IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 3 August 2021 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20210009111 APPLICANT REQUESTS: in effect, correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for the period ending on 13 October 1983, to show: * he was released from active duty on 2 November 1983 * he was awarded the Army Service Ribbon and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar * he completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) from 18 August 1983 to the date of his separation * he received his General Education Development (GED) APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 for the period ending on 13 October 1983 FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the three-year time frame provided in Title 10, U.S. Code (USC), 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, in effect: a. He wants to have his DD Form 214 corrected to show he was awarded the Army Service Ribbon due to completing basic training, the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, and to show he completed AIT, and that he took and passed his GED, while in military service. b. Lastly, he remembers leaving post on 2 November 1983, and has always felt that there was an error in his date of discharge or separation, since he was not released until November 1983. 3. The applicant's service record shows: a. On 11 May 1983, he enlisted in the Regular Army for a period of three years. b. DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) shows in: * item 9 (Awards, Decorations, and Campaigns): "Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge Rifle M-16" * item 17 (Civilian Education and Military Schools): * he did not complete his general education at the School of the Arts * he did not complete his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 31M (Multichannel Transmissions Systems Operator) * item 35 (Record of Assignments): * 18 May 1983 – 31M00 – Basic Training – A Company, 8th Battalion, 2nd Basic Training Brigade, Fort Jackson, SC * 15 July 1983 – 31M00 – AIT – A Company, 5th Battalion, 1st Signal Training Brigade, Fort Gordon, GA. * 13 October 1983 – Released to the Individual Ready Reserve Control Group (Annual Training) c. Separation Documents that reflects the following information: * He was recommended for separation under the Trainee Discharge Program due to his failure to meet minimum standards, was a disciplinary and motivational failure, and his character and behavior was not compatible with military service * He was approved for separation from active duty with an Entry Level Status and an Uncharacterized characterization of service * He did not desire to make a statement, to have a medical examination, or to consult with counsel. d. Orders Number D-05-045140, issued by U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Center, dated 10 May 1989, shows he was discharged from the Ready Reserve with an honorable discharge on 10 May 1989. e. His record does not show, nor does the applicant provide documentation to show he completed and passed his GED before or during his military service. 4. The applicant provides his DD Form 214, which shows the following information: * item 11 (Primary Specialty Number Title and Years and Months in Specialty): "31M00 Basic Trainee" * item 12b (Separation Date This Period): "13 October 1983" * item 13 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized): "Sharpshooter (Rifle)", does not show the Army Service Ribbon or the Expert Marksmanship Grenade Bar * item 14 (Military Education): "Not Applicable" * item 16 (High School Graduate or Equivalent): "No" * item 24 (Character of Service): "Entry level status" * item 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation): "Entry level status performance and conduct" BOARD DISCUSSION: After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was not warranted. The applicant’s contentions, the military record, and regulatory guidance were carefully considered. Based upon a preponderance of the evidence in the military record, the Board determined there is insufficient evidence that shows there was an error or injustice when his DD Form 214 was completed BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING :XX :XX :XX 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. 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, USC, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within three 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 three-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-22 (Military Awards) prescribes Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual and unit military awards. a. The Army Service Ribbon was established by the Secretary of the Army on 10 April 1981. Effective 1 August 1981, all members of the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve in an active Reserve status are eligible for the award upon successful completion of initial entry training. b. Effective 1 August 1981, all members of the Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve in an active Reserve status are eligible for this award. The ribbon may be awarded retro actively to those personnel who completed the required training before 1 August 1981, provided they had an Active Army status as defined above on or after 1 August 1981. Per guidance from HRC Awards Branch on 20 August 2009, service in an active Reserve status also counts towards eligibility in retroactive cases. However, service in the IRR is also in an active Reserve status, so HRC further clarified that only service resulting in a paycheck counts as active Reserve service.) c. Chapter 5-5d states enlisted Soldiers will be awarded this ribbon upon successful completion of their initial MOS producing course. For those enlisted Soldiers assigned an MOS based on civilian or other service acquired skills, this ribbon will be awarded on honorable completion of 4-months active service. d. Chapter 8-2 (Types of Badges). Marksmanship badges. Marksmanship badges and tabs are awarded to indicate the degree in which an individual has qualified in prescribed weapons firing courses or events. 3. AR 635-5 (Separation Documents) in effect at the time, established standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. a. Item 12: Enter the date of the first day of the last immediate reenlistment for which a DD Form 214 was not issued under the provisions of paragraph 1-4b(5). For item 12b, it is self-explanatory. b. Item 13: Self-explanatory. c. Item 14: List in-service training courses; title, number of weeks, year successfully completed during this period of service; e.g., medical, dental, electronics, supply, administration, personnel, or heavy equipment operations. This information is to assist the member after separation in job placement and counseling; therefore, training courses for combat skills will not be listed. d. Item 16: Self-explanatory. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20210009111 4 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS