As a CSM, I see this same type of thought process for folks who come to see the Bn Cdr for Field Grade Misconduct.

Those that have demonstrated a lapse in character always want to focus on competence. They and their supervisors always want to talk about how great they are at their job, the production contribution they are making and how they teach/train Soldiers about the job.

They miss the point - misconduct is about character - completely separate than competence.

Our force cannot function solely on competence - it is a Profession and we have been entrusted by the people - in the end, we are a Profession because of our character.

Bottom-line - if a certain number of Majors have to go, and honestly, most are really good and demonstrate the same performance/potential, the first ones identified for reduction are going to be those that at some point had a lapse or momentary lapse of character.

DUIs for Officers have always been the kiss of death going back to when I entered the Army in the early 80s. He was lucky that there were two wars going on and the Army needed all the officers it could get.....or he'd have been drummed out immediately back in 2006. He has also short changed himself by not researching his options coming off active duty. He could easily slide over into the Army Reserves and finish out his career and get a pretty good retirement based on all the points he'd be creditted with from active duty....they are hurting for Captains and Majors. Even if he never got promoted again, he could get 20 good retirement years before the Reserves would manditorily retire him. The National Guard would be a tougher option based on his rank, but it's not unheard of. He also doesn't help himself in the credibility department....by not proof reading his paper and obviously writing it when he was still seething with emotions from the disappointment of being let go. If he's a true warrior-scholar as he suggests.....then he needs to pull himself up by the boot straps, tighten his belt, and soldier on!

In 1968 I was between tours to VN. A Captain and one of my best friends just had the Commanding General of the Infantry School pin the Distinguished Service Cross on him for his actions as a LT. Platoon Leader. Then turn around two weeks later and he got a Field Grade Article 15 for a DUI he got over in Phoenix City. Phoenix City, as all us Benning Boys know, is notorious for setting up anyone with a DOD sticker. My friend had 2 drinks at a bar just across the river from Columbus, GA had gotten into his car, started it, and the PCPD cited him for DUI (no Breathalyzers back then) while he was still in the parking lot.

After this event, he was told that he would not make Major and should consider voluntary release from active duty. The Army not only lost a very good combat leader but put a bad taste in the mouths of those he had to leave behind.

SFC Jason Kendrick is right, the system needs change. As the Army downsizes, it needs to retain Soldiers with the Majors experience. Especially when he took the initiative of seeking help and making corrections. But, for now we "Embrace The Suck".