The Coast Guard just released the Good Order and Discipline (GOAD) Report covering the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. You can read this and previous GOADs here.
Key take aways
There were three instances of members refusing breathalyzer within this one quarter. Coast Guard commands are required by policy to start the separation process for every member who refuses a breathalyzer when requested by a recognized authority. Refusing consent to a breathalyzer may not be an alcohol incident; it may not be a DUI; but it IS grounds for separation. So, just don’t drink and drive.
Speaking of cooperating with local authorities, (this shouldn’t need to be said): don’t run from the cops! There were two incidents of members running from local authorities, one of which resulted in the member losing control of their vehicle. And, both resulting in the members being separated from the Coast Guard with a characterization of service Under Honorable Conditions (General).
Another frequent flyer for this GOAD was members engaging or attempting to engage in inappropriate relationships with coworkers. While not as clear cut as “don’t drink and drive” and “don’t run from cops,” the Coast Guard policy on interpersonal relationships is less than 12 pages (page 101-112). If that’s still too long, here are some general points about interpersonal relationships:
- Interpersonal relationships fall into one of three categories:
- Acceptable,
- Unacceptable – not allowed under Service policy; resolution is normally administrative; or,
- Prohibited – violates the UCMJ; resolution may be administrative, punitive, or both.
- Personal (non-intimate, non-romantic) relationships between members of any paygrade are acceptable if they do not actually or are not perceived to:
- Jeopardize the members’ impartiality,
- Undermine respect for rank or position,
- Result in using the relationship for personal gain, or
- Violate the UCMJ or any other lawful order, regulation, or policy.
- Romantic relationships between a Chief and a member E4 or below are unacceptable.
- Romantic relationships between an officer and an enlisted member are prohibited.
Beyond the above key takeaways, the GOAD Report lists other disciplinary actions taken across the fleet for a variety of offenses. Three commissioned officers were removed from their primary duties and involuntarily separated. Two enlisted members were separated following courts-martial, each with a Bad Conduct Discharge characterization of service. Another 46 enlisted members went to mast (non-judicial punishment (NJP)). 66 enlisted members were administratively separated for involvement with drugs, a pattern of misconduct, or commission of a serious offense (COSO). On the civilian side, 21 employees were reprimanded, six were suspended, and seven civilian employees were removed or terminated.
Stay tuned for the first quarter 2025 GOAD.
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