Court Opinion

ID: 9460037
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 21:38:34.064858+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:36:26.565879
License: Public Domain

MERRILL, Circuit Judge
(dissenting) :
It is undoubtedly true that Generál Doolittle could have discharged his duty to reduce jet pilot strength in a manner not involving the convening of a “board of officers.” In my view, however, the manner chosen by him did result in the convening of such a board with quasi-judicial functions which, through its “report,” has made findings prejudicially reflecting on appellant’s “conduct, efficiency and fitness.” This is precisely the kind of consequence which Air Force Regulation 11-1 says should occur only in the presence of some basic procedural safeguards, not provided here. It was on the basis of the report that appellant was suspended from flight status. In my view the authority of the committee to make such a report sufficiently establishes that appellant was “under investigation” in these respects to entitle him to the rights and privileges extended by Regulation 11-1.
Since it appears to me that this military body has ignored its own regulations, I would hold that a cognizable claim of denial of procedural due process is presented, and would reverse and remand for further proceedings.