Is our military judicial system too rigid?

2014-12-18T12:35:40-05:00

Here is a case of an officer who is awarded prison time for going AWOL in order to deal with his personal demons. He did that by enlisting in the French Foreign Legion and serving for five years in various conflicts. Why did he get prison time? For “avoiding deployment.”

After his tour in the FFL was up, he voluntarily turned himself in to take responsibility for his actions.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/us/a-deserter-who-chased-conflict-is-jailed-for-shirking-duty.html?referrer&_r=0

What are your thoughts on the matter?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 12:46 PM

2014-12-18T12:46:12-05:00

Capt Private RallyPoint Member, he was sentenced for desertion which is a UCMJ violation.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/army-officer-sentenced-to-four-years-for-desertion-after-joining-the-french-foreign-legion?urlhash=375279

Army officer sentenced to four years for desertion after joining the French Foreign Legion. |...

This is an amazing story about mental illness and service. Does the sentence fit the crime? Was it a crime, or self-administered therapy? http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/us/a-deserter-who-chased-conflict-is-jailed-for-shirking-duty.html?_r=1

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2016 3:16 PM

2016-08-29T15:16:03-04:00

Our military judicial system isn't too rigid; it's too inconsistent, and as a result completely broken and ineffective. When leaders can have *crystal clear evidence of ***REPEATED*** wrongdoing,* yet continue to willfully look the other way because...? That's when they lose their soldiers' trust and confidence.