2.  The applicant requests correction of her records to show that she was enlisted in the USAR on 28 February 1996 in pay grade E-3 and correction of her basic active service date (BASD) and pay entry basic date (PEBD).  The applicant contends that based upon her education she should have been enlisted in the higher pay grade.  In support of her application she submits a copy of her transcripts which shows that she completed 45 credit hours from the City College of New York.

3.  The applicant enlisted in the USAR on 28 February 1996. She completed 4 months and 27 days of active duty for training (ADT).  She was released from ADT on 17 January 1997 in pay grade E-1. 

4.  She enlisted in the Regular Army on 30 April 1997 in pay grade E-1.

5.  In an advisory opinion to the Board (COPY ATTACHED), the Total Army Personnel Command (PERSCOM), advised, in effect, that in accordance with Army Regulation 601-210, paragraph 2-20l(5), soldiers who lack documentation at the time of enlistment will be promoted only on the date they provide that information to the unit commander.  The applicant enlisted with 45 semester hours without proper documentation.  PERSCOM recommended correcting her records to show that she was promoted to pay grade E-2 effective 18 August 1997, the date she submitted her application to the Board.  PERSCOM further noted that the applicant’s local Personnel Service Center will assist her in determining her BASD and PEBD.  

Army Regulation 601-210, paragraph 2-20e requires 30 or more semester hours for enlistment in pay grade E-2.  Paragraph 2-20f of the cited regulation provides for enlistment in pay grade E-3 upon completion of 60 or more credit hours.   

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  As provided by the relevant regulation, the applicant is only eligible for enlistment at the higher pay grade if she had the required documentation at the time of her enlistment.  Otherwise, it is only effective the day she presents it to her unit commander.

2.  As there is no evidence that the applicant presented this information to her command prior to making application to the Board, it is only just to advance her to pay grade E - 2 effective 18 August 1997. 

3.  The applicant would have only been eligible for enlistment in pay grade E-3 had she successfully completed 60 or more semester hours.

4.  The applicant is advised to request the assistance of the Personnel Service Center for correction of her BASD and PEBD, as recommended by PERSCOM.

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

RECOMMENDATION:

1.  That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the applicant was advanced to pay grade E-2 on 18 August 1997 under the provisions of AR 601-210, paragraph 2-20l(5).

2.  That so much of the application as is in excess of the foregoing be denied.
  
BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION

		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON