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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Rank onDD Form 214 and Honorable Discharge are Different

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Expert: - 4/22/2008


Question
I was honorably discharged from the USAF in  1986 after serving 3 of my 4 year commitment and on my DD form 214 it says that my separation rank is E-3 (A1C). When I received my Honorable Discharge in 1992, it says that my rank is Sergeant (SGT.)I have recently applied for admission into the Florida Bar and stated on the application that upon completion of my military obligation, my rank was E-4 Sergeant. They are now saying that i have lied, based on what is written on my DD form 214. What can i do to convince them that i was a Sgt? Can i have my DD Form 214 changed? What actually serves as my "official" rank?? Thank for any advice you can give me.

Answer
James -

This is a question I am unable to properly answer as this is not my area of expertise, yet I feel I must respond as the issue is of great importance ... the correction of military records.

There is a very formal process in which you can apply to have your military records corrected.  I would suggest you contact your local Veterans Administration, as they deal with this on a much more regular basis.  Be ready to submit whatever records or proof that you have to indicate you were promoted to E-4.  A copy of your promotion orders would be perfect.

I, too, need to have my records corrected, as my DD Form 214 was processed and filed while I still had three medals for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq pending.

I hope this gives you a direction in which to go.

Sincerely,
James Bell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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