What stories do you have of Junior Enlisted and Senior Leaders making the same mistake, but ONLY Junior Enlisted getting crushed for it?

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 17:56:59 -0400

This is a 100% true story from my time in the Army, and it's as crazy as it is angering. I'm not going to say real names here. My unit while deployed was 1-27 IN, which was part of 2nd Brigade 25th ID out of Schofield Barracks, HI. We would go out on patrols all the time, and obviously had loaded weapons while doing that. When we would return to our JSS (i.e., combat outpost) through the Entry Control Point, all of us would go to the clearing barrels to clear our weapons before entering. At this time, my unit had a very strict policy on what the punishment would be for a negligent discharge, and leaders all made sure that every Soldier was super clear on what they were – it would be an Article 15 and you would get busted down in rank (there may have also been some interim forfeiture of pay, but I don’t remember).

Every month we would have at least 1 person commit a negligent discharge; this was almost always a Junior Enlisted person mainly because they comprise the majority of personnel in a typical battalion to begin with. Each time, my unit would publicly shame those individuals and send storyboards around to all the companies about what happened and how the person got punished. Don’t get me wrong – NDs are really serious and can kill someone, so I was okay with the unit taking them this seriously.

…and then this happened…and I am not kidding. I have like 10 people who were there in the room and witnessed it (and gave sworn statements later).

One afternoon our battalion’s Operations Sergeant Major was twirling his Beretta M9 on his finger while in the battalion TOC. Seriously – he was twirling his pistol on his index finger like a cowboy. Of course he assumed that it wasn’t loaded, but it’s still really inappropriate to do that. And, this Ops SGM had previously deployed with Ranger Regiment (wore the right shoulder scroll) a few times. ***As he was twirling his M9, the weapon fired and shot a round straight into his calf muscle in his leg, messing his leg up pretty badly.*** Thank goodness no one was killed.

Long story short, he ended up needing some complicated surgery and was flown to Germany for a few weeks. When he got back to our unit in Iraq, he got a “rehab transfer” to a sister battalion in our brigade, where he later became their Command Sergeant Major. He wasn’t busted down in rank and wasn’t otherwise punished.

There are many problems with this. One being that it felt like a horrible double-standard and that all the Soldiers in our ranks found out that it all went down like this. No punishment at all for the same offense that they would have gotten destroyed for.

Do you have any stories like this?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2021 7:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:12:20 -0400

I think Jr soldiers get crushed for things easier as a function of the administrative process to do so.

A SPC and below can be reduced in rank by little administrative hassle at the company level. The upside to Jr enlisted is it really doesn't follow them. To reduce in rank the SGM in the example provided would entail a drawn out process for someone already trying to recover from a serious wound they self inflicted.

*****
I've seen PVT's get off easy with ND's at the range. In basic training, a peer of mine let a round go in the clearing barrel. What saved him was the 1SG was the safety NCO that said the word CLEAR. We were always threatened with recycle in the event of a ND. There were more than a few and it never happened. No one got anything more than a smoke session, and at worst a counseling or administrative punishment that could simply be put in the trash can once they left Basic.

Response by SPC Jeff Stassin made Jun 30 at 2021 7:51 PM

SPC Jeff Stassin — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:51:07 -0400

Sounds exactly like what's going on between our government and citizens. How and when will and do hold these people to the same standards and punishments as we the people do. If you have: money, rank, or corporate/ political high level sh**, you get a free fu**in pass in life to get away with it.....IE: BIGGEST lie and excuse to get rid of a business enemy to claim their wealth for your wealth Mr. Busch Jr....... What did you say back then to get us back in after 911??? "If your not with me, you are with them, the terrorist. They didn't have the WMD that he positively said they had. There was one weapon that nobody saw, that's still there. The 135° sun baked your brain the longer you were in it, and the porta-poties were even deadlier at 165°. Try taking a dump without sweat pissing down your a**crack while trying not to die of heat stroke.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 30 at 2021 8:10 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:10:28 -0400

What value do you hope to obtain from asking such a question? Something like this does little more than create animosity between senior and juniors. I have never seen an officer get an ART15, we get GOMORS and for a CPT and below are that is far worse than a FG ART15. Most enlisted have no idea of how punishment works for officers but questions like this can make them feel discipline is different for them.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jun 30 at 2021 8:26 PM

SFC Marc W. — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:26:10 -0400

While I was in Germany in my platoon we had the two following situations:
SPC got picked up by the Polizei in the morning after he couldn't pay an on the spot driving fine. Turns out he was still drunk from the night before. DUI, maxed out.
SSG gets picked up by the Polizei after our ball (yes leaving the ball) for both DUI and domestic violence. No ART 15, no reduction in rank.
Monday morning after the ball said SSG bragged to his squad about what happened and then said "likely nothing is going to happen".

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 30 at 2021 9:14 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:14:46 -0400

CPT Aaron Kletzing That sounds like another of those “ring knocker” stories!

Response by SSG John Oliver made Jun 30 at 2021 10:14 PM

SSG John Oliver — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:14:19 -0400

When I was in Iraq they were slaying people for NDs in the clearing barrel untill the BDE CO And his SGM ND. After that not a peep...

Response by SPC July Macias made Jun 30 at 2021 11:13 PM

SPC July Macias — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:13:48 -0400

On a Side Note: How the heck does one have a ND? I have no firearms experience prior to basic training; and I've never caused a ND. I served over 7 years active duty; with 2 deployments. Even if you walk around with your weapons locked and loaded, so long as your finger never touches the trigger, it's not gonna magically go "bang." At the clearing barrel, you remove the magazine, and inspect the chamber. That's it. It's quite simple.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Jun 30 at 2021 11:22 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:22:07 -0400

