What were to happen if a soldier is drinking off post on a weekend off, then recalled to formation?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 23:09:32 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 12:14 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:14:22 -0400

Are you drinking age?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 19 at 2020 12:25 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:25:39 -0400

If you were on an established alert status, you could be in some trouble. I Have been on various alert statuses throughout my career. If you have a three hour alert status, you should not be drinking. If I were the commander, I would put it out explicitly.

If you are underage, you could be in some trouble.

If you drove yourself to the alert, you could be in some trouble.

If you were not on an alert status, you were of age, and you didn't drive your self there, you are likely OK. If you were in such an intoxicated state that it raised issue with your ability to care for your self (like rip-roaring drunk at 8am on a Saturday), you could be sent to ASAP.

You should call your first line and let them know you had alcohol and you should not drive. Seek guidance. Get ready to go incase they come get you. Don't drive/operate equipment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 12:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:28:14 -0400

The Soldier informs the chain of command that they have been drinking and will be unable to drive.

However, with that being said there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. You should not be receiving short notice recalls unless you are put on alert status. If you are in an alert status with a short notice recall in effect, you will be instructed about the drinking policy.
2. If you are of a legal drinking age and off duty on a scheduled off day, do not try to drive into work. "Because my SGT told me so" will not get you out of a DUI. It will also not prevent you from receiving UCMJ for being drunk on duty.
3. If you are recalled on a normal scheduled day off and you are drunk, you will not receive UCMJ just because you were drinking at a time when you were allowed. If it is absolutely required that you be physically present for the no notice recall, then arrange with your platoon to provide you a ride to and back.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 7:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 07:35:25 -0400

As an MP Platoon Leader I know my troops would immediately drink a beer after final formation to prevent "hey you" tasking to work night shift law enforcement when the DA6 wasn't done correctly or someone was sick. A very smart strategy in my mind.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 9:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 09:37:56 -0400

Depends.

1) If the Soldier is on Alert Recall and is off to town drinking, then they are gonna get burned a bit because no drinking is authorized. Especially if it's like a 2 hour Recall Alert.
2) If you are not on Alert Recall but get called back, you need to tell your leadership that you can't drive due to drinking but will either stand by for a pick up or UBER/LYFT/TAXI back to base ASAP.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 19 at 2020 11:01 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:01:57 -0400

There’s a lot of “it depends” in this situation. If the Soldier was not on some type of standby or alert status, then it comes down to safety and security. The Soldier should let his or her first-level leader know the situation. The first-level leader should provide instructions and communicate the situation up the chain. If the Soldier is impaired because of alcohol consumption then they must not drive.

If the soldier was on a standby status that prohibited drinking, then all the above are true, but disciplinary action may be taken.

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made Mar 19 at 2020 12:15 PM

Cpl Charles Trump — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:15:11 -0400

Make sure your battle knows where your at. Or leave word where your gonna be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 1:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 13:35:25 -0400

PV2 Jose Torres, there are a lot of information from Senior NCOs and Officers in answer to your question. What is your answer to the questions posed by them, and how was the issue resolved?

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made Mar 19 at 2020 2:11 PM

Cpl Charles Trump — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:11:08 -0400

One make sure what increment of alert your on.
2. Make sure someone knows where your at or someone has your cell#.
3. If you get called, tell the duty NCO you been drinking and cant drive. U need someone to pick you up.
4. Like 3. If you drink dont drive, if u drive dont drink.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Mar 20 at 2020 6:33 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 06:33:58 -0400

Hello, Soldier, You are on call 7/24 if you have an alert and are not fit for duty it is a dereliction of duty. My suggestion is not to get that charge on you it could end in you getting a Chapter 9 discharge.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Mar 20 at 2020 2:42 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:42:07 -0400

A lot depends on the situation - if you are on a alert status, you could be in trouble. If it's just a recall because someone in the Company or Battalion stepped on their crank, then inform your first line suoervisor that you have been drinking and would need a ride. If you are underage, depending upon your CoC, you could also be in trouble. One of the things most Soldiers fail to understand is that there is no such thing as "off the clock". when you are released for the weekend, you are technically on pass, and the Commander can recall individuals or everyone at his/her discretion.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 20 at 2020 5:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 17:08:44 -0400

Then they were stupid! When we were on alert status it was made call that if you were drinking, you better be sober when you got to formation.