For those who have experienced UCMJ, how easy or difficult was it for you to bounce back afterwards?

That would very much depend on the atmosphere in the Army at the time and the individuals reputation before and after the action. I served with a 1SG that was court-martialed and lost two rockers worked his way all the way back to CSM(D) and retired as a 1SG.

Just to add this simple comment, screwing up and learning from it is how you gain knowledge and experience. If you go through your whole career taking not chances taking the easy safe way around you don't learn as much as you think. Failure is a teaching tool depending one what it is.

When I was with a contingency attached to a group of U.N. troops from New Zealand and Australia , I refused leave the U.N. arm band over the U.S. Flag. I was working the line and gave the grill cook a break to go relieve his self. Then it was my turn .. I went and took care of business and got right back and I hung my jacket and the arm band slipped off.. could of had a little help.. I'm working backing the line and one of the NZ Sgts asked where my Arm band was... it must of slipped off, Sgt... we were too busy to go get it so I kept working and finished serving the meal. Later I'm going back to quarters and a NZ Field Marshal mentioned I didn't have the arm band on. He commandeered some of his NZ troops to escort me back to my Contingency cmdr. and told him to put me on report and he wanted to see the disciplinary report and what action taken. He never asked for a copy, must have forgot Or expected the Cptn to forward it to him.. 3 days later our contingency pulled out.. we were across the aisle from ea. other on the plane.. He addressed me:" SSG. Herrst, remember that disciplinary report?" Yes Sir.. here, wipe your butt or s'thing with it and get rid of it!" I did get rid of in tiny little pieces in the loo of the comfort pallet . Later, the Colonel asked me what happened on the deployment with the Arm band sitrep.. "oh.. we took care of it Sir". That was the last I ever heard of it .. So not even a LOR came out of it, we all were so busy taking care of business, I believe That FM was just trying to make a show of it for posterity's sake. After 6 months I let it slip to the archives of my mind..

I don't understand why people say you're a good NCO if you've received some type of UCMJ. I've never received any type of UCMJ. I think I'm a good NCO. I understand people make mistakes especially when young. I came in at 22 after I graduated college so maybe I was more mature than some of my peers. I think it just depends on what you got in trouble for honestly. I don't think it means you're a better NCO than those who haven't gotten UCMJ.