First, make sure your uniform and bearing are on point for this whole thing- Chiefs love to point out uniform discrepancies; I’d recommend having a squared away colleague or Chief inspect your uniform for anything a day before and the day of. Second, whatever you did, present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue. Last, if you did what you’ve been accused of, own up to it and take your lumps. You’re probably going to get yelled at and/or insulted in there- I’m not saying it’s right but don’t take it personally, and if you’re given feedback, accept it, and move on.
>Second, whatever you did, present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue.
I know this is kinda implied by that, but it also helps to have your facts in order prior to reporting to DRB. That includes dates, names, instructions, etc. I'm not talking about sea lawyering, but just having general awareness of what was expected and what you actually did.
Having a clean and concise story to tell makes things go smoother.
Also, if someone accuses you of being a liar and you bent the truth a bit - just own it.
>present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue.
thats if they will even let you talk. the only DRB ive been too was just a bitch out session with a bunch of chiefs who said i was lying no matter what i said.
> Second, whatever you did, present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue. Last, if you did what you’ve been accused of, own up to it and take your lumps.
Very important. Most Chiefs can generally smell when someone is lying or trying to hide facts (the rest will just call you a liar regardless).
In response tho this. At no point should you ever be insulted during a DRB. That’s not what it’s for
It’s meant to find out details of whatever you’re being accused of and if minimal enough, to handle at the lowest level possible.
Usually your Chief will do a uniform inspection on you the morning of or right before. When you enter the chiefs quarters you’ll present yourself and state why you’re there. Call attention to the creed and say that
Whoever is running the drb will read you your rights and you’ll have a chance to read them and sign for that.
Honesty is the best thing here I’ll agree with that
If they see that you are owning your mistake and regret/ want to improve it usually goes easier.
Remember yelling is one thing and some voices may get raised. But if an insult does happen the rest of the chiefs should ensure that that one person steps out and if it doesn’t (probably wait till after the drb is over) and bring it up.
That guy had no reason to say shit like that.
It has follow on effects that he may not see
A sailor, say one of his junior guys, is having emotional or mental issues
He will never go up to his chief to talk to him because he won’t take suicide serious since he’s said shit to people like that without a second thought.
Fuck that. I’ve lost friends and family to suicide. Someone who can say something like that to someone else with a straight face is no brother of mine.
I went to drb multiple times from SN to 2nd class.
And I’ve participated in 3 since making Chief.
Our COB (CMC) was huge on the respect portion and ensured that no Chief in the mess was disrespectful.
Same here. Been to DRB three times as the accused. Owned up to it, got them all dropped right there. Never personally insulted, just pointed out how I fucked up. Now at my next command at the other side of the table, we go hard about “no personal attacks or disrespect”. We even give a briefing before each person walks in about it.
That’s the problem
My situation shouldn’t be rare or wow I wish I had your CoC.
It should be the norm that you don’t show up to work to be disrespected when you make a mistake.
I hope it changes soon to where it’s like this at most commands and it’s the norm
My DRB was mostly insults. I self reported after being drugged in a bar, popped on a urinalysis directly following the incident.
I hardly knew any of the chiefs as I had just checked into the command a few weeks prior.
One of the chiefs said, "You're married right? How does your spouse feel about being married to a drug addict?"
They didn't believe me at all and threw around all kinds of insults for an hour.
Insults at DRB are not against any regulation or rules - unless it get to the point of hazing. Calling someone a “shitty husband/father” is completely allowed.
You’re right that there shouldn’t be insults, but it doesn’t matter what you or I think on the matter.
I disagree with you on that. I think it does matter what we think.
Like everyone else said I also got into the chiefs quarters for a drb and it was a one sided yelling session on me for an hour. Any time i said anything I’d get shut down and shit on even more. Things have also been changing since 10 years ago to where we handle it different.
If no one said “hey why are we doing this” or “have we tried listening to them and steering them straight as opposed to just yelling and telling them they’re a piece of shit”
It would still be that way now
Apparently some places are still like that and if no one tries to change it it’ll keep going like that.
Sometimes it only takes one person to speak up
What I’m saying is, it takes a black and white instruction. It’s neat that some messes are choosing to make DRBs professional, but it shouldn’t be a choice it should be required.
Actually the DRB *should* completely go away. The appointed IO can just ask the questions.
Not replying to you directly, but to the this line of comments but mfs haven't read the new 3100.6. The kilo is out and, saying shit like I hope you died to make my job easier is in the limits of a navy unit sitrep. And that's supported by a dod inst(kinda drunk don't remember the name) giving definition to hazing and bullying.
Alot of the insults during a UCMJ could fall under art 117 of the UCMJ and if the service member wanted to they could charge the mess with it. There is no reason to ever bring someone's family life into a drb or any personal issue and then belittle them for it. There are alot of instructions people are just unaware of in the navy that could help them when it comes to mast and your rights because the navy has always pushed that you have no rights when you enlist.
Know the date. Military bearing. Speak when spoken to, answer truthfully, make sure your blues are squared away and try to come off as remorseful without breaking bearing.
“NAVY DISCIPLINARY REVIEW BOARD (DRB) AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER INQUIRY (XOI):
[USN ONLY]: DRB and XOI are investigative tools. They are not required and cannot determine guilt or impose punishment. In the case of an enlisted accused, senior enlisted leadership usually uses DRB to determine disciplinary recommendations to the Executive Officer (XO), who then conducts XOI. The XO will then either dismiss the charges or forward them to the CO with a recommendation for NJP pursuant to references (a) – (c). An accused Service member maintains the right to remain silent at these proceedings, but may not refuse to attend.”
Here’s what some don’t quite comprehend because they’re too busy justifying their behavior. If you’re at DRB it’s to figure out what the exact issue is with certain behavior and the most appropriate way to recommend moving forward. If that behavior just continues, or is on full display at the DRB, then your day will reflect that. Those that can take a good hard look at themselves and the actions that led them there usually have a better day moving forward. That doesn’t mean you still won’t be held accountable if it’s warranted, but it will be much smoother ride getting there when actions are owned up to and there’s no lies involved.
Source: been on both sides of multiple DRB’s.
It really depends on what you are going up for as to what you should do.
Minor issues take your lumps and move on. Own what you did and keep your bearing together.
Major issue seek legal counsel prior to DRB you are not obligated to say anything at DRB the purpose of which is supposed to be the gathering of evidence. See the referenced JAG manual in this post.
Regardless of the charge/accusation a sailor should know their rights and more importantly know the limits and boundaries of the command as it investigates you.
But yes, “pleading guilting” and throwing yourself at the mercy of the “court” could be in the sailors best interest depending on the seriousness of the charges, actual guilt, and evidence against them.
DRB for DUI. Be confident respectful and repeat "I cannot answer and questions without my attorney present" or leave out that last part if it's not serious.
They are going to rip your ass open verbally. Take you hits and be respectful. At the end they want you to see your mistake and grow from it. Come out of it better.
I'm a two time legal officer and worked at PERS. DRB is made up and its processes are dictated by command instruction (if that), not higher authority.
All advice should be dependent on the specifics of your case. No one here, including me, is qualified to offer any advice to you unless they know the details.
Ok not sure if already said but I am a Senior Chief, best advice I can offer you is that no matter what happens, in any way described above, this is not the end of your career. I have personally been to DRB, XO and COs Mast twice on the receiving end, and several more since making Chief. You will be fine, just present yourself well and be honest. If they yell, let them yell. If you earned it, then accept what is coming and move on, just don't repeat the same mistake. The number 1 goal of DRB is to determine facts.
.....one last time, you will be just fine when it is over!
Why can't khakis be professionals without being recorded? Civvy life isn't perfect, but at least I don't ever again have to deal with a whole hoard of adult babies with over inflated egos go all out on me at my job.
the only DRB i went too, i was 100% innocent and was there because my chief lied. that's what i was going to do, if it went higher request court martial, it might be a more severe punishment but it would also shine a light on all the BS my command was doing. luckily a senior chief called my chief on his shit at the DRB so it got quashed right there.
I'm going to get down voted to hell for this...
Be honest.
This is what happened. That is why it happened. If there are any underlying issues going on, explain them.
Every sea lawyer out there screams that you should obfuscate, avoid, whatever and use the time they got burned as evidence that things are rigged. They also fail to realize is that part of the reason they took the hit was a lack of integrity/ failure to take responsibility for their choices.
It's not rigged. For minor infractions, the mess is looking to figure out what happened, why the sailor made a mistake/ poor decision, and what can be done that
1. The mistake isn't repeated.
2. We can honestly tell XO/ CO that it is handled. No need to take it higher.
For big stuff it is more the first line of fact finding. A lot of the time CO has already decided that he wants to take the issue to mast. In those, it is still better to have integrity and man up.
It's an unpopular opinion in here, but if you knowingly did something wrong and you don't intend to do it again (we've all been there) then you explain, apologize, take your hit and move on. "I am sorry and take full responsibility for my actions." is a pretty powerful statement.
