When you sign on as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you must agree to abide by a strict code of conduct. If you break that code of conduct, you could potentially face serious repercussions. The Uniform Code of Military Justice dictates the rules and guidelines you must follow as a service member. Any violation of the terms outlined by it could result in substantial penalties.
While today’s service members can get themselves in trouble in numerous ways, there are certain actions some military members take that frequently cause the military to kick them out. Just what are some of these actions?
1. Drinking to the point of forgetting events
While the military does not typically ban you from consuming alcohol simply because of your membership, many military crimes come about because of allegations that arise due to alcohol consumption. You can, for example, wind up facing Article 120 charges for assault even if the person you assaulted does not remember the incident in question. If you also have no memory of the event, defending yourself from such a charge can prove immensely difficult.
2. Failing a urinalysis
Any use of illegal drugs could potentially constitute a violation of the terms of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the military kicks out many service members for drug-related violations. In some instances, a military commander may decide to conduct company-wide urine tests if he or she suspects one specific person of using drugs. However, doing so is, in fact, a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in and of itself. Using one substance to hide another to pass a drug test can also lead to serious penalties.
The military holds you to a certain high standard. When you fail to meet this standard, it could affect your ability to remain in the military and make a living.