Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 5/24/2010

Question
Hello, Thanks for taking the time to give me a little bit of feedback.

While stationed in Germany I got a dui(yes very stupid I know). The German law states that a .05 is over the legal limit while a .08 in the military is considered the legal limit.  I blew just under the limit and have already received my punishment--a LOR--believe me I am not complaining as I thought my career was over.  The Germans suspended my license for only 1 month, but when I went to see my First Shirt he mentioned taking it away for a year then i got the feeling he backed off it.  I guess I need to ask my First Sergeant, but what would you do in a similar situation? And what could I expect? I'm Air Force if that makes any difference.

Thanks for you time!!

Answer
KJ,
Those things happen.  I'm glad you realize it was wrong and stupid.  In my own experience, in a  situation like yours, if it was a first offense I would usually give you a suspended bust.  In other words, put you on probation for 6 months and take a stripe if you didn't behave for those 6 months.  If it was a repeat offender or somebody who didn't admit he did something wrong and stupid, I'd give him a hard bust (take a stripe) and maybe a $ fine.  I wouldn't even mess with taking away your license.

However, your commander may be one of those hard nosed guys who has no compassion and he could do worse.  I'd like to think those guys are in another Service, and not my AF.

Good luck,
Colonel H