Nothing as bad as the original post but........
My unit was on the M-16 range qualifying. All we heard was we had to have 100% that day and no one leave the range until we have 100% qual.
1SG is in the bleachers with everyone the entire time.
I go through in the 2nd bunch, shot a 38, go over to the shady waiting area with the last group.
This goes on for hours.
Pretty much the whole company is there by this point.
The XO comes over and says that if there is anyone who thought they could shoot better, they have extra ammo. You keep the better of the two scores.
My XO then motions for me and another troop, Brady, and pulls us off to the side. Now I was pretty happy with the 38 and really wasn't interested in going down on the hot firing line.
The XO tells us that we have a member of the company that is having some issues with qualifying and he want us on either side lane to "help" that member out. That member isn't to know what we're doing.
So, I kinda felt pressured into it, so walked on down. I look in the bleachers, all I see left is the few guys who wanted to redo, the officers and the 1SG.
They line us up and the XO pulls me and the Brady and puts me in font of Top and Brady behind him. Top is the member having issues!
We go down and did our thing, Top finally qualified after 2 bolo's and me and Brady ate crow because we didn't qualify the 2nd time through. Was it a game to waste ammo?
Until today, I've never told anyone about that.
Top retired a couple months later and the whole thing was forgotten about, but for the next couple days I sure heard about it.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 1 at 2021 12:12 AM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:12:39 -0400

VII Corpse Europe. Circa 1989.
Buddy of mine was assigned to a Communications Company. They had a field exercise and in that exercise an E-4 lost a tube of COMSEC that was his duty responsibility. It was later recovered but he received a FG Art-15 for it and lost 2 ranks.

Same situation only a SSG and nothing happened despite the COMSEC never being recovered. The save for the SSG was a COMSEC changeover 30 mins prior.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jul 1 at 2021 12:41 AM

SPC James Neidig — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:41:52 -0400

Did he write him self up for a Purple Heart ?

Response by SGT Rodrigo Contreras made Jul 1 at 2021 4:11 PM

SGT Rodrigo Contreras — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:11:33 -0400

OP have you not heard the expression “Different Spanks for Different Ranks”?

It is no surprise that that the E-9 got the slap on the wrist… Rank and having a Tab and Combat Scroll goes a long way to lessen consequences

Response by SPC Jeff Stassin made Jul 1 at 2021 8:22 PM

SPC Jeff Stassin — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 20:22:35 -0400

How about fraud, waste and abuse going along with OPSEC. In November of 2008, B. Company 949; We arrived to our what would be our barracks. Headquarters from the unit before us cleaned out their gear and threw out the trash, including private documentation on all personnel within the unit, including social security numbers, unit identifiers, vehicles and operations in a carry off dumpster, in the open and in EVERYONE's peripheral. I still have worry to this day where it's final destination was.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 10:40 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 10:40:38 -0400

Theft.

SNCO stole something from a PX and it got swept with a locally filed LOR.
Junior stole something from a PX and field grade article 15 with the full spread.

Try explaining that to your juniors and expect them to keep their trust in leadership. I've seen NCO's and Officers try and dissuade the concept of "Different Spanks for Different Ranks" but when you can see clear evidence of it, and it's even posted publicly via media or groups like U.S. Army WTF Moments... Well, good luck.

Not to say there are not good officers and NCO's out there, there are. The bad ones and just tend to stay in the forefront of peoples minds.

Response by Sgt Dennis Doty made Jul 2 at 2021 10:59 PM

Sgt Dennis Doty — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 22:59:23 -0400

I've seen several Marine enlisted men reduced in rank and forfeitures for being involved in a bar fight where the owner claimed damages. On the other hand, when two of our guys were stabbed (non-fatal) at a certain troublesome bar, our very senior SgtMaj held a Battalion recall at 2200 hrs, formed the ranks and marched the entire battalion to the bar. He pointed at the building and announced, "In ten minutes, I don't want to see a stick standing." The local police stood by and watched while the bar was destroyed. Nothing was done about it by either civil or military authorities. This particular incident happened in early 1970 and the SgtMaj in question had been a PFC on Sea Duty in 1939.

Response by SFC Charles Woods made Jul 19 at 2021 10:36 PM

SFC Charles Woods — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 22:36:48 -0400

I remember in Korea 1964/65 time frame,our acting 1SG actualy an E7,was returning a .45 to arms room,did not clear it properly.He shot a hole into the supply room roof,or whatever you call the top of a quonset hut.No one hurt,he did not get any punishment.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Jul 22 at 2021 11:24 PM

LCpl Jeff Moore — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 23:24:04 -0400

Lcpl in my company got a dui, busted to e2, 30 restriction 30 days extra duty and believe lost of half pay for two months.

The CO that held that NJP, got caught dui in a GOV and it was covered up and never happened.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Aug 6 at 2021 7:00 PM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 19:00:33 -0400

In my Navy career as an officer (I include them in the question’s “senior leaders”), I saw numerous examples where being an officer was most advantageous when compared to enlisted for the same screwups. I’ve often said that if I had been enlisted, I could not have made it past my first enlistment. I got away with things that an enlisted would have been nailed for. Some of the stuff I’m not proud of now. Some I take delight in such as calling a senior an a—hole in front of others. I’ve disobeyed ( non-combat) orders because they made no sense. I also have great sympathy for sailors who fall asleep on watch, having gone to sleep standing up a couple of time. As a department head, I saw two of my enlisted pay dearly to hire a speed boat in Hong Kong and meet the ship miles away. They got Art. 15s with restrictions and loss of pay. As we were leaving St Thomas VI ( after homeport shift) the XO and a junior engineering officer did much the same and without repercussions—just harassed by other officers. Yes, rank has its privileges (and responsibilities) and deference is afforded senior enlisted though a senior enlisted can also take a bigger hit if a professional or moral infraction occurs. It is significantly more difficult to mete out UCMJ type justice to a commissioned officer especially assigned shipboard. However, a “suggestion” to not leave the ship for certain port visits or period of time or to volunteer to stand watches for others etc. have been known to happen. Then again, when formal action is dispensed it is a definite career buster unlike an Art 15 for an enlisted…to those who have been granted much, much is expected. (Yes, Ensign (?) Nimitz was court-martialed and made 5 Stars —different times..thank God). Circumstances change as higher ranks is achieved; its a fact of life somewhat akin to the difference between what an adult gets away with when compared to a kid. (To be clear I never saw my sailors as my kids, though certain behaviors tested that resolve.)

