This is the most honest advice I can give you. The Navy, as opposed to other branches, is downsizing. Think corporate america, 1990's. Anyone who slips up is getting hammered hard - they are just waiting for an excuse. It happened to me, and I have been told time and time again that if the manpower looked different that I would have been spared and given another chance. But because of overmanning, Bupers wouldn't allow me to stay. They want to boot people, because its about the budget not justice. Its dog eat dog, those who snich are rewarded and their job security is strengthened by less competition. Plus, snitching makes them seem like the "Navy/Company man". Those who are somewhat still getting it together (usually young people) get slammed and dealt harsh "Zero tolerance" punishment, up to and including discharge if possible. I am not saying DUI is good or acceptable, nor drug use, but I know a lot of chiefs at your son's command probably have the same behaviors under their belts, and somehow have grown past that, or maybe even still act that way, but are covered up by their cronies in the Chiefs Mess. Some of the biggest alkies that I met in Hawaii were Chiefs, who got away with loads because of thier "fraternal brotherhood". Regardless, your son needs to look out for himself, because NOONE at his command will, more than him. This is more for the reasons of job security, because in the Navy, it doesn't naturally exist anymore. It is truly survival of the fittest...If anyone at his command is telling him that 100% cooperation is the best thing for him they are BLOWING SMOKE. Their job is to find him guilty, they get rewarded for it. Tell your son to be respectful, evoke his right to remain silent, and to get a JAG immediately and to NOT answer any questions or give a statement. His command will take him seriously and will watch their P's and q's if he does this. He will earn respect, not loose it. I will tell you like my First Class told me when I was in trouble..."Man, F**ck this ship and command, get a lawyer NOW, Don't give them the bullets to shoot you with, because they WILL."