Three years ago my Army friend got a DUI, nobody was injured (thank God), but the military wasn't happy. He ended up getting demoted from E-6 to E-5. A few years ago he was able to put on E-6 again, but he doubts he'll ever be able to put on E-7 or E-8 (he should be E-8 by now). He's got 5 more years until he retires and it seems like he's lost hope. I'm not familiar with the Army rules, but I want to know anythingthat may keep him motivated. It seems like he hasn't gotten over it and he blames himself over and over again. Saying what he could have been... I'm thinking he might be able to put on E-8 if he's really motivated, but I don't want to seem over excited. Does anyone know if there is anything he can do or if it is possible for him to at least put on E-7 before retirement? I'd be so appreciative.
2007-11-16 09:39:37 · 9 answers · asked by Y.a.S.L 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Before the incident he was on his way to a perfect profile. Upstanding Soilder, Instructor, Airborne, E-6 in less that 7yrs... He was on a roll, but since the incident he's forgotten his motivation. He hasn't picked up any alcohol since them and he's definitely learned his lesson.
I just want to know if he can do anything to get back on track.
2007-11-16 10:15:42 · update #1
I think tell him instead of rueing what could have been, celebrate what is. Tell him, he made a mistake and learned a hugely valuable lesson without having to pay a price that involved someone's life. How fortunate is that! Just think right now he could be in jail for the rest of his entire life having killed or maimed someone due to his drunken driving. That COULD be the life he'd be living right this second. Imagine that guilt and shame.
Also, I know in my life, I could have been so much farther along without some events that occured and I think that is true of EVERYone. Something happens in everyone's life either of their own or someone else's doing that sets them back much further than they envisioned.
The best thing is to just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, put your eyes back on the "prize/goal," and keep working for it. Eventually he will get there.
Perseverence and a positive attitude count a lot.
With each new success the old "costs" matter less and less.
Plus, I think if he remains sober, with enough time in between the DUI and the present, people will forgive him this former transgression against his good judgement.
I don't know the Army rules either.
2007-11-16 09:53:20 · answer #1 · answered by relandlukesmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he straightened out his act, does his job in the manner he should then he should be able to pick up E7 before he retires. He cannot worry or cry about it; he got the DUI and busted so he has to clean up his act and do it right from here on. I picked up Sergeant twice; busted from E5 to E4 and later got a DUI, when I was an E6. Yes it hurt me because I should have retired an E8 but I did retire as an E7 and the only reason I didn't retire as an E8 was I scr#wed up-twice. Happy to retire as an E7 and if I had retired as an E6 then that would be true also. If he starts thinking it then his performance will slip and he will make him retiring as an E6 happen.
2007-11-16 17:56:24 · answer #2 · answered by GunnyC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its been a while but I believe he can request the actual charges be hidden from a board. The board members will only know that there is a blank at his request.
It is possible for him to still make E7, If the rest of his record is clean and if he has continued with his education.
Without continuing education he is done.
Me I'm sure i should of made E8.
2007-11-16 17:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by SFC_Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He does have a chance at making E-7, although it is a slim one. The military is very unforgiving about drug and alcohol related offenses. The best thing for him to do is to continue to soldier on, quit whipping himself over something he has no control of rectifying just be the best he can be.
2007-11-16 17:54:18 · answer #4 · answered by RUESTER 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can "erase" the DUI from his record. However, also think of this: Even though it is still possible for him to make E-8 before he retires, he then still will say "I could have been E-9". It wont really stop him from regretting it.
It's unfortunate that he got the DUI, however, what's done is done.
2007-11-16 17:44:14 · answer #5 · answered by Nate H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he does some continuing ed., request extra training and schools, and leads by example he may make E-7. Thats still not bad way to retire.
2007-11-16 18:01:48 · answer #6 · answered by jrhd97 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If some how you could make him realize that there are things he could possibly do to overcome the situation while he's still in the service - once he's out of the service there is absolutely nothing he can do.
2007-11-16 17:49:21 · answer #7 · answered by Dave M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell him to be more focused on the future an not the past and pray. All things are answered by God.
2007-11-16 17:53:07 · answer #8 · answered by Bennie M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him know that he needs to take charge and lead others by example. If he trys to be his best, it will reflect, he'll gain respect for himself and from others. Higher ups will see this and recommend him for promotion board.
2007-11-16 17:54:16 · answer #9 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