My husband is getting non judicial punishment...?

It is not as big of a deal as you think it is. Could he get reduced in rank? Yes. Could he be fined? Yes. Is life as you know it over? NO. He'll be able to stay in, provided he is a good Marine. It might take a waiver of some sort if the charges are bad enough, but if he's good that waiver will be no problem. He will also have the chance to appeal if he so chooses. Don't worry about it, and he was probably trying to take care of his Marines so don't be disappointed in him. As Chesty Puller (the Devil Dog of all Devil Dogs) is often quoted as saying, "Your not a good Marine unless you have at least 3 NJP's." Just so you know he started out as a private was NJP'd numerous times and made it to LtGen. Let that be of some comfort.

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My husband is getting non judicial punishment...?

Im so stressed out. Yesterday my husband sent me a text saying his career is ruined. I didn't get to speak to him about it until last night. And he told me that on thursday of last week he made the biggest mistake and gave 2 of his marines liberty passes before he came home. and when he got...

I've heard of guys getting away with more than that. I doubt it will end his career. However, he may lose some pay for a while, maybe lose a few paygrades. It's going to make things hard, but I work with a Sailor who is coming back from Captain's Mast just fine. It's going to be what you guys make of it. I really doubt anything will prevent reenlistment, though. I know Master Chiefs (highest enlisted paygrade in the Navy) who have been Masted multiple times. The Marines don't work it too differently, I'd assume.

But he does need your support right now. Let go of your disappointment, because it will only make things worse in the end.

If he's getting NJP it's like going to court. MOST would be a fine for 1 - 2 months (partial pay), either a bust in pay grade or suspended bust, restriction to base (30 - 45 days). His career is NOT ruined. If he has a good track record he has a good chance of walking away with no punishment. A good reputation stands strong. I don't think he made a mistake if giving the 2 liberty passes was a legit action. In my day, a liberty pass had the troop's name on it and only he/she could use it. No general use passes. We had to turn ours in after liberty to our leading Petty Officer.

I was once written up while on shore duty. Long story, but bottom line there was a mis-communication between me (class teacher) and the EEO officer (SHE misunderstood). At Captain's mast (NJP) it all came out in the wash, and the LT apologized to me in front of the C.O. After that, I was her 'bud'.

Good luck!

(USN retired 1965 - 85)

An Article 15 from a company grade officer is no big deal. So if it is a 1LT, 2LT or Captain giving it to him, it is a hard slap on the wrist but no big deal. if he keeps his nose clean it will not have a major impact on his career.

However if it is coming from a field grade (Major, Lt Col or Col) it could really hurt. In that case he may want to talk to the JAG office. If they are going to give him a field grade Article 15 then he needs to find out what the guys who GOT the illegal passes are getting. It would not be fair to hit him with a field grade 15 if those guys get nothing.

If it is a flag grade (General or higher) then it is going to kill his career. He might in that case refuse it and see if they will take it to court martial. Go for broke.

If in doubt, have him talk to the JAG office.

No, no, now don't be too rough on your hubby or yourself. You husband has admitted he made a mistake and he is taking responsibility for his actions and nothing more. Good for him. And now for you. You need to back him no matter what. Do not keep thinking about how things could have been or how you think you want things to be. Just take it one day at a time. Pray to God that things work out and just remind your husband to keep on the right road. And the best way to impress his men is by example. And don't ever let your husband hear you say your life is ruined. He made the mistake and he is taking responsibility.

These situations are always extremely stressful when you're right in the middle of them. My experience as a retired Master Sergeant with two Article 15s in my records is that the whole point of nonjudicial punishment is to get a troop back on the right track so that he WILL have a future.

Calm down! It's only NJP. His career is NOT ruined, unless he lets it be that way. I am not saying NJP is not serious, but it is rarely a career ender. It is meant as a teaching tool; not punishment. However, if your husband refuses it, he can/will be court martialed. NJP is also meant to prevent from having a criminal record. I have never heard of NJP keeping someone from reenlisting, unless they are losing a stripe and missing a promotion cycle which would keep them from making rank in time to stay in. Sounds like your husband has gotten in trouble for the first time and is just scared.

dont be so stressed

its only NJP

hell prob get a fine

at worst loss in rank

but it wont ruin his military career

the purpose of NJP is not to ruin your career, thats what court martials are for

so just relax

make sure your husband questions everyone and gets the truth

it all depends what level his NJP is.

my husband recently got one and only got fined $400

but you can be demoted, etc.

i dont know about not being able to resign. itll depend on what his superiors decide his punishment i guess.

dont be too stressed out, i know of at least 10 Marines that have been NJP'd. some Marines actually say you are not a true Marine until you've been NJP'd twice.

try not to freak out, and be patient. theres nothing to do but wait and see what will happen.