Army About to Kick Out Paralyzed Hero

CPT Pedro Meza - Doing stupid things can occur for many reasons, I'll take your word for it that PTSD is one. But, does PTSD prevent you from being able to recognize the difference between stupid and illegal? I question his judgment at the time of the accident, if in fact it was impaired by the alcohol or drugs. Like me, the investigation is dealing with just the facts. His condition prior to the accident can be used to mitigate his discharge, but not the facts.
My big take away from this story is his command's reluctance to help him in dealing with his problem. If this is the norm in these units, then there needs to be an overhaul. First thing first; do a command directed piss test on the entire unit.

MSgt John Taylor - I would start with the local commanders, because the code of silence has a beginning. PTSD has a lot to do with alcohol abuse, self destructive behavior and suicide, all of which the command has a preventative hand in.

MAJ Carl Ballinger - the lawyer can help to address mitigating factors that can hopefully give this soldier an honorable discharge that gives him medical benefits while bringing to light and issue that some of us are aware of but the code of silence hides. It is just another form of suicide to me.

MAJ Carl Ballinger - hope for the best, is all I can say. I drank, and married women that drank, and took too many chances before seeking help.

A lot of what you said is true, but there are things that are norms within teams that are asked to do so much, this is something that will come to light if his case goes to court; the court of public opinion. A code of silence exists.

Sgt Gus Laskaris - We are all humans and there comes a time when alcohol is not enough to self medicate some have resorted to violence, while others have chosen suicide, a few have gone the illegal drugs, yes what you say us true, but we are still humans. For this soldier illegal drugs were his solution, it is just another form of suicide.

CPT Pedro Meza
Yes Sir, we are all humans. We are all sinners as well BUT leaders in our current military are not unaware of the stress you listed. We know we have to look for signs of stress and those hidden wounds just like we cannot ignore a soldier bleeding from a gun shot. Sometimes we do triage ourselves, not saying it is right but it is done, and sometimes we may be able to work our own issues BUT if we are stepping over a line to self medicate with schedule 1 drugs, well we are stepping over the line. No one, is free of consequences if they step over that line if caught...sadly, this soldier got caught.

MSG Brad Sand - True, had he been urine tested the results would have been the same, but to quote you " BUT leaders in our current military are not unaware" where in the hell was his commander, and how is it that his commander was not aware, better yet what happened to periodic urine tests? I have commanded, and tracked my troops, and can safely say that my failure to do my job (periodic urine test) would have only provided the opportunity for self medication that I know takes place; that is why I said the code of silence. This soldier will pay the price, but I am hoping that a lawyer point out the failure of his commander. In my past I have counseled other team members and other soldiers that I noticed had behavior that I suspected. I learn to apply I am thy Brother Keeper after loosing an NCO to suicide in 85. My 0-6 made me the investigating officer to teach me all the warning signs that we all missed.