Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/What will they do?

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 12/29/2009


Question
I have been enlisted in the Army for two years. Not long ago I was arrested and charged with a Class B Misdemeanor for possession of marijuana. This is my first time offense. What is the most likely plan of action taken against me by the military?

Answer
Alex,
That's really a judgment call by your commander.  If you've been a relatively trouble free good worker, he'll probably hit you with a small fine and possibly take away a stripe.  Sometimes they'll give you a "Suspended Bust", meaning they bust you down in rank and then suspend it for a period of time.  Like being on probation for a few months.  If, during that period, you've been a good boy, he'll give you back your stripe.  A "Hard Bust" means he'll take away a stripe and never give it back.  If you're a repeat troublemaker, he'll likely give you the maximum punishment and discharge you.  It would be in your best interest to consult you legal office and get their free legal advice.  Your commander isn't going to do anything until he consults with them first.  If you've already talked to them and presented your side of the story, you'll know what to expect.

Good luck,
Colonel Howell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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