Air Force officials announce court-martial sentence for former command chief

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• Air Force officials convene court martial for former command chief - 1/25/2011

Air Force officials announce court-martial sentence for former command chief

Posted 1/30/2011

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1/30/2011 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- The week-long court-martial of Chief Master Sgt. William Gurney, the former command chief of Air Force Materiel Command, concluded Jan. 28 with a six-member panel of male officers sentencing the chief to 20 months confinement, reduction to rank of E-1 and a dishonorable discharge for 15 violations of the UCMJ.

Of those violations, Chief Gurney initially had pleaded guilty to seven violations of Article 92 for dereliction of duty for failing to maintain a professional relationship with seven different female Airmen, all who were junior in rank to him; one violation of Article 92 for wrongful misuse of government property for other than official purposes; one violation of Article 120 for indecent conduct with a female master sergeant; and four violations of Article 134 for committing adultery with four separate female Airmen, all who were junior in rank to him.

During the court-martial, the panel found the chief guilty of two violations of Article 93, maltreatment. They found him not guilty of one violation of Article 120, unwanted sexual contact; and two violations of Article 134, misuse of official position. When the court-martial began, there were 19 charges against him. One charge of obstruction of justice was dismissed by the judge during the arraignment portion of the trial.

Before sentencing, Chief Gurney stood before members of the court to apologize for his actions.

"I would not wish this on my worst enemy," he said.

He said he hopes that this trial brings a measure of closure for all involved, and he publicly apologized to the 10 women named in the case, to his family. He also offered an apology to his commanders and Airmen "for not living up to the core values that are instilled in us."

Following sentencing, Chief Gurney's case will move into legally required post-trial proceedings, during which he will have the opportunity to present matters for the convening authority's consideration in determining a final sentence. However, by regulation that sentence cannot exceed that which the court hands down.

Comments

7/10/2011 8:39:33 AM ET
In regards to this former CMSgt and his sentance and dishonorable discharge, he got what he deserved. Just because others who had similar charges does not mean he should get a light punishment. It is about time that cases of a sexual misconduct get hard sentences. Maybe this would detor men from commiting sexual misconduct.

Terri, california

5/12/2011 8:45:55 AM ET
I know Bill Gurney personally and, although his indiscretions were intolerable, he's definitely done more good for the USAF than bad. Talk about selective enforcement of standards. We ALL know better. Did I read dishonorable discharge? Give me a break. I knew him as a true chief master sergeant and will never forget that. Oh, on another note .... it's hard to commit adultery when your spouse was involved. I served over 26 years and again the USAF has done its best to hammer an enlisted member and continue to cover its officers.

jswan, Arnold AFB

4/24/2011 1:16:02 AM ET
Despite this man's mistakes, it's what he does after the fact that truly defines him. I'm sure he learned the hard way as some of us do. There is always an opportunity to better yourself no matter how much you messed up. The one thing that nobody can take away is this man's experience and education. I pray that other senior leaders who are committing adultery right this very moment take heed to Gurney's situation and stop cold in their tracks. And in regards to the different outcomes between officers and enlisted, it's all about politics. Being a general officer, you're part of the 'in crowd' and play politician while in uniform. It's no surprise at all.

Xeo, Japan

4/22/2011 11:01:09 PM ET
While I will agree that there is a disparity between the way that Os and Es are judged in the general sense that doesn't mean that the particular O in this situation was even aware of what was happening. We place a certain amount of trust in our leaders and if they have risen to CCC of anything, we expect that they have overcome the hurdles that may corrupt the lower echelon. The charged individual has been judged based upon his actions. The Os bear some semblance of responsibility for those under their pervue but one should not completely fault the Os for an anomaly in the system. I'm speaking only toward this particular incident. If they had knowledge, they should be hammered. Justice should be blind.

Orpheus13, Planet Cannon

3/11/2011 5:24:11 AM ET
Maj S Keesler - you mentioned an E5 and a Capt. The way I see it, the person of high rank should always be held to a higher standard. I do not feel sorry for the former Chief. But when you see a General officer get less punishment for the same kind of behavior you have to wonder. Also a Col who lied for almost 25 years and still gets a retirement...where is the justice?

Kevin, Shiloh IL

2/9/2011 2:41:58 AM ET
If it is okay yes moral to be homosexual then why isn't it okay to commit adultery? Both are not allowed in the bible which we can't bring into the picture yet our country is built on it. I'm just saying why would civilian world frown upon adultery but not homosexuality? It just doesn't make any sense. Yes using his position is wrong but let grown consenting adults do what they want in marriage and sex.

equal morals, Minot AFB

2/3/2011 8:43:01 AM ET
Wow, lot's of "us versus them" comments in this thread...even read a comment about E vs. O pay thrown in to the mix. Bottom line: this guys was a dirt bag and was convicted on 15 UCMJ violations... End of story. And those who speak of a double standard, how about this? An E-5 and a Capt both recieve an LOR... one's career is over. Yeah, that's what I thought.

Maj S, Keesler

2/2/2011 12:25:12 PM ET
Like it has been said already, different spanks for different ranks. Just look at the officer who got away with his DUI charges last year. Yeah, an enlisted guy would have been destroyed. The system is a joke. UCMJ punishments, the evaluation rating system and poor leadership apointments. It only gets worse every day. I do not regret leaving the service at all. I forgot what it was like to enjoy life and look forward to going to work the next day.

