Can my commander counsel me while I'm psychiatric ward?

2019-10-29T23:59:26-04:00

I was admitted to the hospital for suicidal ideations and depression. I failed the Army Body Composition Program and I did take it well. My commander came to see me a few days later and counseled me and told he was initiating a chapter. I've heard that you cant counsel some while there in the hospital..is it true?

Response by SPC Andrew Murray made Oct 30 at 2019 6:13 AM

2019-10-30T06:13:44-04:00

Even if true what does it get you to complain about it?

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Oct 30 at 2019 8:15 AM

2019-10-30T08:15:38-04:00

Did your Commander counsel you or did he tell you his intentions? Was it a formal counseling session? Did he make you sign a counseling statement, provide you 24 hours to write up a response? If not, then it was an informal, verbal counselling which isn't counseling at all, it is just talking.

I believe your Commander was well within his authority to do what he did. Also, I would suggest to you that you have FAR bigger problems than a counselling. You need to concentrate on getting well and addressing the problems that led to this terrible situation. I can tell you that it is far, far more than Army Body Composition. The fact that you didn't pass a weight/fat check is significant, but certainly not worth your life. The Army isn't your whole life, and it shouldn't be. You have far, far more to live for than a measuring tape. So you can't be in the Army...big deal. There are so many wonderful, fulfilling, and important things that you can do as a civilian. You have worth and value to this world.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 10:02 AM

2019-10-30T10:02:07-04:00

Yes, the commander had the authority to counsel you.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Oct 30 at 2019 10:06 AM

2019-10-30T10:06:48-04:00

You heard wrong. Normal for Barracks Barristers

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 10:19 AM

2019-10-30T10:19:54-04:00

Where else are they going to counsel you? PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, look at it this way: You didn't take failing the HT/WT well and ended up admitted. Can the Commander really take the chance of counselling you for Chapter after you get discharged from the hospital and run the risk of you needing to be admitted again because you didn't take getting counselled well? Chances are, your Commander spoke with your doctor prior to even seeing you to administer the counselling. This is one of those gray areas where there may not be anything written solid in black and white. This is where JAG comes in. During the Chapter process, you will be granted a chance to seek legal advice/assistance. This will be the time to ask this question of the lawyer.

BTW, who was it that told you that the Commander can't do this? Where did you hear this? Was it from other inpatients? Soldiers that are not lawyers? Soldiers that are not Commanders or 1SGs?

I'm certainly not saying this to worsen your situation. I'm just trying to get you to see it from a different perspective. The reason why I bring this up is because I once had a Soldier get admitted for depression and suicidal thoughts/threats. Our Commander, the Chaplain and I went to visit the Soldier. We didn't even see him until we spoke with his doctor...and even then the doctor was in the room with us. And we did counsel him on Chapter recommendations.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 30 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-10-30T12:56:15-04:00

Maybe if you studied more and listened less to barracks lawyer idiots, you wouldn't be in trouble?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Oct 30 at 2019 2:28 PM

2019-10-30T14:28:22-04:00

Never heard that one, While you're laid up google FM 6-22 Leadership, look at appendix (B) on counseling. You'll probably get 30 different opinions depending on leadership styles as to the appropriateness of counseling you in the hospital; but "can your commander counsel you there" ....the answer is Yes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 30 at 2019 4:56 PM

2019-10-30T16:56:22-04:00

You really need to talk to Trial Defense to see if the Chapter or your medical condition takes precedence.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 5:11 PM

2019-10-30T17:11:42-04:00

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. I recognize that the chapter pales in comparison my mental health and I'm just going to focus on getting my mind right.