IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 8 February 2023 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20220007269 APPLICANT REQUESTS: correction of his DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to reflect U.S. Army Ranger School graduation. APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S) CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * partial Ranger Class 14-81 Graduation Program, 19 November 1981 * photograph FACTS: 1. The applicant did not file within the 3-year time frame provided in Title 10, U.S. 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 a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, Class 14-81, but this is not documented on his DD Form 214. He would like it added to accurately reflect his success in graduating from this prestigious school. He did not know this was not on his DD Form 214 until he filed a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) last year and only last month did he locate the attached graduation documents. 3. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 22 August 1983. 4. The applicant’s DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record – Part II) shows the following: a. Item 17 (Civilian Education and Military Schools) lists the following completed military training: * U.S. Army Advanced Individual Training (USAITC), 11B (Infantryman) 12 weeks, 1980 * U.S. Army Infantry School (USAIS), Basic Airborne, 3 weeks, 1980 * U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance(USA JFKCMA), Fort Bragg, NC, Jumpmaster, 2 weeks, 1982 * Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC) Fort Sherman, Panama, Jungle Warfare, 3 weeks, 1982 * U.S. Army Ranger School is not listed b. Items 33 (Date) and 34 (Signature) show the form was initially prepared on 25 August 1980 and on 9 May 1983 was reviewed and signed by the applicant. 5. The applicant provided a copy of what appears to be a partial graduation program for Ranger Class 14-81, dated 19 November 1981, wherein his name is listed as an enlisted graduate. 6. The applicant also provided a notarized photograph of service members posing with a Ranger guidon, sign, and placard stating Ranger Class 14-91. The applicant has circled a portion of the photograph with the label, “I am here.” 7. The applicant was honorably released from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Control Group (Reinforcement) due to expiration term of service after 3 years of net active service on 21 August 1983. Item 14 (Military Education)on his DD Form 214 lists “None//Nothing Follows.” 8. There are no documents in the applicant’s available service records, to include orders or a Certificate of Training, reflecting his attendance at or completion of U.S. Army Ranger School. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. After reviewing the application, all supporting documents, and the evidence found within the military record, the Board found that relief was not warranted. The Board carefully considered the applicant's record of service, documents submitted in support of the petition and executed a comprehensive and standard review based on law, policy and regulation. Upon review of the applicant’s petition and available military records, the Board determined there was insufficient evidence to support the applicant graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger school. The Board recommended to the applicant that he reach out to the U.S Army Infantry School based on their meticulous records may be able to provide him assistance. In addition, he could potentially reach out to his classmate who may have orders that reflect his name since they normally are done in group orders. However, the Board denied relief based insufficient evidence. 2. This board is not an investigative body. The Board determined despite the absence of the applicant’s military education records, they agreed the burden of proof rest on the applicant, however, he did not provide any supporting documentation and his service record has insufficient evidence to support the applicant contentions that he graduated from U.S. Army Ranger School. BOARD VOTE: Mbr 1 Mbr 2 Mbr 3 : : : GRANT FULL RELIEF : : : GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF : : : GRANT FORMAL HEARING X X X 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, 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 ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. 2. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time, prescribes the separation documents which are prepared for individuals upon retirement, discharge or release from active military service or control of the Army and establishes standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). The specific instructions for preparation of the DD Form 214 state in item 14 (Military Education) 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. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20220007269 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1