Posted on Apr 29, 2014
SFC Small Group Leader
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I have seen a few times in the Army that Leaders automatically assume guilt of a Soldier before the investigation is complete. Any thoughts?
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Responses: 6
SFC William Swartz Jr
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From everything I saw over 26 years and a specific incident with myself way back in 1990, yes unfortunately we are viewed as guilty until proven innocent/not guilty.
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1SG Eric Rice
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More often than not this is the case. In my opinion it takes away from the Soldier who has been accused. The individual is now "labeled" even if they have done nothing wrong and will continue to be labeled until they PCS. If the individual is guilty, then and only then should the punitive actions be taken. Maybe there should be some other method of protecting the individual from being labeled until proven guilty. For instance the law enforcement community places those under investigation on some sort of administrative leave during the process. Just a though.
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CPL Michael Hostutler
CPL Michael Hostutler
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I agree with that statement and the chain of command will hold it against that soldier until they pcs
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MSG Brad Sand
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First, no one is proven innocent, they are proven Not Guilty. In a military setting, you will know the people you serve with and of course you will assume the criminals are the ones who committed the crime when there is a crime committed. The facts still need to be presented because the person who did commit the crime is the one who needs to be punished. Additionally, in our system, if there are not enough facts to prove wrong doing, then the person is found not guilty…but that does not mean that people will not be keeping a closer eye on the person from that day forward?
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