Response by SPC Jess S. made Aug 7 at 2021 11:43 AM

SPC Jess S. — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 11:43:47 -0400

My unit was pretty fair all around with the punishments. I watched an E6 get busted down to an E4 within the span of a couple of months. They tried to say he was "malingering" but in reality, he didn't want to get med boarded. He WANTED to stay in and do his job, which he was still able to do even with the medical stuff going on. But, rules and regs were applied equally and one day, he came up to me asking if I had some spare SPC rank he could borrow until he could get some.

There was one situation, however, that seemed unbalanced. I don't know what the ultimate outcome was, but from the perspective of a 30 year old E3 Infantryman (Late joiner) who got stuck as the company armorer, it looked like a wrist slapping is all that happened.

We were in garrison and doing some training. At some point, the Company XO misplaced his M4. You all know what that means. I setup a cot in my arms room, started working on some software stuff to make my job easier, and waited. It turns out, the XO had gone to another vehicle to BS with another officer and left it there, tucked in a corner. This was discovered at about 4am. I got the arms room inventory finished up shortly after and we were released with an 11am work call.

I don't know what happened to the XO of this incident. He remained our XO up until we deployed, but as he was already a Captain, I sure he just moved on to his next assignment. Nothing was ever said about it that I heard about. None of the senior company leadership brought it up at the next "Beer Call" they had every Friday afternoon. (I was invited weekly because I was there finishing up in the arms room and in my 30s) The XO was there and it looked to be business as usual after the event with no repercussions.

A junior enlisted who did the same thing would have been destroyed. It would have been hell for them up to and beyond finding the M4. But... as others have stated, it wouldn't have likely been a permanent thing as long as the weapon was actually recovered that night.

Losing a sensitive item, especially a weapon, is a serious thing. A junior enlisted SHOULD have been destroyed for it, but so should an officer. At the very least, it would have been nice to see the BN CO smoke him in front of everyone. I don't know that it ever officially made it out of the company though.

When I said at the beginning of this that my unit was pretty fair, I meant it. The entire company got smoked for something. I don't remember what it was at this point, but that smoking was administered by the 1SG. The only people who were standing were the 1SG, CO, and XO.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 8:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:28:16 -0400

I have 2 great ones… while in Iraq we had a soldier roll up to the chow hall and start to clear his m9…. Points in to the clearing barrel put weapon on fire and fires a round into the barrel, stunned he racks the slide back and proceeded to shot another round in the barrel. Finally drops the mag and clears the weapon, never saw that CPT again. Then after that incident our unit 1SG gave us a nice pep talk of all the wonderful things that would happen to us should we have a accidental discharge… next day he shots the clearing barrel… never heard about that topic again

Response by SFC Kandi Temple made Sep 18 at 2021 5:25 PM

SFC Kandi Temple — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 17:25:29 -0400

I've seen a private and a first sergeant both get DUI's off post in the same night. Guess which one made the blotter?

Response by Lt Col Will Marshall made Sep 18 at 2021 11:31 PM

Lt Col Will Marshall — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 23:31:31 -0400

During Desert Storm I was at a deployed hospital - of course alcohol was strictly forbidden. One evening someone reported that one of the enlisted female tents had a party going on and alcohol was being consumed. All 18 of those females were assigned "EMI" (Extra Military Instruction) for 24 hours. We were all working 12 hour shifts, and one of those enlisted females was assigned to my workspace. She was required to do 4 hrs of the EMI every day, in addition to her 12 hrs of work. This went on for six days until her 24 hrs of EMI was complete.
On the other hand, the tent where I lived with 9 other commissioned officers had the same situation one evening. Beer was being consumed, and someone reported us. The Command Duty Officer (an O-6) came by and warned us... "Alcohol is strictly forbidden on this compound. If you're going to do it, be damned discreet." And then he left. No consequences, no punishment.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Sep 19 at 2021 6:12 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 18:12:17 -0400

E4 and an E7 missed Ship's Movements. They were in a group the night before. The rest of the group made it back to the ship. When the ship returned, the E4 was told that he was "lucky" and because he he was with the Chief, his punishment would not be so harsh. 30 days restricted to the ship and 1/2 moths pay for 2 months. There was no apparent punishment to the Chief.

Response by PVT Mark Whitcomb made Sep 19 at 2021 11:43 PM

PVT Mark Whitcomb — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 23:43:57 -0400

none here

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Sep 20 at 2021 6:06 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:06:52 -0400

Today we condone Generals that commit treason. No big deal. It don't mean nothin.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 20 at 2021 3:11 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:11:21 -0400

We had a SSG and a MAJ in the same Company get DUIs coming from the same bar on the same night, and appeared on the same blotter report. MAJ got. GOMOR and was required to bike everywhere on post (was also not in compkiance with ABCP, so biking served two purposes). SSG got a GOMOR, FG A15, 45/45, lost a rank and lots of pay. SGT (now) wasn't even allowed to bike on post because "biking is like driving and bikers have to follow the rules of the road, which this SGT proved he cannot do." Had to walk and hitch rides.

SGT was flagged (eventually removed) and barred (never removed). MAJ was already flagged (ABCP) so Commander didn't feel it was "necessary" to flag for DUI.

18 months later, SGT has ETSed (due to bar), MAJ is starting his packet to request early retirement (which was eventually approved).

Oh yeah. SSG blew a 0.09 MAJ blew a 0.17.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 20 at 2021 9:10 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 21:10:07 -0400

No stories that exactly match up, but a 2ndLt ordered a LCpl M-151 Jeep driver to pull over because he felt the driver was going too slow down a winding mountain road. A few minutes later, the LT rolled the jeep. He was uninjured but the LCpl damn near died, and he was medically discharged. A 1stLt from the same company conducted the preliminary investigation and found no fault. [Keep in mind, officers were not allowed to drive jeeps]. It was utter Bullshit. The 2ndLt should have been cashiered... at a minimum.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Sep 23 at 2021 3:37 PM

CSM David Heidke — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:37:11 -0400

not to defend the stupidity of this SGM, but...

Busting a Sergeant Major takes a lot more than the signature of a Captain. That's probably why. It requires some pretty high ranking signatures to make it happen, and they probably didn't want those people knowing about the incident.

