1. Art 15s
·Tuesday and Thursday are intake days (initial intake is telephonic only, then we will schedule a telephonic or MS Teams appointment with an attorney, if applicable).
·Review packets.
·Packets will be returned or rejected and Soldier will not be seen if section 2 is not signed by the issuing commander.
·Extensions are requested from time to time to prepare for a defense.
·We will review Section 3, 5 and punishment worksheet for DA Form 2627 with the Soldier.
2. Chapters
·Tuesday and Thursday are intake days (Initial intake is telephonic only, then we will schedule a telephonic or MS Teams appointment with an attorney, if applicable).
·Review packets.
·Packets will be returned or rejected and Soldier not seen if the Notification and/or the Acknowledgment is not signed.
·Missing documentation.
·Ninety-eight percent of cases usually sign the optional waiver to consult counsel.
·Board eligible Soldiers automatically see a Defense Counsel.
·Extensions are requested from time to time to prepare for a defense.
3. Procedures for Art 15 and Chapters
·Once you have given the Soldier their first reading, ensure the Soldier has a complete copy of their packet and views the applicable video as soon as possible.
·Please bring the signed command packet to the TDS office, Bldg. 41414. For units that are remote [i.e., Border Mission, Recruiting, or Reserve on Active Duty, please email Ms. Patterson a complete copy of the applicable packet] Command Packet drop off and pick up are ONLY on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1400-1600. Be ready to acknowledge the Soldier has seen the video, has a copy of the packet and is/is not in class, at the time of packet drop off. If not, the packet will be rejected.
·We will review each packet and determine how many packets we have for each unit.
·We will call Drill Sergeants for that unit at the number designated by the unit, if in AIT status, to speak with the Soldiers on a Tuesday or Thursday, usually staring around 0900, or as soon as possible depending higher priorities (i.e. court martial). DO NOT have the individual Soldier contact us.
·If the Soldier is permanent party, supply their phone number in the comment section on the routing slip. We will call them directly.
·GOAL for when we call the Soldier for an Art 15 or Chapter the Soldier has seen the video, are not on a detail or at an appointment, have a full copy of their packet to include the Art 15 punishment worksheet (if an Art 15) and ready to discuss. This means to give the Soldier their copy of the packet with enough time for them to review before we speak with them.
·If the Soldier is in class, DO NOT have the Soldier call us, have the Soldier at the unit for us to call at 1330 to allow lunch break. We will call the designated number to speak with the Soldier, review the packet be able to return to class in a timely manner. We DO NOT call the schoolhouse directly. Ensure the Soldier has their packet with them and if we are calling their cell phone, that they are available when we call.
·If they do not request to speak with an attorney, we go over DA Form 2627, Section 3, Section 5 and the Punishment Worksheet, or the optional waiver to consult counsel for a chapter while talking to them over the phone.
·If they request to speak with an attorney we will send the packet to either Fort Bliss TDS or Fort Cavazos TDS or JBSA, for further assistance and the attorney will need to speak with the Soldier telephonically. The Attorney should complete Section 3 for Art 15, or the Election of Rights Memorandum for a Chapter, with the Soldier during their consultation. If that didn’t happen, have the Soldier contact our office to discuss further.
·After TDS has completed all of our actions with the Soldier, they will give the DS/1SG/PSG the first page of the DA FORM 2627 with Section 3 completed with signature and date, or the completed Election of Rights (all pages) for chapters. Ensure a copy of the completed page(s) is given to the Soldier and they are replaced in the command packet. If they have requested to call any witnesses, it is the DS/PSG responsibility to ensure those witnesses are available at the time of the second reading.
4. Things we need from the Drill Sergeants and command teams:
·Ensure the required documents are signed.
·Ensure the Soldier has adequate time to view the specific video(s).
·Ensure the Soldier has a complete copy of their file to include all supporting documents before they speak with TDS. Remember to give them a copy of the Punishment Worksheet for Art 15s; and
·Please be patient if their packet is sent to another TDS office for further action.