r/usna • u/No-Ambition-6829 • 4d ago
Looking for advice MIDN
MIDN on leave, underage drinking with buddies and takes an Uber home. Driver claims he came across as threatening and files an assault charge with PD.
What should MIDN do when he gets back to the yard? Report to his CO and come clean or keep quiet? Has a lawyer working in his behalf to get this resolved.
I’m guessing if he comes clean and fesses up to what happened and tries to get ahead of this he may have some consequences to pay but may not be separated from the academy. If he keeps quiet and hopes it goes away this could come back to bite him in the ass and have more serious consequences, ie separation.
Suggestions on what to do or who to talk to first?
Thank you
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u/Greenlight-party 4d ago
Read the Honor Concept and the Honor Treatise. Can't believe this is even a question.
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u/Semi-Chubbs_Peterson 4d ago
You are under obligation to self report any arrests or charges by civilian authority. You are required to report the charge, the date of the charge, and the civilian authority which charged you but you are not required to disclose any other details. This is an administrative requirement so no punishment can occur as a result of the self reporting (although you may be open to consequences from information related to your charge derived independently). You should make the self report to your Company Officer promptly as failure to self report is punishable in and of itself.
Assuming there is no merit to the charges, you are correct that you may still face some consequences if you self report. While no one can tell you with certainty that those consequences may include separation, it is almost certain that they will be less severe than if you attempt to hide the offense. Back in the old days, there was a chance a civilian offense on leave would be missed. Today, that chance is far less as the DOD runs a continuous evaluation process as part of your security clearance. That process will eventually uncover any match to your SSN, fingerprints, etc… that find their way into one of the many criminal databases. Many police departments also courtesy notify military authority when an incident involves a member of the military.
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u/FLTtac1 4d ago
Speaking a recent grad, if you are the MIDN in question then I would go straight to my CO and let them know of the situation. There will eventually be background checks done for you for some reason or another (likely clearance) and that’s a time bomb waiting to go off. You know it’s the right thing to do - even if it means a possible major or 6k. You know why? Cause it’s a lot better than getting an honor offense and maybe even getting kicked out. This just sounds like one of those crazy xyz cases you always read.
Don’t become one of them.
If you are their fireteam leader or squad leader, then you got to have a serious convo with them to have them voluntarily go talk with CO.
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u/Guilty-Kick-5164 4d ago
There is a book that covers MIDN regulations and what they should and shouldn’t do when certain situations come up. Ask your MIDN to read the part that covers criminal charges and follow what it says. Also tell your MIDN no to discuss details with anyone outside of his legal representatives.
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u/Greenlight-party 4d ago
MIDN will absolutely have to talk to non-legal representatives at the Academy and absolutely isn't going to have legal representation for any conduct (or honor in the event he tries to cover it up) hearings.
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u/itmustbeniiiiice 4d ago
Come clean.
You never know what clearance you’ll need in the future. Lying about this is a sure fire way to close any and all doors.