A private can lose rank easily, because it doesn't require anything other than an officer to sign the action.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Sep 24 at 2021 1:31 PM

1LT Rich Voss — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:31:53 -0400

CPT Kletzing - This one is only about several junior officers, as I'm not aware of any enlisted men doing the same thing. 5 infantry 2LTs got inebriated in the town where we were all stationed and had the grand plan to take down the Russian flag hanging in the town square (as part of an International Chess Tournament being held there). Part two of said plan was to stand in a circle and urinate on said flag. Part three, run and don't get caught. FAIL ! Four of five were caught by Polizei almost immediately. Fifth never caught (nor ID'd later by those captured). In my recollection, those four got frozen in rank for a year with no provision for promotion, I believe an Article 32 (don't have a copy of a UCMJ to confirm this), and after an appropriate period of time...all sent to Viet Nam. 1968. If there was a fine or another form of restitution to the city or Russian delegation, I'm not aware of that. Possibly an in-person and/or written apology. One thing IS certain, that group was once "the life of the party" at the Officer's Club and elsewhere. Quite meek until their rotations.

Response by Lt Col George C. made Sep 25 at 2021 8:09 PM

Lt Col George C. — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 20:09:31 -0400

I keep waiting for someone to bring up this, "other side of the coin" to this discussion. While I agree with the general consensus that lower ranks tend to be punished more harshly than do higher ranks for a given offense, there is this to consider. A junior NCO receives an Art15 for an offense and a Major receives a LOR for the same offense. That NCO is most likely a low timer in the military and by that I mean he's going to have time to recover from the Art15 - to bury the "bad paper" under good duty performance over the coming years. That Major, on the other hand, if given an Art15, faces career ending consequences. I know of a Captain, even, who, after getting an Art15 for Theft of Government Property (he took home some sheets of plywood) was twice passed over for Major five years later and forced to separate due to that Art15 on his record. I'm not advocating that senior NCOs and Officers be routinely wrist slapped for poor behavior but it's fair to recognize that severe punishment for a junior NCO is recoverable while that same punishment for senior folks is not.

Response by SPC Mike Schredl made Sep 26 at 2021 2:17 PM

SPC Mike Schredl — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 14:17:12 -0400

Iraq, 2007. Our battery had a perfect driving record, both inside the FOB and outside of the wire. Until our battery XO runs a stop on the FOB and t-bones another humvee. Because of this, word comes down that all personnel will take driver safety training again. During training I notice there are no officers, or even senior NCOs present. I ask the Motor NCOIC when the XO will be taking the class. I am told "He's too busy". I understand the need for refresher training, but make sure the ones who caused the need get it as well.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Nov 1 at 2021 11:20 PM

PO1 Don Uhrig — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:20:29 -0400

U.S. Navy. Officers drinking aboard ship, running naked down passageways get away with it. Enlisted sneaking alcohol aboard, not drunk, getting BGC. NO JOKE. 2000's USS Carl Vinson.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 10:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 10:41:16 -0400

While my unit was deployed in Poland, we were told my the BC that the curfew to get back onto post was very strict, and/or too drunk to get onto post under their own power, NO LENIENCY would be shown. All the way from a PV1 to the commander. However that never happened. My Platoon Leader (2nd LT), 1SG and other selective non-coms were consistently late and never punished. Yet if other non-coms and lower enlisted were late, they were Article-15ed (Field Grade) and some even had pay docked. I don't understand why there is such a double-standard issue in the military. Us lower enlisted are supposed to look up to the leadership. They are supposed to be the role models that the lower enlisted are supposed to copy, yet when the wrong example is set and the lower is punished and not the leadership, it reduces morale, AND confidence and trust in the leadership.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Nov 11 at 2021 7:06 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:06:58 -0500

The good ones (that I would be honored to serve with or for) are bailing out after 8-15 yrs. in. just like civilian law enforcement personnel. I don't blame them. So sad

Response by SP5 Jerry Stotler made Nov 11 at 2021 2:16 PM

SP5 Jerry Stotler — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:16:06 -0500

Anyone above E7 needs to have Congress reduce them in rank if it's still the same as when I was in. I'm not sure about officers. Always a double standard.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Nov 14 at 2021 6:35 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 18:35:42 -0500

Back in the 80's at Ft.Bragg my Co 1st Sgt was cought Drunk driving on base after he crashed in to a parked car.
On the same weeked one guy in my Section was drunk out side of a bar, And was arrested for his being drunk in public.
Guess who got A article 15 and busted.
Geuss who's DUI was coverd up and dropped later.
Then at Ft drum in the MP unit I was in A SFC lost a fully loaded mag. Everyone in the CO. was called in untill the mag was found.
It was found in a bag of chips in his personal car.
nothing happend to him.
But if it was just one of us nobody's we would have been burned.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Nov 15 at 2021 6:01 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:01:57 -0500

Sounds like the old saying F%^k up Move up.
Just wondering if he received a Purple Hart. You know like John Kerry getting one for fraging himself.

Response by Sgt Keith Reed made Nov 16 at 2021 8:05 AM

Sgt Keith Reed — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:05:45 -0500

I was stationed at an Air Force Base in Oklahoma. I was a Sgt. (E-4) One morning on my way to work, an SP (SSgt (E-5)) pulled out of the mailroom parking lot with his red lights on, and I received a ticket for doing 35 in a 25 which was nonsense. On the ticket he said he had followed me for two blocks. When I got to work, I went into the commander's office (Major) and told him about it. While we were in there, our chief forecaster, a Captain, came in holding a ticket. It seems he got the very same ticket just a few minutes after me, same SP, same speed numbers, and he also said he pulled out of the mailroom parking lot and yet lied on the ticket that he had followed the Captain for two blocks. The Major took both tickets and kicked it upstairs. The upshot? The SP had issued a half dozen tickets that morning, all the same, and was disciplined. The Captain's ticket was thrown out, but mine was not, because, I had "questioned a superior non-commissioned officer in the performance of his duties." The Major was livid - more than me. He said he was going to the base commander with it. I asked him if this would have any effect on my civilian driving record - I was less than a year from discharge. He said no, so I told him to let it go.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 16 at 2021 9:16 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:16:39 -0500

Inappropriate relationships and I will leave it at that. We've all seen it.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 12:27 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:27:54 -0500

I just had to counsel my soldier for being ftr to the same formation that an E-6 was given a pass for not even showing up to.