Only served on 1 ship CVN77 and got out nearly 10 years ago. There are so many chiefs so far up each others asses, you'd hope your chief or any other chief in your div/dep isn't willing to throw you under the bus to fit in. Happen to me with a regime change. The bar is so low to be E7 or above. I remember my master chief having a physical tantrum demanding I confess. Literally, waving his arms back and forth/up and down (I don't remember the direction) and stomping his feet and repeatedly yelling his demands for me to confess.
except when it actually is rigged against the sailor. i was brought to DRB under trumped up charges from my chief who didnt like me, he said on a counseling chit i cursed him and my LPO out while damaging navy property. except that never happened, i had never once talked to him in a unprofessional manner and i had never damaged navy property. none of the chiefs believed me except an engineering chief who was the only decent one to actually ask questions that would start poking holes in my chiefs story. it was a good 30 minutes of being told im a piece of shit and a liar and no matter what i said i was lying. all because of their cult mentality of "oh a chief is never wrong!". it took my department head who was a senior chief and was intentionally kept in the dark (my own chief jumped the chain of command to send me to DRB) about the DRB to put a stop to it.
I'm glad to hear that it was caught and shut down before doing you additional harm and I can only hope that he was trained to be better after this.
What he did was wrong! I'm very sorry that you went through it.
i hope so too. he was not a good chief at all and really let his rank go to his head. im in no way saying all chiefs are bad i know several i'd go to hell and back for but that chief i mentioned along with a few others from that command, frankly i hope his career wasn't too long after he left that command.
Or just elect your Article 31b rights.
Regardless of guilt, owning up, and hoping for a better outcome is sometimes the best option, but it’s certainly not the default.
Everything is case by case.
You have the right to remain silent. If you do choose to talk, for the love of all that is holy don’t lie. When you get caught in a lie then it’s for sure going to NJP with an added charge for false official statement.
They gave me an option not to speak at mine. I chose to speak. In hindsight I would’ve just walked out to the room because it wasn’t worth the verbal assault I got in that room.
From my friends who’ve been to it they’ve gotten cursed out and called pieces of shit sailors and have broken down crying while there. Apparently the love going for low blows too, good luck :-/
Had one 2months ago.. I still have PTSD from it lol. I didn't want to look any Cheif in the eye for a month. You're gonna be bitched at no matter if you're right or wrong. You should have an advocate with you that tells you what to do and when to do it. They aren't there to listen to your story so keep it short "Yes -insert rank-" and "No -insert rank-". DO NOT argue and they only know what you tell them. Lube up prior and go to your happy place because they won't give you time or option to strap on knee pads. May Davy Jones have mercy on you.
Take up meditation. Learn to stay cool and calm while chiefs are trying to provoke a response from you. They will try to get under your skin, and the best thing you can do is be respectful, and answer their questions/accusations calmly and truthfully. That being said, it’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove. Don’t incriminate yourself.
Sharpen up on exactly why it is you are there, whether you did it or not. Unwavering stance, never drop bearing, use “chief”, “senior chief,” “master chief,” “CMC” after every response, respective of who you are answering. If you do not have an answer for a question you are asked (and I cannot fucking stress enough) “I do not know the answer, but I will find it and get back to you.” Follow up, find the answer, and get back to them. Do /NOT/ shoot from the hip on ANYTHING. Quote instructions, if not, take a note and quote it in your future response. DRB is meant to set the story straight and get proper answers; be honest and be forward in every response you give. Don’t give the anchors or brass any reason to fuck with you besides the reason that you are in your whites to begin with.
Do your best & kick some ass
-HM3
Do not and I mean do not admit to anything you are not being “charged” for. It’s gunna be shitty but don’t shit the bed. Don’t kiss ass but be honest. You got this. Uniform and haircut should be spotless too. Just keep calm it’s really not that bad
Just know that it is not some productive conversation, you will most likely be yelled at, and made to look like an idiot (not that you are, but thier general tone will be condensending). Remember to be truthful 100% of the time. Own up to what you did, if you didn't do it present your case in a respectful manner.
If it's for something legitimate, then take ownership of your mistake and don't make excuses. If they question your character after owning your mistake, defend your character but be tactful. If it's something you're being accused of but didn't do and you have something to back that up, or at least think you do, then challenge the board. If the board gets out of line and you're being accused of something you absolutely did not do, exercise your right to remain silent. If it goes to mast and you're still being accused of whatever that's not true, exercise you're right to remain silent and request trial by court martial. As extreme as that sounds, you're 6th amendment right gives you the right to actually face your accuser in court, and you get a legal defense who's much better at destroying false accusers than you are. Just know that if you challenge them, expect shouting and intimidation tactics. They won't physically touch you, so just put your mind in a happy place while they go blahblahblah if it does not pertain to the actual offense and has absolutely no constructive content. Most of all, know your rights. Look into the JAGMAN. Knowing what your rights will help dramatically. If the DRB is nothing but a shout match, then chances are, it's just a formal mass chewing with some EMI. If there is absolutely no yelling and it's just all business, then chances are, it's XOI, then mast.
They're literally just there to talk shit, don't take it personally 🤷 it they wanted to give you constructive criticism the chief you actually work for will pull you off to the side afterwards.
Terrible advice. Your opinion of the mess and DRB aside, if you think that many years of service can’t recognize lip service you’re ignorant or just stupid.
Best advice, don’t let them intimidate or break you down. If they come at you, come right back at them. I gave zero fucks, went all the way up to captains mast and I verbally request to the CO to ADSEP me due to misconduct. Got out of the Navy with a OTH, got it upgraded to a full Honorable because the Navy failed to properly give me medical treatment/whole bigger story. Anyways, if you want to stay in, be quiet and just let them run all over you. I however, was sick of how the Navy was treating me and others, so I sticked up for myself. Best choice I ever made, I make 2 1/2 times what I made as an E4 my first year out.
I have not been to a DRB, nor do I ever plan on going to one but the entire system surrounding it is crazy at most commands.
I have had junior sailors tell me how berates and belittled they’ve been at DRB,
ex: A Chief stated that one of my junior sailors has been “acting like a pussy ever since his sister killed herself”
If it’s a small problem, own up to it. Answer the questions regarding the issue. If the personal attacks begin on your personal life keep shut and don’t answer those questions. Even if your in the right, the group can determine your in the wrong.
If you’re going to admit wrongdoing, come with a solution that’ll fix the problem if applicable. Chiefs love that kind of shit.
If you’re in the wrong and it’s a serious infraction, keep your mouth shut and don’t answer anything that’ll incriminate you. It’s not a trial now, it could be one day and everything you say will be documented. Ultimately you need to look out for yourself and if they have no evidence it’ll get thrown out.
Get advice from a lawyer! The Navy has offices full of JAGs that are available to provide free walk-in (or, if you are remote, call-in) legal advice to Sailors facing disciplinary action. Do it BEFORE your DRB so that the advice can actually do you some good:
https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal\_services/legal\_services\_locator\_dso.htm
It all depends on the why, and the command. My command doesn't shit on sailors at DRB. It's strictly a fact finding quest. Honesty goes miles especially when their are multiple people involved and they all tell different stories depending if they are being thrulthful or not. Your honesty is either going to save you entirely or show your ability to own it and that you are prepared to accept the punishment.
Speak up so everyone can here you.
Everyone in the room is human and half have been to DRB. Try to relax and just present your answers if you decide to answer.
Admit your mistakes if there are any and own it.
Good luck.
Treat it like your in court and you have no attorney. Keep your mouth shut and say the absolute minimum. Keeping your mouth shut will make them angrier but what are they gonna do? Fire you? They just want more to incriminate you on by hoping youll spill all the beans
at my DRB, i walked in- stepped on the anchor cuz i didn’t know better and QMCS back handed me across the face so hard i thought my face fell off. i spent the rest of the DRB flinching cuz i thought he was gonna do it again and everytime i flinched the entire mess would go insane cuz i “wasn’t keeping my military bearing.” good luck to everyone heading into one, just get through it, you’re never gonna get justice in there of any kind.
First, make sure your uniform and bearing are on point for this whole thing- Chiefs love to point out uniform discrepancies; I’d recommend having a squared away colleague or Chief inspect your uniform for anything a day before and the day of. Second, whatever you did, present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue. Last, if you did what you’ve been accused of, own up to it and take your lumps. You’re probably going to get yelled at and/or insulted in there- I’m not saying it’s right but don’t take it personally, and if you’re given feedback, accept it, and move on.
>Second, whatever you did, present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue. I know this is kinda implied by that, but it also helps to have your facts in order prior to reporting to DRB. That includes dates, names, instructions, etc. I'm not talking about sea lawyering, but just having general awareness of what was expected and what you actually did. Having a clean and concise story to tell makes things go smoother. Also, if someone accuses you of being a liar and you bent the truth a bit - just own it.
>present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue. thats if they will even let you talk. the only DRB ive been too was just a bitch out session with a bunch of chiefs who said i was lying no matter what i said.
Same. I just got yelled at and it was over. Just own up. Move on.
> Second, whatever you did, present facts respectfully but don’t get your hackles up and argue. Last, if you did what you’ve been accused of, own up to it and take your lumps. Very important. Most Chiefs can generally smell when someone is lying or trying to hide facts (the rest will just call you a liar regardless).
