How do you view/deal with service members that have an NJP under their belt? https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So I have an NJP under my belt for details I won&#39;t go into, so does my father, as do many other service members. My question more specifically is how does this information change how you view them, treat them, or deal with them on a professional and personal level? Are you any more harsh on them in some effort to punish them more or teach them a lesson? Alternatively, does this not even have an effect on anything, are they just another service member to you with a bad past? Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:12:11 -0500 How do you view/deal with service members that have an NJP under their belt? https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So I have an NJP under my belt for details I won&#39;t go into, so does my father, as do many other service members. My question more specifically is how does this information change how you view them, treat them, or deal with them on a professional and personal level? Are you any more harsh on them in some effort to punish them more or teach them a lesson? Alternatively, does this not even have an effect on anything, are they just another service member to you with a bad past? Sgt Joshua Anderson Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:12:11 -0500 2015-02-18T19:12:11-05:00 Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 7:18 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484103&urlhash=484103 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>NJP, or Art 15 as we call it in the Army, doesn't mean a thing to me without knowledge of WHO that soldier is. I can think of a soldier in my company who I trust, I think he's a good soldier. He has two art. 15s, and he earned them both! He's impulsive and bull headed. He isn't fit to be a leader YET, but I seriously consider him a good troop. I've met other troops who I didn't trust, who had good records, but weren't good troops. I've seen a guy who had an Art. 15 or two on his record and was useless. Wasn't sorry to see him get separated. It all depends on the soldier and who he/she is. SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:18:12 -0500 2015-02-18T19:18:12-05:00 Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 18 at 2015 7:19 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484106&urlhash=484106 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Depends on what it was for... NJP for being late to ship while on Libo? Meh, it happens. NJP for DUI? Different ball of wax... SFC Michael Hasbun Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:19:44 -0500 2015-02-18T19:19:44-05:00 Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 18 at 2015 7:23 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484112&urlhash=484112 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It matters more how they bounce back. TSgt Joshua Copeland Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:23:10 -0500 2015-02-18T19:23:10-05:00 Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 18 at 2015 7:29 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484129&urlhash=484129 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was once told that the best leaders do not make E-9 without at least one article 15. I think the reason behind your NJP is what matters. If you're a great leader you are willing to stick your neck out for your troops and what's right. If I got an article 15 for maintaining my integrity in a sticky situation, I would wear it like a badge of honor. SGT Kristin Wiley Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:29:39 -0500 2015-02-18T19:29:39-05:00 Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 18 at 2015 7:37 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484143&urlhash=484143 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As others have said it depends on the circumstances and how you as the Marine bounce back and perform your job. I know a SSG who despite having an Article 15 is the VCSA enlisted aide. SGT Jim Z. Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:37:33 -0500 2015-02-18T19:37:33-05:00 Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 7:43 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484155&urlhash=484155 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The purpose of the UCMJ is to educate and rehabilite a service member. While enlisted, I worked as Paralegal (27D). One thing that everyone must keep in mind, once the punishment is completed... the leadership has the responsibility to ensure the continued growth of the Service Member. Meanwhile, the Service Member should demonstrate that they overcame their issue. Some people just honestly don't care, but those that do... Leaders must be present to help their service members overcome previous issues. CPT Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:43:37 -0500 2015-02-18T19:43:37-05:00 Response by SSG Christopher Buck made Feb 18 at 2015 7:49 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484168&urlhash=484168 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a lower enlisted soldier, I had two company level article 15s. Needless to say, the infantry units can get a little sporting. I earned both of them. I don't regret them either. I learned more about being a good leader while I was performing extra duty than I ever did from my squad leader. Those long days helped make me the soldier that earned back his rank, and then some. That guidance did more to help my squad, after I made SSG, than all the leadership courses and "positive" reinforcement I had during my service. I don't hold the past against anyone. It really doesn't matter if someone showed up