IN THE CASE OF:	  

		BOARD DATE:	  9 April 2015

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20150004894 


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, the DA Form 1059 (Service School Academic Evaluation Report) currently filed in his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), be replaced with one that shows he "Exceeded Course Standards."

2.  The applicant states he has a signed memorandum from the then Commandant of the Warrior Leader Course (WLC) stating his performance was outstanding and that he exceeded the course standard.  He feels the Board should correct the error because he has faithfully and honorably served the past 10 years and the correction may prove valuable throughout the remainder of his career.

3.  The applicant provides:

* one page of electronic mail (email)
* a memorandum
* DA Form 1059

CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE:

1.  The applicant is a staff sergeant (SSG) serving in the Regular Army in military occupational specialty 11B (Infantryman).

2.  He attended the Warrior Leader Course (WLC), Class 04-11, at U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), Fort Stewart, GA, during the period 12 January through 1 February 2011.
3.  His OMPF contains the contested DA Form 1059, dated 1 February 2011, that shows the entry "Achieved Course Standards" in item 11 (Performance Summary) and the below comments.  He was rated "Superior" in all evaluated demonstrated abilities.  His research ability was not evaluated.  Item 14 (Comments) contains the entry:

[Applicant] demonstrated strength in Garrison Leadership and Drill and Ceremony.  He was always straightforward when dealing with others.  [Applicant's] ability to assimilate new and complex information resulted in superior ratings as Squad Leader during the Situational Training Exercise.  He provided comments and responses which enhanced the group's overall knowledge.  [Applicant] assisted peers and contributed to group work at every opportunity.  He regularly produced Written Communications that were fundamental to the Army writing style.
  
The form was prepared and authenticated by SSG V_____ P____, the small group leader, and reviewed and authenticated by command sergeant major (CSM) J____ L. T_____, the Commandant.

4.  There is no evidence the applicant appealed the DA Form 1059 to the issuing authority. 

5.  He provides a memorandum, dated 31 January 2011, authenticated by the same Commandant, which congratulates him for achieving "Academic Excellence" by being placed on the Commandant's List for WLC Class 04-11.

6.  Department of the Army Pamphlet 623-3 (Evaluation Reporting System), dated 31 March 2014, prescribes the policies and tasks for the Evaluation Reporting System.  It states the DA Form 1059 is used to report the performance of students attending service schools, noncommissioned officer (NCO) academies, and other schools.  Information required to complete the DA Form 1059 for students attending Service schools and NCO academies is described in paragraphs 4–2 through      4–7 and table 4–1. The reviewing official is responsible for the accuracy of the information on the form. 

	a.  Item 11 describes the performance summary.  An "X" is placed beside the most appropriate entry as follows:

* 11a (Exceeded Course Standards)  for those Soldiers whose overall course achievement is significantly above the standards of the course.  The category is restricted to those students who are considered deserving by the commandant, but will not exceed 20 percent of the class enrollment

* 11b (Achieved Course Standards)  For those Soldiers who achieved the overall acceptable course standards as identified in the course grading plan

* Comments are required for entries to detail and justify the level of performance indicated.  Use item 14 for supporting comments.  Over-stamping with "Distinguished Graduate," "Honor Graduate," or "Commandant's List," or any other over-stamping or highlighting is prohibited.

   b.  Item 12 (Demonstrated Abilities) shows the level of performance by placing an "X" beside the appropriate entry as follows:
   
* A "Superior" rating indicates the student has demonstrated an ability that is significantly above the standards
* A "Satisfactory" rating indicates the student has demonstrated an acceptable level of proficiency

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant attended the WLC from 12 January to 1 February 2011.  He was issued a DA Form 1059 that shows he "Achieved Course Standards."  He contends that the DA Form 1059 he was given should show he "Exceeded Course Standards."

2.  Although the applicant received "superior" ratings in all evaluated demonstrated abilities, a clear indication he demonstrated an ability which is significantly above the standards, the entry "Exceeded Course Standards" is limited to only 20 percent of class enrollment.  It is unclear if the applicant was one of the "20 percent" of class enrollees who exceeded the standards.

3.  The applicant provided a memorandum from the commandant congratulating him for achieving "academic excellence" by being placed on the Commandant's List; however, this does not mean that he was one of the "20 percent" of class enrollees who exceeded the standards.  In addition, well over three years has passed since he received his DA Form 1059 with no indication he appealed the rating to the NCOA that issued it. 

4.  In light of the foregoing, there is insufficient evidence to grant relief.



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)                                         AR20150004894



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ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)                                         AR20150004894



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