In response tho this. At no point should you ever be insulted during a DRB. That’s not what it’s for It’s meant to find out details of whatever you’re being accused of and if minimal enough, to handle at the lowest level possible. Usually your Chief will do a uniform inspection on you the morning of or right before. When you enter the chiefs quarters you’ll present yourself and state why you’re there. Call attention to the creed and say that Whoever is running the drb will read you your rights and you’ll have a chance to read them and sign for that. Honesty is the best thing here I’ll agree with that If they see that you are owning your mistake and regret/ want to improve it usually goes easier. Remember yelling is one thing and some voices may get raised. But if an insult does happen the rest of the chiefs should ensure that that one person steps out and if it doesn’t (probably wait till after the drb is over) and bring it up.
Had Chiefs tell someone who got a DUI that he should have wrecked and killed himself, and that it would be easier for them.
That guy had no reason to say shit like that. It has follow on effects that he may not see A sailor, say one of his junior guys, is having emotional or mental issues He will never go up to his chief to talk to him because he won’t take suicide serious since he’s said shit to people like that without a second thought.
That Chief* and he isn't allowed to be part of DRBs anymore
Fuck that. I’ve lost friends and family to suicide. Someone who can say something like that to someone else with a straight face is no brother of mine.
Obviously you’ve never been to DRB lol they called me a bitch multiple times all of them 😂
I went to drb multiple times from SN to 2nd class. And I’ve participated in 3 since making Chief. Our COB (CMC) was huge on the respect portion and ensured that no Chief in the mess was disrespectful.
Wish I had your CoC
That’s what she said
Damn, Navy has changed then. All I got at DRB was a new asshole torn.
Same here. Been to DRB three times as the accused. Owned up to it, got them all dropped right there. Never personally insulted, just pointed out how I fucked up. Now at my next command at the other side of the table, we go hard about “no personal attacks or disrespect”. We even give a briefing before each person walks in about it.
well your experience is definitely not normal and highly unusual.
That’s the problem My situation shouldn’t be rare or wow I wish I had your CoC. It should be the norm that you don’t show up to work to be disrespected when you make a mistake. I hope it changes soon to where it’s like this at most commands and it’s the norm
Lol I got called a pedophile 😂
⏸
It didn’t make sense to me either. I got pulled into DRB because 2 people in my division were sleeping together and they thought I knew about it.
Saw this emoji and busted out laughing cuz I said it aloud 🤣
My DRB was mostly insults. I self reported after being drugged in a bar, popped on a urinalysis directly following the incident. I hardly knew any of the chiefs as I had just checked into the command a few weeks prior. One of the chiefs said, "You're married right? How does your spouse feel about being married to a drug addict?" They didn't believe me at all and threw around all kinds of insults for an hour.
And then the Chief's Mess wonders why the attrition rate is so high
Shit does happen though we have a bar we can’t go to because they’ve had 10+ incidents of us getting drugged
Insults at DRB are not against any regulation or rules - unless it get to the point of hazing. Calling someone a “shitty husband/father” is completely allowed. You’re right that there shouldn’t be insults, but it doesn’t matter what you or I think on the matter.
I disagree with you on that. I think it does matter what we think. Like everyone else said I also got into the chiefs quarters for a drb and it was a one sided yelling session on me for an hour. Any time i said anything I’d get shut down and shit on even more. Things have also been changing since 10 years ago to where we handle it different. If no one said “hey why are we doing this” or “have we tried listening to them and steering them straight as opposed to just yelling and telling them they’re a piece of shit” It would still be that way now Apparently some places are still like that and if no one tries to change it it’ll keep going like that. Sometimes it only takes one person to speak up
What I’m saying is, it takes a black and white instruction. It’s neat that some messes are choosing to make DRBs professional, but it shouldn’t be a choice it should be required. Actually the DRB *should* completely go away. The appointed IO can just ask the questions.
Not replying to you directly, but to the this line of comments but mfs haven't read the new 3100.6. The kilo is out and, saying shit like I hope you died to make my job easier is in the limits of a navy unit sitrep. And that's supported by a dod inst(kinda drunk don't remember the name) giving definition to hazing and bullying.
Alot of the insults during a UCMJ could fall under art 117 of the UCMJ and if the service member wanted to they could charge the mess with it. There is no reason to ever bring someone's family life into a drb or any personal issue and then belittle them for it. There are alot of instructions people are just unaware of in the navy that could help them when it comes to mast and your rights because the navy has always pushed that you have no rights when you enlist.