late or hit in a fight in garrison once you enter a two-way firing range. That's when only the "here" and "now" matter. By that I mean, "here's" some ammo "now" engage the enemy forces. SSG Christopher Buck Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:49:13 -0500 2015-02-18T19:49:13-05:00 Response by SSG Cory Bacon made Feb 18 at 2015 7:50 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484170&urlhash=484170 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm not a leader yet (My ultimate goal is DS), but it really all depends on the reason for it. Ultimately, what matters is whether or not the particular soldier is trustworthy; if you could accept the transgression and still have 100% faith in him defending your life in battle, then the Article 15 means nothing. If they received it for things that would make me doubt their character, it may be different. <br /><br />That being said, all people make mistakes, and everyone grows up at different rates. I just recently enlisted at 28, and feel without a shadow if a doubt that I will make a great soldier. If I honestly answered that question at 18, it would've been a different answer. <br /><br />If you, or any other soldier in question have proven to have learned from the mistake then it was just that; a mistake. If it's something you haven't learned from and changed, it's a warning sign. There's a big difference in the two. SSG Cory Bacon Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:50:15 -0500 2015-02-18T19:50:15-05:00 Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Feb 18 at 2015 11:25 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484585&urlhash=484585 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>meh, I got NJP'd for something I didn't actually do. I actually became very bitter about that. LCpl Mark Lefler Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:25:33 -0500 2015-02-18T23:25:33-05:00 Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:38 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484607&urlhash=484607 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ok, so a service member has an NJP. No big deal. If that service member uses it as a lesson learned and tries to improve then I treat them just as I treat every other service member. If they've lost the fire, I try to assist them in getting it back. If they've turned in to the proverbial dirt bag, I still treat them with respect but I make it a point to try and separate them from service if I am their leader. SSG Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:38:58 -0500 2015-02-18T23:38:58-05:00 Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:39 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484609&urlhash=484609 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It depends on what the member earned the NJP for and when it was given. What have they done since they accepted the NJP and how have they grown? Was it for PT failure or DUI? Every case is different and you want to see the entire picture before you make a decision on anyone's career. However, if someone was provided the opportunity to accept a NJP (rather than a courts martial) then it is important to give that person a chance to succeed. Maj Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:39:51 -0500 2015-02-18T23:39:51-05:00 Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:47 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484618&urlhash=484618 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>After the NJP is completed a Soldier / Marine should be able to start fresh. Ideally it would be nice to place said individual in another location to escape any backlash.<br /><br />Unfortunately it cannot be totally ignored when comparing members of the Unit for special schools or events. <br /><br />Aside from that though people make mistakes; it is part of the life process. As long as that person has learned and still shows a positive attitude then things are great.<br /><br />I hate when Leaders hold that over a persons head and wonder why they are not motivated. <br /><br />I am in a small field and there are those above me who do not care for me. I stay positive and motivated for my Soldiers though. Sometimes that is the best way to handle it because once they get to you are the one who loses.<br /><br />STAY POSITIVE! Enjoy Life! SSG Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:47:15 -0500 2015-02-18T23:47:15-05:00 Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 19 at 2015 1:00 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484756&urlhash=484756 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a NCO, I believe that we should be fair to all our Soldiers regardless of what their background was. I've had Soldiers that were convicted, knocked down more than once and given the choice to either serve or go to jail. To me that never mattered, I always saw green and as long as they did their job and what they were supposed to, I never had a problem. It's the "entitled" Soldiers that were bigger issues. Not saying all of them, but if a Soldiers parent is a CSM or Major or higher, it seemed they felt "entitled". Your an NCO, which tells me that you have learned from your mistakes and decided to tighten up your act. With that, I would definitely hold nothing against you, but would ask you to mentor the others that may be headed down the same road. Learning from each other is what it is all about to me. Good luck in your career and I wish you the best. Even if you are a Marine. Hahaha just kidding SSG Sean Garcia Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:00:55 -0500 2015-02-19T01:00:55-05:00 Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 1:08 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=484766&urlhash=484766 