How should the Chain of Command handle a service member with multiple repeat DUIs?

MAJ Carl Ballinger - My impression was the EVENT (#3) occurred on base. Like getting tagged by the MPs for the DUI at the entrance/exit of the base. He said the SM was arrested for leaving base illegally, DUI, and speeding.

I don't disagree with your overarching point that we generally let civilian authorities handle matters that happen in the civilian world and use NJP as administrative action afterwards (there was a big case about it here on Quantico and the Federal Courts last year).

This "specific instance" however gave ME the impression that it occurred in OUR world, making it OUR problem. Based on that and previous conduct, this would be one of those "almost never" cases you mention as well as the "might" cases I explicitly did.

MAJ Carl Ballinger - Concur.

Firing Squad ???? Just kidding .. this sounds like a severe problem .. and hope the chain of command is strong and deals with it .. and let is soldiers know tah kind of thing will not be tolerated at all..

Even if the DUI happened off base that doesn't stop the CC from seeking jurisdiction. In a case with multiple DUI's and a military nexus the locals might just cough up jurisdiction. I have seen that happen multiple times both while in a prosectors office and in a defense office. Locals are all about money, but justice rings loud and clear when you tell them you will take the accused to a federal court, ask for confinement, and a punitive discharge....

LTJG (Join to see) - No questions, no repercussions meant, I never brought it up. He apologized profusely and thanked me I said "You are welcome, but I have no recollection of what you are talking about."

That is very good Major, I'll certainly admire the fact You would support Your troops in that manner and take the effort to keep them safe and look out for their welfare. The DUI and maybe even loss of life that may have prevented are well worth the time and effort.

LTJG (Join to see) - Exactly. I think every command in the had were required to give out safe ride cards.

Amen while a plt sgt.I had to do the same about 8-10 times and every time I did it I gained the respect of my fellow soldiers and the command for my actions.So if you make that small effort for other service members you gain core values.

You're damn straight. It's one strike, you're out. It is too easy to not drink and drive. You just don't do it. Simple. If you cannot follow those simple instructions then I don't want you around anything with the ability to kill somebody.

Being a jet engine mechanic for 10 years. I took being sober very seriously. Not an easy task. Being 18 years old and living off base in Germany. I figured it was easier being the designated driver than risking a F16 pilots life. One engine leaves little margin for screwup.
Now after being a cop for 25 years. I realize young people make mistakes. I'm a lot more leanient.
One mistake shouldn't cause a junior Airman, Soldier, Marine or, Seaman their military career. Corrective actions and possibly restraining to a less critical job may be a better course of action for a commander to take.
A second OUI. That's eady. a one ticket home with a bad conduct discharge.

Leadership gives service members every chance to succeed and bounce back from bad decisions. This is one case where it is distinctly evident that this opportunity and act of kindness has failed the Navy and given the Command a black eye. I fear that it's people like this who inevitably ruin it for "everyone". Though, DUI is an extremely serious allegation and something so easy not to do, you will eventually have someone who honestly didn't know they were over the limit, let's say .081 - this person will not be given a "2nd chance" because the aforementioned service member decided to "look a gift horse in the mouth" so to speak, and ruin it for everyone..

LTJG (Join to see) - The SM is onto the 4th chance. Game over lock em up.
If the C.O.C is still protecting the SM, there may a larger problem involved.

Not in the Army, it's more often than not a one strike you're out policy in regards to a DUI.

MAJ Carl Ballinger - we tend not to but we can regardless of what is normally done. It would be odd but this is not your normal DUI case.

MAJ Carl Ballinger - Sir the OP stated the last offense was "3. A week after service member was released from restriction they were stopped by police for leaving base illegally"
i read that as he was stopped by MP or perhaps FPO's on post..... thus my suggestion of CM and seperation...
If it is as you suggest, an off post incident than yes, which technically possible, it rarely is additionally adjudicated on post as well. I've only seen it once, and it was a sex crime that the civilian court let the member off for, and a the commander was not having any of that..
So if it was an off post deal.... then just separate for patterns of misconduct, if he goes AWOL in the process, so be it..... DFR and get on with life.

Put no more effort into this SM, that means no physical or mental energy other then what is required to separate him..
Every time he failed to show at an appointed place for an appointed duty, company grade ART 15, fast and easy, with punishment being restriction..and money..with money suspended as an incentive to do the right thing

this sm clearly does'nt want to belong nor deos this sm believes they have problem, i've been there, not like this though, i recognized my problem, and did the right thing, retired, sought out treatment after my first dui, its been 3 yrs, do it by the book though ac is different than rc, behavioral health gets involved, command involved remove driving privalleges on base, with all the arrests for dui, in my state its felony, put them in the brig, but dont keep on trying to help, we take care of our sm's until the end

PO2 Robert Aitchison - CM/Brig might be the wake up call he needs. I can't say. But, "we" have to make the effort to resolve it.

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS In regards to your first response: We are a family and as such should help all of our brothers and sisters overcome their problems BUT our first priority is to fight and win our nation's wars. It is difficult to maintain a ready and able fighting force while wasting precious time and resources on an individual who has clearly shown an aversion to help.

I answered a different blog topic about taking service members to re-hab for 60 -90 days. It's the "initial answer" with an alcohol or drug problem. I would have already sent this SM on the 1st one, and I can't think of why an 06 wouldn't sign the Chp 10 on the 3rd DUI.

I didn't know that was an issue, but I bet a civilian DUI (traffic ticket) makes it to court within 30 days. By the time the Field Grade Art 15 is processed and adjudicated, there will be about a 60 day window. Worst case is to confine the SM in a cell at the MP station, feed the prisoner and rotate your Soldiers as guards. Everybody can learn a lesson if needed. I say this because the MPs will never put their personnel on this. It' the units problem.