Posted on Jul 16, 2018
What kind of punishment may I be looking at for attempting to purchase alcohol as a minor with an altered ID?
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I recently made a dumb mistake and attempted to purchase alcohol as a minor with an altered ID. The offenses are class 3 misdemeanors in the civilian world and I’d look at 0 jail time if I was a civilian. I’m currently flagged and under investigation. How extensive will my punishment be. I’ve been told an article 15 but I know that can range from a lot of different things
Posted in these groups: 
UCMJ
Article 15
UCMJ Article 15
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 33
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You're probably going to get a field grade article 15 and a chapter out of the military. I would start looking at what you're going to do after you're out.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SGT Joseph Gunderson - Even a first time DUI alone shouldn't be a death sentence for an E-2, although is most certainly would be an Article 15 and would likely loose rank and pay over it, or I would have taken a stripe anyway. Believe me, I'm am and was all for getting rid of the trouble makers and dead weight, but kicking a junior enlisted out for a first time stupid doesn't seem very productive to me.
And E-6 or above, or any Officer, sure, lower the hammer on them. We are supposed to be responsible and lead by example.
And E-6 or above, or any Officer, sure, lower the hammer on them. We are supposed to be responsible and lead by example.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SGT Joseph Gunderson - And I would say that the leadership isn't doing it's job in trying to mold, train and inspire their soldiers by kicking people out for minor first offenses without additional reasons. I've seen it too, and I know it's probably more common today, but it doesn't mean that it's right or how you should lead.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
CPT Lawrence Cable - I do believe there is a need to approach these on a case by case basis. I went to bat for one of my soldiers way back when he received a DUI. He was a good soldier and a young kid who made a mistake. He received his Art 15 and they didn't chapter him because I asked that we retain him. If he wasn't a good soldier I would not have argued for him to remain in the army. If a soldier is already a shithead, by all means, get rid of them.
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Non Judiciary, was it on post or off? Off post in civilian world you would be fined. As CO I'd tell you not to let it happen again. You know you shouldn't, but if you were drinking with your friends off post and didn't return soused or picked up by the MPs for DWI, I would not do anything, if you are young enough to take bullets and shrapnel, you are old enough to have a few beers. LOL, I had my 1st beers at age 4 during WW II. (off post)
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This is all subjective & speculation on my part & anyone's part since we don't know you personally CPL (Join to see) ... It all depends on you & your Chain of Command. If you've been a model Soldier & this was your first screw up, then they may go lightly on you. If you've messed up before, then they might max you out on a Field Grade Article 15 (especially if you've had a Company Grade or two before). If you did the deed, then admit your mistakes & take whatever they throw at you. Drive on & finish whatever punishments they recommend & don't screw up again! You might end up being a better person and Soldier in the end.
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What ID did you alter???? That might have a lot to do with your punishment You better hope it wasn't your military ID. Good luck
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I cannot answer the question without knowing how your chain of command feels about you and your performance history, and the details of the incident.
Seek competent legal advice.
Seek competent legal advice.
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There’s honestly no way to tell. I’ve seen people get really hemmed up for less and I’ve also seen people get away with a lot more. Your best bet is to express your regret and try to assure whoever you stand in front of that it won’t happen again. The rest is in their hands. Good luck.
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All the comments thus far are good advice. You do want to avoid being discharged under other than honorable conditions by every means available. This offense is not likely to get you there unless more problems in your service preceded this issue. In 1972 I was sent to CCF (Correctional Custody Facility) for 30 days for having been AWOL. CCF was essentially a redo of Basic Training. There were no bars or fences, just lots of drill and exercise, locker inspections. We were housed in old WWII style single story wooden barracks. Tell your immediate chain of command you know you screwed up and apologize for dishonoring them and your unit. Convince them that you want to correct your error. Correct it and everything will be okay. I speak from experience.
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Just admit to what you did, don't make any excuse, accept your punishment and do your best to move on form there. Expect some form of article 15, do it and get it over with and keep your nose clean.
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A mistake is like calling Joe the plumber, John; or not knowing the yellow pump head is for diesel and putting diesel fuel in the gasoline fueled truck . You made a bad decision to try to do something purposely wrong. You obviously knew you were under age and Heck; you even had an altered ID... Not a mistake.
Depending on your unit and their policies an article 15 at the company or field grade level sounds about rite for the act you committed. Look at AR 27-10 and it will list the range of punishments available to commanders under those levels of authority.
Depending on your unit and their policies an article 15 at the company or field grade level sounds about rite for the act you committed. Look at AR 27-10 and it will list the range of punishments available to commanders under those levels of authority.
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Only your CO (or his Sr Enlisted) can answer that. If you've been a good soldier in word and deed prior to this, your Chain of Command may be able to avoid Art 15 or lessen the NJP level/punishment. If not - stand by for heavy rolls.
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