Posted on Aug 22, 2018
We need to stop posting legal issues to RallyPoint. How do we achieve this?
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At least once a week, a young soldier posts a question about an Article 15, or pending UCMJ actions. These posts usually only hurt the young troops foolish enough to post them. Is there any way we as a community can educate these troops to keep them from posting their legal troubles on a public platform?
UCMJ
Leadership
Social Media
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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Mostly the response is, talk to your lawyer and ignore what the barracks rats say which is perfectly fine. I, for one would not want to tell them no.
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Perhaps what some people could do who have legal questions is just post "I have a legal question - is there anyone who has legal experience or who is JAG who can help me. I will pm you the details."
I agree sometimes people help guide those servicemembers but they need to be aware to be careful and educate themselves on UCMJ and local civilian laws to not get themselves in trouble.
I agree sometimes people help guide those servicemembers but they need to be aware to be careful and educate themselves on UCMJ and local civilian laws to not get themselves in trouble.
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MSgt Walter Clack
Good advice SFC Kelly Fuerhoff , would only add for advice givers best to fully access the issue and try to get both sides of the story. Spent 4 years in counseling as a GySgt and a MSgt. One thing that always held true is you were initially only told the rose colored side of the story. Investigation always revealed additional relevant issues. For advise seekers always include those disturbing facts in your they did me wrong explanation. Now before I get yelled at too loud, yes sometimes they actually, "do us wrong," just as often if not more so, we screw up. Just this Grumpy Old Salts thought.
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SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
I think people should just go post on a legal forum. You can have a screen name, be anonymous (for the most part) and maybe get an actual lawyer answer you. OR go talk to JAG and just get legit advice straight up.
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Most of the questions on here (legal or otherwise) stem from a lack of leadership and/or communication from first line supervisors and NCO Chain of Support. After that is the lack of knowledge by some of those leaders. I'm not saying every NCO has to be a part-time lawyer, but know enough to give their subordinates good advice on how to proceed through The System. For example, knowing his/her rights, when to seek SJA/JAG and/or IG assistance, etc.
I know the information is out there, because a lot of it is contained in the Army Studyguide that everyone seems to study from for promotion boards. The other sources are the regulations (ARs) themselves. Many leaders have this stigma against knowing the regs and enforcing them. It's not hard to find the information; it's out there and available.
If your subordinates are coming to an Internet board for advice that every leader should know, then you have failed your subordinate, yourself as a leader, and the Army. No, I'm not being snarky, but brutally honest. If this hurts your feelings, then perhaps the Military isn't for you. Leadership of young adults is NOT something to take lightly, especially if/when we ever get into another shooting war. Even in peacetime, leaders mold subordinates, and ultimately have a huge impact on who they become as Servicemembers, and people in general, as well as their outlook on leaders and leadership.
Lead or go home.
I know the information is out there, because a lot of it is contained in the Army Studyguide that everyone seems to study from for promotion boards. The other sources are the regulations (ARs) themselves. Many leaders have this stigma against knowing the regs and enforcing them. It's not hard to find the information; it's out there and available.
If your subordinates are coming to an Internet board for advice that every leader should know, then you have failed your subordinate, yourself as a leader, and the Army. No, I'm not being snarky, but brutally honest. If this hurts your feelings, then perhaps the Military isn't for you. Leadership of young adults is NOT something to take lightly, especially if/when we ever get into another shooting war. Even in peacetime, leaders mold subordinates, and ultimately have a huge impact on who they become as Servicemembers, and people in general, as well as their outlook on leaders and leadership.
Lead or go home.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff - That is correct. There was nothing personal aimed directly at you, SGT Tony Clifford
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
SFC Harry H. - If your (generic) Soldiers are afraid to come to you with questions, concerns, or to seek advice, then your professional relationship with them is suffering. And yes, my Soldiers felt entirely comfortable coming to me and asking questions and even seeking advice on both personal and professional issues. Heck, I went with two of my Soldiers to the car dealership to help them buy their cars.
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SFC Harry H.
SSG(P) (Join to see) - Well I'm retired and never had that problem, but I'm not speaking for myself, you, or other leaders. I'm speaking on behalf of the Soldiers. I will say, (generic) or not, those Soldiers better check themselves before coming to me with some bullshit. I'm a leader, teacher, mentor, adviser. What I'm not, is your dad or friend. So before anyone comes to me with legal advice, understand that we have just that, a professional relationship. And that as a professional, I have a duty to report violations and crimes. With that understanding established first, it's up to the Soldier how they want to proceed. I will help you and guide you as best as I can.
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