Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 10/14/2010

Question
I was currently preparing for my ROTC packet, and I have done my phase I and II physical, but right now I am pending a summarized article 15, with 7 days extra duty. The reason for the article was because my NCO like giving out a counsel statements, because I was late to work twice, eventhough I called and text to let her know that I was going to be late. She also gave me a counsel statement claiming that I was been disrespectful to my platoon sgt by rolling my eyes and not standing at parade rest. She pushed for my commander to give me summarized article. I am being flagged right now, and my commander told me that I have to show her that I wont be late or doing what my NCO stated in my counsel statement. Eventhough I was being lied against, but all I told my commander was yes ma'am. But now I am not being read my article 15, and I am being flagged right now. So my question is, after doing my extra duty, and the flag being lifted, will I still be able to go with my ROTC? I am really scared of that, however my commander told me that, when my flag get lifted I can go ahead with my plan, but I am scared being I have a UCMJ in my record already. I was told that once I live my duty station and move to another duty station, it wont follow me. Is that true, and will I still be able to go with the ROTC Programme.

Thank you sir.

Answer
To be honest a summarized ART 15 is so low on the forms of UCMJ that it really doesn't count.  A summarized ART 15 doesn't follow you anywhere and, once the flag is lifted, won't reflect on your record at all.  You can still follow your plan once your flag is lifted, just try to not get in any more trouble.