IN THE CASE OF:
BOARD DATE: 19 January 2012
DOCKET NUMBER: AR20110018808
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, in effect, award of constructive service credit for an advanced master's degree resulting in an adjustment of his rank from second lieutenant to first lieutenant.
2. The applicant states, in effect, his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) would be a great asset in the social work field to which he is headed, which would allow him the rank of first lieutenant.
3. The applicant provides school transcripts.
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:
1. The applicant was awarded an MBA in October 2008.
2. On 22 June 2011, he was commissioned in the rank of second lieutenant in the Regular Army Medical Services Corps.
3. In the processing of this case, an advisory opinion was obtained from the Health Services Directorate of the Headquarters, U.S. Recruiting Command. That office stated the applicant was boarded for appointment and acceptance in the Army Fayetteville State University, Masters in Social Work program, on 1 February 2001. His qualifying degree for appointment as a second lieutenant in a student status for that program was his Baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. Applicants who wish to use their Masters degree as their qualifying degree are ineligible for acceptance into that program. That office noted, in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6000.13 section 6.1.2.2.3 no additional credit can be awarded for the applicant's Masters degree because he was not currently qualified as a Social Worker in the U.S. Army, nor would it add adjunctive skill once he graduated from the program and is licensed to be a Social Worker. That office recommended no constructive service credit be granted.
4. A copy of the advisory opinion was provided to the applicant for comment or rebuttal. He refuted the advisory opinion. He stated he had participated in social work like duties taking care of Soldiers and his service should count towards credit as participation in social work duties. He stated his Masters degree incorporates the business aspect of social work. He continued indicating he has more experience than an average second lieutenant and it is a disservice that his experience isn't credited.
5. DoDI 6000.13 implements policy and prescribes procedures to carry out medical manpower and personnel programs.
a. Paragraph 6.1 states that a prospective heath profession officers entry grade and rank 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 constructive service credit and prior commissioned service credit except in cases when the totals exceed the maximum credit allowed.
b. 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.
6. Army Regulation 135-101 (Appointment of Reserve Commissioned Officers for Assignment to Army Medical Department Branches) provides policy for the appointment of reserve commissioned officers for assignment to Army medical branches. Paragraph 3-4 (Transition Credit) states the law and regulations in effect on the date of the appointment will determine the grade and date of rank upon appointment. Table 3-1 states credit for advanced degrees may be awarded at the rate of 1 year for each year (school year). The degree must add adjunctive skills to the primary specialty and must contribute directly to performance in the anticipated duty position. Table 3-3 contains a list of advanced degrees that qualify for additional constructive service credit. This list does not include an MBA degree.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
1. The criteria for award of additional constructive credit for an advanced degree other than medical are stringent. 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 applicant has provided insufficient evidence to show how his MBA would add adjunctive skills and contribute directly to his performance in the Medical Services Corps.
3. Further, the governing Army regulation lists the specific advanced health profession degrees that authorize additional constructive service credit. This list does not include an MBA degree. Notwithstanding the applicant's belief that his previous military experience and MBA degree would significantly assist him in the performance of his future duties, there is no basis for granting a Secretary of the Army exception for constructive service credit in this case.
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) AR20110018808
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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20110018808
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