RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS IN THE MATTER OF: DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2012-03025 COUNSEL: NONE HEARING DESIRED: NO _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT: His Fitness Assessment (FA) dated 1 Feb 12 be removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS). _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT: 1. He was prematurely tested for his FA test on 1 Feb 12. He was not given 42 days to prepare for his FA test. In Oct 11, he underwent a major spinal fusion and was forced to wear a plastic brace for three months during the recovery period. He was placed on a physical profile due to the immobilization that the brace caused. On 23 Jan 12, the brace was removed and he was able to start a limited fitness regimen; however, 7 days later he was informed that he had to take the FA test because he was overdue. He was taped and his waist measured at 38 inches, which meant he failed the FA test. He does not believe he had sufficient time to work off the extra weight that he gained while convalescing. His previous FA tests show that he never failed. 2. In a letter dated 27 Jun 12, his neurosurgeon states that he saw the applicant in April 2012, he was doing well at that time (six months after his surgery). The neurosurgeon recommended that he begin physical fitness training, but should not undergo physical readiness testing for 6 months to give him time to recondition; this remains his recommendation. His complete submission, with attachments, is at Exhibit A. _________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF FACTS: The applicant is currently serving on active duty in the grade of technical sergeant (E-6). The applicant’s AF Form 422, dated 19 Dec 11, reflects that he was cleared for the height, weight, and Abdominal Circumference (AC) measurement components of the FA test. All other components were exempt. Another AF Form 422, dated 30 Apr 12, reflects that he was cleared to test on the height, weight, AC, and push-up components. All other components were exempt. The applicant’s AF Form 469, Form dated 14 Dec 11 and signed on 25 Jan 12, reflects his release date from the duty and mobility restrictions as 12 Apr 12; another AF Form 469, dated 14 Dec 11 and signed on 1 Feb 12, reflects the release date as 14 Apr 12, and another AF Form 469, dated 14 Dec 11 and signed on 25 Apr 12, reflects a release date of 11 Aug 12. The applicant’s last five FA scores are as follows: DATE SCORE 20 Aug 09 GOOD 19 Apr 10 GOOD 6 Oct 10 EXCELLENT * 1 Feb 12 UNSATISFACTORY 5 Jul 12 SATISFACTORY *Contested FA score. The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are contained in the letter prepared by the appropriate office of the Air Force, which is at Exhibit B. _________________________________________________________________ AIR FORCE EVALUATION: AFPC/DPSIM recommends denial. In this case, the applicant was tested in accordance with his AF Form 422, dated 19 Dec 11, which states he is cleared to test on height, weight, and AC only and is exempt from all other components (start date 14 Dec 11 and end date 12 Apr 12). Furthermore, the applicant was not entitled to 42 days of reconditioning as the date of release of recommendation on the Duty Limiting Conditions Report was 12 Apr 12. The complete DPSIM evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit B. _________________________________________________________________ APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION: Throughout his career he has sacrificed a great deal to give the Air Force his very best. As a jet engine mechanic, lifting heavy components and working in awkward positions for long periods of time for 12 years, his lower back took a great deal of abuse and subsequently required multiple surgeries to repair the damage. He acknowledges that in a “cookie cutter” fashion there is nothing wrong with the test score; however, he is asking for compassion and understanding with the hope that the work he has put into the fitness program means something to the Air Force and that he be afforded the opportunity to remove this blemish from his record. Additionally, this FA failure will prevent him from progressing further in rank. The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit D. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT: 1. The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations. 2. The application was timely filed. 3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice. We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case. We note the applicant’s contentions that he had a medical condition and was not given the appropriate amount of time for reconditioning; however, we believe as noted by the Air Force office of primary responsibility and the applicant’s profile release, the applicant was not entitled to additional time for reconditioning. Therefore, we do not find the evidence provided sufficient to conclude that his medical condition precluded him from receiving a fair FA. In view of this, we find no basis to recommend granting the relief sought in this application. _________________________________________________________________ THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT: The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application. _________________________________________________________________ The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2012-03025 in Executive Session on 15 Feb 13, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603: , Panel Chair , Member , Member The following documentary evidence for Docket Number BC-2012-03025 was considered: Exhibit A. DD Form 149, dated 6 Jul 12, w/atchs. Exhibit B. Letter, AFPC/DPSIM, dated 20 Jul 12, w/atch. Exhibit C. Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 6 Aug 12. Exhibit D. Letter, Applicant, dated 17 Aug 12. Panel Chair