BOARD DATE:	  29 October 2009

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20090009931 


THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE:

1.  Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any).

2.  Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any).


THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant requests removal of her Saint Regis University college transcript from her Official Military Personnel File (OMPF).

2.  The applicant states that her Saint Regis University college transcript, dated 7 June 2002, is not valid and that the college that issued the transcript is not a regionally or nationally accredited institution by the council of higher education accreditation.  She would like the transcript removed from her OMPF.

3.  The applicant provides a copy of her Saint Regis University college transcript, dated 7 June 2002; and an internet article, dated 10 June 2009, regarding illegal diplomas, in support of her application.  

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant is a Regular Army first sergeant who entered military service on 15 September 1987 and holds military occupational specialty 44C (Finance Specialist).  She served through multiple reenlistments in various staff and leadership positions and is currently assigned to the Pentagon.  

2.  The applicant's records further show that on an unknown date, she forwarded a copy of her official academic transcript from Saint Regis University, Washington, DC, showing completion of a Master of Business Administration in Financial Management degree to be filed in her OMPF.

3.  The transcripts were received by the Human Resources Command (HRC) Indianapolis (formerly known as the U.S. Army Enlisted Records and Evaluation Center or USAEREC) and filed in the Performance "P" section of her OMPF.

4.  The applicant submitted a copy of an internet article, dated 10 June 2009, which shows that the Army is investigating Soldiers who bought degrees from several illegal or fake institutions, including Saint Regis University, and that each case will be investigated by the Soldier’s unit commander to see what action is warranted. 

5.  Chapter 2 of Army Regulation 600-8-104 (Military Personnel Information Management/Records) governs the composition of the OMPF, and states in pertinent part that the performance section is used for filing performance, commendatory and disciplinary data.  Once placed in the OMPF, the document becomes a permanent part of that file.  The document will not be removed from or moved to another part of the OMPF unless directed by certain agencies, to include this Board.  Table 2-1 of Army Regulation 600-8-104 states, in pertinent part, that all enlisted Soldiers’ transcripts of credit from civilian colleges, universities, trade schools, or business schools are filed in the permanent section of the Performance section on the OMPF.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The applicant’s contention and concern over the document in question is noted.  However, once a document is placed in the OMPF, it becomes a permanent part of that file.  The OMPF is an unbroken record of a Soldier's service, conduct, duty performance, and evaluation periods.  There is no evidence to suggest that the document in question is filed in error, nor is there any evidence it has adversely affected the applicant’s career.  There is no regulatory requirement that the transcripts be from an accredited institution before they may be filed in the OMPF.

BOARD VOTE:

________  ________  ________  GRANT FULL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF 

________  ________  ________  GRANT FORMAL HEARING

____x___  ____x___  ____x___  DENY APPLICATION


BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice.  Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned.




      _______ _   ___x____   ___
               CHAIRPERSON
      
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.

ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20090009931



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20090009931



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