IN THE CASE OF: BOARD DATE: 1 October 2021 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20200008015 APPLICANT REQUESTS: in effect, * correction of her DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) covering the period ending 8 December 1975 to show the following: * item 1 (Last Name - First Name - Middle Name) X_, X_, X_ in lieu of x_, x_, x_ * item 15 (Date Entered Active Duty This Period) “73 03 16” in lieu of “73 09 17” * item 9d (Effective Date) “75 12 15” in lieu of “75 12 08” * item 16a (Primary Specialty Number and title) add Special Qualification Identifier (SQI) “S” for Special Forces included in her primary military occupational specialty (PMOS) * item 19 (Indochina or Korea service since August 5, 1964) place an x in the “yes” block in lieu of the “no” block and add specific dates of service in Vietnam * item 26 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) add Parachutist Badge, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star * item 27 (Remarks) to show assignment to the 1st Special Forces Group * correction of her military personnel file to show the following: * military sexual trauma (MST) * sprained ankle * exposure to Agent Orange * personal appearance before the Board APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD: * DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record) * DD Form 214 * personal letter 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 a. she participated in an experiment for women's reaction and durability in combat. She was the third women selected. She went through training and became a fully- fledged Green Beret. She went to Vietnam on a search and destroy (S&D) team. She was raped by a member of her squad and stabbed by a [enemy Soldier] who she garroted to death. She sprained her ankle jumping into Cameron Bay. Upon return, the four participants were told they weren't supposed to have been put through the program and their records were altered and destroyed. They were then administered LSD and electric shock to make them forget. She spent 15 years not knowing what happened but had flashbacks, nightmares and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), then called depression & anxiety, until she ran into a team member in Massachusetts in the 1980s. He talked to her for three hours giving her the highlights of what happened. He told her that the records showing the mission were destroyed. She has lived with this horror for over 50 years. She is still in counseling. Her counselor told her that getting her DD Form 214 corrected and getting her awards, especially her Purple Heart back would help her to heal some. She has had to relive this over and over, not understanding what was wrong with her and it has affected her in so many ways. She will gladly talk to someone about what she remembered happened. She doesn’t remember exact dates as this was burned from her brain. b. She has always been a proud American and was proud to serve her country even with the anti-war sentiment in the world. She guesses she was forced to enter with her married name F_, even though she had not changed her name legally. She was in the process of getting divorced so she didn't want to use it. She was born X_ X_ X_, her name given to her by her father, the only man who ever really loved her. She entered the Army in March 1973. She had a written guarantee to be an x-ray technician with a 24-month tour in Germany. She ended up driving a 10-ton truck and working in the supply depot in Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa she took a written, multiple guess test that was for a program where someone wanted to test women's ability in combat. The successful completion of these four women (she was one of them, the third one selected) in this program is the reason why women can now be in combat roles. Women are more vicious killers then men. A while back, a woman received her SAPPER achievement and she thought she could do that because of what the four of women did. Women can now be Green Berets because of the program's accomplishments and what they did. Back in 1973, the Vietnam era, things were done to service members that were not part of today's records. She had played Army since she was a child and Vic Morrow in the show 'Combat' was her hero. Both her father and godfather served in the Army. She was proud to be part of the service. She graduated top of her classes at Fort Lee and went from E-2 to E-4 in three days. c. She doesn’t remember much of her training or her actual tour in Vietnam. She was told they left on 24 April 1975 since the war was over. She was part of an S&D team looking for prisoners of war (POWs). She still has wicked nightmares and flashbacks and has never been right in the head since then. She thinks having her brain burnt out with LSD and electric shock did a number on her. All she knows is all of a sudden they were brought back and told that what they did never should have happened and it would disappear. She remembers when she got out that she went to a place in Syracuse where they did a physical and they didn't think that her sprained ankle (permanent