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>NJP is just that. Non-judicial. If a service member turns themselves around, they don't have anything to worry about. Some of the most dedicated Soldiers I have are guys who we gave a "second chance" to by doing NJP. That being said, you don't get a third chance in this unit. You can screw up once and chalk it up to a learning experience. Do something again and you're a liability and you're wasting leaders' time. We give them the rope. They can either crawl out of the hole with it or they can tie the noose for us to make it easier when we have to haul them up. COL Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:08:15 -0500 2015-02-19T01:08:15-05:00 Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 1:01 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=485658&urlhash=485658 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Did you learn from it... Yes? Great, let's move forward. TSgt Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:01:02 -0500 2015-02-19T13:01:02-05:00 Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Feb 19 at 2015 1:57 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=485780&urlhash=485780 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />The politically correct, and in this case, absolutely correct answer is to say that the NJP/Art 15 is in the past and should have no impact on the present and future, if the individual has cleaned up his/her act that warranted the disciplinary action.<br /><br />However, in the real world, if that service member is still in the same unit/under the same leadership where the NJP/Art 15 was administered, it is human nature to &quot;not forget&quot;. It is kind-of like &quot;what has been seen cannot be unseen&quot;. Although the passing of time may help erase some of the &quot;past&quot;, it will be there as long as the people remain the same. Going to a new unit and being under new leadership is the only real way to erase the issue.<br /><br />The other factor one must consider is that the military has gone back into the &quot;zero defect&quot; mentality. With all the drawdowns/downsizing going on, Boards are looking for any reason to differentiate service members to select for dismissal. A lone NJP/Art 15 from years back may be the only differentiation they can find to separate those selected to stay and those selected to be downsized. Someone with an NJP/Art 15 in his/her records has a &quot;grenade in his/her rucksack&quot; that will probably go off some day. Those individuals should give serious thought to getting out before they have too much invested.<br /><br />I read one comment that stated an old adage that almost all E-9s had an Art 15 in their records, or something like that. While certainly don&#39;t dispute that might have been the case, I don&#39;t think it is anymore. As a battalion commander, I had an outstanding E-7 with 17 years of service who was selected for QMP (discharge) and the only black mark in his otherwise outstanding record was an Art 15 he had received years earlier as an E-4. We were able to manipulate the system to allow him to stay in and he later was selected for E-8. That is not an unusual situation. There are plenty of soldiers, NCOs and officers in the military with no black marks in their records. One NJP/Art 15 will probably derail someone down the road, whether it be a promotion board or a QMP. Sad, as there are outstanding people who have made a mistake and learned from it, but, as I said, the &quot;zero defect&quot; mentality has kicked in again. COL Jean (John) F. B. Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:57:34 -0500 2015-02-19T13:57:34-05:00 Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 19 at 2015 2:06 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=485790&urlhash=485790 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just one more data point to form the total picture. The more personal experience I have with a Marine the less his paper record before we met bears on my evaluation. Capt Richard I P. Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:06:30 -0500 2015-02-19T14:06:30-05:00 Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 2:25 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=485839&urlhash=485839 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Is the SM having, or causing, negative issues at present? If so, then you have a pattern, a history of misconduct. Otherwise, it's just a part of their history, IMHO. SPC Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:25:57 -0500 2015-02-19T14:25:57-05:00 Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 3:22 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=485961&urlhash=485961 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>NJP is a second chance. It serves to inform the SM that their actions do and always will have conciquences. It's not meant to be a permenant stain on the record. <br /><br />I'm a firm believer that their are two types of Soldiers, those that get caught and those that don't. I know it's a silly way to think about it. But, you got caught, serve your punishment, and learn from it. <br /><br />As a leader, if you showed up to my formation, I could care less about your past. I only care about your future. I'm certain most leaders agree. MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:22:53 -0500 2015-02-19T15:22:53-05:00 Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 19 at 2015 3:39 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=485996&urlhash=485996 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I can only recall one incident of a high profile "troubled past" service member I had transferred to me. He was a dynamo! Anyone