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

3.  The applicant states, in effect, that he has never received an RRB or a selective reenlistment bonus (SRB) and according to his career counselor he should have received at least an RRB.

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he was initially inducted on 16 February 1971 and has remained on active duty through continuous reenlistments.  The applicant, after completing his period of induction, reenlisted on 21 December 1972 for a period of 3 years while serving in the pay grade of E-5.  He was promoted to the pay grade of E-9 on 1 December 1989.

5.  A review of all of the applicant’s reenlistment documents fails to show bonus entitlements.  Additionally, a staff member of the Board contacted officials at the local Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to ascertain if the applicant had received any bonus payments.  The DFAS indicated that the applicant’s records currently indicate that the applicant has not received any bonus payments.

6.  Army Regulation 601-280 establishes policy and procedures for the Total Army Retention Program.  It states, in pertinent part, that effective 1 June 1974, the use of the RRB was terminated.  However, each soldier on active duty on 1 June 1974 will continue to be eligible to receive at least $2,000.00 for reenlisting (RRB,SRB, or combination) during an entire 20-year career.

7.  The Department of Defense Military Pay and Allowances Entitlements Manual prescribes the basic conditions for entitlement 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 induction period of 16 February 1971, reenlisted on 21 December 1972 for a period of 3 years while serving in the pay grade of E-5.  This was his 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 was ever authorized or ever received any bonus entitlements.

4.  In the absence of evidence to show he received an RRB and in light of the fact that he was eligible to receive the RRB, the applicant should be paid the RRB for his 3-year reenlistment on 21 December 1972 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 21 December 1972 reenlistment of 3 years. 

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON