Should this Admiral be held accountable?

2015-12-10T12:20:03-05:00

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/12/07/david-baucom-story-florida-conference-public-nudity-drunkenness/76881816/

Navy two-star fired for public drunkenness, nudity

A night of hard drinking at a trade conference in Florida ends the career of one of the Navy's top supply officers, in one of this year's more

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-12-10T12:22:04-05:00

Yes.

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Dec 10 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-12-10T12:30:55-05:00

Well, of course. As a high ranking officer he needs to lead by example and held to a higher standard. He set an extremely poor example for those under his command and put forth a very unfavorable picture of a US Sailor and service member.

Response by CAPT Tom Bersson made Dec 10 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-12-10T12:36:30-05:00

Yes he should be.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-12-10T13:12:29-05:00

huh? what? why do someone even said he "might" be not accountable at all??

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 10 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-12-10T13:36:00-05:00

As I said in another thread, he will be punished. His career is over and will, in all probability retire within the next six months. What level of punishment do you all think he deserves?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 10 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-12-10T14:23:46-05:00

Yes. Judgment is a primary consideration for any officer, and is especially so for flag rank.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Dec 10 at 2015 2:47 PM

2015-12-10T14:47:58-05:00

Absolutely 100%.
We have moved past the days of keeping every little incident swept under the rug, this is the 21st century and unless you have been living under a rock in the middle of the desert then you know that every single move you make is subject to being recorded on video or photos and can instantly be posted to social media.
I think that some people just don't get it that they are accountable for their own actions, blame the alcohol or medication or whatever is easy to use but it comes down to decisions.
You and only you can decide how much to drink, no one is forcing drinks down your throat.
I know myself I did some pretty stupid things back in the 1980's while drinking in excess and when I got a bit overboard I paid the price for it, usually it was a pretty severe ass chewing, extra duty and some voluntary restriction to the ship because the other choice was to go to Captains Mast and be guaranteed max punishment.
The culture has changed and people need to realize it before ruining their career over a few too many drinks.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 10 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-12-10T14:54:33-05:00

Oh he will....he will quietly retire when all this blows over.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 3:13 PM

2015-12-10T15:13:44-05:00

Taking into account what was reported.
1) 4 doctors testified that his cardiac meds combined with the alcohol probably contributed or resulted in a cardiac related event thus the dizziness, inability to stand and the need for him to be taken to his room.
2) The report stated he was naked asking for a towel so he could cover himself up. Maybe, he got out of bed and went to use the restroom, and /or accidentally left his room and got locked out.
3) It did not appear to be reported that he was in the banquet hall or exposing himself to the 70 guest in attendance. Just walking down the hall asking for a towel.
4) Last I checked, no requirement to pack your PJs :)
5) BTW-isn't he an aviator :) Where was his wingman? ) Aide/Executive assistant etc?
Unfortunately it happened, and of course they will want to make an example out of him. I get it, he's a Flag Officer, but that does not make him perfect. He's human and made a mistake. Too bad for him and his family, I am sure he is personally and professionally embarrassed.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Dec 10 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-12-10T16:45:30-05:00

I'm guessing he'll command a desk for a few months before quietly retiring.
No doubt a very poor decision on his part, not to mention extreme embarrassment personally and professionally.
At least this didn't involve fraud or corruption, like so many others have.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 10 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-12-10T17:59:14-05:00

Fired (Forced) retirement at a 1 star level. That should suffice. Too Bad.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Dec 10 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-12-10T18:04:47-05:00

Yes

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 10 at 2015 8:09 PM

2015-12-10T20:09:40-05:00

If I was him, I would act all crazy like I am Batman.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Dec 10 at 2015 9:30 PM

2015-12-10T21:30:09-05:00

Unfortunate, but yes. He should be held accountable, and he should have known better.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-12-11T01:33:40-05:00

I don’t know what punishment he deserves, but I want to party with this maniac.

Response by LCDR Anthony Montague made Dec 14 at 2015 1:45 AM

2015-12-14T01:45:16-05:00

This would appear to be yet another case of a high ranking officer using medical excuses to cover conduct unbecoming an officer. I have seen it before and we will likely see it again. Personally, I feel they need to make an example and bring him before a Courts Martial. Show that regulations apply to all regardless of rank or title. When I was commissioned, I swore to conduct myself as an officer and a gentleman at all times. I may be retired, but I still conduct myself with dignity and self-respect.

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made Dec 24 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-12-24T15:41:58-05:00

Did you miss this quote from the NT article?
"After extensive medical testing and diagnoses, four doctors have stated in writing that I most probably experienced an atrial fibrillation event the evening of April 8th which caused lightheadedness, disorientation, dizziness and confusion," Baucom said [end quote]

This medical condition probably caused or contributed to his uncharacteristic actions. You don't destroy a person's life over an illness. If he has no history of this sort of action, then he should receive the benefit of Reasonable Doubt.

The decision as to what happens, should be left to his doctors, who will determine if he is fit for duty.