Will a DUI end my career?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 16:38:59 -0400

I got a DUI this weekend. I'm probably facing the QSP board based on what my first sergeant told me. Is this something that can be overcome? I am set to get looked at for 7 next year.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 4:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 16:41:15 -0400

Usually can be overcome at the lower ranks, but as a SSG, and being the one to preach to not get a DUI to your joes, you are the one to get the DUI. You will get a GOMOR and be lucky to be retained

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 4:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 16:43:45 -0400

I don't think you'll be getting looked at for SFC next year for sure. You're looking at probably losing rank on this. You could get discharged - that's a possibility.

You made the choice to drive while intoxicated. I don't care how harsh I sound - people die from intoxicated drivers. My uncle was killed by one, along with three of his friends, in 1979 two weeks after they graduated from high school. Thousands of people are killed by people making a horrible choice.

And in this day - there are too many options to avoid a DUI. Uber, Lyft, taxi, a designated driver - or not drinking.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 5:01 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:01:16 -0400

GOMOR. Not gonna get looked at for 7. 75-85% chance (maybe higher) gonna face a QMP. If you do face the QMP, I would guess you have a 75-85% chance of being released. No matter what, the odds are not in your favor.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 10 at 2020 5:14 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:14:24 -0400

It probably depends on where the GOMOR is filed.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Sep 10 at 2020 5:25 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:25:45 -0400

In the good old days as long as you did not miss any work you were good. Not so much these days. Good luck!

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 10 at 2020 5:41 PM

SSG Paul Headlee — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:41:32 -0400

SSG Joseph Gully I'm sorry to learn that you let this happen. I hope you get through it and don't let it happen again. Mom & Dad were hit by a drunk driver in 1949. They took me to the spot on K-18 in Manhattan, KS when they visited me at Ft Riley in 1998. They spent 6 months in the hospital. Upon their release her Dad and cousin drove up from Missouri to bring them home. As soon as they got on the highway BOOM it happened again; another head-on collision with another driver who fell asleep after drinking alcohol. Everyone survived but Grandpa never walked again and eventually died of wounds in 1952. So I never met him. I'm going to ask you to quit drinking and driving. Its a BIG DEAL. Look what its already done to you personally. Its just not worth it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 10 at 2020 6:20 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:20:43 -0400

If it were me Id mentally prepare myself to be reduced in rank, lose on post driving privileges and start figuring out what that means, Id be ready for the general officer reprimand, and Id plan on the next QMP board recommending separation.
If some or none of that happens is, great, but for me, Id rather be in the mindset it will happen so as to not be crushed when t does.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Sep 10 at 2020 6:44 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:44:33 -0400

Lemme get this straight...A SSG displayed such a total lack of responsibility and lack of good judgement they drove while intoxicated and now they want to know if they will be looked at for E-7 and/or retained in the Service? Whether said individual arrived home or was detained by law enforcement personnel is irrelevant.

SSG Private RallyPoint Member - I'm going to speak blunt for a minute... Avoiding driving while intoxicated is one of THE easiest offenses to avoid. Given the availability of taxis, Uber, Lyft, Designated Driver programs, etc, etc, etc., frankly I see no reason or excuse to justify such poor decision making and lack of personal accountability in a Soldier who is supposed to BE the example for younger troops just starting out. As a Paramedic, I've seen way more times than I ever wanted the aftermath of someone who chose to operate a motor vehicle after becoming intoxicated (by whatever substance they choose be it alcohol or drugs). Countless families have been shattered forever by someone else's poor choices in life. Pray to whatever deity you cherish you NEVER have to see the things I've seen. Broken bodies are bad enough. Having to tell a family their loved one will never come home because of a drunk driver is worse.