who lumps everybody into a category and writes them off is wasting a lot of potential talent. I'm not talking about serious offenders who are pending charges, but the ones with mild dirt on their hands. I was busted for having my girlfriend in the barracks on a Friday night. Of course those were the days when being in the barracks was like a prison sentence. Years later, it's a non-issue. I spent my 2 weeks confined to the barracks and life went on. Maybe that incident instilled compassion in my mentality. Someone gave me a second chance, but there aremany people out there who get "briefed" on service members and allow someone elsse to make up their mind for them. Hold your head high and move forward. Make your performance show that you have learned from your past and that person has been left behind. SFC Mark Merino Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:39:50 -0500 2015-02-19T15:39:50-05:00 Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Feb 19 at 2015 3:48 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486009&urlhash=486009 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good question and this is one that I addressed on multiple occasions during my career, especially as a Platoon Sergeant! My answer is this: "you did something wrong, were punished for it and served your time. You have a clean slate now!" Also - I told them - "everyone deserves a second chance". <br /><br />If at the initial meeting they presented themselves very Cocky, Arrogant or Unrepentant then, yes, they were held to the SAME standard but closely watched. In the end, those people who did do something stupid and were punished and learned their lessons usually were the best soldiers I had. SFC Donald LeBlanc Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:48:19 -0500 2015-02-19T15:48:19-05:00 Response by SFC Rodrick Carter made Feb 19 at 2015 4:01 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486037&urlhash=486037 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would start off by saying that no one is perfect and we are all subject to making mistakes from time to time for whatever reasons we feel are necessary. Those of us who have experienced NJP understand that it has its place in the military when correcting an infraction committed by a service member. If I had a Soldier who had several situations concerning NJP then I would have to question his/her ability to conform. SFC Rodrick Carter Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:01:24 -0500 2015-02-19T16:01:24-05:00 Response by CSM David Heidke made Feb 19 at 2015 4:08 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486053&urlhash=486053 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Some of my best Soldiers have blemishes in their records. CSM David Heidke Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:08:43 -0500 2015-02-19T16:08:43-05:00 Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 4:21 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486083&urlhash=486083 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me, it doesn't. We've all made mistakes. When you come to me and join my unit, you have a blank slate.i will give the benefit of the doubt until you prove me wrong. NJP doesn't mean that you are a bad Soldier. It means you are a human that makes mistakes. <br /><br />I want my Soldiers focusing on the mission, not stressing about what they need to do to impress me. You will impress me by doing your job, caring for your troops, and trying your hardest. I evaluate performance, not history. That said, I do consider overall performance before issuing any sort of discipline. Someone that has a history of problems under my command may be more likely to receive some action than an otherwise stellar soldier. One Article 15 does not a Soldier make.<br />V/R,<br />CPT Butler CPT Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:21:08 -0500 2015-02-19T16:21:08-05:00 Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Feb 19 at 2015 4:34 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486108&urlhash=486108 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me, the issue is multi-faceted.<br />Is it current, or history?<br />Was it dealt with?<br />Did they recover?<br />If it's current, they may have to regain trust,(depending on what the issue was). If it was history and especially at another unit, IMHO, it's a clean slate until they cause a similar problem.<br />If they went to their hearing and walked, it's done. If they went to their hearing and took punishment, well, regaining trust depending on issue again.<br />If they learned from it, great. <br />If they act like its their business to not have learned from it, I might spend time "trying to guide them towards learning from it".<br />IMHO, it's not screwing the pooch that's the problem, it's failing to recognize and correct your own flaws. As long as a person can view their own flaws and move towards correcting them, I'm willing to walk with them on that path. GySgt Joe Strong Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:34:51 -0500 2015-02-19T16:34:51-05:00 Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Feb 19 at 2015 5:15 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486189&urlhash=486189 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Doesn't mean too much to me and unless you worked for me when you got it I probably won't even know about it. If you are a solid performer then you are a solid performer. If you are a turd burglar then so be it. The only way it will influence anything from my point of view is if it was during the current enlistment and I have to recommend you for re-enlistment then I have to look at it and decide if you have recovered and fixed any discrepancies. SSgt