I received an article 15 during AIT for being drunk during pass. I talk to the BN Commander next week or after. What do I say to help myself?

2017-03-22T21:35:45-04:00

I have orders to bragg and need to make sure I go there. Iv tried everything in my power to go. I was a
92R and broke my leg at airborne school, they reclosed me and made me a Culinary Specialist. I had orders as a 92R to bragg to begin with, when I broke my leg I lost all hope. so me getting bragg was very important to me. My orders have been "suspended" from what I have been told and I don't even have a report date and am flagged. I blew a .212 at the MP station, I take full overship of what I did, now its just the right words to say it when I speak to the BN commander. What should I say?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-03-22T21:41:39-04:00

I would say own up to it and don't beat around the bush. I'm not really sure what you can say to help your case.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-03-22T21:41:40-04:00

I would say own up to it and don't beat around the bush. I'm not really sure what you can say to help your case.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-03-22T21:41:40-04:00

I would say own up to it and don't beat around the bush. I'm not really sure what you can say to help your case.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Mar 22 at 2017 10:11 PM

2017-03-22T22:11:10-04:00

Chapter 3 of AR 27-10 read that Chapter and I am Not Sure About weather your will retain you new assignment or Not I would ask why are you not seeing the Company commander? Any How Good Luck and Let Me Know what Happens.

SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 22 at 2017 10:17 PM

2017-03-22T22:17:31-04:00

You screwed up. Take it for what it is. If they pull your orders just suck it up and move on. You keep clean and continue to march, you'll get your orders someday.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 22 at 2017 11:43 PM

2017-03-22T23:43:52-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, the short answer to what can you say to help yourself is.... "Probably not much".

A few things might work for or against you here. Are you underage? Driving (DUI)? Public Intoxication charge? Violation of policy/regulation/rule about use of alcohol in a training status? All of these things and more will be considered. Regardless of how things turn out, don't hinge your whole career on trying to get one specific base. I tried for 21 years to get Arnold AFB or Pope AFB because they were the closest to my family. I never did get either one but the other assignments around the world gave me experiences and friendships I wouldn't trade for anything.

We all fall down now and then. Just do your best to learn from the mistake and don't repeat it again. Best of luck to you!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 12:32 AM

2017-03-23T00:32:22-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member How many times have you been drunk? The BN Commander will not take excuses and will have some hard questions that you need to answer to the best of your ability. I would tell him/her that you realize you made a very bad lapse in judgement and take full responsibility for your actions. I would say that you have learned from your mistake and it will not happen again. Whatever the punishment, take it like a soldier, and clean up your act. If you want to turn over a new leaf, you can start by revising your profile picture to show yourself in the uniform of the day and upright. You are a soldier in the Army. Good luck.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 2:22 AM

2017-03-23T02:22:54-04:00

Own up. You did what you did and your BC knows more than you think he/she does. I guarantee your BC has talked with multiple sources already. The MP's, JAG, your 1SG, and your CO. Make sure your BC understands that you understand what you did. That you have violated the trust of your leaders and created a bad example for your peers for a temporary amount of fun that was in no way worth it. You're a Soldier, let them know you want to prove you are still capable of living up to the Army Values and that you still wish to serve the people of the United States.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 3:45 AM

2017-03-23T03:45:17-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member key buzz words: no excuse, I accept full responsibility and any consequences you deem necessary, will not happen again (and ensure that you are not lying and do not ever did it again).

DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT....say my bad, but....or however,....nobody ever likes to hear someone say it is my fault but.. keep it to the truth and short. If the BC yells let them yell and take it. Do not try to argue. I have seen people take yellings like a champ and survive and I have seen some people go in for minor offensives and start blaming others or get mouthy and end just with worse punishments than they were going to have before they went in the office. I would avoid asking about orders or anything else and just go with what the BC wants to focus on and leave. There will be time later to talk about orders etc.

And the other thing is make sure you properly report and leave the office. It make seem like common sense for some and small to others, but if you look and act squared away it goes further than if you start off just strolling into the office.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Mar 23 at 2017 7:44 AM

2017-03-23T07:44:23-04:00

As everyone previously stated, take ownership of your actions and express that this is not going to be a repeat offense. That is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you start throwing out excuses, you will only dig yourself deeper in the hole you are in. That doesn't mean, this will get you out of the ART 15, but maybe will lessen the punishment. Also, just a little lesson in life, don't ever drink that much alcohol....a .212, that is high. Maybe you should find a better way to spend your weekends. Your orders might be "suspended" until your flag is complete. You can not PCS pending ART 15. Your best bet is to talk with your NCO leadership or the S-1 leadership. Good luck in the future and it is not whether or not we mess up, because we all do, but how you conduct yourself afterwards.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 9:56 AM

2017-03-23T09:56:31-04:00

Holy crap.....you blew a 0.212? How were you still breathing?

