So, if someone in basic training punched a drill sergeant what would the punishment usually be? Also, is there anything that, say, an E-3 could do that would prevent them from progressing to an E-4?
Five words for you friend, condensed into four letters: UCMJ, or Uniform Code of Military Justice. That is assault of a non commissioned officer and not only will you receive an article 15 and extra duty as well as probably a pay dock and demotion, but if you’re attacking a drill sergeant in basic training, you’ll probably be dishonorably discharged under early entry separation. Basically it’s the worst possible thing you COULD do in basic training. If you want to give up and quit basic, fine; do it. Just don’t punch your drill sergeant. A dishonorable discharge will follow you a long while. And, yes: being flagged for PT failure or being overweight, or while being punished due to an article 15 or god forbid a court martial. These things can stop you from advancing to any rank, but notably being flagged prevents you from gaining a rank you otherwise would obtain automatically.
-Spc. Kingsley
