Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 5/18/2010

Question
My son got caught with a couple of friends smoking marjuana on base.  Big no no!!  I do know that.  But this happened before christmas and finally now he is being thrown out of the army.  He did the extra duty and everything else they requested.  What took so long and why did only the two boys get thrown out and not the girl?   Who makes these decisions.  Why isnt it the same for all of them?  Im very confused and would like to know who to ask these questions.  My son just got back from Iraq and Im sure just was stupid.

Answer
I can't tell you exactly why it was that the males were separated while the female wasnt, but I can give you insight into the process.  (This is for most instances of marijuana use in the Army)

Your son lights up and gets caught, either in the act or by urinalysis later on.  Once he admits the use he is usually offered the chance to take a Field Grade Article 15 (non-judicial punishment) over a courts-martial.  Since you said he did extra duty, this is what he took.  He was reduced in rank, fined money, and did extra duty.  Depending on his disciplinary record, his commander, and battalion commander's guidance there was a separation action initiated.  This goes through three levels of review: Company, Battalion, and Brigade.  Your son was informed of this action and signed paperwork acknowledging so.  The reason it takes so long is that at each level it goes through a legal review, and a commander's review. This could take quite a while, unfortunately, because of the reviews and he has to have a full medical and psychological review which take time to schedule.  Based on the results of all of this, and commander's recommendations as to the retainability of the Soldier the Brigade Commander, a Colonel, makes a decision on whether or not to keep your son.  In this instance he decided the best thing would be to separate your son from service.  I stress that the Colonel reviews each case separately on its own merits and that, technically, separation is not a punishment.  
I can't give you more specific understanding since I'm not familiar with your son's case or the chain of command involved, but I hope this general overview is of some help.