Now, that being said....Everyone makes a total error in judgement now and then. It happens; that's just the reality of life. Will you be retained? Honestly, I don't know. I would hope your Commander would look at the totality of circumstances (past disciplinary actions if any, how long ago, severity, past and present duty performance, etc) before making a final judgement. Unfortunately, we live in a "zero defect" ideology so who knows the final outcome. Are you salvageable? I think probably so depending on your history. Learn from the mistake, grow as an NCO and on a personal level. NEVER let it happen again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2020 6:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:45:18 -0400

QMP, not QSP which is a different board.
The only way to get over this is to be reduced and promoted again.
You will almost certainly receive a GOMOR and a did not meet standard in the character block of your NCOER which will trigger your record to be referred to QMP. I have personally never seen a single person retained from QMP when it was for a DUI, and I had one guy that had 40 letters of recommendation from former command teams, CSMs, LTCs and other commanders. The Army has zero tolerance for senior enlisted DUIs.

The only way to circumvent the QMP is if you are reduced and repromoted prior to when the SSG Evaluation board rolls around and looks at your QMP.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Sep 10 at 2020 7:22 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:22:03 -0400

Not to be a dick brother, but you played a stupid game, and now got a stupid prize. Every Goddamn safety brief, for however many years you have served, the number one item on that list is "DON'T DRINK/DRUGS AND DRIVE". We have hammered our junior Soldiers for doing this, we have chaptered our junior Soldiers for doing this, we have reduced then in rank by two, and gave them 45 and 45. This should be on your NCOER, and yes, you should be shown the door. At this point, Getting looked at for Sergeant First Class should be the least of your concerns, as what you did was a Private type mistake, a Staff Sergeant looking for promotion on the first look should be the poster child for what right looks like, and beyond reproach, not making such a poor decision. You chose to get behind the wheel after whatever inhibitor you ingested, now you face consequences. Pray you get to keep your separation benefits. I am this harsh because I have lost loved ones to idiots that got behind the wheel after drinking. There is no excuse, nor mitigation for it.
I can also bet my house that when your 1SG asked what you were thinking, you gave a privates answer "I dunno"

Now that my initial shock, anger, and disbelief have abided, this is what is going to happen. You WILL be Command referred to ASAP, A GOMOR, if off post, you will go before a judge, if on post, Loss of post driving privileges, a Field Grade, loss of 1 rank, a Needs Improvement on your NCOER, relief for cause if in a SQL position, A flag for adverse action, a BAR, and a very very high probability that you will be QMP'ed. In my last 5 years, I have never seen anyone above the rank of SPC get a DUI and be retained.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Sep 11 at 2020 2:56 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 02:56:35 -0400

The hardest thing that I ever had to do was to give a eulogy at both a Military Funeral and at a Unit Memorial Service for a Great friend of mine, a career NCO SFC Infantryman, who was killed because of DUI. Not only was he killed but the Grandfather and grandson 8 years old that were also involved in the accident. My friend the NCO was the drunk on the highway that night, drunk, going the wrong way on an interstate. I had to do the Eulogy. How do you not stand up in front of the family and say, "My friend, your son, would be alive today if he were not an idiot." I was angry as I wrote it and sad at the same time...I wrote it for his mom who had lost her husband in an F-4 over North Vietnam, and another son on a training accident...and then her last son to stupidity. I wrote words to comfort a grieving mother that had already laid a heavy sacrifice on the altar of freedom.

SSG Private RallyPoint Member , You don;t know me and I am not trying to slam on you. You have enough of that on this thread. Please get some help. Please learn from this and don't make your best friend have to get up and eulogize a moron.
This may have been a one time thing, but I would bet not. For every time that a guy gets caught there are ten he did not, or maybe he was just ON THE LINE...Make a vow to never drive if you have had even one drink... The only time I will drink anything and drive, the wine comes in a little cup and the pastor says "The Blood of Christ shed for you" aside from that sip, if it has alcohol, I refuse to even have my car keys on me.

This may end your career but it does not have to end your life.

