What should the leadership at Fort Riley do after the 25 1st ID Soldiers were arrested at a party?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:54:31 -0500

All 25 Soldiers were cited with possession of marijuana. All 25 Soldiers are listed by rank, name, unit assigned, age, and MOS. What is going to happen to these Soldiers? More importantly, what is MG Grigsby and the Riley Leadership going to do to prevent future occurrences? Thoughts?

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/crime/2016/01/12/25-fort-riley-soldiers-arrested-after-police-break-up-loud-party/78700592/

25 Fort Riley soldiers arrested after police break up loud party

Twenty-five soldiers from Fort Riley, Kansas, face drug- and alcohol-related charges after local police raided an out-of-control party Friday night.

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made Jan 12 at 2016 10:58 PM

SSG Daniel Deiler — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:58:28 -0500

Hopefully hold those Soldiers accountable instead of enacting mass punishment like most commanders like to do.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 12 at 2016 10:58 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:58:55 -0500

Prediction: There will be 25 examples for the pre-weekend safety briefing(s)... and a whole lot of sea-stories.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jan 12 at 2016 11:01 PM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:01:01 -0500

Welcome to the military Justice system and these 25 just destroyed their Military careers and after the court martials and dishonourable discharges life will be hard.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Jan 12 at 2016 11:04 PM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:04:47 -0500

Well, these chuckle heads made a fine mess of their lives - ladies and gentlemen, can I introduce you to the first graduating class of Wasted Lives, 2016!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 12 at 2016 11:08 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:08:26 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member One of my grandsons, now of legal age, has always sniffed trouble and departed from possible troublesome situations; to date!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:08:41 -0500

Sounds like there could be some issues with the relationship between the Post and its soldiers and the local police. The LTC Division spokesman said that one marijuana cigarette was found at the party, and since no one admitted it was theirs, they charged all 25 with possession. WTF is that? That sounds like some pretty lame police work to me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:13:53 -0500

"Every soldier arrested that night was charged with possession of marijuana because a single marijuana cigarette was found at the party, McCullum said, citing information the Army has received from police. No one admitted to owning the cigarette, so police officers cited everyone with possession."

This charge is a common when police bust a party, they will cite everyone at the party with possession of marijuana, or alcohol, if they find it. In the end state the person who will most likely be charged is the whoever lives in the house and is hosting the party. The rest that are involved are going to have their marijuana charges dismissed because merely being present around narcotics, alcohol, etc. does not mean you are in possession of them.

**After thought, Did you know Bowe Berghdahl while on leave, was picked up in a California bust for the same reason. I don't think there was any discussion about him being charged or receiving punishment for it. The P.D. quietly returned him to his command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:40:36 -0500

I have served with MG Grigsby, and I expect that two things will happen.
These 25 goombas will face the music with a pile of Summary Courts-Marshall and NJP.
The situation that led to this will result in some tightening down by the powers-that-be. Expect restrictions to come about.

Response by SGT Jay Ehrenfeld made Jan 12 at 2016 11:56 PM

SGT Jay Ehrenfeld — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:56:45 -0500

First of all these soldier their career is over with with BDC. Then their leadership will be relieved of duty then transfer out of Fort Riley, also the base is all political. Anyway Junction police department been told by the chief just harassment the military personnel at all time.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jan 13 at 2016 12:13 AM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:13:09 -0500

Looks like all drug related so I would say BCD's reduction to lowest grade, the post seems to have a serious drug problem.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jan 13 at 2016 12:13 AM

Cpl Rc Layne — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:13:37 -0500

Make examples of them, all of them. This wasn't their first party.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 1:43 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 01:43:54 -0500

As a PFC, I'd hate the hoops their buddies are going to have to jump though now for accountability during off duty hours because these morons.

