2.  The applicant requests that he be paid a regular reenlistment bonus (RRB).

3.  He states that he has never received an RRB or a selective reenlistment bonus (SRB) and that according to the applicable regulations, he was eligible to receive at least the RRB of $2,000.00.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he initially enlisted in the Air Force on 12 July 1973 and served until he was honorably released from active duty on 1 June 1977 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.

5.  He enlisted in the Regular Army on 8 July 1986 for a period of 3 years.  On 4 August 1989 he reenlisted for a period of 2 years while serving in the pay grade of E-5.  He again reenlisted on 31 May 1991 for a period of 3 years and on 26 October 1993 for a period of 3 years while serving in the pay grade of E-6.  All of the applicant’s reenlistment contracts indicate that the applicant had no bonus entitlements. 

6.  In the processing of this case, a staff advisory opinion was obtained from the Total Army Personnel Command (PERSCOM).  It opined, in effect, that the applicant was on active duty on 1 June 1974 and therefore was entitled to receive a RRB of up to $2,000.00 beginning with his first reenlistment and subsequent reenlistments until such time as the maximum amount had been paid.

7.  The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) determined that the applicant was eligible to receive an RRB; however, because it could not determine whether or not he had been previously paid any type of bonus, it could not effect payment to the applicant without approval of the Board. 

8.  The Department of Defense Military Pay and Allowances Entitlements Manual prescribes the basic conditions for entitlements to the RRB.  It states, in pertinent part, that 


the RRB applies to members who were on active duty on 1 June 1974 and who thereafter reenlist within 3 months of being discharged (continuous service is not required).

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant was on active duty on 1 June 1974, the initial date necessary to qualify for payment of the RRB.

2.  The applicant, after completing his enlistment of 8 July 1986, reenlisted on 4 August 1989 for a period of 2 years.  This was the first period of service in which he qualified for an RRB.

3.  There is no evidence in the available records to show that the applicant received an RRB nor was the DFAS able to ascertain whether or not the applicant received an RRB.

4.  In the absence of evidence to show he received an RRB and in light of the determinations from the PERSCOM and the DFAS that the applicant was eligible to receive the RRB, the applicant should be paid the RRB for his 2-year reenlistment on 4 August 1989 and any subsequent reenlistments until such time as RRB entitlements are exhausted.

5.  In view of the foregoing, it would be appropriate to correct the applicant’s records as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected to show that the individual concerned was entitled to receive an RRB beginning with his 4 August 1989 reenlistment of 2 years.                 

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON