I failed a UA, receive field grade article and I’m currently on extra duty. I’m not sure if I’m being chaptered?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:35:44 -0400

I failed a UA for percocets. Going through marital problems ie. caught wife cheating, waiting on divorce to be finalized. Ive already had my 2nd reading the BC hit me with the book although he suspended loss of rank, loss of money, and restrictions so right now it’s just 45 days extra duty. The BC then proceeded to tell me I’m on probation for 180 days and if I mess up then he was release the suspensions and it’ll all come down on me. He never stated in his office that I was still getting kicked out. Although, my ncos told me I still have to complete the chapter process in part it was initiated when I was flagged. What does this mean? LTC gave me 180 days probation, does that mean I’m not getting chaptered out? All my ncos including my 1sg and company recommends me to stay in. Please help, I’m confused and I haven’t heard anything else about getting kicked out.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 1:37 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:37:37 -0400

I also have custody of my daughter. And my CO recommended me to remain in the army.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 20 at 2018 1:44 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:44:59 -0400

DUMMY

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 1:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:49:43 -0400

Sounds like suspended bust. If they said you have the suspended loss of rank for 180 days then you stay out of trouble for 180 days and you're fine. You would know if you're getting chaptered.

Also - you're going through a divorce and got caught using drugs? That might come up to bite you in the ass with custody. If it hasn't yet you're lucky.

Marital problems are no excuse to use any drugs. You're not the only one to go through them. Good grief - my ex husband is a meth addict who beat me. I never once turned to drugs or alcohol or any of that crap. I wasn't going to risk that especially with my daughter when there was already one addict around. I also wasn't about to risk all this time I've been in the Army over some crap like that. I got rid of him, I handled it. I went and talked to the DVA. I sure hope you learned not to do that shit again and you go find someone to talk to instead or some other outlet to release frustrations - especially when a child is involved.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 20 at 2018 2:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 14:15:36 -0400

It looks like the BC is giving you a second chance to redeem yourself. Make the best of it.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Aug 20 at 2018 2:38 PM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 14:38:56 -0400

It never hurts to ask your chain of command, they are supposed to keep you posted.
Sounds like you're only getting the corrective training and probation, so keep your nose clean from here on out.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 20 at 2018 3:35 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 15:35:05 -0400

If you test positive on a urine test, the commander is required to process you for administration separation. The normal procedure would be to refer that soldier to a ASAP rehab program and then the final decision of the flag made after the completion of the program and the recommendation of the counselors and your first line chain of command. If your enlistment will be over before you can complete the program, you can request an extension until you successfully complete it. The commander can remove the flag at that point and allow you to re-enlist. That will be the end of it as long as you don't do that same stupid shit again.
It sounds to me like you CoC doesn't think you are a complete fuckup and are giving you a chance. If they haven't mandated a treatment program, which I would be surprised if they hadn't, I would volunteer to attend one just to show that my head was in the right place. Do the program, do your job and don't let the divorce distract you, which I do know is very hard.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 20 at 2018 3:36 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 15:36:43 -0400

You should be chaptered.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 20 at 2018 5:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:02:28 -0400

The BC did not "hit you with the book". You got off very lightly. Make the most of it and be grateful.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 20 at 2018 5:32 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:32:53 -0400

1 ) STAY OUT OF ANY TROUBLE FOR THE NEXT 3/4 MONTHS .
2) Count your lucky stars as you're still in the Army
3) Learn from this and remember this - someday when you're in a leadership position you will be the one making the recommendations

Best of luck to you.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 20 at 2018 6:56 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 18:56:10 -0400

Read through a few of the replies along with your replies to them.
1. You screwed up. Sure you owened it, but it is what it is.
2. RP is a vet community site. By posting your question here you’ve opened yourself up to ridicule, praise, and everything in between. If I were in your shoes, I’d remember what I posted, where I posted it, and it doesn’t matter what the status is next to their name. The Army isn’t big at all, and one smart retort while ‘online’, can have a nasty way of meeting up with you later on. Just because you see V, R, SM doesn’t mean they don’t know folks who know you.
3. Personally I’m against these type of questions. Not because they’re dumb or ignorant, but because folks ask for advice, get a crappy reply, and they in turn give a short and ‘witty’ reply. I’ve been on this site awhile and have seen how NCOS do this reach back thing and find individuals.

Your BC/Co CDR only gave you a chance based off the strength of your NCOS. It has hardly anything to do with you. You owe them the world right now, and in the future. In closing, get some thicker skin. You got lucky. Make some new life corrections, and remember it might be you lookin to save someone else later on. Should you have been chaptered? Yes. Would I ha w fought for you to stay in? Yes. The second you broke that trust....it’d be your ass. Even if we’re in different units. Everyone knows someone

Response by Sgt Erle Mutz made Aug 20 at 2018 7:31 PM

Sgt Erle Mutz — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 19:31:58 -0400

I'll tell you the same thing I told my grandson when he was having a problem in his USMC unit.
"You know you made the mistake (when you "chose") to took the pills. Admit it, swear to your superiors that you will never make that mistake (or anything else) AGAIN.
THEN DON'T!!
Accept the punishment, don't whine about 'any' of it, and live up to it - in other words Man Up. [I'm not bullying or belittling you]
Even though we are not getting paid the top dollar (that military personnel should be receiving), we still volunteered and "swore an oath". THAT is YOUR responsibility to hold up your end of the bargain (contract. You WILL earn respect and build your integrity (again) by completing the tasks your were assigned. Regardless of what you hear from your constituents - always perform your 'absolute best', at all times.
Good luck!
The only way to prove yourself is to DO your job and anything else that will show your superiors that you are serious and committed.
YOUR personal stuff can be handled after hours, off days, and with the appropriate assistance. The military has people that can guide you and back you up - after all anything they can do to help "you" - HELPS THEM TOO.
Sgt Erle Mutz

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 9:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 21:27:36 -0400

16 years...I have NEVER seen anyone be allowed to stay in after pissing hot. If you are given the chance, you will have won the lottery. Good luck and earn it back if you want it!

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Aug 21 at 2018 12:15 AM

CSM Patrick Durr — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 00:15:13 -0400

Theoretically, a chapter could have been initiated separately for a pattern of misconduct. The BC's suspension only concerns keeping what you have for the 6 months he designated under the Field Grade Art 15. Your NCO's recommendations have some weight but really no true authority. Using your Chain of Command...Squad Leader first, request to see the 1SG/CDR to get resolution on Chapter proceedings. In the meantime...get your act together and be prepared for whatever the outcome.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 21 at 2018 7:59 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 07:59:33 -0400

You are getting kicked out. Trust me.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 21 at 2018 8:02 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 08:02:43 -0400

What they are saying is that if you do good, most likely you will receive an administrative separation (either honorable or general). If you screw up, they will court martial you and you will be a federal felon and receive a disciplinary discharge and probably do a little time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 11:29 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 11:29:47 -0400

The UCMJ and a chapter are separate actions that can occur independently of each other. Your actions and ownership of them will go far in determining the outcome.

For your own welfare, get yourself some counseling from a trained individual, not the internet horde.

I see several elements in your post that makes me personally concerned for your well-being.
If you need someone to talk to that has been thorough a lot and seen a lot, message me directly, any time.

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Aug 21 at 2018 11:41 AM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 11:41:07 -0400

I'd also go see your local JAG just to get your rights explained to you. I found myself in a not good situation while deployed and had to rely on JAG for some advice. I was amazing at how much of an advocate they were for my rights.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 21 at 2018 10:23 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 22:23:04 -0400

It is 2 different things. 1 was the UCMJ (legal) Chapters are administrative actions. Now I guarantee you screw the pooch in the next 180 days and the world will land on you. Check with the S1, or CSM and see what they say.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2019 12:32 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 May 2019 12:32:49 -0400

Sounds like the CO was compassionate by suspending, so do your part and earn it. Your actions now will define your future.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Apr 24 at 2021 5:36 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 17:36:57 -0400

Not knowing could be a part of punishment as well. If on probation by LTC means exactly that but you should have received written notification of the fact.