Response by Duane Weimerskirch made Jan 13 at 2016 1:44 AM

Duane Weimerskirch — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 01:44:50 -0500

sounds like we are training robots in the military. if there is anything harder than weed then consider drug charges. if they are legal to join the military then let them drink. sounds like some cops have a hard on for the military. how many of those cops served..sounds like some turn coats..but with the current administration i see alot of it

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 13 at 2016 8:27 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:27:03 -0500

I noticed that all are lower enlisted. This is certainly a leadership problem that will be addressed. Not sure how it will be addressed so that it want happen again but I would hate to be a leader at Ft. Riley right now.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 13 at 2016 9:47 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:47:31 -0500

Marijuana is still illegal in the military and most other places At some point in time use of it may be legalized which will make an incident like this similar to a number of SMs out in town all drunk as skunks at a booze party at somebody's apartment complex or local bar.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 13 at 2016 11:08 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:08:49 -0500

Wonder why such details on this one, when we see C.O.s relieved due to lack of confidence without such details? Overkill, but when the local press covers it, it's difficult to manage it on a local command level. Now the sledge hammer and the gnat approach is all that is left. Hope this settles down and some adult leadership can take care of it and save the millions that were probably spent to train these individuals.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 11:16 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:16:02 -0500

I was unfortunately made Platoon Leader of a Motor Pool Platoon a couple years back. My platoon looked just like all these mug shots. Despite my best efforts, my Soldiers could have been these Soldiers. Even though the majority of these Soldiers were not in possession of a controlled substance, they still made the decision to be at that party. Believe me when I say, it would be in the best interest of the Army to separate all 25 of these Soldiers immediately. This was not the first time they did this. This was just the first time they got caught. Those who do not get separated on this go-around will certainly continue this behavior in the future. It is a perfect example of how 10% of your Soldiers take up 90% of your time. It is not the Army's job to play parent. It is not the Army's job to rehabilitate thugs. There are plenty of people who NEED a job and WANT to work that can fill in those 25 positions. Let's not waste any more time on them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 13 at 2016 12:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 12:50:14 -0500

That's a good question. What if you were the CG, what would you do?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 1:46 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:46:43 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I do not accept the use of drugs. That is way out of bounds. Officers and high-ranking leadersm need to put a foot down. People in the community will connect the services with being out of control. At this time, we cannot afford to sneeze at the wrong time. Enough marginalilizing as it is.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 1:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:52:27 -0500

Hopefully, their leaders assess the situation with objectivity and an awareness that young people occasionally will make foolish decisions. I would imagine that many people calling for these Soldiers' heads have made poor decisions in their lives as well. Unfortunately for these young Soldiers, their indiscretions are all over the news. I can guarantee that there are numerous outstanding officers, NCOs, and Soldiers who have consumed too much alcohol at some point in their lives. This incident does not automatically make them unworthy Soldiers. However, they certainly need to quickly learn to make more mature decisions in their off-duty time. I sincerely hope that they receive the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 13 at 2016 2:17 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:17:33 -0500

What have we come to> Disgraceful!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 2:41 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:41:03 -0500

Marijuana was a problem in Vietnam and stateside when I was in. There is no place in the military for drugs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 3:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 15:55:05 -0500

They should get an Rcom at the very least.

Response by CSM Felipe Mendez made Jan 13 at 2016 4:04 PM

CSM Felipe Mendez — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 16:04:45 -0500