Gregory Guina Thu, 19 Feb 2015 17:15:41 -0500 2015-02-19T17:15:41-05:00 Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 19 at 2015 5:23 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486207&urlhash=486207 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>NJP is supposed to be there to punish the SM without having it go on their "permanent record". How I would handle it is as follows: If it's a usually good, dependable Soldier who made a stupid decision, they take their punishment like an adult and then move on and don't do it again. If the Soldier keeps his nose clean, then the NJP need never be brought up again. If the Soldier is a problem child, or is developing a pattern of behavior, then that is a different story, and those NJPs are now data points to take more serious action. LTC Paul Labrador Thu, 19 Feb 2015 17:23:19 -0500 2015-02-19T17:23:19-05:00 Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 19 at 2015 5:47 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486263&urlhash=486263 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I know several people who have gone through NJP, even a couple lucky enough to survive a Summary Court Martial. If the member learned from their mistake and owns it, then case closed. My problem is when someone gets in trouble of any kind, and then doesn't own the mistake. TSgt David Holman Thu, 19 Feb 2015 17:47:53 -0500 2015-02-19T17:47:53-05:00 Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 6:55 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486364&urlhash=486364 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If there is no pattern of misconduct, I don't treat them any differently. <br /><br />If there is, I try to understand and help. <br /><br />If no help is wanted, well, you can lead a horse to water but it's his choice to drown. SFC Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:55:23 -0500 2015-02-19T18:55:23-05:00 Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 8:01 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486481&urlhash=486481 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just because you make one mistake doesn't mean that you will continue down that path. I think each individual service member is unique. If I had a Marine under my charge who had an NJP in their background I would let their current actions dictate my actions towards them. <br /><br />If they acted jaded towards the military because of their NJP I would attempt to motivate them to rise above it and rise above the NJP. <br /><br />I would keep them on a tighter leash depending on the NJP but I think situation dictates these situations and also time between current and NJP date. If they were fresh out of NJP proceedings then the leash would be tighter but if it had been a while and they had stayed out of trouble since then I would loosen the reigns and give them more leeway. SGT Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 19 Feb 2015 20:01:14 -0500 2015-02-19T20:01:14-05:00 Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Feb 19 at 2015 11:14 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=486842&urlhash=486842 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Personally I try not to focus on the member's NJP, but on what the member is doing currently. <br /><br />The only reason why I would even look at their NJP is if another issue had arisen or if member appeared to not have learned from the NJP and was continuing to make bad choices. <br /><br />I feel you can and should be given a chance to recover from NJP, but you have to prove yourself and know that that mistake is not going to disappear from your record overnight. So if it was a one time mistake, great, get over it and move on. I don't care what you did in your pass, its what you are doing now. SMSgt Judy Hickman Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:14:38 -0500 2015-02-19T23:14:38-05:00 Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 4:00 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=488322&urlhash=488322 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I give everyone the benefit of the doubt and everyone with me starts with a full glass. I don't care what your file says - that was then, this is now. <br /><br />If you do things that cause me to lose confidence or trust in you, your glass goes down. I will give you all the tools and opportunities you need, but you have to work very hard to refill your glass. <br /><br />Your glass gets to be half empty, it will be my mission in life to help you find something else to do which better suits your abilities, in the civilian world.<br /><br />Edited to add I think this is an excellent question <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="528950" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/528950-sgt-joshua-anderson">Sgt Joshua Anderson</a> and the kind of topics RP was created for. Thank you and the best of luck. Everyone can make a mistake, but how we respond to that mistake is what makes the difference - keep your head down and work hard CSM Private RallyPoint Member Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:00:49 -0500 2015-02-20T16:00:49-05:00 Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 4:27 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=488351&urlhash=488351 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One NJP is a "hiccup" in my book. It's when you start racking them up that I have a problem. I've had Marines get NJP'd and turn right around and become better Marines then I've had ones that blame the Corps for what they did wrong and ended up getting NJP'd again and eventually got kicked out. <br /><br />I always tell my Marines to just take responsibility for what they have done and take the punishment and once it's all over then press on with their career not forgetting it but not letting it get the best of them. SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:27:04 -0500 2015-02-20T16:27:04-05:00 Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 2:23 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=489082&urlhash=489082 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />One of the best things that every happened to me in my career was being a PFC...twice! It made me realize that I needed to pull my head out of my ass. I also had a great squad leader who told me not to let it get me down.