is it an automatic court marshal or is there a way to appeal or does the military take these things lightly? how serious is it?
2007-03-21 11:36:51 · 13 answers · asked by Nano 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
They way I look at it if you're old enough to volunteer to fight and die for your country then you can have a beer. Having said that, if you stay on base and don't get into trouble then I think you will be OK. If you're out on town and get nailed by the local cops you're going to twist in the wind.
2007-03-21 11:47:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
It would depend upon the command, and WHO caught you... and also, your condition when caught: was it a DUI, a Public Intox, or just sipping a beer in the barracks.
I believe now, when you check aboard a command, a member will be signing any number of instructions / orders... fraternization, drinking, out-of-bounds areas, command policies, local laws, etc. If among those instructions is a statement that you've been briefed on alcohol consumption or possession and you violate that instruction... you're open to an Captains' Mast (I'm ex-Navy) under § 892, Article 92. Failure to obey a lawful order or regulation.
You can also go down under: § 911, Article 111. Drunken or reckless operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel, § 912, Article 112. Drunk on duty, OR § 934, Article 134. General article. Includes offenses that are not specifically listed in the Manual for Courts-Martial and which may "cause disorder and neglect to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, or conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces."
Article 134 is often considered to be a "catch-all" for various offenses that aren't necessarily covered by the other articles in the UCMJ. Article 134 offenses include disloyal statements, unclean equipment, improper wear of military uniform, abuse of public animals, adultery, bigamy, bribery, fraternization, et al.
When I left the Navy in the late 1990's, it was an automatic bad conduct discharge if you got a DUI and were on flight-status, or an officer.
2007-03-21 18:58:08 · answer #2 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot speak for other branches of the military, I know Navy policy is, You can only drink based on local laws. Therefore if you are in a foreign country that the drinking age is 18 then you can drink at 18, if it's 19 you can drink at 19, but on base officially it's 21. If you are caught drinking underage you are punishable under the UCMJ. If your buddy is 21 and he bought the alcohol, he can be charged also. You can be charged under, Article 92, failure to obey an order or regulation,
2007-03-21 23:59:47 · answer #3 · answered by GIOSTORMUSN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normally there is an OSI investigation (Office of Special Investigations) they determine everything they can find out about the situation. Like who purchased the alcohol, where, when, how much was consumed, contributing factors. Once this is done, they present the case to your commander. He will usually, almost 100% of the time issue an Article 15, (non judicial punishment) forfeiture of about 1-6 months pay, and reduction in at least 1 pay grade/rank depending on severity. Normally the pay forfeiture is suspended, as in you don't have to pay it unless you get into trouble within the next year or so, then you do pay, along with your new punishment also.---morale of the story is yes they do take it seriously, and I have seen at least 5 people in the last 6 years get kicked out of the military for underage drinking, discharged as General - under other than honorable
2007-03-21 18:52:47 · answer #4 · answered by shawnloveskat4evr 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can drink at the EM club at 17, as long as you have a military ID, Above and beyond depends on what country your in, In Germany if you can reach the counter you can buy
What state did you get nailed in ?
Mass you prolly have a courtmarshall, NY they won't bother you
2007-03-21 18:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Its handled by your commander mostly and the base police. Some people only get Article 15's (which is a blanket Article served to some one when reprimanded) and some people get kicked out by dishonorable discharge. These things are taken seriously, but depending on your situation and your chain of command the results could be different. They can take partial to half of your pay for months or reduce you to a lower rank.
2007-03-21 18:47:55 · answer #6 · answered by throughthebackyards 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As long as you do it off base its no prob, dont show up for PT witha hangover. Dont keep liquer in your dorm. Basicly they just dont want any liability or loss of performance. Keep in mind that everyone who has ever been in the military got away with it, if you get caught though you can get in some reason trouble so be carefull.
2007-03-21 18:49:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
well if they want to be jerks about it they will give you an article 15 and could court marshall you for it if you were on QRF or something but unless you do something realy stupid while you were drunk your chain of command will not be happy but you shouldnt get booted
2007-03-21 18:49:09 · answer #8 · answered by Joel B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't know, I think they turn their heads, I was 17 when I enlised in the Corp and didn't turn 21 until I was out, and i did a lot of drinking, clubbin and all of it. not a problem!
2007-03-21 18:41:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure, but everyone I've talked to does it. If you're old enough to sign up and risk your life for your country, why can't you have a beer?
2007-03-21 18:44:27 · answer #10 · answered by chrissy_isthebest 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