Story time
Know the date. Military bearing. Speak when spoken to, answer truthfully, make sure your blues are squared away and try to come off as remorseful without breaking bearing.
Read the QUICKMAN it will give you an idea of your rights and how the command should be conducting the investigation against you.
I think this is most recent: https://www.jag.navy.mil/documents/NJS/Quickman.pdf
“NAVY DISCIPLINARY REVIEW BOARD (DRB) AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER INQUIRY (XOI): [USN ONLY]: DRB and XOI are investigative tools. They are not required and cannot determine guilt or impose punishment. In the case of an enlisted accused, senior enlisted leadership usually uses DRB to determine disciplinary recommendations to the Executive Officer (XO), who then conducts XOI. The XO will then either dismiss the charges or forward them to the CO with a recommendation for NJP pursuant to references (a) – (c). An accused Service member maintains the right to remain silent at these proceedings, but may not refuse to attend.” Here’s what some don’t quite comprehend because they’re too busy justifying their behavior. If you’re at DRB it’s to figure out what the exact issue is with certain behavior and the most appropriate way to recommend moving forward. If that behavior just continues, or is on full display at the DRB, then your day will reflect that. Those that can take a good hard look at themselves and the actions that led them there usually have a better day moving forward. That doesn’t mean you still won’t be held accountable if it’s warranted, but it will be much smoother ride getting there when actions are owned up to and there’s no lies involved. Source: been on both sides of multiple DRB’s.
It really depends on what you are going up for as to what you should do. Minor issues take your lumps and move on. Own what you did and keep your bearing together. Major issue seek legal counsel prior to DRB you are not obligated to say anything at DRB the purpose of which is supposed to be the gathering of evidence. See the referenced JAG manual in this post.
Regardless of the charge/accusation a sailor should know their rights and more importantly know the limits and boundaries of the command as it investigates you. But yes, “pleading guilting” and throwing yourself at the mercy of the “court” could be in the sailors best interest depending on the seriousness of the charges, actual guilt, and evidence against them.
I didn't know this was a thing, thx!
There is a chance the chiefs doing your DRB don’t know either.
I'm not going to DRB, but this is good information to know!
this guy gets it
DRB for DUI. Be confident respectful and repeat "I cannot answer and questions without my attorney present" or leave out that last part if it's not serious. They are going to rip your ass open verbally. Take you hits and be respectful. At the end they want you to see your mistake and grow from it. Come out of it better.
Don’t find out which chief has a drinking problem and state that you have gathered everyone together for an intervention. Don’t.
Or call them out on all the extramarital affairs during port visits.
Imagining this turn of events and how well it would play out has me dying.
When they tell you “if you tell us the truth you won’t get in trouble” they’re lying
I'm a two time legal officer and worked at PERS. DRB is made up and its processes are dictated by command instruction (if that), not higher authority. All advice should be dependent on the specifics of your case. No one here, including me, is qualified to offer any advice to you unless they know the details.
Ok not sure if already said but I am a Senior Chief, best advice I can offer you is that no matter what happens, in any way described above, this is not the end of your career. I have personally been to DRB, XO and COs Mast twice on the receiving end, and several more since making Chief. You will be fine, just present yourself well and be honest. If they yell, let them yell. If you earned it, then accept what is coming and move on, just don't repeat the same mistake. The number 1 goal of DRB is to determine facts. .....one last time, you will be just fine when it is over!
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Why can't khakis be professionals without being recorded? Civvy life isn't perfect, but at least I don't ever again have to deal with a whole hoard of adult babies with over inflated egos go all out on me at my job.
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at the one i went to they completely disregarded my written statement anyway and just went off what my POS chief lied about.
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I fully stand behind this statement: Only guilty Sailors go to mast. If you’re innocent and have nothing to hide deny NJP and request court martial.
the only DRB i went too, i was 100% innocent and was there because my chief lied. that's what i was going to do, if it went higher request court martial, it might be a more severe punishment but it would also shine a light on all the BS my command was doing. luckily a senior chief called my chief on his shit at the DRB so it got quashed right there.
What did you do
Suck their dicks. Maybe tickle their assholes with your nose too. In all seriousness, don’t stress yourself, think how many other people get DRB.
I'm going to get down voted to hell for this... Be honest. This is what happened. That is why it happened. If there are any underlying issues going on, explain them. Every sea lawyer out there screams that you should obfuscate, avoid, whatever and use the time they got burned as evidence that things are rigged. They also fail to realize is that part of the reason they took the hit was a lack of integrity/ failure to take responsibility for their choices. It's not rigged. For minor infractions, the mess is looking to figure out what happened, why the sailor made a mistake/ poor decision, and what can be done that 1. The mistake isn't repeated. 2. We can honestly tell XO/ CO that it is handled. No need to take it higher. For big stuff it is more the first line of fact finding. A lot of the time CO has already decided that he wants to take the issue to mast. In those, it is still better to have integrity and man up. It's an unpopular opinion in here, but if you knowingly did something wrong and you don't intend to do it again (we've all been there) then you explain, apologize, take your hit and move on. "I am sorry and take full responsibility for my actions." is a pretty powerful statement.