damage, still gives her problems) or any of the other minor problems were compensable. None of the programs records existed. She was labelled as depressed and anxious due to the brain burn thing. The reason she was brain burned wasn't notated in the file. She couldn't remember what happened. At that time, sexual assault was just part of being a female in the service and was blown off. Being labelled as depressed has been a major handicap her whole life. d. She does remember jumping out of airplanes and landing next to water. She remembers sleeping in trees since some of her squad feared what would happen if they were overrun in the night by the North Viet Cong. She distinctively remembers the eyes of the guy who stabbed her and she garroted him until his head almost fell off. She remembers they “didn't go in” Laos or Cambodia if she was asked. She remembers spraining her ankle and the guys taking off her boot, taping her ankle and telling her not to take off her boot until they got to a medic station. Her stab wound was taped up and four days later when they came in to station, it was stitched. It was then re-stitched when she got back to Okinawa. She remembers being at Cameron Bay and a helicopter landing with the blades out of the water, and when the two pilots came up from the helicopter they were killed by the propellers sticking above the water. She remembers all the blood. She remembers they ate great at Navy/Marine stations. e. She ran into a guy at Fort Devens in the early 1980's who was in her squad and was brain burned. He sat and told her how and what happened. His first name was P_. It seems they got paid to keep their mouths shut. Part of the program required 2 of them to be married. She married a guy named B_ who she knew 60 days. That's when the Army changed her name. She never signed anything to change her name. Her name has always been W____. They were divorced in 1976. She never saw him again. He was paid $10k for his participation and silence. She thinks he is dead by now. P_ didn't know what happened to the other 3 women but that they went through the declassification and made to forget like her. He told her about her being raped and how she was beaten. She remembers a sock in her mouth. Seems the Army didn't want her to remember that so they burnt her good on that one. She also remembers how her hair would smell moldy since she had to keep it up and it was waist length. When they came in from the bush one the first things she did was wash her hair. She lost so much of her life from this and walked around in a cloud not knowing what happened to her there. f. She remembers it was so hot there and the big ugly bugs and snakes. She flashbacks to villages where the locals lived. She did her best to be one of the guys. Since you never knew who the enemy was, she kept a low profile. She still suffers from people interaction since she’s not sure of who she is. g. When she got out, she was at Fort Drum, NY, starting in 1976. She got back home a week before Christmas in 1975. She went to the shrinks at the local hospital and was put on Lithium. It was an experimental drug for depression. Since then she has been in counseling for her whole life and taken every drug made. The drug Imipramine that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) put her on for 12 years has caused her hair to fall out, her teeth to rot from the inside out, and is a contributing factor to her sugar problems. When in Okinawa at the depot she would get bathed in Agent Orange when picking up a pallet with a forklift from overhead and it having leaking drums from rusting. And since her boots on the ground time in Vietnam is buried in the Army's records, she is being denied benefits. h. She has seen doctors for as long as she can remember. She had a wonderful counselor at North Little Rock who finally got her diagnosed with PTSD, which has been erased from her records again. The counselor had her being able to say and admit she was raped. She’s had a hard time with this all her life. She didn't know about the time limit for getting her records corrected and obviously neither did the VA, DAV, VFW or Purple Heart Society. Her counselor in N____ L____ R____ and her shrink in F____, NC are pushing her to get her records corrected and to get her awards, especially her Purple Heart. The awards were rescinded, otherwise the Army would have to admit what they did actually happened. So now she wants this all corrected before she dies. She doesn’t have much of a legacy to leave but the fact that she was the third women to become a Green Beret is about it. She wants her records corrected, her awards back, and she thank the board for helping her. She has always loved her country and was proud to serve. She wonders if she had done this 25 years ago, how her life might be better. i. She lives as a recluse. She can't work and has a poor social life. She stays home. She was homeless for 3 months and not one person or organization lifted a finger to help her, even the VA. She doesn't drink or do drugs, and she doesn't know why not. She just knows her past being corrected will help her to be a better person. She has requested records before and have been told that they don't exist. Amazing what gets lost when the government wants it to happen. 3. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 17 September 1973 for a period of 3 years. Her DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract – Armed Forces of the United States) shows her printed last name as F_. It has F_ crossed out and W_ hand written above it and has B_ hand written above W_. She signed her name as X_ X_ X_. 4. The applicant was assigned to the Headquarters WAC Training Center, Fort McClellan, AL for basic training on 17 September 1973. She was transferred to Fort Lee, VA for advanced individual training. She was awarded the military occupational specialty (MOS) 76P (Stock Control and Accounting Specialist) on 16 January 1974 and 76S (Vehicle Material Supply) on 15 February 1974. She was transferred to her permanent duty station in Okinawa, Japan on 23 April 1974. 5. Special Orders Number 130 dated 10 May 1974 show the applicant’s name was changed from X_ X_ X_ to X_ X_ X_ due to divorce. 6. A Request for Name Change Due to Marriage dated 26 June 1974 and signed by the applicant, shows she requested her name changed from X_ X_ X_ to x_ x_ x_ based on her marriage on 25 June 1974. Special Orders Number 197 dated 16 July 1974 show her name was changed as requested. 7. A DA Form 428 (Application for Identification Card) dated 18 July 1974, signed by the applicant, shows she requested a new identification card under the name x_ x_ x_. A second DA Form 428, dated 27 August 1975, shows she requested a replacement card under the same name. 8. The applicant completed the Supply and ADP Operations Correspondence Course on 12 September 1975. 9. A DA Form 2166-4 (Enlisted Efficiency Report) dated 16 September 1975 shows the applicant rated serving as a stock handler. The rater’s comments state she was an integral part in the daily functions of the clothing sales store. 10. Special Orders Number 259 dated 16 September 1975 shows the applicant’s permanent change of station (PCS) to Fort Lewis, WA with a reporting date of 26 December 1975. 11. On 24 September 1975, the applicant received a letter of appreciation recognizing her completion of correspondence sub course, Supply Publications. She received a second letter of appreciation on 25 September 1975, recognizing her completion of correspondence sub course, Punched-Card Operation. 12. The applicant’s DA Form 2-1 shows in item 4 (assignment considerations), no assignment requiring handling of heavy materials including weapons. No overhead work, no pull-ups or push-ups, amputation left II and IV distal phalanges 2 October 1975. 13. On 26 November 1975, the applicant was notified by her commander that he was initiating action to discharge her under the provisions of paragraph 5-37, AR 635-200 with a recommendation for an honorable discharge certificate. The reason for the proposed action was she had expressed a definite hostility towards the Army, the personnel within it and military service in general. In late July [1975], she expressed a desire to be discharged under any possible condition, including causing herself and the command problems to enhance disciplinary and/or board action, just to get out. This attitude has not changed and is indicative of an inability to adapt socially and militarily, and shows she has no further potential or desire for remaining in the service. In August 1975, he began expeditious discharge program proceedings, which she declined. Her lack of desire, self-discipline and personal motivations prompts this resubmittal. She was advised of her right to decline the discharge, and submit a statement on her own behalf. 14. The applicant acknowledged the notification of her proposed discharge. She voluntarily consented to discharge, waived her right to submit a statement on her behalf, acknowledged that she may withdraw her consent, and if she declines discharge she will be subject to separation under other provisions. 15. Special Orders Number 332, dated 28 November 1975, shows revocation of her prior PCS orders. She was ordered to PCS to Oakland Army Base, CA with a reporting date of 14 December 1975. 16. The applicant received two letters of appreciation on 1 December 1975. One from a civilian manager at the clothing sales store, and the other from the NCOIC of Army Clothing Sales. 17. The applicant was honorably discharged on 8 December 1975 under Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations – Enlisted Personnel), paragraph 5-37. She was credited with 2 years, 2 months, 22 days of total service, of which, 1 year, 7 months, 16 days were foreign service. Her separation code was KMN, and reentry code was 3. Among her awarded or authorized medals and badges are the National Defense Service Ribbon. Item 18 (Remarks) shows: * last country of overseas assignment: Okinawa * military education: stock control and account specialist; auto repair parts specialist * reference item #1: also known as: X_, X_ X_; X_, X_ X_ 18. The applicant’s available records do not show service in Vietnam. They do not show she attended special forces training or Airborne School. The available records do not show she carried the Special Forces Special Qualification Identifier (SQI) of “S” in her MOS. Her available records do not contain evidence she was attached or assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group. Her available records do not contain evidence she was awarded the Parachutist Badge, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, or Bronze Star Medal. 