPS, , MI 48810-6611" instead of "Gobles, MI" * Item 8a (Last Duty Assignment and Major Command) the entry "323 MC HSP CSH (HUS) WSB3A0, 88th RSC" instead of "W3VZ C 232 MD BN CTR BDE TR MC" * Item 8b (Station Where Separated) the entry "323rd Combat Support Hospital, MI 49544" instead of "Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-5028" * Item 9 (Command to Which Transferred) the entry "IRR" instead of "4201 USAH Grand Rapids MI 49503" * Item 10 (SGLI Coverage) the entry "$250,000" instead of "$100,000" * Item 11 (Primary Specialty) the entry "91B10 Medical Specialist - 5 YRS 11 MOS" instead of "91B10 Medical Specialist - 0 YRS 0 MOS" and add the entry "91W10 Medial Specialist - 3 YRS 1 MO" * Item 12 (Record of Service (a - g)) to be audited and appropriate entries recorded * Item 12h (Effective Date of Pay Grade) the entry "1999 05 21" instead of "1998 05 21" * Item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) by adding the entry "Army Achievement Medal" * Item 19a (Mailing Address After Separation) the entry , " instead of * Item 23 (Type of Separation) the entry "Release from Active Duty" instead of "Release from Active Duty Training" * Item 24 (Character of Service) the entry "Honorable" instead of "Uncharacterized" * Item 25 (Separation Authority) the entry "AR 135-178" instead of "MEPS Self- Terminating Order 075-010 980417" * Item 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) the entry "Completion of enlistment program" instead of "Completion of Period of ADT" APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * National Personnel Records Center letter, dated 11 January 2018 * DD Form 214 * DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment Document - Armed Forces of the United States), dated 21 May 1997 * Orders 099-010, issued by Military Entrance Processing Station, dated 21 May 1997 * Official Army Document - labeled "Advancement Eligibility Status Roster" with an as of date of 5 November 1997 and dated 4 December 1997 * Official Army Document - labeled "Advancement Eligibility Status Roster" with an as of date of 1 April 1998 and dated 2 May 1998 * Orders 075-010, issued by Lansing Military Entrance Processing Station, Lansing, MI, dated 17 April 1998 * Orders 212-00230, issued by Headquarters, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, TX, dated 31 July 1998 * AMEDDC&S Form 205 (Academy of Health Services), covering the period 22 June 1998 to 1 September 1998 * Two - DA Forms 2442 (Certificate of Achievement), both dated 1 September 1998 * Orders 088-13, issued by Headquarters, 330th Medical Brigade, Fort Sheridan, IL, dated 29 March 1999 * DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action), dated 21 May 1999 * Order 209-339, issued by 88th Regional Support Command, dated 13 July 1999 * Order 055759, issued by 88th Regional Support Command, dated 25 May 2000 * DA Form 2A (USAR) (Personnel Qualification Record - Enlisted), a report date of 31 January 2002 * Order 315349, issued by 88th Regional Support Command, Fort Snelling, MN, dated 24 March 2003 with attachment * DA Form 4856 (Development Counseling Form), dated 6 April 2003 * AHRC Form 249-2-E (Chronological Statement of Retirement Points), dated 4 June 2004 * Orders D-05-517966, issued by U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC), St. Louis, MO, dated 24 May 2005 * Three personal achievements: DA Form 4980-18 (The Army Achievement Medal Certificate), undated; National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certificate, dated 5 August 1998; and DA Form 2442, dated 10 February 2001 FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the three-year period provided in Title 10, United States Code, section 1552(b); however, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) conducted a substantive review of this case and determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. 2. The applicant states a number of inaccuracies exists between his records located in the National Personnel Records Center and what he knows and his own records that he maintained. Therefore, would like those inaccuracies reconciled. 3. The applicant enlisted in the United States Army Reserve (USAR) on 21 May 1997. The applicant's DD Form 4, dated 21 May 1997 shows the following: * Item 3 (Home of Record) the entry "" * Item 4 (Place of Enlistment/Reenlistment (Mil. Installation, City, State)) the entry "Lansing MEPS, MI 48910" 4. Orders 099-010, dated 21 May 1997 ordered him to initial active duty for training (IADT) to attend basic training under the alternate (split) training program with a reporting date of 16 June 1997. These orders show his address as: " 5. An official Army document - labeled "Advancement Eligibility Status Roster" with an as of date of 5 November 1997 and dated 4 December 1997 shows the applicant was promoted to the rank of PV2 effective 16 December 1997. 