Posted on Jun 24, 2014
Generals breaking the rules: Does rank garner privilege or increased scrutiny?
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Generals breaking the rules: Does rank garner privilege or increased scrutiny?
By Kristin Davis | FILED UNDER - Careers / Officers | 12:12 PM, Jun. 23, 2014 |
5 Comments
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The offenses span the spectrum. Wasteful spending. Affairs and inappropriate relationships. Violating ethics and travel regulations. Abusing authority and mistreating subordinates. Reprisal. Showing up drunk to work.
The Air Force inspector general substantiated allegations against 13 general officers and general officers-select between September 2012 and October 2013, the most recent data available.
The Air Force rarely names and shames senior leaders whose conduct is unacceptable — unlike the Navy, which is open about relieving commanders for indiscretions. The investigation reports provide a singular snapshot into wrongdoing by the highest Air Force brass. Outside of courts-martial, the documents, most of which were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, are among the only public accounting of how those at the top are disciplined.
By Kristin Davis | FILED UNDER - Careers / Officers | 12:12 PM, Jun. 23, 2014 |
5 Comments
sponsored by
The offenses span the spectrum. Wasteful spending. Affairs and inappropriate relationships. Violating ethics and travel regulations. Abusing authority and mistreating subordinates. Reprisal. Showing up drunk to work.
The Air Force inspector general substantiated allegations against 13 general officers and general officers-select between September 2012 and October 2013, the most recent data available.
The Air Force rarely names and shames senior leaders whose conduct is unacceptable — unlike the Navy, which is open about relieving commanders for indiscretions. The investigation reports provide a singular snapshot into wrongdoing by the highest Air Force brass. Outside of courts-martial, the documents, most of which were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, are among the only public accounting of how those at the top are disciplined.
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SFC Drake,
It is just more of the Potomac two-step, they dance around the issues with never really addressing them or following through on punishment, we have seen it time and again within the Army over the past few years with our own General discretions being made to be swept under the rug so to speak, as not one has suffered any real punishment that an enlisted member would see if they had committed the same offenses.
I know I will get the naysayers to my comment, but, if you look at the facts of what has happened to enlisted from junior to senior ranks compared to the General officer infractions, how many have resulted in the same punishment as enlisted with similar accusations and/or charges, zero. BG Sinclair's punishment was the result of a plea agreement in the end, while he lost a few ranks and will retire will full benefits, the enlisted equivalent would have been reduced and most likely faced jail time or at least a BCD or OTH to prevent the receipt of benefits, not equality across the board as is always professed by the senior officer corps and the legislators that are involved in DOD business.
It is just more of the Potomac two-step, they dance around the issues with never really addressing them or following through on punishment, we have seen it time and again within the Army over the past few years with our own General discretions being made to be swept under the rug so to speak, as not one has suffered any real punishment that an enlisted member would see if they had committed the same offenses.
I know I will get the naysayers to my comment, but, if you look at the facts of what has happened to enlisted from junior to senior ranks compared to the General officer infractions, how many have resulted in the same punishment as enlisted with similar accusations and/or charges, zero. BG Sinclair's punishment was the result of a plea agreement in the end, while he lost a few ranks and will retire will full benefits, the enlisted equivalent would have been reduced and most likely faced jail time or at least a BCD or OTH to prevent the receipt of benefits, not equality across the board as is always professed by the senior officer corps and the legislators that are involved in DOD business.
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SFC A.M. Drake
SFC Baber, You are correct in your assessment it's like the message is Rank does have it's privileges. Plus a good civilian lawyer that knows military law!
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First let me say that I completely agree that one crime = one punishment!! (And apologize for the length of my post)
Now, given my experience and exposure to the system of justice up to and including Corps or 3-star level and having presided over or participated in court martials, I can give a little insight. They take into account scope of duty and level of responsibility. A 1-star at division level can be expected to either fight the close battle using 2 or more maneuver brigades along with all combat support units and systems, OR coordinate all combat service support for the entire division, often 7+ brigade size units. This doesn't even touch on the other professional and personal requirements involved. No NCO below E9 has anything close to this. I'm NOT saying it's right one way or the other.....I'm merely trying to explain some things that they DO take into account.
As for determining what rank they retire in, I know they will reduce the rank all the way down to the last honorably held rank. I've seen O5s reduced to O2. This has affects that will follow the officer for the rest of their life.....a lot longer than any jail time. That said, I won't sit here and try to tell you that the good ol boys club doesn't play a part (but that's for another answer, another time!).
The bottom line is we all want to think we're all equal in the Army but we're not...plain and simple.
Personally, I think the officers should get STIFFER punishments because they often violated their position of trust or brought shame on the officer corps. They like to profess that they hold themselves to a higher standard.....then they should face harsher punishments for not achieving these higher standards....hold them accountable; but that's just me. Ok....flame on!!
Now, given my experience and exposure to the system of justice up to and including Corps or 3-star level and having presided over or participated in court martials, I can give a little insight. They take into account scope of duty and level of responsibility. A 1-star at division level can be expected to either fight the close battle using 2 or more maneuver brigades along with all combat support units and systems, OR coordinate all combat service support for the entire division, often 7+ brigade size units. This doesn't even touch on the other professional and personal requirements involved. No NCO below E9 has anything close to this. I'm NOT saying it's right one way or the other.....I'm merely trying to explain some things that they DO take into account.
As for determining what rank they retire in, I know they will reduce the rank all the way down to the last honorably held rank. I've seen O5s reduced to O2. This has affects that will follow the officer for the rest of their life.....a lot longer than any jail time. That said, I won't sit here and try to tell you that the good ol boys club doesn't play a part (but that's for another answer, another time!).
The bottom line is we all want to think we're all equal in the Army but we're not...plain and simple.
Personally, I think the officers should get STIFFER punishments because they often violated their position of trust or brought shame on the officer corps. They like to profess that they hold themselves to a higher standard.....then they should face harsher punishments for not achieving these higher standards....hold them accountable; but that's just me. Ok....flame on!!
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Its sad when the Army doesnt eforce the proper punishments. They need to put people on blast. Like the old days, when you get an Artilce 15 they block out the name and SSN and post in the unit for everyone to see. It shows Soldiers and Leaders that you will be punished.
Can someone explain to me why is it so hard for senior leaders to held accountable like everyone else?
Can someone explain to me why is it so hard for senior leaders to held accountable like everyone else?
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SFC A.M. Drake
you and I are a dying breed as far as the equity of punishment., Does it make you wonder about the "Profession of Arms"??
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