IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 16 November 2021 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20210007506 APPLICANT REQUESTS: to be awarded the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Wheel (Driver-W). APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) * NCO Evaluation Report, July 1988 through April 1989 * Certificates of Achievement FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the three-year time frame 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 he is requesting the addition of the Drivers Badge - W and Mechanic award be added to his service record. He has enclosed Certificates of Achievement, awarded for superior driving 10,000 miles over 12 months and 16,000 over 24 months, which he considers proof of his assignment as driver during his enlistment in Germany. His NCO evaluation shows responsibility as driver /mechanic of M1008 (Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle) vehicle and trailer. 3. The applicant’s service records are not available for review. An exhaustive search was conducted to locate the service records but they could not be found. The only documents available were the documents provided by the applicant. These documents are sufficient for the Board to conduct a fair and impartial review of this case. 4. The applicant's DD Form 214 shows he enlisted in the Regular Army on 5 June 1986 and held military occupational specialty 67Y (Helicopter Repairer). 5. He served in Europe (Germany) for 2 years, 5 months, and 14 days, assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, and he was promoted to sergeant (SGT)/E-5 in July 1988. 6. He was honorably released from active duty on 31 May 1989. His DD Form 214 show she completed 2 years, 11 months, and 27 days of active service. It also show she was awarded or authorized: * Army Service Ribbon * NCO Professional Development Ribbon * Army Commendation Medal * Overseas Service Ribbon * Army Achievement Medal * Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16) * Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar * Aircraft Crewmember Bade 6. There are no permanent orders in his records that show he was recommended for or awarded the Driver and Mechanic Badge. 7. He provides: a. Certificate of Achievement, 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized), dated 10 October 1988, awarded for superior driving achievement of 10,000 miles in 12 months without a motor vehicle accident or moving traffic violation. b. Certificate of Achievement, 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized), dated 11 April 1989, awarded for superior driving achievement of 16,000 miles in 24 months without a motor vehicle accident or moving traffic violation. c. NCO Evaluation Report for the rating period July 1988 through April 1989, for his duties as Aircraft Crew Chief, responsible for the readiness of one M1008 vehicle and trailer, and with the additional duties of driver of such vehicle. 8. By regulation (AR 600-8-22), paragraph 8-2, the eligibility requirements for drivers require that a Soldier must— a. Qualify for and possess a current OF 346 (U.S. Government Motor Vehicles Operator’s Identification Card), issued as prescribed by AR 600–55; and b. Be assigned duties and responsibilities as a driver or assistant driver of Government vehicles for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, or during at least 8,000 miles with no Government motor vehicle accidents or traffic violations recorded on his or her DA Form 348–1 (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft) continuation sheet); or c. Perform satisfactorily for a minimum period of 1 year as an active qualified driver instructor or motor vehicle driver examiner. BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application and all supporting documents, the Board found that relief was warranted. Board members determined the two certificates provided by the applicant, that show he completed 10,000 miles in 12 months and 16,000 miles in 24 months without a motor vehicle accident or moving traffic violation, as well as his NCO Evaluation report for the rating period July 1988 through April 1989, with the additional duties of driver of such vehicle, qualified him for award of this badge. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 :X :X :X 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 by awarding him the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W. 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, 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 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 600-8-22 (Military Awards) provides for Department of the Army awards program. Paragraph 8-20 provides for the Driver and Mechanic Badge. a. The Driver and Mechanic Badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators to denote the attainment of a high degree of skill in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles and equipment. b. Any commander in the rank of LTC/O–5 or higher may approve award of the Driver and Mechanic Badge. c. Component bars are authorized only for the following types of vehicles and/or qualifications: * Driver-W (for wheeled vehicles). * Driver-T (for tracked vehicles). * Driver-M (for motorcycles). * Driver-A (for amphibious vehicles). * Mechanic (for automotive or allied vehicles). * Operator-S (for special mechanical equipment). d. The eligibility requirements for drivers require that a Soldier must— (1) Qualify for and possess a current OF 346 (U.S. Government Motor Vehicles Operator’s Identification Card), issued as prescribed by AR 600–55; and (2) Be assigned duties and responsibilities as a driver or assistant driver of Government vehicles for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, or during at least 8,000 miles with no Government motor vehicle accidents or traffic violations recorded on his or her DA Form 348–1 (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft) continuation sheet); or (3) Perform satisfactorily for a minimum period of 1 year as an active qualified driver instructor or motor vehicle driver examiner. e. The eligibility requirements for mechanics require that a Soldier must— (1) Pass aptitude tests and complete the standard mechanics’ course with a “skilled” rating or have demonstrated possession of sufficient previous experience as an automotive or engineer equipment mechanic to justify such a rating. (2) Be assigned to primary duty as an automotive or engineer mechanic, unit level or higher, or be an active automotive or engineer mechanic instructor. (3) If required to drive an Army motor vehicle in connection with automotive mechanic or automotive mechanic instructor duties, qualify for motor vehicle operators permit as prescribed above, and perform duty which includes driving motor vehicles for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, and have no Army motor vehicle accidents or traffic violations recorded on his or her DA Form 348 (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft)). //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20210007506 5 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1