<br /><br />I have noticed that the Article 15 tends to carry with it a stigma of "shit bag". If your leaders do not address that NPJ is a rehabilitative tool used by the commander the article 15 can cause you to go down the rabbit hole further. I have also noticed that commanders/1SG tend to leave Soldiers flagged long after the Soldiers punishment has been served. Now, that of course is the commanders discretion but if I as the CSM get the flag report and there are a bunch of expired (longer than six month) flags it makes me wonder.<br /><br />You can recover from NPJ, I am living proof as are many others. It's up to you and your leaders to make that happen.<br /><br />Soldiers should be treated as Soldiers until the day they are separated from the service by either chapter, ETS, or retirement. When leaders stop paying attention to Soldiers that have "stepped on their crank" that's when the problems escalate. CSM Private RallyPoint Member Sat, 21 Feb 2015 02:23:45 -0500 2015-02-21T02:23:45-05:00 Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2017 10:47 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=3208635&urlhash=3208635 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was NJP&#39;ED twice due to minor issues with an ex GF both times. I think the bounce back is a big part, you&#39;re always going to have those marines in your shop that cant let go of the past, that will always try to make things harder on you. I have a Corporal in my shop that is always on my ass, even though iv been outworking my shop. my staff sergeant actually said he wants to put me on a meritorious board but my corporal decided that I wasn&#39;t ready, even though I OUT CFT AND PFT him. Iv decided that the marine corps put people in charge over time even if they don&#39;t deserve it, and those are the marines that wont let you move on from the past to better yourselves.. but those are also the marines that you can surpass and then take charge of and show them that the small amount of bs they were giving you couldn&#39;t stop you from improving and making yourself better. if you were NJP&#39;ED and are reading these, I understand how hard its is, trust me it fucking blows being the lowest Rank in your whole MALS. but trust me when you bounce back people will look at you as if you know what the hell is going on in your head. all I can say is do everything and anything you can to improve, if someone tells you no to anything that will make you stand out to be better.. at that point you need to decide whether or not its going to be worth it in the end. Semper Fi, if you ever get depressed or need someone to talk to my IG is Jake_mk3st I&#39;m always open to talk to marine that are going through the same as me. Pvt Private RallyPoint Member Fri, 29 Dec 2017 10:47:55 -0500 2017-12-29T10:47:55-05:00 Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 29 at 2018 12:59 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=4168878&urlhash=4168878 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Shit happens. Any real leader worth a damn knows that any one of us could have been in the wrong place/wrong time and got popped. <br />As long as the SM really moves on and corrects their behavior I&#39;m not going to treat them any different.<br />Use the experience to your advantage when mentoring your troops. Actions have consequences. You are living proof. But you are also proof that someone can bounce back if they are willing to take their punishment and persevere. GySgt Kenneth Pepper Thu, 29 Nov 2018 12:59:45 -0500 2018-11-29T12:59:45-05:00 Response by SGT John Ball made Mar 1 at 2022 10:50 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-view-deal-with-service-members-that-have-an-njp-under-their-belt?n=7549965&urlhash=7549965 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As having had two field grade article 15&#39;s very early in my career because I was a hard partying knucklehead, I recovered from it, grew up, and went on to have a decent career. Everytime one of my troops got an Article 15, I sat them down and would say that you can overcome this! It all depends on your attitude and your overall values. That discussion did the trick most of the time and these troops finished out their enlistments, or went on to have good careers. Hell, I believe you can&#39;t become a good leader unless you have had an Article 15 or two. I took the title of being an NCO seriously and did what I could for troops who were struggling, but had great potential and did what I could to help them move on and have a productive career, or enlistment. Therefore, I never looked at a Soldier differently because of any njp&#39;s they might have had. Sure, my commander and first sergeant would tease me about going above and beyond to help a struggling soldier, but they did respect me reasons for doing what I did. Because, I was that Soldier once myself and a chain of command that encouraged me to overcome my njp&#39;s and move on to success, which I did. SGT John Ball Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:50:48 -0500 2022-03-01T10:50:48-05:00 2015-02-18T19:12:11-05:00