Response by SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield made Sep 11 at 2020 9:22 AM

SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:22:42 -0400

The military frowns on things like dui and being that you are a higher ranking nco so you are setting a bad example for lower enlisted soldiers so I would be surprised if they look at you for promotion, things like this usually get you demoted and you will have work your way back up to the demoted rank and be on your best behavior and that is if they don't put you out. I was in a company with people getting dui's every week soldier's getting demoted, put of after duty work some getting chaptered out because of stuff like that, so it is iffy. I served when the military was alot stricter (1997-2000). So good luck to you.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Sep 11 at 2020 1:44 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:44:47 -0400

As others have said, you're definitely not going to get looked at for your 7 next year. Prepare yourself to be completely removed from the military for your selfish and stupid decision. And you deserve it. Sorry, no other way to put it than to be harsh. You did exactly what you told junior-enlisted soldiers not to do and you deserve everything that comes your way. The military doesn't need NCOs that make these kinds of decisions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 4:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:08:47 -0400

Its a zero tolerance here on fort bliss in 1st Sustainment Bde. Automatically initiate separation regardless of rank. Junior Enlisted get hammered to the wall for this and for senior leaders it's the same thing.

Response by Sara Lucas made Sep 12 at 2020 4:09 AM

Sara Lucas — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 04:09:43 -0400

So sad...your life before drinking and after drinking..this will be your pivot point for the rest of your life..so sad

Response by LTC Joe Anderson made Sep 12 at 2020 12:53 PM

LTC Joe Anderson — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:53:26 -0400

All the other posts have already stated the negatives, scolded you... In my younger days there was no Uber, Lyft... So I saw peoples careers ruined over this and saw a few survive. You will be punished. Your best bet of staying in service is to get a DUI lawyer NOW!!!! If possible they'll get the charges reduced from DUI to a lesser BAC or other Alcohol related offense (Easier done if off post) and throw yourself on the mercy of the court. Other BAC or Alcohol related offenses do come with military UCMJ or other Administrative Penalties. However it is possible to survive administrate charges and stay in the service. Whereas a DUI conviction is "Carrier Death." If you accept the lesser offense you will still probably be reduced, restricted... But you still have a chance at staying in if you're convicted of these lesser offence. Your prior record and conduct will way heavily on the Army's decision to retain or release you. 1st order of business get a lawyer, fight to get the charges reduced, or your career is done. You're a Soldier don't stop fighting till it's over. Keep your head up. The next few months will be a Dark if not the Darkest time/point not just in your career but life as well. Good Luck!! It's a tough lesson to learn.

To anyone who wants to belittle my response. I don't condone of his action. However the Majority of Posts have already admonished him. I'm just pointing POSSIBLE rays of sun light in a dark point in his life. He doesn't need anyone else pointing out his mistake or belittling him for it. We've ALL made Bone head decisions throughout or lives and careers. Some of us have just been lucky to survive them or not get caught.

A DUI, on or off post, qualifies for separation under chapter 14-12c, AR 635-200, “Commission of a serious offense. The REG states “Separation for one DUI is not required but is an option for the command."

Response by CWO4 Carter Owens made Sep 12 at 2020 5:41 PM

CWO4 Carter Owens — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 17:41:43 -0400

From my 30 years of military service, an Alcohol Incident "DUI" is not Good. Not at all. But it's not the end of a career either. A lot of conclusions will be addressed. Loss of rank. Loss of Security Clearance. Loss of opportunity to advance. What you need to do, as of today, is to be the best Soldier you can be and to get your shit together.

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Sep 19 at 2020 9:53 AM

1SG Rick Seekman — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 09:53:27 -0400

No promotions in your future sunshine!

Response by CW3 Frank Murphy made Sep 19 at 2020 5:07 PM

CW3 Frank Murphy — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 17:07:17 -0400

I am not going to lecture you on the morality of driving under the influence. I will tell you that it would probably be in your best interest to talk to legal and not share anything more about this on social media. Every situation is different , we have all made mistakes in life. Learn from this and don’t let it be a situation that is the beggining of worse things. About 15 years ago, when I was a young SSG in Germany. I saw a peer go from E6 to E5 to E4 to E1 to chapter. It was sad to watch, because the guy was a genuine good guy that made some bad decisions. It started after a DUI.

