IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  14 April 2011

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20100017802 


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 records to show he was granted additional constructive service credit (CSC) for completion of a Master's of Science degree in Physiology.

2.  The applicant states the additional CSC for his Masters degree in Physiology was likely missed during his initial processing.

3.  The applicant provides:  

* Master of Science in Applied Physiology from Finch University, dated
		6 June 2003 and Health Science Transcript
* University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Transcript, dated 6 May 2002
* Bachelor of Science Degree, from the University of Illinois, dated 13 May 2001
* Training Agreement for Army Graduate Medical Education (GME) from the Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  On 14 May 2001, the applicant was appointed a Reserve commissioned officer in the rank of second lieutenant (2LT)/O-2.  On 15 May 2001, he was assigned to the United States Army Reserve (USAR) Control Group (Annual Training).


2.  On 23 September 2001, he was ordered to active duty for training (ADT).  He completed the officer basic course, and he was awarded primary specialty 70B (Health Service Administration).  He was released from ADT on 30 November 2001.

3.  On 5 April 2002, the applicant was appointed as a 2LT in the Medical Service Corps of the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG) and executed his oath of office.  He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant (1LT) on 
14 May 2003.

4.  On 4 March 2004, he was separated from the ILARNG and immediately assigned to the USAR on 5 March 2004, the following day.

5.  On 23 June 2004, the applicant was selected for participation in the United States Army Health Professions Scholarship Program.

6.  An Army Human Resources Command, Memorandum dated 16 April 2007, shows the applicant was appointed as a captain (CPT)/O-3 in the Medical Corps of the USAR in area of concentration 61J (General Surgeon) on 13 June 2007, and executed an oath of office.  He was subsequently ordered to active duty to fulfill his 5-year active duty commitment.  He was assigned to Madigan Army Medical Center, Student Detachment, Tacoma, WA effective 11 June 2007.

7.  On 7 January 2011, in an advisory opinion that was obtained in the processing of this case, the Chief, Program Manager, GME Division, OTSG, recommended that no additional service credit be awarded for the Masters degree and stated:

	a.  in accordance with Department of Defense policy guidance, no additional credit can be awarded for more than one advanced degree in a single field, or closely-related field;

	b.  the total credit allowed for having both a masters and doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate;

	c.  an additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the military service concerned; and

	d.  the applicant's advanced degree in Applied Physiology does not tangibly add any value to his primary specialty.


8.  On 7 January 2011, the applicant was provided a copy of the advisory opinion; however, he did not respond.

9.  The applicant provided a copy of his Master's of Science degree in Applied Physiology which shows it was conferred upon him on 6 June 2003.

10.  Army Regulation 135-101 prescribes policy, procedures and eligibility criteria for appointment in the Reserve Components of the Army in the six branches of the Army Medical Department.  Paragraph 4, Table 3-1 of this regulation, states that additional credit for additional advanced degrees may be granted on a year for each year (or school year) limited by the level of degree.  The degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in anticipated duty position.  Credit is awarded based on full time equivalent education up to 24 months for a master’s degree or up to 36 months for a doctorate.  An additional degree must not have been earned concurrently with primary credential.  A credential includes time spent in attainment of a lower degree.  No additional credit will be given for more than one degree in a single field. 

11.  Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6000.13 (Medical Manpower and Personnel), dated 30 June 1997, implements policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures to carry out medical manpower and personnel programs.  Paragraph 6.1. of the DODI states that a prospective health professions officer’s entry grade and rank within grade shall be determined by the number of years of entry grade credit awarded on original appointment, designation, or assignment as a health professions officer.  The entry grade credit to be awarded shall equal the sum of CSC and prior commissioned service (as outlined in the DODI) credit except in cases where the total exceeds the maximum credit allowed.  A period of time shall be counted only once when computing entry grade credit.  

12.  Paragraph 6.1.2.2.2. of DODI 6000.13 states that credit for master’s and doctorate degrees in a health profession other than medicine and dentistry, whether it is the primary degree or an additional advanced degree, shall be awarded based on actual full-time equivalent education of up to two years for a master’s degree and up to four years for a doctorate.  Credit may not include time spent in attainment of baccalaureate or other lower degrees.  No additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field, or closely related field.  The total credit allowed for having both a master’s and a doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate. Furthermore, paragraph 6.1.2.2.3 states that the additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the Military Service concerned.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant contends he is entitled to additional CSC for completion of a Masters degree.  By law, no additional credit may be given for more than one advanced degree in a single field, or closely-related field.  The total credit allowed for completion of both a master's and doctorate degree may not exceed the maximum allowed for a doctorate.  Further, the additional degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated position in the military service concerned.

2.  The evidence of record confirms the applicant received 4 years of CSC, the maximum credit allowed for his doctorate.  As a result, no additional credit can be given for his master's degree.  In addition, the OTSG, program manager, confirmed the applicant's Master of Science in Applied Physiology does not tangibly add value to his primary specialty.

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)                                         AR20100017802



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20100017802



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