What if the DUI was 5-10 years ago at a different command? Does it really matter? Or should the Navy hold the DUI over their head for their entire career?
If someone checked in and was the top performer the entire time at the command and then you find out that they were NJP'd years ago for a DUI does your perception of them change?
I was shocked when I found out one of the top PO1s in my dept went to mast for a DUI when he was an E-4. Didn't change my perception of him at all though. It was 8 years prior and he was by far the top performer in his peer group.
I'm not being sarcastic. I'm generally interested in what people think.
As in all things, it depends on the circumstances, and since we're speaking in general terms, I would be less likely to support someone w/ a DUI in their background than someone who didn't. Obviously, exceptions apply.
For officers, a DUI or NJP are nearly always career enders and that individual will not be selected for promotion or screen for their next milestone. Obviously, exceptions apply.
Real world example, one of my officers had an NJP in his record from his first tour that was ultimately vacated. This came up during the legal review for his promotion to O4, which was held up for over a year while we proved that the NJP had been vacated.
So from the Navy's perspective, an NJP or DUI is absolutely disqualifying for continued naval service as an officer, so it's completely consistent that we would also say that a history of NJP or DUI for a Sailor is permanently disqualifying for an officer program. Since I'm advocating consistency, I'll close with... obviously, exceptions apply.