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Can They Counsel Me Because My Wife Called the Commander?

My wife called my CO about several issue she had with the unit. Now I am getting a counseling statement. They say I need to control my spouse. They also instructed me to tell her she cannot call the CO anymore. Is this Legal.

The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership

Short Answer

Yes it is legal.

Discussion

Your wife can speak with the chain of command in a professional manner. If your wife becomes unprofessional and refuses to correct bad behavior when addressing the chain of command they can take action against her including revoking all privileges such as: PX, Commissary, MWR, Housing, etc. They can also initiate UCMJ action against you for failing to control your dependents. I have personally witnessed a Soldier receive an Article 15 because the spouse enjoyed cussing out the commander.

With that stated you wife has several courses of action. If she has a valid complaint she can speak with the IG or JAG. If she chooses to speak with the IG it can be kept between the IG and your spouse as long as your wife asks them just for advise and request they do not contact the command. This request can also be made over the phone and in an anonymous manner. It is very important that your spouse sticks to the facts and does not become emotional or unprofessional as this will only cause you and your family additional problems. In addition should your spouse choose to make complaints that are not true this can also have a negative impact.

You might want to consider having your spouse read the Military Spouse. There is a chapter on how to complain. You may be able to find this book at your base library.

Please let us know if you found this information useful.

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Mark is a Retired Command Sergeant Major with 26 years of military leadership experience. He held 3 military occupational specialties (Field Artillery, Nuclear Weapons Tech, and Ammunition Ordnance). Mark is one of the leading military authors in the fields of leadership, counseling, and training.

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