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Sep 19 at 2020 9:42 PM

Sgt Roy Hale — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 21:42:29 -0400

Joseph, I think that the possibility of making SFC is not going to happen, at least not in the near future. It was a bad decision and you will be scrutinized from above obviously, but as a STAFF NCO, you might also and probably lose confidence from those below you. Those youngsters need to be able to trust and confidence in their NCOs. Bad decision, wish you the best though.

Response by SGM Robert King made Sep 24 at 2020 10:38 AM

SGM Robert King — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 10:38:44 -0400

Todays Army, I would say your career is over. I would be planning for your exit.

Response by SGT Frances Richardson made Oct 6 at 2020 1:43 PM

SGT Frances Richardson — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:43:00 -0400

I'm no longer in but when I was (4 years ago so it's been a minute), a DUI was a way out. Probably should start looking at insurance premiums now because it's way expensive once you exit those gates for the last time....

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 6 at 2020 10:28 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 22:28:27 -0400

This has the potential to cause some serious damage. You may be able to stay in but if the DUI charges are legitimate and go through you will not be up for promotion anytime soon.

For the near future I would recommend getting a lawyer to verify if you have a shot at fighting the charges. If you can shake the DUI the promotion may be possible but it all depends on what can be proven/disproven in court

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Oct 9 at 2020 10:54 AM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 10:54:11 -0400

I would expect some disciplinary action, for sure: loss of grade, loss of pay, possibly, but not as likely, some brig time. As others suggest a promotion in the near future is unlikely. NCOs are expected to set a good example for their troops, and DUI just isn't that.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2020 12:39 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 12:39:17 -0400

It all depends on your command staff. I’ve seen guys get discharged over a first offense and I’ve had shit bag soldiers with 3 DUIs. Circumstances should matter to a certain degree but mostly you screwed up.

Response by SSG Derrick Iozzio made Oct 18 at 2020 6:51 PM

SSG Derrick Iozzio — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 18:51:59 -0400

That is unfortunate for sure. If you were picked up by civilian police, you may do well to see if there is a Veterans Treatment Court in that county. They will work with you and your unit. I cannot say if you will lose rank nor any other outcome, but I have seen the program save a career. The important thing is that the court will work to get you help (if needed) for drinking, put you on a program that will ensure successful outcomes. Everyone makes mistakes and in your case, a second chance. I am not condoning drinking and driving, but only trying to show that there are options to help. Best of luck SSG Gully.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 6:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:27:12 -0400

You probably be more concerned with what rank you will be at in the next three months.
Btw.. look at the ranks that are responding. If it is a Senior NCO, read the response, and check the level of sympathy you are receiving. Best thing you can do is attempt to salvage what is left of your career prospects and perform your job the best you can. Your horizon is pretty low, but that bottom is just opening up.

Response by SFC Frank Notaro made Oct 20 at 2020 4:37 PM

SFC Frank Notaro — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:37:07 -0400

Everyone makes mistakes, the key is to learn from them and never make the same mistake twice!!
Your not the only one to get jammed up with a DUI, I know of at least a couple General Officers that I know of who got DUI's while in command (as a General Officer)!! One of which still made it to 4 stars!! So the saying goes, it's not what you know but who you know (or who you are) and how much money you have! Go Get yourself a good Lawyer and have them look up case law on how many GO's have received DUI's and still kept their careers and their retirements! Make them prove everything, and remember your innocent until proven guilty...unless of course you were just blatantly slobbering drunk! But even then you can still plea bargain it down to a lesser charge! If a Murderer can plea bargain 1st degree murder down to manslaughter, you can get your DUI down graded and possibly even dropped. So go get a good lawyer and fight it like hell!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2020 8:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 08:08:24 -0400

Depending on the local policy, you will probably be looking at an Article 15, plus a GOMOR. You will certainly come up on the QSP list. I knew two individuals that came up on the QSP list; one was retained, one was not. The one that was not was the one with a DUI. After observing the QSP process, the only way to beat the QSP is to have an otherwise exemplary record AND have killer letters of recommendation/character witness statements.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Nov 8 at 2020 12:33 AM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:33:24 -0500

