JAG CENTRALThe world's first weblog devoted to military justice and military law issues.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
YET ANOTHER BASIC TRAINING SCANDAL
An Army captain was charged with dereliction of duty for allegedly failing to stop the abuse of basic training recruits under him, the Army said yesterday.
Capt. William C. Fulton, 35, also is charged with maltreatment for allegedly punching a soldier in the chest.
From Feb. 3-8, 25 new recruits in Company E, 1st Battalion, 81st Armor (Regiment) at Fort Knox were kicked, pushed and slapped, according to the Fort Knox Public Affairs Office. Four drill sergeants under Fulton have been charged with abuse in the case.
Fulton was the commander of the unit.
Army leaders will decide whether Fulton will face a court-martial or other disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The drill sergeants will appear before a special court-martial, and if convicted, could be sentenced to a year in military confinement, the Army said yesterday.
Sgt. 1st Class David H. Price, 36; Sgt. 1st Class Ricky L. Stauffer, 35; Staff Sgt. Michael G. Rhoades, 33; and Staff Sgt. Bryan G. Duncan, 26; were each charged with maltreatment of soldiers and obstruction of justice. Price also faces an additional charges of violation of lawful regulation.
