Posted on Apr 24, 2018
Soldier is having personal issues that hinder duty performance. Chapter necessary?
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I have a SM who recently married his gf of a few months who has multiple medical conditions and personal issues. This has caused the SM to miss a lot of work in the past 2 weeks and effected his duty performance in which he's been counseled on multiple times. CO has put him on emergency leave due to the recent hospitalization and my leadership is talking about a chapter. Is a chapter necessary?
Posted in these groups: 
UCMJ
UCMJ
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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I could be an evil, cynical human being (but I'm a SWO, so that's to be expected), but I would sit this kid down and point blank ask him what HE is getting out of this 'marriage'.
Knowing nothing other than what you've stated, It sounds like a contract marriage for her to get free healthcare. What is HE getting out of this other than in trouble? If he is some young, dumb kid who'd never been laid before so 'fell in love with' the first chick who saw a meal-ticket (and nothing more) in him but could manipulate him into believing she 'loved' him so she could use him, he needs to get out of her trap-- NOW. If the marriage was recent enough, he still stands a chance at getting it annulled so as to not have to be strapped to this 'bad decision' by means of spousal support for the rest of his natural life.
Short version-- it sounds like the kid needs a reality check, and FAST.
Lead the horse to water. Use whatever approach you think will get through to him (compassion, tough love, or anything in between). Whether he drinks is up to him, and he'll have to reap the rewards or suffer the consequences of his decision. That's all you can do.
Knowing nothing other than what you've stated, It sounds like a contract marriage for her to get free healthcare. What is HE getting out of this other than in trouble? If he is some young, dumb kid who'd never been laid before so 'fell in love with' the first chick who saw a meal-ticket (and nothing more) in him but could manipulate him into believing she 'loved' him so she could use him, he needs to get out of her trap-- NOW. If the marriage was recent enough, he still stands a chance at getting it annulled so as to not have to be strapped to this 'bad decision' by means of spousal support for the rest of his natural life.
Short version-- it sounds like the kid needs a reality check, and FAST.
Lead the horse to water. Use whatever approach you think will get through to him (compassion, tough love, or anything in between). Whether he drinks is up to him, and he'll have to reap the rewards or suffer the consequences of his decision. That's all you can do.
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OK, so if I'm reading this right, he's only been screwing up for a few months. And it's probably due tot his new marriage. Based on that, I wouldn't seek a chapter just yet. This soldier needs some professional help and the Army offers a lot of it. Use it.
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Before a chapter determination you should convince him to seal counseling, individual and marital. His new bride should also hear about the support and benefits from his service and what happens to them once separated. I have over the years seen many Sokdiers turn around once a new spouse fully understood all of the ramifications of a chapter and possibly UCMJ. If he was a good Soldier before the marriage he is worth the effort. The Army puts a great deal into finding the right recruits and training them, bever chapter in hast. Thank you for your service.
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SGT (Join to see)
Roger that CSM. He wasn't a stellar soldier before but nobody is when they first get to their unit. Thank you for your advice and service as well CSM.
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