Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/19/2009

Question
Thank you for your detailed response.  It was very helpful.  I certainly understand the position they may take.  Please let me know how to go about requesting the meeting you mention.

Answer
Dear Lou --

You will probably have to have the discussion with the commander or senior chief over the telephone.  if you live very close to the training base, you might be able to arrange a face to face discussion, but that is less likely.

If you have your son's training base and training unit information, you can inquire of the post locator on how to call that unit.  The post locator's telephone number should be available from local information.

When you call the unit, you will likely talk to the unit clerk or unit training manager first.  Explain to them that you wish to speak to the commander or master chief concerning your son's circumstances, and request an appointment to speak to some one in leadership.  I recommend you insist on speaking to someone higher than his team or squad leader.  However, you may have to work your way up through the chain of command.  That will depend on the unit's protocol.

Be calm but insistent in requesting this telephone appointment.  Be willing to offer your phone number and good times for the commander to call you.  

Also, be sure your son knows you plan to call.  If he is against this move on your part, he may not have told you the whole story, and may not be willing for you to intervene on his behalf.

Good luck to both of you.  I hope he gets a chance to learn from his mistake rather than just be sent home with a negative discharge.