Is it possible to relieve a sgt of his duty or discharge him for alcohol abuse?

LCpl Sandy Moran — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 16:09:40 -0500

alcohol in the service

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 29 at 2019 5:09 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 17:09:44 -0500

LCpl Sandy Moran both happen and there is a mature process for both.

Discharge for substance abuse: If he was command referred to the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) he is on the narrowest path. It is mandatory that he follow the program, attend training, and not drink. If he fails any part of that, he can be chaptered out as a rehab failure. If he refers himself to ASAP then there is some latitude, but you'll be held accountable for your actions none the less.

Relief: showing up drunk for duty, missing movement because you're too trashed to make it, disobeying a direct order not to drink etc can result in a relief for cause NCOER and remove you from duties where you are leading soldiers. If you have a serious alcohol related incident, it's usually a field grade article 15 for openers. DUIs are pretty standard as a GOMOR as a minimum. Then they can separate you under chapter 13 or 14 depending on details.

The original post was vague so that's the best I can do. Not sure of context.

- Separations are governed under AR600-235.
- AR600-85 Army substance abuse regulation
- You may also look at Army Evaluations (the way you formally relieve some one) AR623-3
- you may also look at official TDS generated white papers on line if you know the chapter or the offense that is being pursued.