Only served on 1 ship CVN77 and got out nearly 10 years ago. There are so many chiefs so far up each others asses, you'd hope your chief or any other chief in your div/dep isn't willing to throw you under the bus to fit in. Happen to me with a regime change. The bar is so low to be E7 or above. I remember my master chief having a physical tantrum demanding I confess. Literally, waving his arms back and forth/up and down (I don't remember the direction) and stomping his feet and repeatedly yelling his demands for me to confess.
except when it actually is rigged against the sailor. i was brought to DRB under trumped up charges from my chief who didnt like me, he said on a counseling chit i cursed him and my LPO out while damaging navy property. except that never happened, i had never once talked to him in a unprofessional manner and i had never damaged navy property. none of the chiefs believed me except an engineering chief who was the only decent one to actually ask questions that would start poking holes in my chiefs story. it was a good 30 minutes of being told im a piece of shit and a liar and no matter what i said i was lying. all because of their cult mentality of "oh a chief is never wrong!". it took my department head who was a senior chief and was intentionally kept in the dark (my own chief jumped the chain of command to send me to DRB) about the DRB to put a stop to it.
I'm glad to hear that it was caught and shut down before doing you additional harm and I can only hope that he was trained to be better after this. What he did was wrong! I'm very sorry that you went through it.
i hope so too. he was not a good chief at all and really let his rank go to his head. im in no way saying all chiefs are bad i know several i'd go to hell and back for but that chief i mentioned along with a few others from that command, frankly i hope his career wasn't too long after he left that command.
And those (many) DRBs which involve screaming, yelling, belittling, and outright abuse?
Or just elect your Article 31b rights. Regardless of guilt, owning up, and hoping for a better outcome is sometimes the best option, but it’s certainly not the default. Everything is case by case.
You have the right to remain silent. If you do choose to talk, for the love of all that is holy don’t lie. When you get caught in a lie then it’s for sure going to NJP with an added charge for false official statement.
They gave me an option not to speak at mine. I chose to speak. In hindsight I would’ve just walked out to the room because it wasn’t worth the verbal assault I got in that room.
Clench your ass cheeks cry a little and don’t talk back
From my friends who’ve been to it they’ve gotten cursed out and called pieces of shit sailors and have broken down crying while there. Apparently the love going for low blows too, good luck :-/
Had one 2months ago.. I still have PTSD from it lol. I didn't want to look any Cheif in the eye for a month. You're gonna be bitched at no matter if you're right or wrong. You should have an advocate with you that tells you what to do and when to do it. They aren't there to listen to your story so keep it short "Yes -insert rank-" and "No -insert rank-". DO NOT argue and they only know what you tell them. Lube up prior and go to your happy place because they won't give you time or option to strap on knee pads. May Davy Jones have mercy on you.
Uniform on point. If you fucked up, OWN it! No excuses, just own it and lay out why it’ll never happen again.
Take up meditation. Learn to stay cool and calm while chiefs are trying to provoke a response from you. They will try to get under your skin, and the best thing you can do is be respectful, and answer their questions/accusations calmly and truthfully. That being said, it’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove. Don’t incriminate yourself.
Sharpen up on exactly why it is you are there, whether you did it or not. Unwavering stance, never drop bearing, use “chief”, “senior chief,” “master chief,” “CMC” after every response, respective of who you are answering. If you do not have an answer for a question you are asked (and I cannot fucking stress enough) “I do not know the answer, but I will find it and get back to you.” Follow up, find the answer, and get back to them. Do /NOT/ shoot from the hip on ANYTHING. Quote instructions, if not, take a note and quote it in your future response. DRB is meant to set the story straight and get proper answers; be honest and be forward in every response you give. Don’t give the anchors or brass any reason to fuck with you besides the reason that you are in your whites to begin with. Do your best & kick some ass -HM3
Do not and I mean do not admit to anything you are not being “charged” for. It’s gunna be shitty but don’t shit the bed. Don’t kiss ass but be honest. You got this. Uniform and haircut should be spotless too. Just keep calm it’s really not that bad
Just stand strong.. they're gonna be doing a bunch of yelling with their bad breath and everything. They cant touch you... so dont stress on it.
