RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2013-02524

	XXXXXXX	COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO


________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

The Fitness Assessment (FA), dated 5 Mar 13 be declared void and removed from the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS).
________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

He received an “unsatisfactory” rating on the contested FA, because his palms were not flat on his chest during the evaluation.  However, prior to the sit-up component of the test he was briefed that only one digit (finger) needed to be on his chest.  This caused a number of his “sit-ups” not to be counted, precluding him from obtaining an overall “satisfactory” rating.  

Additionally, the applicant states that he retook his FA as soon as possible and after being properly briefed he received an “excellent” rating.  

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.
________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving in the Regular Air Force in the grade of Airman First Class (A1C).
	
On 5 Mar 2013, the applicant participated in the contested FA and attained a composite score of 85.50.  Specifically, he only completed 39 of the 42 minimum required “sit-ups” for males under 30, resulting in an overall “unsatisfactory” score.

IAW AFI 36-2905, Paragraph A7.2.6. Complete Sit-up. “The hands must stay in contact with the shoulders/upper chest at all times. Incorrect sit-ups (e.g., elbows do not touch the knees or thighs at the top of the sit-up, shoulder blades do not touch the floor/mat at the bottom of the sit- up, hands do not stay in contact with the shoulders/upper chest at all times, etc.) will not be counted. If an incorrect sit-up is performed, assessor will repeat the number of the last correct sit-up and explain what is being done incorrectly.” A7.2.10. Sit-up Verbal Instructions. “Test Administrator should state…Your hips must remain on the floor at all times (do not lift your hips off the floor to gain momentum). Your shoulder blades must touch the floor between each repetition. In the up position, you will touch your elbows to your knees or thighs and return down until your shoulder blades touch the floor (your hands must stay in contact with your shoulders/chest at all times). This will count as one sit-up.” 

The applicant’s last 3 FA results are as follows:

Date 
Composite Score
Sit-ups
Rating
22 Mar 2013
94.80
49
Excellent
*05 Mar 2013
85.30
39
Unsatisfactory
05 Mar 2012	
93.70
47
Excellent
*Contested FA

On 16 Oct 13, a similar request was considered and denied by the Fitness Assessments Appeals Board (FAAB) due to “Insufficient evidence; specifically witness statement to support injustice.” 
________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSIM recommends denial of the applicant’s request to correct FA dated 5 Mar 13, due to the lack of supporting evidence that the FAC did not provide the correct briefing to the applicant before FA component took place. 

IAW AFI 36-2905 paragraph A7.2.10. Sit-up Verbal Instructions. Test Administrator should state: This is a muscular fitness assessment. Please lie on your back with your heels flat on the floor, knees bent at a 90 degree angle, and your arms crossed in front of the chest such that your hands/fingers remain in contact with your shoulders or chest. In addition to repeating the last correct number, give the member instruction on what is wrong (e.g., your shoulder blades are not touching the mat/floor, keep your hands on your shoulders or chest, etc.) 

The applicant stated he was briefed by the FAC that only one digit was needed during the sit-up component of the FA. As a result of the applicants improper form, the sit-up portion of the FA was terminated and not counted beyond 39 sit-ups resulting 0.00 points. According to AFI 36-2905 the Fitness Assesment Cell (FAC) is to brief the testers before each component of the FA (A7.2.3.) Assessment Explanation. The sit-up instructions (A 7.2.10.) will be read to the member prior to the assessment.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSIM evaluation, with attachment, is at Exhibit B.
________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation, with attachment, was forwarded to the applicant on 10 Jan 14 for review and comment within 30 days.  As of this date, no response has been received by this office (Exhibit C).
________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was timely filed.

3. Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of error or injustice for the FA dated 5 Mar 13.  We took notice of the applicant's complete submission in judging the merits of the case; however, we agree with the opinion and recommendation of the Air Force office of primary responsibility and adopt its rationale as the basis for our conclusion that the applicant has not been the victim of an error or injustice.  In this respect, we note the applicant’s submission does not contain any supporting documentation, including witness statement(s) or a letter from his commander  supporting the applicant’s claim. Should the applicant provide supporting documentation that would demonstrate that the FAC did not provide the correct briefing before the FA component took place and his inability to successfully complete the contested FA, we would be willing to entertain his request for reconsideration of his appeal.  However, in view of the above and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we find no basis to void the contested FA. 
________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the FA dated 5 Mar 13, did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; and the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.
________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-02524 in Executive Session on 27 Mar 14, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	Ms. XXXXXXX, Chair
	Ms. XXXXXXX, Vice Chair
	Ms. XXXXXXX, Member

The following documentary evidence pertaining to AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2013-02524 was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 25 Mar 13, w/atch.
	Exhibit B.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSIM, dated 26 Oct 13, w/atchs.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 10 Jan 14.




                                   XXXXXXX
                                   Chair