DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140013685 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 correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show: a. His first name as Stephen instead of Steve. b. His date of birth (DOB) as 13 January 19xx, instead of 14 January 19xx. 2. The applicant states, in effect, what is currently shown is incorrect. 3. The applicant provides a birth certificate and a 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 on 29 January 1968. 3. His DD Form 214, as well as all documents throughout his official military personnel file (OMPF), shows his first name as Steve. The birth certificate provided by the applicant shows his current first name as Stephen. 4. His DD Form 214, as well as all documents throughout his OMPF, shows his DOB as 14 January 19xx. The birth certificate provided by the applicant shows his DOB as 13 January 19xx. 5. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents) at the time established the standardized policy for preparing and distributing the DD Form 214. The regulation directs that the purpose of the separation document is to provide the individual with documentary evidence of his or her military service at the time of release from active duty, retirement, or discharge. It is important that information entered on the form be complete and accurate and reflects the conditions as they existed at the time of separation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. All documents throughout his OMPF reflect his name as Steve. Additionally, all documents show his DOB as 14 January 19xx. 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 he now desires to record his current name and DOB 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, which will show his name as "Stephen" and his DOB as 14 January 19xx, will be filed in his OMPF. This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the name and DOB recorded in his military record and to satisfy his desire to have the name and the DOB on his birth certificate 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 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) AR20140013685 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140013685 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1