Once upon a time (Circa 1980) at MCAS Yuma there was a young Marine who felt it was important to "borrow" other folks stuff and sell it on the local black market. His friendly OIC, one LDO 1stLt was a good friend of a local policeman who asked if there was some way he could help catch the young Marine. Simple, assign the Marine to familiarization in the radar room and have a friendly GySgt strike up a conversation. During the conversation, Gy S---- mentions that he needs new stereo for his truck. Young Marine allows that he can get one at a good price. Gy says he needs to test it first. Young Marine lets Gy S---- have stereo for a week to test it. Gy S---- takes stereo to local police who match the serial numbers with a stolen stereo. Now the fun begins.
Couple of days later the NCOIC and/or other Top (MGySgt V------- or MSgt S------ hard to remember which one) brings the OIC, Provost Marshall and Police Lt. into the "local area school" classroom. NCOIC announces Officer On Deck and all rise. After all the young (new class of fresh controllers) rise, NCOIC asks L/Cpl V----- to step forward and meet the OIC. L/Cpl V----- smartly moves forward and reports to OIC who introduces him to police Lt. who reads him his rights and puts the cuffs on. NCOIC introduces class to OIC who advises them "We will not tolerate thieves among our Marines or within this facility" and then smartly departs. Provost Marshall, L/Cpl V------ and police Lt. then march out of room. NCOIC departs and GySgt S----- (Training NCO) continues with instruction. Result, thievery rate plummets and Marines understand something about honesty, integrity and self-control, protocol and insight into their new boss(s). OIC did not even concern himself with the Marines "feelings", "embarrassment", or other feel-good things. Not as good as a "Drumming Out", but it worked. Could not find any more senior officer with the balls to conduct a "drumming out". Last one I saw was in mid sixties at Henderson Hall. Neat ceremony, I thought.
Can you name the NCOIC, other Top, both GySgts, and the L/Cpl, OIC and Provost Marshal? If you do, I will buy you a beer (RR) at the next reunion.