But to answer the question: "Sir (or Ma'am), I screwed up something fierce and take full responsibility for my actions. What ever punishment I will face, I will face it like a Soldier." Or, something to that affect, anyway.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Mar 23 at 2017 10:17 AM

2017-03-23T10:17:32-04:00

Be prepared for the worse case scenario. You are not MOS qualified in any branch that I can tell from the information provided. A condition to qualify for 92R is completion of ABN School. Your are not MOSQ as a 92G as of yet either. There is a possibility you can be discharged from the service, which that is beyond your control. That will be up to the leadership and what they feel will be in the best interest of the Army.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Mar 23 at 2017 11:15 AM

2017-03-23T11:15:56-04:00

Whatever you say to your BN commander, keep one thing in mind. Anything you say can be null and void if the opposite can be found on social media. Whether it be on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, it can and will be found. So if there are an abundance of pics of you being a young woman having a good time drinking it up out in town, it is going to be very hard to believe that this was just a one time incident. And you will have to prove that this was a sobering and learning experience. I wish you the best of luck in getting your duty station that you are wanting.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 23 at 2017 11:45 AM

2017-03-23T11:45:02-04:00

When you show up, show up at least 15 minutes early. Be squared away...uniform and not a hair out of place. Soldier up and take full responsibility and take your discipline like a soldier and blame no one else...you are there because of you and no one made you drink the alcohol. Keep it short and to the point...don't ad lib at all. When it is time to leave, square up and move out crisply. Then move on with your career. As a commander, that is what I would want to see and hear. I hope that you can move on and learn from this and understand that there is nothing out there like this that is worth your career.

Response by SFC Richard Martin made Mar 23 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-03-23T11:53:32-04:00

The upside is that you are young in your career and it is a survivable injury. As with most others that have commented own your mistake and accept the punishment that is given. DO NOT forget professional military bearing at ALL times while in front of the LTC. There are no "right words" to say that will soften the blow of a DUI but as long as you lean forward and do not fall in to a pattern of bad behavior you should be able to have a nice career ahead of you.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 12:05 PM

2017-03-23T12:05:56-04:00

Keep it short and very accountable. "I have no excuse; it was a lapse of sound judgment..." is my suggested way forward. DO NOT make any excuses. You f*cked up, simple as that. We all have---we pressed on smartly--we survived/thrived. Learn and grow positively from it.

"Getting to Bragg is very important to me" may require more plausible information. There is a lot that is "very important" to many in boots. If you have to support an ailing family member, that is one thing; yet if it is just your preference, regrettably you may be looking at big Army throwing down the kibosh.

Good luck!

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Mar 23 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-03-23T12:20:11-04:00

I was stupid and I knew better. Give me a chance and I won't disappoint you.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 23 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-03-23T12:32:33-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member " I take full overship of what I did, now its just the right words to say"
You should have stopped with the first 8 words.
Heres the deal...... I wont "tell you what to say" because then its what Im saying, not what you are saying.
I'll tell you make no excuses, none, zero... If you let emotions get the better of you do to the injury and loss of your dream MOS, thats a contributing factor, but YOU still made a choice..Own it.

If you believe in what you have told us " I take full overship of what I did" Than that is the key, as well as honesty in yourself and to others when you stand before the BC.
If you believe you are ready , willing and able to take whats coming and persevere without complaint..TELL HIM THAT
If you believe you can make them proud of giving you a second chance tell him ONCE, your not begging, your just making it a challenge (in a good way)
If you believe in yourself, your mistake and that you are willing and able to scrub latrines after duty hours, not remain as a 92R (thats a high trust position, and sorry, you no longer have that trust.... I jumped the Chutes a 92R packed.....Id like to trust that SM did the job right... You may one day have re earned that trust, but not today...you made ONE bad choice,,,will you make another????? Time will tell.)