Response by Sgt Keith Reed made Nov 16 at 2021 8:12 PM

Sgt Keith Reed — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:12:18 -0500

I was stationed at an Air Force Base in Oklahoma. I was a Sgt. (E-4) One morning on my way to work, an SP (SSgt (E-5) pulled out of the mailroom parking lot with his red lights on, and I received a ticket for doing 35 in a 25. On the ticket he said he had followed me for two blocks. When I got to work, I went into the commander's office (Major) and told him about it. While we were in there, our chief forecaster, a Captain, came in holding a ticket. It seems he got the very same ticket just a few minutes after me, same SP, and he also said he pulled out and yet lied on the ticket that he had followed the Captain for two blocks. The Major took both tickets and kicked it upstairs. The upshot? The SP had issued a half dozen tickets that morning, all the same, and was disciplined. The Captain's ticket was thrown out, but mine was not, because, I had "questioned a superior non-commissioned officer in the performance of his duties." The Major was livid - more than me. He said he was going to the base commander with it. I asked him if this would have any effect on my civilian driving record - I was less than a year from discharge. He said no, so I told him to let it go.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 9:11 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:11:13 -0500

This is a huge issue and applies across the board. 2018 Countless 4ID enlisted get a DUI and are booted instantly, but a BDE COMMANDER, yes BDE COMMANDER gets one and he is kindly asked to retire. Officers should be punished worse than the enlisted, not less. But this is the officers army where we strip power from the NCOs, treat the Warrants as general staff officers, and only look after one's own career instead of the mission.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2021 8:14 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 20:14:16 -0500

I was a brand new E5 in Korea, made friends with a mature E4 my age. Both married, his wife was NG and with him, I was unaccompanied. On the weekends we would pretend to be drunk and shark people on the pool table 2 vs 2. There's a midnight curfew in effect with mandatory UCMJ for missing it. We were stopped and harassed by Osan AFB Security Forces on patrol for having only a minute to get to the gate (~100m) and get on post. Me and my buddy were sober, his wife was wasted and decided to argue and chastise the SECFOR guys. It took us more than 1 minute to calm her down and get her to come on. Me and my friend were arrested (Yep) and taken to a holding cell to be released to our unit. My 1SG understood the situation and only gave me a Summarized article 15, 7 days restriction to post (We were beginning a 2 week field rotation that week). My buddy was maxed out, field grade 45/45 and reduced to PFC...he was promotable with 5 years of service.

Response by LTC James Washington made Dec 16 at 2021 12:02 PM

LTC James Washington — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:02:16 -0500

This in no way excuses his behavior - but part of the reason for punishment is to assure the offense doesn't happen again. His physical punishment from then self-induced wound is a permanent lesson he carries with him for the rest of his life. Were I in his chain of command he would have received an Article 15 and a reprimand with a note that he remain E9 but never again serve as CSM

Response by LTC James Washington made Dec 16 at 2021 12:03 PM

LTC James Washington — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:03:38 -0500

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2021 1:20 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 13:20:21 -0500

Pretty much anything involving curfew violations, adultery, or DUIs. Anyone E6 & below get the shaft, anyone E7 & above get the "Don't do it again. . .<nod-nod, wink-wink>.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2021 1:21 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 13:21:16 -0500

Pretty much anything involving curfew violations, adultery, or DUIs. E6 & below get the shaft, E7 & above the the "Don't do it again <nod-nod, wink-wink>"

Response by SGT Robert Pruner made Dec 21 at 2021 11:20 PM

SGT Robert Pruner — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 23:20:15 -0500

just the opposite. while in training, on CQ duty, the sgt. releyed to all, coms would be offline due to thunderstorms. the switchboard was located in the S-1 tent. our Cpt. came in wanting to continue our training. he was told of the dangers. relieved me of my duty, put on the headphones, and started answering switchboard. then BAMM! he flew 20', and switchboard blew like a grenade. this is one time that rank, arrogance, lost. our 36k's became hero's.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 27 at 2021 3:44 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 15:44:00 -0500

Senior NCO came to work drunk. My course of action was simple; drop a piece of paper on him, have him evaluated for an alcohol issue and work the next weekend. No more issues and he was promoted the next cycle. My junior enlisted, call me and I'll come and get you. You work the next weekend. Come to work drunk--paper, evaluation, and weekend

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Dec 30 at 2021 3:03 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:03:52 -0500

DAMN! That's just.......WOW! One of the senior vs. junior events during my career was when I was stationed in Alaska at Fort Wainwright. EVERYONE knew The Post Command Sergeant Major's daughter for two reasons: One was that she worked the customer service counter at the local PX. The other is that she habitually patrolled the barracks looking to "start a train." Well one evening, she came to MY barracks, to MY floor, and "went to work." She went through two cannon crews, two of the COLT/CAV NCOs, five platoon sergeants, a master sergeant, and at least one NCO in all of our Battalion S shops by the time I came back from the gym and discovered them. I shook my head at them, went into my room, and got on my PlayStation with my stereo on. I called the CQ and said, "Somebody needs to get this girl out of here before the Staff Duty NCO sees this." Everyone involved with this girl that night below the pay grade of E-6 eventually got busted all the way down to E-1. The Staff Sergeants that got busted down got hit the hardest with the adultery charges, but ALL of the Sergeants First Class and senior escaped completely unscathed. Oh, and that Sergeant Major's daughter never faced any punishment. She was doing this before I got to Alaska and continued long after I left there.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Dec 30 at 2021 3:09 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:09:57 -0500

How about when the Division Command Sergeant Major hammers the F--- out of EVERY paratrooper who gets a DUI while he has had a DUI at EVERY ENLISTED RANK he has ever had, to include while being the Division CSM?

