Will a Field Grade AR15 for oxycodone disqualify me for Drill Sergeant School? If not, how will COVID impact my schooling?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 13:32:13 -0400

I have to two questions.
1. I was DA selected for DS, on the USADSA Commander's checklist section II question 4 it states "ANY illegal drug abuse, prescription or synthetic?". Five and half years ago when I was SPC I got a Field Grade AR15 for oxycodone, long story short it happened I paid for it. Will this be a dis-qualifier for me?

2. Say my first question doesn't disqualify me, my school date is 22 April and I heard it will be online at least for the first 2 week. Will it start out as 2 weeks and then take it a month at a time or will it be 2 weeks for now then then the other 7 weeks a later date? If anyone knows that would be helpful thanks.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Apr 4 at 2020 1:55 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 13:55:39 -0400

SSG Porter -
It will depend upon where the Article 15 is filed in your records - whether on the temporary side or the permanent side. Here is something to know up front: "Article 15s can affect a soldier’s future. Summarized Article 15s are filed in the local files (at the installation Staff Judge Advocate office) for a period of two years or until the transfer of the soldier, whichever occurs first. Company and Field Grade Article 15s can be filed in the soldier’s official military personnel file (OMPF). The commander in each case decides where to file the Article 15. An Article 15 in a soldier’s official records will affect promotions, clearances, and special assignments."
Since you have already been selected (Based on the presumption that if you have a start date, you've already been cleared for that assignment) it is unlikely it will affect your future advancement. You have already been promoted at least once since you were a SPC (depending upon whether you were a SPC 4 or 5 when the offense occurred) so it appears you are in the clear but check it out with your records clerk to see if the document is still in your file and if there are any commanders notes relating to how long it is to be in your record. If the document is still there and the time for its purpose has elapsed either by regulation or the commander's direction, then take action to have it removed.
As for your second question, I have no idea but suggest contacting your 1SG or the school directly to get a straight answer.
All the best to you should you complete your DSA training and be selected for an assignment on the trial. It will be one of the better experiences in your career if you stay straight and focused on your many duties.

Response by SSG Dennis O'Connor made Apr 4 at 2020 2:20 PM

SSG Dennis O'Connor — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 14:20:19 -0400

Since you are DA selected then obviously your article 15 played no role. As far as COVID19 I'd check with your higher or DS branch to find out your status with the school house. Good luck. Of my 20 years on active duty DS duty was by far the most rewarding

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2020 8:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 20:08:18 -0400

Your ASAP record follows you your entire career. If you are being asked if you ever, then the answer is yes. If DA still approves you then kudos, but you need to be truthful.
As to schools, everyone is in limbo. Call branch or the school house. Right now everyone is playing things by ear so it is bound to change.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 5 at 2020 3:01 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:01:47 -0400

2. Things- you have quoted the rules- they may can you from school. Also- NOBODY is going anywhere right now- STOP LOSS in effect- no authorizations to go from 1 post to another Post for any schools, etc.

Response by 1SG Leroy Lucero made Apr 9 at 2020 11:03 AM

1SG Leroy Lucero — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:03:01 -0400

A field grade AR15 will remove you from any favorable actions. Since it was for drugs, if you have a clearance it will be gone. Favorable actions will be removal from schools, awards etc..

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 12 at 2020 9:03 AM

SSG Dale London — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 09:03:04 -0400

Question 1: Be honest regarding question 4 -- be honest on all of it. As a DS, you need to be the example when it comes to integrity and this form is just part of that. Anyway, the Article 15 is in your 201 file. DA would have seen it when processing your record for selection.
Question 2: I'd give you really good odds that not even the Secretary of the Army could tell you that. At the moment, all of this stuff is in the hands of POTUS. When in doubt, as always, proceed with the last order you received until you are told otherwise.
Good luck!