6. An official Army document - labeled "Advancement Eligibility Status Roster" with an as of date of 1 April 1998 and dated 2 May 1998 shows the applicant was promoted to the rank of PFC effective 21 May 1998. 7. Orders 075-010, dated 17 April 1998 ordered him to IADT for advanced individual training (AIT) from the completion of military occupational specialty (MOS) training in 91B (Medical Specialist) with a reporting date of 9 June 1998 for a period of approximately 10 weeks of completion of MOS training. These orders state upon completion of the training period, he would return to home station. These orders further show his address as: 8. Orders 212-00230, dated 31 July 1998 shows the applicant was attached to "W3VZ C 232d Medical BN CTR BDE TR, Fort Sam Houston, TX" and was awarded MOS 91B10 with an effective date of 1 September 1998. He also provides a course completion certificate for the period 22 June 1998 to 1 September 1998. 9. The applicant was released from active duty training on 1 September 1998, under the authority of MEPS Self-terminating Order 075-010, dated 17 April 1998 by reason of completion of period of ADT. He completed 2 months and 23 days of net active service this period with 2 months and 15 days of prior active service (basic training). His DD Form 214 shows in: * Item 4a, the entry "PFC" * Item 4b, the entry "E3" * Item 7a, the entry "Gobles, MI" * Item 8a, the entry "W3VZ C 232 MD BN CTR BDE TR MC" * Item 8b, the entry "Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-5028" * Item 9, the entry "4201 USAH Grand Rapids MI 49503" * Item 10, the entry "$100,000" * Item 11, the entry "91B10 Medical Specialist - 0 YRS 0 MOS" * Item 12a (Date entered AD This Period), the entry "1998 06 09" * Item 12b (Separation Date This Period), the entry "1998 09 01" * Item 12c (Net Active Service This Period), the entry "0000 02 23" * Item 12d (Total Prior Active Service), the entry "0000 02 15" * Item 12e (Total Prior Inactive Service), the entry "0000 10 03" * Item 12f (Foreign Service), the entry "0000 00 00" * Item 12g (Sea Service), the entry "0000 00 00" * Item 12h, the entry "1998 05 21" * Item 13 does not show the Army Achievement Medal * Item 19a, the entry "25543 24th AVE Gobles, MI 49055" * Item 23, the entry "Release from Active Duty Training" * Item 24, the entry "Uncharacterized" * Item 25, the entry "MEPS Self-Terminating Order 075-010 980417" * Item 28, the entry "Completion of Period of ADT" 10. The applicant provides the following all occurring and dated after his period of active duty training: a. Orders 088-13, dated 29 March 1999 shows the applicant was reassigned in the Reserve from the 4201 Hospital (W7ZSAA), 1234 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI to the 323 General Hospital (WSB3A0), 26402 W. 11 Mile Road, Southfield, MI effective 29 March 1999. b. DA Form 4187, dated 21 May 1999 showing he was promoted to specialist (SPC)/E-4 effective 21 May 1999. c. Order 209-339, dated 13 July 1999 showing he was ordered to annual training (AT) for 12 days at Camp Atterbury, IN effective 13 July 1999. d. Order 055759, dated 25 May 2000 shows the applicant's unit was ordered to AT for a period of 14 days in June 2000 at Fort Bragg, NC. e. DA Form 2A (USAR), with a report date of 31 January 2002 showing his personal data, service data, and qualification data. f. Order 315349, dated 24 March 2003 with attachment shows the applicant's unit was ordered to AT for a period of 3 days in March 2003 at Fort Snelling, MN. g. DA Form 4856, dated 6 April 2003 shows the applicant was counseled for the purpose of expiration term of service (ETS). It noted the applicant requested to be transferred to the IRR due to his career path would not allow him to participate with a TPU and that he needed to take care of his family. His ETS was 20 May 2003. [Note: A review of his record does not contain any orders or evidence that he was transferred to the IRR nor does he provide any.] h. AHRC Form 249-2-E, dated 4 June 2004 shows his creditable points towards retirement. i. Orders D-05-517966, dated 24 May 2005 shows the applicant was honorably discharged from the USAR Control Group (Annual Training) effective 24 May 2005. j. DA Form 4980-18, undated shows the applicant was awarded the Army Achievement Medal while assigned to the 323rd Combat Support Hospital (HUS) by permanent order 215-01. It appears he was awarded this while he was assigned to the unit as promulgated in Orders 088-13, dated 29 March 1999. k. The applicant provides a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certificate, dated 5 August 1998 along with a DA Form 2442, dated 1 September 1998 signifying this achievement. As well as two other DA Forms 2442, one dated 1 September 1998 signifying his achievement for participating in the Volunteer Peer Tutor program and another dated 10 February 2001 for his support in his unit's shot team review. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. The Board carefully considered the applicant’s request, supporting documents, evidence in the records, published DoD guidance for discharge upgrade requests and policy for preparing DD Forms 214 for Reserve Component Soldiers departing active duty upon completion of training and award of an MOS. The Board considered the applicant’s statement, his record of service, his period of active duty as reflected on the DD Form 214, the reason for separation and the applicant’s requested corrections based on events occurring after his period of active duty. As a result, the Board found insufficient evidence to support making the requested changes to Item 4a (Grade, Rate, or Rank), Item 4b (Pay Grade), Item 7a (Place of Entry Into Active Duty), Item 8a (Last Duty Assignment and Major Command), Item 8b (Station Where Separated), Item 9 (Command to Which Transferred), Item 10 (SGLI Coverage), Item 11 (Primary Specialty), Item 12 (Record of Service (a - g)), Item 12h (Effective Date of Pay Grade), Item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized), 19a (Mailing Address After Separation), Item 23, the entry "Release from Active Duty Training", Item 25, (Separation Authority), and Item 28 (Reason) finding that the entries on his DD Form 214 were an accurate depiction of the circumstances as they existed at the time of his separation from active duty. The Board found that policy for completion of DD forms 214 did not include the addition of certificates to item 13. The Board found that the applicant was on active duty for training and was returned to his reserve component unit of assignment upon separation from active duty. Based on the policy pertaining to character of service for individuals ordered to active duty for the purpose of completion of MOS training, the Board determined that the applicant’s character of service required correction as a matter of equity. 2. After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found that partial relief was warranted. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : X :X :X GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING : : : DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: 1. The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for partial relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by amending his DD Form 214 for the period of service ending 1 September 1998 to reflect in item 24 (Character of Service) – “Honorable” vice “Uncharacterized.” 2. The Board further determined the evidence presented is insufficient to warrant a portion of the requested relief. As a result, the Board recommends denial of so much of the application that pertains to relief in excess that stated above. 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. REFERENCES: 1. Title 10, United States 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 ABCMR to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3 year statute of limitations if the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), dated 10 October 1997, 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 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 duty. It provides a brief, clear-cut record of active Army service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. a. Paragraph 1-3 states a DD Form 214 will be prepared for USAR members separated - (1) after completing 90 days or more of continuous ADT, full-time training (FTTD), or active duty support and (2) after completing initial active duty for training which resulted in the award of an MOS, even though the active duty was less than 90 days. This includes completion of AIT under the ARNGUS Alternate Training Program or USAR Split Training Program. b. Chapter 2 provides the instruction for preparation of the DD Form 214. (1) Item 4a and 4b states to enter active duty grade of rank and pay grade at time of separation. (2) Item 7a states to enter the city and state where the Soldier entered active duty as stated in the Soldier's initial DD Form 4 contract. (3) Item 8a and 8b states to enter the last unit of assignment, major command with the corresponding two character assignment code and the location where the Soldier is transitioning, include state or country. (4) Item 9 states to enter from table 2-1, the applicable location dependent on the Soldier's status on transition. Table 