19. On 17 February 2021, the ABCMR contacted the Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) to obtain a Sanitized Report of Investigation (ROI) and/or Military Police Reports. CID did not provide a report pertaining to an assault during her military service. 20. The applicant’s personnel record does not contain any medical records. There are no indications she was treated for an ankle injury, or served in an area of presumptive exposure to Agent Orange. She did not provide any medical records in support of her application. On 23 February 2021, ABCMR sent her a letter requesting she provide her medical records. No response was received. 22. MEDICAL REVIEW: a. The Army Review Board Agency (ARBA) Medical Advisor reviewed the supporting documents and the applicant's records in the VA's Joint Legacy Viewer (JLV). The applicant stated that she participated in an experiment for women’s reaction and durability in combat. She stated that she was raped by a member of her squad. She further says that she has PTSD from her experiences. She served in Vietnam and stated that she has some difficulty remembering the mission because she was given LSD and electric shock to make her forget. She has a lot of administrative requests. The other injuries she reported sustaining were a stab wound, sprained ankle and exposure to Agent Orange. b. In-service and related records (1) 18Feb1975 NCO Evaluation Report Support Form (DA Form 2166-4) with duty title Receiving Specialist: “She is very aggressive and shows excellent potential for advancement.” (2) 16Sep1975 NCO Evaluation Report Support Form (DA Form 2166-4) with duty title Stock Handler: “… she was an integral part in the daily functions of the Clothing Sales Store. Although working outside of her MOS, she has maintained a degree of proficiency in that MOS.” (3) The DA Form 2-1 (Personnel Qualification Record) contained information that the applicant was to receive no assignment requiring handling of heavy materials including weapons. No overhead work, no pull-ups. She had suffered amputation of left II and IV distal phalanges on 02Oct1975. (4) On 26Nov1975, the request for discharge under provisions of AR 635-200, para 5-37 was approved for processing under the Expeditious Discharge Program. It was noted that she had expressed hostility towards the military, the personnel within it, and military service in general. (5) In 1980, it appeared that the applicant was trying to get a waiver to re-enter service. One friend indicated in their recommendation of support, that the applicant got out of the Army to save her marriage. c. Medical Records after discharge. (1) JLV search revealed that the applicant was first seen at the VA in 2012. She had been followed by outside provider(s) but was transferring care to the VA due to financial concerns. (2) During the 14Sep2012 Initial PTSD C&P exam, she reported having married and divorced 5 times. Two of her husbands were physically abusive. She reported having friends and enjoying living in the country and walking her dogs. She earned 2 master’s degrees, and worked over 30 years as an environmental engineer. She reported being unemployed since November 2011. Her mental health treatment began in the mid-1970's while she was still in the military (for depression). She had inpatient psychiatric treatment in 2004. She reported being raped by a someone in her unit. She also reported that she discharged due to her stabbing this soldier. This C&P provider did not think she met criteria for PTSD. At the time, the applicant was service connected for Major Depressive Disorder at 30%. JLV search for this review revealed that the applicant is currently service connected by the VA for PTSD at 100%. (3) 26Oct2012 Mental Health Consult visit she reported that she had a history of PTSD and Bipolar Disorder and was taking medicine prescribed at an outside facility. She described the traumatic experience of being raped while in service at age 23. She repeated that she confronted her attacker later and stabbed him to death. She also described other experiences of being attacked by males. She has nightmares, avoids males, and avoids talking about the experiences. The provider went on to record other symptoms consistent with PTSD and Bipolar Disorder and affirmed these diagnoses. She served in Vietnam but denied combat experience. She was diagnosed with PTSD and some borderline and antisocial personality traits were also noted. d. There were no in-service treatment records available for review. There was no documentation to support that the applicant had conditions which failed medical retention standards at the time of discharge, in accordance with AR 40-501 chapter 3 and warranted an Army disability rating. The characterization of service was Honorable. In regards to the applicant’s multiple administrative requests, they are outside of the purview of liberal guidance and the Medical Advisor defers to the Board. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant's request for a personal appearance hearing was carefully considered. In this case, the evidence of record was sufficient to render a fair and equitable decision. As a result, a personal appearance hearing is not necessary to serve the interest of equity and justice in this case. 2. 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. Regulatory guidance provides previous names used during the period are annotated in the Remarks section of the DD Form 214. In this case, the name she requests to display on the top of the form, is properly shown in the Remarks of her DD Form 214; therefore, the Board agreed relief is not warranted as the form shows the circumstances that existed when she separated. Based upon a preponderance of the evidence, the Board determined there is insufficient evidence that shows the following: service in Vietnam; being awarded the requested decorations; the need for changing her service dates; an amendment of her MOS is required; a need to address her medical records. 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 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 (Personnel Separations – Separation Documents), in effect at the time prescribed the separation documents that were furnished individuals who were retired, discharged, or released from active military service, including members of Reserve components on active duty for training (ADT) or full-time training duty (FTTD) and US Military Academy cadets, to include preparation of the DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty). It states: a. Source Documents. DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) and DA Form 66 (Officer Qualification Record) are the basic source documents for preparing DD Form 214WS (Worksheet). However, in preparing DD Form 214WS, personnel officers should review all available documents such as the MPRJ (Military Personnel Records Jacket), DA Form 2143 (Military Personnel Financial Data. Records, U.S. Army), DA Form 3716 (Personal Financial Record), reassignment orders, enlistment or induction records, and any DD Forms 214 for prior service at least 90 days prior to scheduled separation. b. The instructions for the completion of the following: (1) Item 1 (Name (Last, First, Middle) states, enter name in order shown on DD Form 214, using all capital letters, and including abbreviation for junior, senior, second, when appropriate. (2) Item 9d (Effective date) states the effective date of separation will be shown [using all numerals; e.g.,73 for year, 01 for January]. (3) Item 15 (Date entered active duty this period) states, enter date [using all numerals; e.g.,73 for year, 01 for January]. (4) Item 16a (Primary specialty number and title) states, enter the MOS code, title, and date of award. Also, for enlisted personnel enter PMOS evaluation score and date of score. If the enlisted person has not received an evaluation score, enter “none”. (5) Item 19 (Indochina or Korea service since August 5, 1964) indicates, for Vietnam service place an x in the “yes” block and show specific dates of service. (6) Item 26 (Decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons awarded or authorized) indicates, this item covers the entire Army service. (7) Item 27 (Remarks) states in part, the remarks section will be used for entries authorized by HQDA for which a separate item is not available on the DD Form 214 and to complete entries too long for their respective blocks. When completing a long entry, the item number being completed must precede the item 27 comment. Sample authorized entries for item 27 follow and are shown in figure 2-1. Some examples include: enter the country in which last period of oversea service was performed, and list formal in-service training courses successfully completed during this period of service; e.g., medical and dental, electronics, supply, administration, personnel, or heavy equipment operations. This information is to assist in employment placement and job counseling, so training courses for combat skills will not be listed. 3. Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states: a. The Purple Heart is awarded for a wound sustained in action against an enemy or as a result of hostile action. Substantiating evidence must be provided to verify the wound was the result of hostile action, the wound must have required treatment by medical personnel, and the medical treatment must have been made a matter of official record. b. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded in time of war for heroism and for meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. c. The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all Service members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and its contiguous waters or airspace there over, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Service members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thai-land, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace there over, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. d. The Parachutist Badge is awarded to any individual that has satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of Infantry School or have participated in at least one combat parachute jump. 4. A memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense, dated 25 August 2017, provided clarifying guidance regarding mental health conditions, sexual assault, and sexual harassment when reviewing requests for changes in discharges. Standards for review should rightly consider the unique nature of these cases and afford each veteran a reasonable opportunity for relief even if the sexual assault or sexual harassment was unreported, or the mental health condition was not diagnosed until years later. Invisible wounds are some of the most difficult cases and there are frequently limited records for the boards to consider, often through no fault of the veteran, in resolving appeals for relief. This clarifying guidance ensures fair and consistent standards of review for veterans with mental health conditions, or who experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment regardless of when they served or in which Military Department they served. Liberal consideration will be given to veterans petitioning for discharge relief when the application for relief is based in whole or in part on matters relating to mental health conditions. 5. On 25 July 2018, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness issued guidance to Military Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NRs) regarding equity, injustice, or clemency determinations. Clemency generally refers to relief specifically granted from a criminal sentence. BCM/NRs may grant clemency regardless of the court-martial forum. However, the guidance applies to more than clemency from a sentencing in a court- martial; it also applies to any other corrections, including changes in a discharge, which may be warranted on equity or relief from injustice grounds. This guidance does not mandate relief, but rather provides standards and principles to guide BCM/NRs in application of their equitable relief authority. In determining whether to grant relief on the basis of equity, injustice, or clemency grounds, BCM/NRs shall consider the prospect for rehabilitation, external evidence, sworn testimony, policy changes, relative severity of misconduct, mental and behavioral health conditions, official governmental acknowledgement that a relevant error or injustice was committed, and uniformity of punishment. 6. Army Regulation 635-200 (Personnel Separations – Enlisted Personnel), paragraph 5-37 (Expeditious Discharge Program) states this program provides that individuals who have demonstrated that they cannot or will not meet acceptable standards required of enlisted personnel in the Army, because of the existence of one or more of the following conditions, may be discharged: poor attitude, lack of motivation, lack of self-discipline, inability to adapt socially or emotionally, failure to demonstrate promotion potential. 7. Army Regulation 15-185 (Army Board for Correction of Military Records) prescribes the policies and procedures for correction of military records by the Secretary of the Army acting through the ABCMR. Paragraph 2-11 states applicants do not have a right to a formal hearing before the ABCMR. The Director or the ABCMR may grant a formal hearing whenever justice requires. 8. Army Regulation 600-200 (Enlisted Personnel Management System), in effect at the time, prescribed policy and procedures for career management of Army personnel. a. Paragraph 2-33 provided the general provisions of Special Qualification Identifiers (SQI). The SQI is the fifth character of the military occupational specialty code (MOSC), which identifies special qualifications that a Soldier may possess. SQI “S” is awarded for Special Forces. b. Soldiers who are qualified for award of an authorized SQI will be awarded the SQI by announcement in orders. The SQI, when made part of an MOS, will be retained as long as the Soldier is qualified in the skill represented or until a more significant SQI is attained. Special Forces, Rangers, and Airborne Soldiers will be considered qualified only as long as they maintain their volunteer status. 9. Army Regulation 15-185 (Army Board for Correction of Military Records) prescribes the policies and procedures for correction of military records by the Secretary of the Army acting through the ABCMR. a. The ABCMR begins its consideration of each case with the presumption of administrative regularity. The applicant has the burden of proving an error or injustice by a preponderance of the evidence. b. Paragraph 2-11 states applicants do not have a right to a formal hearing before the ABCMR. The Director or the ABCMR may grant a formal hearing whenever justice requires. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20200008015 10 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1