People are using the fact that there is not much to do in Fort Riley to justified these individual's actions. Wrong, I was stationed there for 4 years and we (soldiers) never got to be this disrespectful, stupid and disregard for Army's common courtesy to others and order. Everyone, please "STOP" making excuses for these standards violator and handle them some good UCMJ actions that goes with some restrictions (6 months) and deferments pay. These are not soldiers, they are "Gang Members" and should be treated as such and action should be taking the same as done previously with gang related incidents. Some are qualified for some rank reduction ie>> E4 SPC to PFC, PFC to E2 and so on. NCOs where were you when this crap was going on??, CQ what were you doing when this happened??? Now is the time to stop the BS and hold someone accountable, being young is no excuse for being disrespectful and a violator of army drinking policy. Fort Riley use to have the "Retraining Brigade" Army needs to bring such program back...... I am MAD as hell to see the Army that I served for over 30 years being disrespected, drag through the ground and shame over and over.. FT Riley should make an example of this individuals as need to. You asked why I am so hard on these looser? well, think about these individual's parents position. They (parents) believe that their son/daughters are in good hand by being in the service and here they are acting as describe in the article. How would a chain of command explains to a parent if his/her son/daughter die of alcohol poison or due to a alcohol related incident/accident???? NCOs TAKE BACK YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXERCISE YOUR DUTIES AS A LEADER OF SOLDIERS.....

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 13 at 2016 4:09 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 16:09:40 -0500

I must admit I am shocked that these late teen, early twenties soldiers would be partying? That never happened when I was in my late teens/early twenties...check my Facebook?
The drug charges do trouble me, but there are no details and it is always in the details. I would like to know the details so I can stop thinking that the police are a bunch of small town hick police...but details might just reinforce this assumption, without evidence.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 4:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 16:52:02 -0500

I thing the next step is a urinalysis.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 13 at 2016 4:52 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 16:52:02 -0500

I still have faith in the Army system, the guilty will be punished and the folks that were just there will be fine. However situational awareness is important if you're at a function and think things are getting out of hand say something to the hoste of the event or leave.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Jan 13 at 2016 5:25 PM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 17:25:40 -0500

So maybe some of the Army folks can explain something to me - recently my son-n-law went through basic and then up to Fort Eustis for training (Apache helo avionics & armament). Since we was there in excess of 24 weeks, the Army paid to relocate his wife (my daughter) - ok so far so good. But - due to the way training is structured, students aren't allowed off-post week nights and on weekends they could be off post from 0600-2000. Apparently, this was because they are in AIT and aren't considered 'mature' enough - granted apparently they had some nut-jobs who couldn't stop from drinking or getting in trouble - but just curious - if you are going to entrust young men and women to maintain multi-million flying machines - if you can't trust them to go off post and come back when they are supposed to then why the heck would you trust them to maintain aircraft?

He is out of AIT and posted to a unit, so it's all moot but apparently this is the Army way. As an old jarhead just curious if someone can explain that rationale - Army spent a pot of moving moving dependents etc.... but nope, no liberty ..

Response by Sgt Lew Dunham made Jan 14 at 2016 10:48 AM

Sgt Lew Dunham — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 10:48:39 -0500

One joint? Where was it found? Someone's pocket or purse? Stuffed into the couch? Nevertheless, hardly enough weed for a party, unless the marijuana cigarette was the size of Tommy Chong's in the movie Up In Smoke. Have the youngsters spit shine the barracks (or two), do some PT and give them a written warning. They're too young to throw away because they had a party and somebody brought a single joint (if that's actually the case). As for the underage drinking ... let's see a show of hands of those who were underage and didn't want to be part of the group at a party. It's not a felony, it's normal human behavior.

Response by Sgt Bruce C. made Jan 14 at 2016 3:43 PM

Sgt Bruce C. — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 15:43:38 -0500

I could see some future drug testing, random and mandatory for these guys and others.

there is one solder in deep shit from this statement; Soldiers who were younger than 21 were also cited with underage drinking. One soldier, Spc. Ronald Jenkins, was also cited with unlawful noise and hosting of minors

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 4:01 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:01:09 -0500

Taking into consideration the state of the Army / Military in general right now, I fear that these 25 soldiers have done some real damage to their careers. With all the looming personnel cuts & budget reductions, soldiers should realize that anything remotely negative makes them a target for the RIF.

My Uncle has shared many stories about the many "soiree's" / trouble that he got into during 68-early 80's but unlike then, the internet can blow anything and everything into a national headline.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 14 at 2016 5:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:55:21 -0500

All get a urinalysis. One gets in trouble for contributing to a minor. One gets in trouble with MIP. Let the cards fall.