2-1 for Soldier's separation type of release from ADT and the Soldier's status is to return to USAR TPU to enter eth USAR TPU from which entered ADT. (5) Item 10 states to enter the amount of the Soldier's SGLI coverage, or "X" in the "None" block if Soldier did not opt for coverage. (6) Item 11 states to enter all MOS served for at least one year and include each MOS the number of years and months served up to and during the period of service the DD Form 214 is being prepared for. Basic training and AIT are not counted. (7) Item 12a states to enter the beginning date of the continuous period of active duty for issuance of the DD Form 214 being prepared. (8) Item 12b states to enter the Soldier's transition date. (9) Item 12c states to enter the amount of service this period, computed by subtracting item 12a from 12b. (10) Item 12d states to enter the total amount of prior active military service less lost time. (11) Item 12e states to enter the total amount of prior inactive service, less lost time from a DA Form 2-1. (12) Item 12f states to enter the total amount of foreign service completed during the period covered in item 12c. (13) Item 12g states to enter the total amount of sea service completed during the period covered in item 12c. (14) Item 13 states to enter awards and decorations for all periods of service up to and during the period of service the DD Form 214 is being prepared for. (15) Item 19a to enter a permanent address at the time of separation from active duty. There is no provisions to change it later in one's career. (16) Item 23 to enter the Soldier's separation from approval papers, if applicable, or transition orders. (17) Item 24 to enter the characterization of description of service determined by directives authorizing separation. Enter one of the following: Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions (General), Under Other than Honorable Conditions, Bad Conduct, Dishonorable, or Uncharacterized. (18) Item 25 to enter the regulatory or directive authorizing separation. For Soldiers ordered to ADT and active duty for special work, enter "Self-Terminating Orders, (Order Number, Course and Date)." (19) Item 28 to enter the reason based on regulatory or other authority. For Soldiers ordered to ADT on self-terminating orders, enter "Completion of Period ADT." 3. Army Regulation 635-200 (Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations), currently in effect, states Soldiers with less than 181 days of continuous active service who have completed initial entry training (IET), been awarded an MOS, and been assigned to a follow-on unit for duty will be processed for discharge with an honorable characterization of service. 4. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, stated to list awards and decorations for all periods of service in the priority sequence specified in Army Regulation 600-8-22. This regulation provided the order of precedence for awards and decorations. Instructions stated only decorations, medals, and ribbons were to be listed. Certificates of achievement, letters of appreciation, and similar documents were not listed. 5. Army Regulation 635-8 (Separation Processing and Documents) prescribes policy and procedural guidance relating to transition management. It consolidates the policies, principles of support, and standards of service regarding processing personnel for transition. Instructions for do not include listing certificates of achievement, letters of appreciation, and similar documents on the DD Form 214. 6. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards), currently in effect, prescribes Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual and unit military awards. Certificates of achievement and letters of commendation or appreciation are appropriate means to recognize departing personnel, periods of faithful service, acts or achievements which do not meet the standards required for decorations. Acts or services which do not meet the criteria for decorations or the various authorized certificates may be recognized by written or oral expressions of commendation or appreciation. A written expression of commendation or appreciation will be typed on letterhead stationery and will not contain formalized printing, seals, or other distinguishing features which depart from normal letter form. Such letters may be issued to military personnel. Copies of each letter of commendation or appreciation will be distributed to the individual's Army Military Human Resource Record per Army Regulation 600-8-104 (Army Military Human Resource Record Management). //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20190003739 6 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1