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 1:44 PM

2017-03-23T13:44:19-04:00

A lot of great responses here - more than enough to give you a direction of how to go about things.
On a more positive note - you're still alive..... :D

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 23 at 2017 2:09 PM

2017-03-23T14:09:35-04:00

Show up, take your beating with out excuses and get out.
Don't discuss your PCS and great desire to get to Bragg, because nobody will be interested in where or what you want, you're there for the BC to decide what, or if, any punishment is deserved for your actions. Heck at .212 you weren't drunk you were pickled.
Just keep the answers to Yes Sir/Ma'am, No Sir/Ma'am, I behaved irresponsibly sir/ma'am, the shorter the better and don't blame your buddies.
On a side note i'd advise doing something different with your profile picture, if someone were to view your on line presence at RP to get a feel for your mindset they may not see it in a positive light. It can also effect acceptances of contact requests.
Once you're done with whatever if any, punishment that comes from your meeting with the BC and any flags attached to that outcome have been lifted, then start on the path to Bragg.

Response by SPC Greg Stokes made Mar 23 at 2017 3:06 PM

2017-03-23T15:06:43-04:00

Start going to meetings, that action speaks louder than any words you'll say.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 23 at 2017 3:41 PM

2017-03-23T15:41:23-04:00

You screwed up pretty badly. However, almost anything is recoverable from.

You truly need to take ownership of your actions. I would use phrases like "I screwed up, I understand now how my actions have a negative impact on myself, the unit and the Army", and "I am doing (fill in the blank) to insure that it does not happen again." Be sincere. If the BC senses BS, you cause will be lost for sure.

However, words alone are meaningless, you need to make sure that your actions speak loudly too. All your stuff needs to be squared away, all the time. Your language, posture, etc. Be the model soldier in everything you do.

If you do all those things, you might have a chance.

*Do NOT bring up Bragg or any other wishes you may have. Talking with the BC is not the time for that.

PS- Be thankful that you are in the Army. The Air Force would have discharged you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 5:03 PM

2017-03-23T17:03:33-04:00

first if you blew .212 my suggestion would be get enrolled into a substance abuse course, that would show the bc that you made a mistake and are willing to fix it. do your time pay for the crime, or what ever the bc gives you, you are young mistakes happen, the older we get those same mistakes will end a career no matter if its the first time or not, and finally quit focusing on a particular assignment, the army will send you where ever it wants, you can give your preference all you want, I wanted battleships when in the navy, got marine corps instead, best decision the navy ever gave me, good luck

Response by Sgt Michael Clifford made Mar 23 at 2017 6:29 PM

2017-03-23T18:29:45-04:00

No excuse sir. It will not happen again sir.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Mar 23 at 2017 7:01 PM

2017-03-23T19:01:23-04:00

This is where your past behavior is important when your BN Commander decides what happens to you. I was in the Navy for 10 years and never been in trouble before I got a DWI. Explain what happened and why. Like Maj Maurelli said, don't say but. Accept what you did was wrong and tell the BN commander. This doesn't have to be career ending. It wasn't for me. Good luck

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Mar 23 at 2017 7:02 PM

2017-03-23T19:02:07-04:00

Soldier - You have been given some very sound advice in these replies to what all hope is a honest call for guidance and not a ploy to find the right things to say in order to maneuver your way though this matter with minimal impact to you and your career.
The only other point I can think might be worth offering is to stay off of any sort of social media with this issue, no matter how it goes for you! Post NOTHING, especially if you think your punishment was harsh unless you are truly repentant and offer your comments as a means to educate others to the consequences of improper conduct involving alcohol. It is my sincere hope that you will take this whole matter as seriously as it is and use this experience to become an outstanding representative of the U.S. Army and the unit in which you serve. Wishing you the very best.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 9:42 PM

2017-03-23T21:42:17-04:00

Accept responsibility with the truth and humility. Finally, accept the punishment with grace and appreciation. Tears will not reduce the punishment.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 24 at 2017 2:33 AM

2017-03-24T02:33:39-04:00

How about... I screwed up, I am sorry, and please give me the opportunity to demonstrate I can do what is right.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 24 at 2017 3:56 PM

2017-03-24T15:56:05-04:00

I have a word for you that sums up what many others have said on this subject: contrite. Contrite is feeling or showing sorrow or remorse for bad behavior or shortcoming. You need to communicate to the Commander that your are contrite about showing up drunk. It's an attitude and a set of behaviors. Mostly be quiet and accept the Commander's discipline. Do not try to blame anybody else for your behavior. You're in a training situation and the Commander probably sees several junior enlisted who've gotten themselves in trouble a week. With any luck, sincere contriteness on you part will encourage him or her that you understand your error and are willing to do better.

