Leaders,

Wherever you fall in the COC, your responsibility and recommendations on matters of discipline will contribute to the welfare and readiness of the unit.  Here are some thoughts on UCMJ from CSM Thetford:

I know that at some point you’ll have the unfortunate responsibility to deal with UCMJ matters…here are some thoughts on UCMJ that I’ve collected and practiced alongside GEN Votel over the years…* Anyone can make a mistake – but it shouldn’t begin from a lack of discipline or poor judgment.* Does the soldier “own-up” to their mistake or try to cover things up – is their integrity still intact?* Battle buddies and NCOs can/should make on-the-spot corrections…but when an issue is neglected and it reaches the CDR’s desk – CDRs are usually compelled to take action – Sooo when UCMJ must take place – the punishment should have three considerations…GEN Votel’s methodology.1) There must be a proportional consequence to the offender.2) Punishment should provide a deterrent for other unit members (“hey, the Boss is really serious about this issue”).3) If the intermediate leadership believes the soldier is salvageable – what is the path to redemption short of a career-ending outcome?

V/R
Heather