Captain's Mast

[Syndrome's mom]

Hello everyone.  I have a concern...a huge concern.  Back in October 2020, my son was suicidal and I had to talk him out of it from 4000+miles away. He didn't go to the navy because he said you are black balled from there on and they don't help you anyway (there was multiple suicide attempts - us mother's talk, and one success 2 days into this deployment).  When talking to him, he expressed problems with his petty office as one of his reasons for wanted to just "be done with this life."  He said he also found out the PO would be his PO for the 7 month deployment, starting in Dec 2020.  The  PO is NOT normal...laughing with you one minute than yelling at the back of your head the next.  My son said it is very unnerving to have someone sneak up behind you and start yelling at your and you have to stand there and take it.  He said he's a miserable person and for some reason has picked him, my son, as his beating post.  So...captain's mast....my son called me this weekend to tell me he forged the PO's signature.  Why?  He said there was a form due a P, something something form and he said he turned it in.  The PO asked him where it was as he hadn't got it and told him to go fill out another.  He did this to my son 4 times.  On the 4th time, my son forged his signature just to get the paper through the system and on to the next CO.  He was caught by the CO.  He is threatening Captain's mast and a berating by all the PO's (they are given 15 minutes to do this).  Unfortunately, on deployment, his wifi is non-existant so I have no idea what has or is going to happen to him.  It's killing me on the inside.  I know what my son did is wrong and I only hope he gets to tell his side of the story in a fair environment.  The CO told him if he goes to Captain's mast he will never again be able to gain rank, or increase in pay (he has 2 years left!) and will not be allowed to live off barracks for the remainder of his 2 years.  Can anyone tell me...just how bad is it when forging a PO's signature when it comes to the Captain's Mast and the rest of his future in the Navy.  ...side note - please understand, the kids on this ship are working a MINIMUM of 12 hour days (those are the special ones), the rest are working 13-16 hour days, 7 days a week.  There time off is limited and there was only one 2 day port stop to this 7 month deployment due to Covid, there is no other planned at this time. 

Can anyone shine a light on what will/could happen?

[LeAnn ⚖]

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LeAnn

[Chipmunk]

Syndrome's Mom - I see that you have accepted LeAnn's friend request. She should be able to help you out some. 

We use to have some information on this site about Captain's Mast, but I think it is one of the posts that was lost when someone deleted themselves from this site. Okay, I found it in a Google search, Captain's Mast or NJP - Navy For Moms (ning.com)  Hopefully it still works. 

As for specifics  of punishment, that is likely to be individualized. And depending on your sailor's rate - dishonesty is very much frowned upon. All I can share is what I know from my sailor and that is - "Admit to your mistake!"  That doesn't mean it will go well for your son, but that is what I know from what things my sailor was told when he first got to A school. 

This is an ad for military lawyers, so I don't know if it is kosher to post but it does describe the process of what happens. Non-Judicial Punishment / Article 15 / Captain's Mast - Military At...

Here is another article. Mast (naval) | Military Wiki | Fandom (wikia.org) I am posting these not only for you but for anyone else that might come to this site and be searching for answers, just as you are. 

I do understand how frustrating this is when you are so far away and feel like you have no control over anything or able to help your child out. And the lack of opportunity to get off the ship for some R&R or just to stretch and not be confined is hard as well. The long hours that our sailors are putting in is also something that few people realize and that the recruiters don't tell our kids even when they ask before signing up. So, those frustrations along with difficult personalities can be really hard to deal with. 

My thoughts are with you and your sailor as you go through this struggle. 

[Chipmunk]

Just another comment, regarding something that is mentioned in the first link that I shared. The person states that the Navy doesn't just give one chance and then that is it. I don't know details but have had had others share with me that their children have been separated after one mast. Like I said, I don't know all the details, I guess I generally prepare myself for the worst case scenario, so I can handle it if it happens, and then I am pleased if all goes much better than I thought. Mostly, take anything your read as not able to be an absolute there are always variables and there is always, that first time when something isn't the way others say it is going to be. 

[Syndrome's mom]

Thank you for the response....it's very difficult not knowing.  ...and as mentioned, the sailors are all working 12-18 hour days right now, 7 days a week.  I can't image how they can make his 13-15 hour day longer (what he told me just 4 days ago), but I'm sure, standing guard for all of those hours, that is death...especially in full uniform in the hot hot sun.  

It is his first offense, he's owned up to it and why he did it, but the PO that played the cruel game on him is, to say the least, the reason my son wants out of the military.  He's the reason my son went to captain's mast.  He was just, pardon my french, fn'g with him.  He's had it in for my kid since he became petty officer in his area.  My son was dreading this deployment because of this guy and I'm sure the PO is walking around the ship telling everyone how great he is for doing this to my son and also taunting my son...for all I know, he is the one that gets to drag him through the he!! he will be going through.    enough said...sorry for the rant.

[Chipmunk]

Syndrome's mom - I feel for you. Military life is not for everyone and it can be hard on those who really do try to do right, because you have people from all walks of life and all personalities that you are constantly bumping into or under their supervision. And being deployed, not able to communicate easily with family is even harder. 

Please stay in touch and let us know how things go. 

Just FYI for others that might read this. My husband will tell my sailor, "if you have having trouble with a superior, such as a PO, you take these things to your chief. He needs to own up to what he did, but he can't whine about it. These are the things of life and there will be lumps, but you talk to your Chief. Many PO are only 19-20 years old. They don't know much about life themselves."

[Navyat34]

I’m so sorry that your son is having to deal with a bully.   I don’t know much about military justice but due process is required for significant detrimental actions such as court martial. 

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Syndrome's mom - been thinking about you and your son.  I hope you were able to connect with LeAnn.

[partyofseven]

Syndrome's mom- Hey, my heart hurts for you and I am so sorry your son has to deal with this bully. It doesn't help and I know there are a lot of them out there.

I also know that our loved ones don't like going to the Chief due to things not being dealt with like they should be. Have him start at the Chaplin and go from there just my opinion I have no dealings with these just what I have been told by other loved ones and their families. having someone with him might be better. Since it's wrong of what he did he will have to accept the punishment so to speak. I will be praying for good results for your son and that he stay safe and protected in God's hands.

I am also glad you accepted LeAnn's request. Hopefully she will be able to help you. 

Have you heard from your loved one again and how is everything going?

Big hugs to you.

Party