As far at Fort Bragg goes, leave that discussion for your chain of command after the NJP is settled. If you straighten out your act, then you have a good foundation to stand on to ask for a location you want. Also, exceptional performance in your training would help a lot. Personally, I've been to Ft Bragg and I never lost anything there I'd want to go back for. The Army has many other good assignment locations in the CONUS and overseas. I believe every assignment is what you make of it. Follow each set of orders with a positive attitude and don't prejudge any location and you'll be much happier with your decision to be a Soldier.

Response by TSgt Richard Farrell made Mar 25 at 2017 12:43 PM

2017-03-25T12:43:33-04:00

People have many ways of dealing with disappointment regarding potentially (military) career changing events. Exercising "poor judgement" by soothing the emotional pain of a perceived career disaster with alcohol was tolerated once upon a time. However, In todays military of unofficial mission statements that go; "...To err is human and forgive divine, neither of which is our policy", is more the norm. Be honest with you commander regarding your dilemma, as for mercy / forgiveness, and be prepared to accept his / her's decision regarding you situation. Should you make the mistake of expressing and placing your personal desires above those of the military organization be prepared for bad news, suck it up and move on. Believe it or not, it's not the end of the world. Regardless of where you're assigned focus on being the best troop you can be. Article 15's are no joke, as you're finding out. And just remember that, if you plan to make a career of the military you absolutely MUST put the needs of the service above yours. To do otherwise will have dire consequences for you that you clearly don't understand. But, don't take my word for it. Check with you area defense counsel. Better still, check out a "Stars & Stripes" for the advertisement of a civilian lawyer that specializes in issues pertaining to MCM, UCMJ and Article 15 rebuttals. And please remember, as Confucius would say; "An unarmed man should NEVER engage in mental combat". You've run afoul of military law. Do yourself a BIG favor, invest in an legal-eagle to speak on your behalf with your commander. Otherwise, I recommend you sharpen you pencil and update you resume for civilian life.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2017 2:04 PM

2017-03-25T14:04:49-04:00

Make sure you're squared away and report smartly. Speak only if and when asked to and be brief. Stick to the facts in the fewest words possible. Accept full responsibility for your actions without any excuses or alibis unless asked for details. If BC asks for more input respond, but only the facts and make sure you are not trying to shift blame. Own up to it being bad judgement and be sincere in saying you'll promise to be a stellar Soldier from here on. Hope for the best and accept what you get with respect. Smartly leave when dismissed. Live up to your promise and move on with your life.

Edit: This will not be the place to talk about your orders. You're there for punishment and not negotiate assignment. You have no control over it but hopefully it won't be brought up. Bad enough scenario to be there for punishment and asking for a break at the same time may tip the scales if BC is a hard leader. Don't know reason for wanting Bragg but be careful about what you ask for. If it's "home" for you that's not good if it's just to be around friends. Sick relative is totally different issue but only you know your capabilities. The Army will still come first but provided you do your job while taking care of family it's transparent to Army. If it's because of friends, you can't be in Army and back on the block and expect it to work out well. Too many distractions and temptations, plus it's hard to make a fresh start and stay in the place you joined to get away from. Depends on your maturity level though, which is already questionable. Safe bet is go for Travel and Adventure.

Response by PO2 Brett Rowland made Mar 25 at 2017 2:15 PM

2017-03-25T14:15:48-04:00

Sir/Maam I am sorry I was drunk. I was upset at myself for needing to be reclassified as a CS instead of being able to continue with my Airborne training due to my broken leg. I understand it is not a good excuse. I will not let it happen again. I am so gung-ho I would like to be able to serve with an Airborne unit perhaps as their CS or something else if you could recommend how my skills could be of use in support of Airborne unit.

Response by Sarah Zayas made Jul 26 at 2017 4:24 PM

2017-07-26T16:24:15-04:00

Keep it short and sweet. "I will have to live with this mistake the rest of my life" then stop.

Response by John Buzik made Dec 14 at 2020 3:34 PM

2020-12-14T15:34:39-05:00

I'll never do it again.....