Felony animal abuse by a Soldier; how would you deal with this as a leader?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 17:52:51 -0500

I've just read an article in Stars & Stripes about a couple at Ft. Bragg who've been charged with felony animal abuse.
Here's the link to the story: http://www.stripes.com/news/army/fayetteville-couple-charged-with-animal-cruelty-in-puppy-s-drowning-1.325457
I find this very disturbing to read about, the soldier and his wife both lied to the police about what happened to their dog, several times even. What they did to they dog is disturbing.
As a leader, how would anyone deal with this, if you found out this was your soldier? You obviously can't (I don't believe) recommend him for UCMJ charges, due to double jeopardy. Surely though, we would want to put something on the record, am I right? The soldier has to go to civil court and handle this issue. I read this article late last night and it stuck with me, thought I'd reach out to the community and see what they have to say. Thanks for your responses.

Fayetteville couple charged with animal cruelty in puppy's drowning

A Fort Bragg soldier charged with felony animal cruelty admitted to drowning the dog in a pond, according to court documents from the Cumberland County Magistrate's office.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 5:55 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 17:55:17 -0500

UCMJ and local legal charges are always tricky to navigate, but very doable.
And of course there is always admin action like GO Memo of Reprimand, etc. not to mention a Flag, and if necessary, Bar to Reenlist.

From what I've seen as a battalion commander, you can charge some things under the UCMJ, and others under civilian law, but it is best to wait for the civil to be processed first before processing.
Of course we, as military leader, would have a responsibility to ensure anyone under investigation for such an act get mental, etc help necessary, and would need to assign them to duties equal to their status of under investigation.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 25 at 2015 6:00 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 18:00:31 -0500

Since it is being handled by the civilian authorities I as leader would ensure that the he abides by the conditions of his bail and he makes all necessary court appearances. I would also look into possibly assisting him with mental health as there may be an underlying issue that no one knows about.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 25 at 2015 6:21 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 18:21:44 -0500

You know, as a dog lover, I am one of those people that just has that gut urge to think...well...just break his femur, tie his hand and feet to his head and throw him in the lake and see how it goes.

Realistically, LOR or NJP and close supervisor pending civilian outcome.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 25 at 2015 11:35 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 23:35:37 -0500

Its going to come down to administrative action, until and when an actionable event occurs that can be handled by UCMJ.

Id doubt this is a first transgression. So what else is out there, already happened, needs to be observed in the future.

For now...
Commanders inquiry.
Mental Health assessment.
Bar to reenlistment
Suspense of favorable actions until the civilian case is settled.
Initiate Admin sep under Ar 635-200, chap 14-2 or -3
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r635_200.pdf

Response by Rachel Sirman made Nov 3 at 2018 7:14 AM

Rachel Sirman — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 07:14:53 -0400

Id give him dysentary, and then Id tell him how I gave him dysentary. I dont know, maybe thats why I wasnt so eager to enlist in any part of the government because Theres clearly something wrong with that suggestion but Id bet hed never do it again.