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Jan 14 at 2016 6:39 PM

SFC Clark Adams — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:39:59 -0500

Follow the appropriate AR and UCMJ guidelines...........

Response by SFC Richard Bennett made Jan 14 at 2016 10:58 PM

SFC Richard Bennett — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:58:24 -0500

I had a number of my troops arrested in a bar fight. I went into Junction City and tried to bail them out. My offer was refused, I had the money to do it, and they were denied bail. At morning formation I reported them held hostage. For a civilian charge the troops have a right to bail. Stacking charges, not right. At the time I was a Jersey City Police Officer JCPD on leave to go back into the Army , Junction City Police Department went to far, JCPD vs JCPD. All charges were dropped at court hearing. I also made friends with the Junction City Cops. They did what they had to do to break up the fight and I did what I thought was right. In my opinion the Junction City Cops, also my Brothers, will not be able to prosecute this matter.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 12:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 00:21:53 -0500

Well, looks like a bunch of NJP, brigade area will be looking pretty good, possibly a few chapters, new and stricter policies, and just ruined it for everyone else. One more thing added to a command team's plate and takes them away from doing the other 5 #1 priorities in the unit. I feel your pains 1SGs and commanders.

Depending on location, I assume some local authorities are not fond of Soldiers coz they probably deal with situations involving Soldiers more often than wanted and have no tolerance for the slightest infractions. Probably why all got cited for it.

Some of these soldiers are guilty by association and placed their career in jeopardy. It'll take a lot of explaining to do and convincing at the same time but they can't outwit that 1SG so easily. Hanging out with the wrong crowd or failure to recognize something is not right usually leads to undesirable results. And they placed themselves into that situation so little to no sympathy from this crusty old guy. Yes, I've made my own foolish decisions in the past but not to the extent that it drew the authorities attention. In their case, it's in the news and social media. Yikes.

There is always two sides to a story and we'll just have to see how everything unfolds. Surely they'll make an example out of these folks and set the tone from then on. Let's have faith at the command to come up with the best course of action.

Response by SGT Ron Boyd made Jan 15 at 2016 7:31 PM

SGT Ron Boyd — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:31:13 -0500

Get over it? Give them all a "hip-pocket" Article 15, maybe dock a day's pay for an error in judgement, and move on . . . of course, their names could be placed at the top of the list for future urinalysis and UCMJ could be applied further depending on test results. I feel sorry for military personnel stationed in Washington, Colorado, DC, etc. where the purchase of marijuana for recreational use is legal, yet Federal laws and UCMJ that make it illegal for military personnel. The temptation for the young men serving today is probably incredible.

From a Cold War Veteran

Response by SFC Dave Wynn made Jan 16 at 2016 11:12 AM

SFC Dave Wynn — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 11:12:41 -0500

I would let the 1SG deal with the punishment or Post CSM have a Post clean-up weekend for maybe 12hrs a day.

Response by Cpl Tracey Chapman made Jan 17 at 2016 2:50 AM

Cpl Tracey Chapman — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 02:50:04 -0500

There has to be a drug awareness class for all new NCOs and even A school B and C schos for Mos training

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 19 at 2016 6:56 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:56:32 -0500

This is impossible to prevent. Soldiers are held to higher standards but they are still human and will mess up. Fort Riley is rarely in the military news because it is a very soldier and family friendly post. This falls entirely on the shoulders of those found guilty, not on the leadership. I may be biased considering Fort Riley was my first duty station :)

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 20 at 2018 11:24 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 11:24:29 -0400

WTF, 1 You should know that UCMJ is in effect. After investigation- we you have had Field Grade ART15, and then chapter proceeding ( My leader reserved drug case for BN and higher. 2. You CAN NOT stop stupid people, you should know that- You can make an example of them, you came increase H&W, and drug tests. You can make it life changing to get caught.