BOARD DATE: 26 April 2011 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20100026043 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 that his military records be corrected to reflect the last four digits of his social security account number (SSAN) as "3918." 2. The applicant states his military records incorrectly reflect the last four digits of his SSAN as "3318" instead of "3918." 3. The applicant provides copies of: * his SSAN card * a leave and earnings statement * his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) * his DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214) CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army in Detroit, Michigan, on 15 April 1964 for a period of 3 years and training as a lineman. At the time of his enlistment there was no requirement to enter an individual's SSAN and thus he was issued an Army service number. 3. He completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and advanced individual training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was assigned to Korea on 6 September 1964. He departed Korea on 19 September 1965 and was transferred to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. 4. On 6 July 1969 he was honorably released from active duty (REFRAD) his DD Form 214 reflects his SSAN as having the last four digits of "3318." 5. A review of his official records shows that all documents contained in his records that contain an SSAN reflect the last four digits as "3318." Additionally, all documents completed by the applicant also reflect the last four digits of his SSAN as "3318." 6. On 1 July 1969, the Army discontinued the issuance and use of the Army service number and began using the SSAN for identification. Prior to 1 July 1969, service members were not required to maintain an SSAN in their records; however, they were usually recorded when provided by the individual Soldier. 7. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) serves as the authority for the preparation of the DD Form 214. It provides that the DD Form 214 will be prepared to reflect information as it exists in the official records at the time of separation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The evidence of record shows the applicant's SSAN at the time of his REFRAD contained the last four digits of "3318." There is no evidence of record or independent evidence that suggests his military records exhibit a material error or injustice. The applicant has offered no explanation as to the difference in the SSAN he used at the time he served in the military and the SSAN he currently uses. 2. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the integrity of its records. The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable that the applicant desires to now record his current SSAN in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army's records at this late date. 3. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document along with his application and the supporting evidence he provided which confirms his current SSAN will be filed in his official military personnel file (OMPF). This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the SSAN recorded in his military record and to satisfy his desire to have his current SSAN documented in his 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 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) AR20100026043 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20100026043 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1