It all depends on your performance ratings & rank. For lower enlisted and 1st time, most likely not. For NCO's its on a case by case basis. I know that if an Officer gets a DUI it is pretty done for him or her. But then again its a case by case basis. Remember that the final say is with your command.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 2:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 02:58:01 -0500

This is one thing that is stressed on every close out formations. Even though I do not want to judge you on this, each and everyone of us has the responsibility to think deep on their actions been wrong or right.just this past weekend in Trier, Germany; nine people possibly more got killed including a 9month old baby , how would you feel to be told your little baby got killed by a drunk driver, as NCO's we are the backbone of the Army and need to set good examples to our troop and battles.what I will say is that, don't let's this impact you negatively bit use it as a tool to correct other regardless of the out come of your QMP. good luck.

Response by 1SG Edward Ruesga made Dec 17 at 2020 9:00 AM

1SG Edward Ruesga — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:00:50 -0500

Poor decisions in your off duty time, will effectively derail your career. You have disqualified yourself from promotion, and possibly retention. How can you lead others if you don’t have self control? You shouldn’t be looking for 7 you should be praying for retention.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Dec 18 at 2020 6:01 PM

SGT Juan Robledo — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:01:01 -0500

NO, but if you have a problem, then get help, it's best to address it, so your COMMAND knows your trying to get SOBER, and stay away from alcohol, try your best you're the one who got the DUI, otherwise count the days before you injure, or kill someone next time, your life and career

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made Dec 22 at 2020 9:31 AM

Lt Col Bill Fletcher — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 09:31:53 -0500

Hire the best DUI Lawyer you can afford. This can be a career killer. Negotiate it down if possible and save your career.

Response by SSG William Bruno made Dec 26 at 2020 9:48 AM

SSG William Bruno — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 09:48:33 -0500

With this, you are not set for anything but release form active duty and a possible less than honorable discharge. Beginning treatment and finding a 12 steps program is your best way forward.

Response by PO2 Brian Hoadley made Dec 31 at 2020 12:46 PM

PO2 Brian Hoadley — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 12:46:21 -0500

It's detrimental, but not something you can't overcome. I speak from personal experience in that I made PO2 the 1st time up, BOTH times, for something similarly stupid.

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Dec 31 at 2020 7:08 PM

1SG Rick Seekman — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 19:08:40 -0500

Start working on your resume, you'll need it once your discharged.
What were you thinking?

Response by Sgt Edward Allen made Jan 10 at 2021 8:09 PM

Sgt Edward Allen — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:09:15 -0500

I'll give you 2 events that should give you an idea how self centered and narcissistc i believe you are.
1. In 1981, a SSgt USMC got a DUI on the evening before he was to be promoted to GNYSGT. The CO shredded his promotion warrent in front of him and promotion was denied. Rank reduced to Sgt and he never saw SSgt again. He also did not get the option of staying for 20 and retirement.

2. My brother just got out of prison for killing a Marine while DUI. A life lost, his family has to live without him, my brother now a felon and spent years in prison. All because he is/was a selfish SOB. It was not his first time getting caught DUI.

Your driving after drinking shows exactly why you should never be given responsibility for leading men. You are unworthy.

My understanding is that things are tougher now.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 1 at 2021 1:42 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:42:51 -0500

How did you get a DUI??? Actually, it doesn't matter. This could be a career show stopper. As an E7 it would be.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Feb 8 at 2021 2:51 PM

TSgt David Olson — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 14:51:47 -0500

The USAF policy, when I was in the AF reserves as a security policeman, doing my “time” at Holloman AFB, NM was discharge. Enlisted were discharged, officers were asked to resign. Either way the career was over.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2021 3:10 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:10:11 -0500

No. In fact you cant make SMG, CSM, CW5 or an O5 without a DUI on your record.