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Learning a lesson

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  (Editor's note: This is the final article in a DUI series.) 

Airman Doe knew his first sergeant was on the way to pick him up. All he could think about was how disappointed he was going to be. Then he started thinking about how disappointed his parents were going to be. 

He thought about all of the times he could've done something different. He wouldn't be here if he had stayed the night, if he had left with his friends, or if he had called for a ride. 

"Alright Airman Doe, let's go," said his first sergeant. 

The first sergeant took over custody and took Airman Doe to his dorm room. 

"Be in your service dress tomorrow morning," the first sergeant said. 

Airman Doe didn't even want to go to sleep; he knew the next day was going to be unpleasant to say the least. 

When he got to work, everyone was looking at him. They know I'm in trouble, he thought. 

Airman Doe had to go see his commander with the first sergeant and his supervisor. 

He could tell his commander was let down. He felt embarrassed and guilty. 

He also met with the group commander and the wing commander. Each time he had to explain why he was drinking and driving. Airman Doe didn't know what to say -- there was no reason, no explanation. 

Airman Doe was reminded of his option to speak with the Area Defense Council. He didn't want to fight anything; he knew what he did was wrong and he knew that the best thing he could do was take responsibility for his actions. 

The commander offered Airman Doe an Article 15; he agreed. 

In the next few days, the supervision met and discussed further punishment. They decided to put Airman Doe on a control roster and open an unfavorable information file. He also signed a paper at the security forces office which revoked his driving privileges on base for a year. 

Airman Doe felt like his career was ruined. What a stupid mistake, he thought. How am I going to tell my parents?


Evaluating the consequenses:

1. The minimum punishment for a DUI is loss of driving privileges on base for a year. The member is required to attend alcohol/ drug abuse prevention and treatment class to determine if there is a serious problem, and will receive a letter of reprimand. Most members who get a DUI receive an Article 15. 

2. A control roster means the Airman will not be able to PCS, re-enlist or promote. The UIF will last for six months after the most recent paperwork. 

3. A member can recover from an Article 15. How successful the Airman's career is in the Air Force depends on the individual and his attitude. 

(Information courtesy of Master Sgt. Robert Frazier, 20th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant, and Staff Sgt. John Diefenbach, 20th SFS investigator.)