Heartstring, If the soldier does not have a debt problem whatsoever...?

Question

My situation is that my wife purchased 2 plane tickets for a leave that is coming up. I am currently in Iraq, and a direct order from the battalion commander was that no one was to purchase plane tickets for leave yet. I did not tell my wife about not buying tickets because I did not anticipate my wife buying them so early and without telling me because you must know that things in military life change everyday. My wife called the FRG one day and they told her that the dates were set in stone and that she could buy the tickets, so she did. I told my platoon sgt that the FRG had given my wife the go ahead to buy tickets and now hes out to get me with an article 15, which makes no sense to me whatsoever. Do you have any references for what authority a commander has to tell soldiers what they can buy and not buy, and what authority they have over wives?

Answer 1

I have no reference, just experience. I don't know how long you've been in. Your wife should know not to take the word of the FRG, no matter who's in charge. Things change too often. Obviously, you were told not to get tickets for a reason. I'm not sure what it would be. You'd have to talk to the CO about that. I'm sure they don't even know when leave will start, who will go or any of that.

I agree with the first reply, go to JAG. I know you have some sort of legal assistance in Iraq. Have your wife go to JAG on post too. Have her explain what's going on. Make sure she's honest or she'll just get you in deeper. It sounds to me like your wife made a mistake and you shouldn't be punished for that. Info from the FRG, despite them being there for us, can't be taken for 100% fact. She should have discussed it with you first, then you could have explained to her to not buy them. I think giving you an Article 15 is harsh. Any CO knows that during deployments, there's sometimes lack of communication and things like not buying plane tickets are often lost in conversation that's more important. Is the FRG supporting your wife saying that they told her it was ok??

Please go to JAG. Also, use your Chain of Command. They're supposed to be there to help you. I know the CO gave an order, but it was just lost in deployment. You shouldn't be punished for something that simple. I'm sure I don't have all the facts, but that's really all I can tell you. Also, go to the Chaplain. Explain it to him. If anyone understands, he will. It seems to just be miscommunication and the PLT SGT using you as an example.

Good luck and use all the sources available to you.

Answer 2

Well let me start by saying that I was honourably discharged from the army six months ago and during my enlistment I got married to a Middle Eastern woman. I can't begin to describe the legal procedures I had to go through when I left my post in Europe to come to the U.S and I have spoken with many legal advisors and chaplains and a couple of JAG officers and the military has absolutely no control over your spouse and it is impossible for them to give you an article 15 for what your wife has done on her own. If I were you I would consider calling your legal assistance branch or one of the JAG offices to discuss the threats being made upon you by your platoon seargant, you might even be able to talk to your unit chaplain about it if you know him to be someone who cares about soldiers. You don't need to be worried about stepping on any higher ranking peoples toes, you need to talk to other people who know the rules and will give you good sound advice. Don't let your platoon seargant walk all over you, you can treat him with respect and go above him in the chain of command at the same time. As for specific references to army regulations or procedures you will need to talk to some of those people I listed above or you could even call the GI rights hotline and talk to one of their advisors about your situation 800-394-9544.

Answer 3

The military cant control your civilian wife..... And they cant hold you accountable for her actions while you are at war. Just talk to JAG/IG if you need to.