mmmm. fresh ground coffee and a croissant...oops, uh, where was I??
oh, yeah-
Top told me that I had failed to comply with Article 92, UCMJ, which required me to obey all lawful General regulations, one of which was posted on the HHC "Read Twice Daily" bulletin board in the front of the orderly room area. It was signed by the Battalion Commander, and mandated that all individual weapons would be secured at a minimum by the individual if not in his possession, or words to that effect...
I told Top that the last time I saw my weapon was when I'd secured it the night before Reed came back from An Khe. Not wanting Ross to get in a jam, but also not wanting to take a fall for something I had not done, I told him that I wanted to seek counsel with JAG before deciding whether to accept the A-15, or demand trial by court martial. Top then told me that he had a way to alleviate the situation-and keep Reed out of trouble- I could "donate to the Chaplain's fund"- whatever little bit of MPC I thought was appropriate...I told him that if I did so, I'd like a receipt... he said that would not happen.
I told him if that were the case, uit looked like not much less than a very thinly-veiled solicitation of a bribe... and that I'd get back with him after seeing the JAG AND the I.G....
He sent me to see the SMAJ, who got a jeep to take me to JAG and the IG at Camp Schmidt...I explained to themexactly what had transpired, and when I got back to Holloway, as I exited the jeep, the SMAJ told me to report to the 1SG, who returned my 16, and told me to keep it locked up.
I then informed Top that I'd make donations to the "Chaplain's fund" when I was ready, if I wanted to, and not until. Top wasn't very nice to me after that, but he didn't screw with me any more, and nothing happened to Reed.

I think it was Davy Crockett who said: "Be sure you're right, then go ahead..." at least that was what was inscribed on the stock of my very first Daisy BB gun....

Hardheaded Lump