Response by A1C Diane Phillips made Jan 15 at 2022 12:03 AM

A1C Diane Phillips — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:03:44 -0500

When I went into the military I was one of the first women to be incorporated with men in the Air Force. Prior to me going in all the branches of the military, to my knowledge it was all the branches, were separated into a female branch and a male branch. After arriving I heard every single day you're stupid, you're a woman and you don't belong here! That was just the tip of the iceberg. I was sexually harassed the whole four years I was there amongst other things that happened to me. I was the first woman to take somebody to social actions and the man that I took to social actions didn't pay any price at all for what he did! After doing this I was called into the administration building by the top person running it and was told that they were going to fry me before I got discharged. So who paid the price, I did! So one day I missed a test appointment because I forgot and on that same day 8 other people missed the same appointment. I was called in to the administration building again and they gave me an Article 15 and I'm sure most of you know that's a very serious thing to happen to you! They continued watching me like a hawk and many other things happened to me before I was discharged! So when he said that they were going to fry me they meant it and they did it! And there were many more upper ranking men that were involved in the horrible things that they did to me. None of them ever paid the price for anything!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2022 10:54 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:54:22 -0500

Define “crushed” . Yes being smoked and put on extra duty is what happens to lower Enlisted. Just because the Seniors are not being punished like that, doesn’t mean they are not crushed .
Often , when a Senior is punished it is career ending. GOMAR, bad NCOER etc is what gets them . At best you never get promoted at worst you get flagged and booted.

Just because you don’t see it, or even agree with how it is handled, Seniors do get crushed.

Response by SSgt Laurence Rose made Mar 1 at 2022 8:28 PM

SSgt Laurence Rose — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 20:28:46 -0500

In an upside-down way, as an A1C, I got an Article 15 for a minor bar brawl (there was no actual brawl). Took my stripes and money (new commander made an example of me). But, three years later, as a SSgt, I got a DUI and only got a Letter Of Reprimand (Also, they pushed me out under "force reduction" 1987).

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Mar 5 at 2022 6:58 PM

SPC Greg Campbell — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 18:58:26 -0500

Keep the booger picker off the bang switch. Look in the barrel, assume weapon is loaded. Can't get anymore Barney style. We were NCO short working with my XO. Range NCOIC as a SP4. All was going fine till the S2 captain shows up. Just gone hot, he walks up the the ammo table and takes 3 or 4 mags, put one in his 45 and jacks a round in the chamber. CEASEFIRE CLEAR ALL WEAPONS. everyone but this yahoo complied. He got made and threw a hiss fif. XO made him sit in the bleachers to wait his turn. Last cycle, couldn't hit the broad side of a barn while inside. XO and I laughed about it for months

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Mar 6 at 2022 8:52 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 20:52:41 -0500

Back when it was still a thing, (it still may be) one of the guys, a SP4 in my howitzer section, wife wrote a bad check for $25 to the commissary. She wrote the check because they had 3 kids, no food and no money. He was riding a bike to the battery area every morning because he couldn't afford gas.
He had told me he joined the Army because he couldn't find a decent job to support his family.
The commands solution? company grade article 15, take money, rank and extra duty for 25 days.
That guy ended up calling his family who came to Ft. Knox and helped pack his wife and kids up and moved them all back home. One morning he was out of ranks. When asked if anyone had seen him, I said I saw him jump into a car with his wife the night before after his extra duty.
I PCS'd from there and still have no idea what happened to that guy.

A few months after that, I was sitting in the orderly room when the 1SG got a call that a SFC in the battery had a bad check at the commissary. This check was for a couple hundred. I overheard the conversation with the PSG and 1SG about how that SFC needs to get his wife in check and get the bad check paid before close of business.
Later the 1SG's driver, who was also in the room, said that SFC has these kind of issues on a regular basis. Nothing ever came of it besides being told to pay the check.

Response by TSgt John Brody made Mar 17 at 2022 6:12 PM

TSgt John Brody — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:12:44 -0400

The best story for the entire US Air Force is when, back in the early 2000's, the head lawyer for the USAF, a 2 star general, was found guilty of 20 years of sexual misconduct and fraternization with subordinates. Only got busted down one or two ranks (can't remember) and allowed to retire.
YET AT THE SAME TIME ... a female E5 down at Lackland AFB, TX was kicked out of the Air Force for sex with an E4 (not a trainee in basic mind you).
The shock wave of that injustice tainted many of us and undermined trust in our officers for a long time.
Unequal punishment IS NOT justice.

Response by MSG John Wear III made Apr 20 at 2022 2:32 AM

MSG John Wear III — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 02:32:34 -0400

CPT, you don’t really want to go there. I have seen more than my fair share of you supposed “officers and gentlemen” get off with a slap on the wrist for things that would get an EM kicked out of the military for.

Obviously you do not understand the requirements to punish a senior enlisted. Go read your MCM and come back here and amend your original post. It seems that as a CPT and potential commander (maybe never depending on your branch) that you are a West Pointer that fails to listen to your 1SG or CSM, and will get fired, at some point, because of it.

Rethink your position and stop acting like a PVT. You may some day be in the position to determine the future of some junior enlisted service member. Go talk to your 1SG or CSM as it applies to enlisted issues. Since you are likely as stated a Wesr Pointer, go talk to your JAG officer. I really think you will get a good education. If not, than go seek a better unit for your talents.

Response by SGT Cory Blissitte made Apr 22 at 2022 5:41 PM

SGT Cory Blissitte — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:41:07 -0400

I had a soldier in Afghanistan, a PFC. He visited another soldiers hooch one night to play cards. My OIC, a Chief Warrant 2, was already there. PFC put his weapon (M-4) in a weapon rack that was in the entrance of the hooch along with the other weapons there including OICs. They play cards for a while.

OIC leaves but takes PFCs weapon by mistake.

PFC is the last one to leave who has an M-4 so takes the only one remaining figuring that it is his. He goes to the gym tent. He places the M-4 in a weapon rack. He works out. He goes to get him weapon and cannot find it. MPs are called, mess eventually gets sorted out. OIC has PFCs weapon, PFC has OICs weapon.

PFC gets Company grade Article 15. I don't th8ink anyone even raised the topic with OIC. For the record, I asked the company commander to at least do SOMETHING to OIC if he was going to give an Article 15 to my soldier. I was against the whole affair. Soldier got Article 15, was disqualified from getting any award from the deployment. OIC put me on his shit list, and a month later manufactured a means to get me, the NCOIC for the section, moved out to other duty (along with a summarized Article 15).

