Can I inspect a Soldier's vehicle for a weapon?

CPL Alex S — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:05:30 -0400

I have a Soldier that's increasingly been a problem. Recently he got in trouble for firing a gun on post and since then his insubordination has risen.I know he still brings the gun in his car every day and leaves it there...the same one he got in trouble for. Counseling and smoking won't save this Soldier, what are my options. Can I do a surprise car inspection for everyone and call MPs when I unsurprisingly discover this weapon?

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 26 at 2019 7:13 AM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:13:58 -0400

Talk to your Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant; make sure they're on board with you. He may just need a change of leadership.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 7:31 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:31:26 -0400

Jeez there weren't any significant consequences after firing the gun on post?

Honestly that's a huge legal issue, especially with today's events. Even if you do have it registered it cant be loaded, needs to be locked up separately than the ammo, etc.

Talk to leadership and see if they agree with it. One thing to maybe do for a wake up call is have your senior leadership go to the MPs and discuss the situation.

"Hey I've got this dip shot that isnt listening, I dont want to get him kicked out, but he needs a wake up call. Can you come and "inspect" his vehicle and start taking him through the steps but not actually "bust" him."

I say senior leadership cause a CPL going and talking to a SPC or maybe SGT, they may not realize or have the "umph" to do it unofficial and as a wake up call.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 26 at 2019 7:35 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:35:24 -0400

That’s a situation for your CoC. You are suggesting a single soldier inspection and it can open a whole can of worms. Bring it to your CoC as mentioned and let them act accordingly. Regarding his conduct, be the best NCO you can be and document everything. Like the ol’e saying: “the branch falls by its own weight”.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 7:41 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:41:08 -0400

See something - say something. Consult with COC and they will take it from there. If they don't want MPs involved, there are other ways.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 26 at 2019 7:57 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:57:32 -0400

I am glad you are concerned CPL, but this needs to be taken care of at a higher level than you. An officer and the senior enlisted need to be involved, otherwise this could turn into a sh@tstorm that no one wants. Make sure you have all the documentation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 8:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 08:19:38 -0400

No, you lack the authority for that course of action, and hopefully possess the integrity and ethics to not violate his Constitutional and UCMJ rights by searching "everyone's" vehicles when that's not really what the plan is.
Your commander has the auhority, and that is where this needs to be elevated to through your COC and NCOSC, without delay.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 26 at 2019 8:28 AM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 08:28:13 -0400

"All Vehicles Are Subject To Search". Isn't that sign still un at the front gates of all Post/Base?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 26 at 2019 9:28 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 09:28:46 -0400

See your commander, time now, he has the authority to order a search. You do not. If this wahoo is escalating indiscipline and erratic behavior then you need to follow the "see something, Say Something" mantra. Don't be the guy that has to look others in the eye after an incident and say" gee Johnny was acting weird, I should have said something" .

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 26 at 2019 10:04 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:04:19 -0400

Put him in jail. He has a mental issue

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 10:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:23:18 -0400

Save your own six from legal troubles. Inform your CoC so they can perform the surprise inspection. Let them turn and burn this shitbag

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Aug 26 at 2019 10:30 AM

CPL Jay Strickland — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:30:26 -0400

I would talk to your first sergeant and coordinate with the MPs before. The soldier has a weapon and a tendency to fire that weapon, I would want the MPs present.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 26 at 2019 11:47 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 11:47:17 -0400

Talk to your Commander who will talk to legal...Lots of red tape on this one...

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Aug 27 at 2019 5:56 AM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 05:56:09 -0400

CPL Alex S You posted this 23 hours ago. You received all of the right advice. Did you go to the Command and let them know yet?

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Aug 27 at 2019 9:45 AM

SGT Chris Stephens — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 09:45:30 -0400

Elevate to the chain of command. As a corporal, there are things that are way above your pay grade that you really don't want to handle anyways.

Response by SPC Robert Hendrickson made Apr 15 at 2022 2:05 PM

SPC Robert Hendrickson — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 14:05:15 -0400

Do not a surprise inspection..if you did or do know he/she is troublesome have law enforcers/mil. police on site just in case an incident gets incendiary ..

Response by SSG William M Davis made Jun 21 at 2022 5:59 PM

SSG William M Davis — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:59:00 -0400

It seems that this soldier was out of control before he or she fired a weapon on post. Where was the chain of command when insubordination rose to unacceptable levels? You may find some legal problems if you arbitrarily search a POV. Contact your JAG.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2022 2:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:45:26 -0400

so, its been almost three years since this post. is there an update?