Honesty...Not The Best Policy

[Nicholas' Mama (ship 12 div 295)]

At eight thirty last night they striped my sons name patch off. because he was honest. Answering a question asked by people he trusted. They told everybody in his command that they could be honest and that nothing would come of it so when asked, he told them he smoked legal spice prior to his enlistment...What is going on right now? my stomach is turning with anger towards them and hurt for my son. he was so upset when he called to give me the news~and i'm thinking at first when i hear his voice, this is my phone call I've been waiting for, for so long.only for that phone call to be the total opposite, of what it should have been. like the letter i got today, which was mailed this past Sunday or Monday telling me how he past his first test and how their are 84 in his division and only 4 of them past. This is so unbelievable to me! Why would they do that to a nineteen year old boy who volunteered to join the navy. like his dad. a decision he made back in high school. and not to mention trying to accomplish something of his life, and to do it in a good way. By Serving his country. but you can believe this is not over. we have already contacted an attorney to look into this, and come to find out this may very well be a part of something they do. its called "Crunching Numbers". too many recruits, so they look/make up reason to ship out! my husband is on navy dads sharing his thoughts on this as well. Being a NAVY VETERAN himself is totally disgusted. we are not very proud of our u s navy right now. so so sad. devastated for my son. a mom should never have to hear such pain coming from her sons' voice. a son who as always told the truth, to do the right thing. had a job at Winn Dixie here in Tampa for 5 years and does not do drugs. what on earth are they thinking. do they not realize how horribly this could effect a young man like this, who has always done right by himself and others. always doing the right thing and making good choices for the most part. really good kid here.and not because he is my son.because he is! and this is his pay back. this could ruin his life forever emotionally. God please be there for my son right now more than ever! please keep my in your Prayers, thank you  #disgustedwiththeusnavy

[lemonelephant]

The "nothing will happen" is being misconstrued. From the time the recruit entered DEP, he was counseled that if he revealed something during or before the "Moment of Truth" that he will not be prosecuted or receive a fine, but he could be sent home; whereas if it comes out later, he could be subject to criminal prosecution (court-marital) and be fined $10,000.00 for fraudulent enlistment along with possible involuntary discharge.  He signed paperwork to the effect that he was aware of this when he entered DEP and again at MEPS on the way to BC.  Anything revealed during the "Moment of Truth" has to be checked out to see if it makes the Recruit ineligible for enlistment and appropriate action is taken.  I suspect that he knew that his use of Spice was not permitted by the Navy and he still chose to keep it to himself until that moment.