There are times when I wish I had violenced that OIC.

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Apr 23 at 2022 4:06 PM

SP5 Donna Barr — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 16:06:04 -0400

We thought that's what they were there for.

Response by SFC Aubrey Campbell made Apr 24 at 2022 6:20 PM

SFC Aubrey Campbell — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 18:20:37 -0400

The double standard does exit, but don’t count on it. Anyone getting a DUI was canned. Our CMSM got one and they canned him too!

Response by LTC Jason Carter made Apr 26 at 2022 11:32 AM

LTC Jason Carter — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:32:00 -0400

Saw this happen during pre-deployment. MSG didn't want to go so he went out and got a DUI. He missed deployment. SPC went out, got a DUI and said 'well. I guess I can't deploy'. WRONG! He was busted down in rank to PFC and still deployed with a bar to re-enlistment.

Response by Sgt Sammy Alexander made Apr 26 at 2022 9:01 PM

Sgt Sammy Alexander — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 21:01:44 -0400

R.H.I.P.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Apr 27 at 2022 9:50 AM

SPC Kevin Ford — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:50:05 -0400

DEROG reports for DWI. A LT got a DWI and I was instructed to bury it. With enlisted folks they were DEROGed without question. Still a little salty about that.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 27 at 2022 1:31 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:31:49 -0400

AS Has Been Pointed Out For DECADES:
"Life Isn't Fair, Get Use To It"..

Response by SSgt David M. made Jul 18 at 2022 1:56 PM

SSgt David M. — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:56:36 -0400

This happened in my unit, A Company 34th Signal BN in Ludwigsburg, Germany. I arrived on site in mid October 1973. We had a fuel tanker driver that was always enjoying the hard drinks after hours. Well one night the unit called an Alert, and everyone jumped up to grab their crap and head for their assigned vehicles, bags and baggage in hand. Well our fuel tanker was in the POL yard filled with fuel but no driver to be seen! The NCOIC sent several of the Motor Pool mechanics to the barracks to find the driver and get him moving. They found him in bed totally wiped out, drunk as a skunk! They managed to get him up and dressed but he said that he was still too drunk to drive. He was given a direct order to mount up and get in line as we were running late to get the show on the road. He complained that he was too drunk to drive and the powers that be said they did not have another qualified driver to drive the fuel truck. He complied under protest but managed to get off Krabenloch Barracks (no longer a Military base as it was leveled back in the 1990s -2000s). Our Convoy headed North out of Ludwigsburg to our AO near Kist, Germany. Only problem is the Fuel Truck drive fell asleep at the wheel and rolled the fuel tanker. It was totaled to say the least. The fuel truck driver was given an article 15, for driving a Military vehicle wile under the influence of alcohol. He was busted to E-1 but in order for him to pay for the fuel tanker, they gave him the rank of Captain for payment purposes!
Fast forward to November 1973, I was the passenger in our A Company 34th Signal's Brand New M-800 Series 5-Ton Wrecker. The driver an A-J, E-5 Swedenberg was driving, towing a M-151A1 1/4 ton Jeep with a trailer full of constantina wire. We had been driving all over Germany pulling vehicles out of the mud as it had been raining for a few weeks almost constantly so all the field sites were just mudholes! We were headed back to our unit and driving way too fast for the road conditions when the driver lost control on a downhill cobblestone road in the middle of a small town. We ran up on the left side of the road and as with most German road intersection they had a bunch of white painted poles connected with an orange and white chain. We were on the sidewalk trying to keep this speeding wrecker from going into the house when we hit a very large tree and took a chunk of bark off. Those small poles sounded like gunshots; ping, ping, ping, as we plowed them down. Well as if things were not bad enough as with most German road intersections right at the bottom was a very large steel 'H' beam that was cemented in place. We hit that H beam at about 35-45 MPH, with the left front bumper and pulled that H beam out of the ground! It bent the bumper back at a 45 degree angle bent the frame in front of the front axle, broke the left leaf spring at both front and rear hangers, tore the oil pan off the engine, broke off both fuel filters, we then hit the left front of the first set of rear axles, flattened both tires, hit the read set of duels, flattened both tires, then the jeep hit at the left front bumper, this broke the tow bar, which flipped the jeep along with the trailer. All that Constantine wire was thrown all over the intersection. The fuel from the Jeep was pouring out all over the street, mixing with the oil from the Wrecker engine. It looked like a war zone! We wrote up our accident statements, Cause of accident, steering failure. I was told to go along with this finding and not say anything about the driver speeding or disregard of the road conditions. As he was married he did not face any charges and was not forced to pay for any damages. The US Government paid 200K German Marks just for the tree! What a difference there is between a Married Soldier and one that is single! Sad to see the double standard. Not to say that we did not have other vehicles that were wreaked but I do not recall anyone ever having to pay for one! ;-) I SALUTE All My Fellow Veterans!!! GOD Bless America!!!

Response by SSgt David M. made Jul 20 at 2022 3:42 PM

SSgt David M. — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:42:25 -0400

While serving in A Company 34th Signal BN and working in the Motor Pool as a lead Mechanic, I was assigned as an armed guard for one of my fellow Soldiers. This would have been sometime in late 1974. The prisoner was a major drug dealer. We were at that time on a field exercise and I along with a half dozen other Soldiers were in the rear on a weekly turn around, garrison one week and field the next. I was ordered by the NCOIC to go to the arms room to be issued a .45 cal pistol and a mag of live rounds. I had never been trained with the use of a .45 but had fired all manner of rifles and pistols on the farm as well as having been trained in the use of the M-16 in Basic Training. I tour of duty was 6 am to 6 pm. At lunch time I was instructed to visit the Mess Hall to get sandwiches and a drink for the prisoner. The prisoner was hand cuffed to one of those old metal beds from the 1960s. I was about to leave for the mess hall when I decided to give up my .45 to the NCOIC, Sgt Kalka. I placed the .45 in his hands and walked off to the mess hall. I got several sandwiches for the prisoner and returned. As I entered the building I stopped by the orderly room to retrieve the .45. I was then informed that I would not be needing it as all the bullets had been fired! I never heard the rounds being fired but when I entered the room I could see several holes in the wall, one bullet had struck the bed post and left a big dent in it. I do not remember how many bullets were in that .45 but they were all expended. No one was shot but we filled out a lot of paperwork. I did not think anything more about in until two or three weeks later. i was informed to report to the BN HQ in my dress A Greens! I could not get any information as to what was going on or why I would be required to wear my Class A Greens on a normal work day. I was told to report to a room certain and report to the OIC there in. I knocked on the door and was told to enter. I walked in and there were 8 or 10 Field Grade officers all lined up behind tables looking at me! I was scared but reported to the Officer in the middle of the group, 'Specialist Mork Reporting as ordered, Sir!' I was ordered to at ease. I was then read a list of charges from dereliction of duty, failure to maintain control of a weapon, Illegal discharge of a military weapon, and I don't remember all the other charges. I was informed that this gathering was a primarily Court Marshall 'Hearing' and that any statement that I offered would be taken and used in any Court Marshall that might be determined appropriate. The NCOIC at the time Sgt Kalka was called up first and LIED to the Officers. He stated that I was told to go to the mess hall and obtain sandwiches for the prisoner. As I left the room I laid the .45 on one of the beds in the room. I had a copy of the written statement that I had provided to my CO and 1st Sgt so the Jag Capt told me to just wait until it was my turn to explain and answer any questions asked. The assistant NCOIC, I think his name was Watanebe, I do not recall how to spell his name but I do recall that he ended up going to West Point to train Officers in Judo or some other hand to hand combat as he was a Black Belt. The prisoner was also there to give testimony and he told the truth. I answered all the questions and was informed that I was dismissed. Those Officers had a two minute chat with one another and informed all that the Primarily Court Marshall would not be seeking any charges against me. 'Sgt Kalka, You will remain after this hearing for additional instructions!!' Sgt Kalka was transferred out to Kelly Barracks to the Signal unit that was there. When I ETS'd guess who showed up to say farewell to me? Sgt Kalka! He offered to shake my hand but I refused! I think that was the first person that I ever refused to shake hands with, and to this day I do not recall any other person being refused a hand shake! I SALUTE All My Fellow Soldiers!!! GOD Bless America!!!

Response by MAJ Louis Giamo made Jul 25 at 2022 12:11 PM

MAJ Louis Giamo — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 12:11:31 -0400

I had to laugh at this one. I was the Guard Post CO for GP Oulette on the Korean DMZ in 1982. Oulette sits 35 meters from the actual N/S Korean border. The process for entering the GP was to clear your weapon in the barrel. If you discharged your weapon in the DMZ, there was usually hell to pay (usually). One day our S2 (yep the intel officer) comes to do a sensitive items inspection on the GP promptly exits his jeep, racks his .45, drops the clip, and shoots the barrel. Yep, the "intel officer" racked his .45 before dropping the clip. Lot's of paperwork, but all he got was a slap on the wrist If an EM had done it, it would have been an AR15.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Jul 26 at 2022 12:32 AM

SPC Daniel Rankin — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:32:37 -0400

I have seen officers reprimanded for worse and the Sgtmajor would have paid a heave price in Korea for that mistake, they do not take things like that in a light vein.

Response by SPC Eric Graves made Sep 10 at 2022 8:35 PM

SPC Eric Graves — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 20:35:22 -0400

Anything involving alcohol. You were effectively bulletproof if you were E-6 and above.

Response by MSG Bob S made Sep 11 at 2022 1:34 PM

MSG Bob S — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 13:34:57 -0400

Then to add insult to injury, I would bet that someone put this dumb fuck SGM in for a Purple Heart.

Response by MSG Peter Duston made Sep 11 at 2022 3:07 PM

MSG Peter Duston — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 15:07:26 -0400

True Story! Commander In Chief brings home random boxes full of highly classified documents, pretends with the help of his lawyers that he doesn't have them and thinks; "No big deal. I'm above the law that says that such documents must be in a secure facility and fully accounted for.
SP4 works in a secure facility but uncleared workers are painting the hallway so the SP4 sticks 2 pieces of classified paper in his shirt to take it across the hallway, gets intercepted by his SGT and sent for his ride off base to another base for a dentist appoint. SP4 panics when realizing that he has two (2) pieces of TS intell in his shirt and in an effort to safeguard the material rushes into the latrine, tears up the documents and flushes them down the toilet to secure them. The result when he reported was a week long investigation and the threat of losing his clearance and being transferred.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Sep 11 at 2022 11:36 PM

SPC Steven Nihipali — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 23:36:50 -0400

Happened while getting ready to head to Iraq...I would stack our rifles right, in teams, I would have an E3 or below stand guard. I'd come back to the entire stack gone and that same E3, missing. After calling out, I found that private in the latrine with 30+ rifles, all the gear.
Got in country, a few weeks in, the same E5 who made that private move, was in the shitter, stacked up head to toe, ALL our none used weapons and ammo cans tied to his arms...1SG found out who it was in the states

Response by MSG Tony Hughes made Sep 14 at 2022 2:50 PM

MSG Tony Hughes — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 14:50:57 -0400

I seen a lot of fucked up shit while in. I witnessed guilty before innocence. I served under command sgt maj Gene McKinney, very good leader and enforcer of discipline and equal opportunity. He became sgt maj of the army, two yrs into his.tenure reduced to master sgt because a female sgt maj on his staff made accusations of sexual harassment. The whole thing was a charade. He was busted for supposedly lying. After all these yrs i still think back on it and gut feeling says he was rail roaded.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2022 7:22 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 07:22:54 -0400

I was in a unit where the company XO (1LT female) and my squad leader (SSG male) were having an affair (both were married to civilians). XO got pregnant with squad leaders kid, and both spouses divorced them
The XO had the baby and was back at her position and same rank while my squad leader got UCMJ for adultery, was reduced in rank, got transferred to a different company, and was barred from reenlistment.
Last I heard, they married each other. He was a civilian while she was O4.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Sep 21 at 2022 8:50 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:50:48 -0400

To many people treat weapons wither loaded or empty like a toy. Even professionals have produce careless acts with a firearm. A firearm is a tool and should be treated with the most duly respect. IT IS NOT A TOY PERIOD.