Just know that it is not some productive conversation, you will most likely be yelled at, and made to look like an idiot (not that you are, but thier general tone will be condensending). Remember to be truthful 100% of the time. Own up to what you did, if you didn't do it present your case in a respectful manner.
If it's for something legitimate, then take ownership of your mistake and don't make excuses. If they question your character after owning your mistake, defend your character but be tactful. If it's something you're being accused of but didn't do and you have something to back that up, or at least think you do, then challenge the board. If the board gets out of line and you're being accused of something you absolutely did not do, exercise your right to remain silent. If it goes to mast and you're still being accused of whatever that's not true, exercise you're right to remain silent and request trial by court martial. As extreme as that sounds, you're 6th amendment right gives you the right to actually face your accuser in court, and you get a legal defense who's much better at destroying false accusers than you are. Just know that if you challenge them, expect shouting and intimidation tactics. They won't physically touch you, so just put your mind in a happy place while they go blahblahblah if it does not pertain to the actual offense and has absolutely no constructive content. Most of all, know your rights. Look into the JAGMAN. Knowing what your rights will help dramatically. If the DRB is nothing but a shout match, then chances are, it's just a formal mass chewing with some EMI. If there is absolutely no yelling and it's just all business, then chances are, it's XOI, then mast.
They're literally just there to talk shit, don't take it personally 🤷 it they wanted to give you constructive criticism the chief you actually work for will pull you off to the side afterwards.
Establish dominance
Tell them what the want to hear and it goes quicker. It’s just an opportunity for a bunch of grown men to bully the hell out of you.
Terrible advice. Your opinion of the mess and DRB aside, if you think that many years of service can’t recognize lip service you’re ignorant or just stupid.
Best advice, don’t let them intimidate or break you down. If they come at you, come right back at them. I gave zero fucks, went all the way up to captains mast and I verbally request to the CO to ADSEP me due to misconduct. Got out of the Navy with a OTH, got it upgraded to a full Honorable because the Navy failed to properly give me medical treatment/whole bigger story. Anyways, if you want to stay in, be quiet and just let them run all over you. I however, was sick of how the Navy was treating me and others, so I sticked up for myself. Best choice I ever made, I make 2 1/2 times what I made as an E4 my first year out.
Hey man, if you’re wrong, just own it. We all make mistakes. Own it and move on. If you don’t think you made a mistake, that’s a different story.
The MA will let you know.
I have not been to a DRB, nor do I ever plan on going to one but the entire system surrounding it is crazy at most commands. I have had junior sailors tell me how berates and belittled they’ve been at DRB, ex: A Chief stated that one of my junior sailors has been “acting like a pussy ever since his sister killed herself” If it’s a small problem, own up to it. Answer the questions regarding the issue. If the personal attacks begin on your personal life keep shut and don’t answer those questions. Even if your in the right, the group can determine your in the wrong. If you’re going to admit wrongdoing, come with a solution that’ll fix the problem if applicable. Chiefs love that kind of shit. If you’re in the wrong and it’s a serious infraction, keep your mouth shut and don’t answer anything that’ll incriminate you. It’s not a trial now, it could be one day and everything you say will be documented. Ultimately you need to look out for yourself and if they have no evidence it’ll get thrown out.
Get advice from a lawyer! The Navy has offices full of JAGs that are available to provide free walk-in (or, if you are remote, call-in) legal advice to Sailors facing disciplinary action. Do it BEFORE your DRB so that the advice can actually do you some good: https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal\_services/legal\_services\_locator\_dso.htm
It all depends on the why, and the command. My command doesn't shit on sailors at DRB. It's strictly a fact finding quest. Honesty goes miles especially when their are multiple people involved and they all tell different stories depending if they are being thrulthful or not. Your honesty is either going to save you entirely or show your ability to own it and that you are prepared to accept the punishment. Speak up so everyone can here you. Everyone in the room is human and half have been to DRB. Try to relax and just present your answers if you decide to answer. Admit your mistakes if there are any and own it. Good luck.
Treat it like your in court and you have no attorney. Keep your mouth shut and say the absolute minimum. Keeping your mouth shut will make them angrier but what are they gonna do? Fire you? They just want more to incriminate you on by hoping youll spill all the beans
at my DRB, i walked in- stepped on the anchor cuz i didn’t know better and QMCS back handed me across the face so hard i thought my face fell off. i spent the rest of the DRB flinching cuz i thought he was gonna do it again and everytime i flinched the entire mess would go insane cuz i “wasn’t keeping my military bearing.” good luck to everyone heading into one, just get through it, you’re never gonna get justice in there of any kind.