C_B, Internet

2/2/2011 11:15:18 AM ET
Great comments but I will add a few things. Of the 1000s of chiefs we have in the AF this one has painted a bad picture of all. However, I remind folks that we have many more outstanding chiefs and I am proud to say I know many whose character is beyond reproach. In my mind the biggest disgrace is that he represented the enlisted corps and, far more importantly, our country. He has tarnished that image. While I am not convinced there is a double standard since every case is different and unique, I do believe that people in leadership positions should be beyond reproach and that character matters. While its easy to sit in judgment on someone who does wrong, I believe we are much better served by ensuring the folks selected for these key positions are selected based on the content of their character. You cannot tell me that this Chief started his violations as soon as he stepped into a command chief position - I would almost guarantee he was doing this sort of stuff before.

sc, europe

2/2/2011 8:45:49 AM ET
No one is claiming AB Gurney is the victim. We're claiming that all enlisted are the victims when it comes to the hypocritical double-standard in place in the military justice system for officers versus enlisted when committing the same crimes.

SSgt Sean, Afghanistan

2/2/2011 6:16:38 AM ET
Zero general officers have been tried for similar allegations. That's right - not one. They have been given slaps on the wrist, the boot and retirement pay. It's not that this guy is getting too harsh a punishment; it's that most officers don't get anywhere near enough.

Sgt Whoever, conus

2/1/2011 11:17:21 PM ET
William Gurney is not the victim. William Gurney is the criminal who continually committed illegal, immoral and scandalous acts against our fellow Airmen who trusted him and trusted him. He failed them. He failed me and he failed you. He failed our Mighty Air Force. This was his Epic Fail and now he owns it. This is the only ribbon he will wear from this point forward. Along with the Scarlet Letter, that is. Shame. Shame on you, William Gurney. Shame on you for thinking you were above the law and the rules did not apply to you. You are quite the exception. You are that someone who will no longer be included in the elite, will never fit in and ultimately be excluded. You do not deserve to be a Chief and if the truth be known, you probably never were. Guilty as charged.

A Real CMSgt's Spouse, Osan AB ROK

2/1/2011 11:12:39 PM ET
Chiefs are the Top 1 percent of our Mighty AF who not only represent but also influence the other 99 percent of our Force. Its a crime what William Gurney did. However the real crime would be if our Mighty AF and the men and women who proudly represent it don't stand up speak out and stand their ground and demand justice. Justice for all. Jail time. Stripped of rank. Ejection. 20 months confinement, reduction to rank of E1 and a dishonorable discharge are just a small price to pay for the monumental damage he has done. He knowingly damaged not only the women he intentionally sought out and desperately preyed upon but he consciously damaged the Force. William Gurney damaged our Force.

A Real CMSgt's Spouse, Osan AB ROK

2/1/2011 5:03:23 PM ET
I don't think anyone is saying the Chief should not be punished or that what he did should be condoned. Our AF leaders should ensure punishment is doled out consistently regardless of whether you are officer or enlisted and this has not been the case recently. These posts are done in hopes that they see we are not blind to what is going on. Fix the system.

Tim, CAFB

2/1/2011 4:18:27 PM ET
Double standard for pay and punishment is the norm. Yes, this sleaze got what he deserved, but yes, how many times do the officers get away with just the same or worse? Officers often make in four years what enlisted make at twenty or more. Where is the fairness in that?

Alan, Tinker AFB

2/1/2011 2:15:17 PM ET
Great comments by most. The fact that we are missing is that the USAF is run and controlled by folks with wings on thier uniforms. And the good ol boy club has been around since the USAF was born. Our civilain leaders and/or CSAF should look at the way our UCMJ has been violated when the officers get away with keeping our tax dollars for retirement and allowed to retire, then most likely get a DOD civilian job somewhere. Agree 200 percent: Airman Basic Gurney nice ring to it. He got what he deserved and hope his roomate is named Bubba. Retired Chief

Gman, Hill AFB Utah

2/1/2011 1:06:48 PM ET
CMSgt W, I agree that the Chief got exactly what he deserved but to deny that there isn't a double standard is absurd. When a JAG commits these offenses he's given an Article 15 and allowed to retire as an 0-6. This is just one example. There are others. Two wrongs don't make a right. Apply punishment consistently and get rid of the double standard.

Retired E-8, CAFB

2/1/2011 12:09:45 PM ET
Double standard, right. How many officers were punished for Abu Ghraib? Oh that's right......NONE. Apparently the enlisted operate with autonomy and no supervision there. This dirtbag got what he deserved.... Wish the law applied equally to all.

SMSgt GGTOS, Texas

2/1/2011 12:00:31 PM ET
Each case is tried individually. I would give no pats on the back for either the allegations or the substantiated allegations. Integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. Anyone should be punished for these violations regardless of rank. I believe in military justice and either you believe in it or you don't. I further believe there should never be occasions where something is or appears to be swept under the rug. All allegations of this nature should filter through the military justice system. However you should form your opinion on the whole system and not an individual case.

E. Wills, WV

2/1/2011 11:09:02 AM ET
As a spouse, a CMSgt's spouse, I can say I am proudly married to an ideal Airman whom I have the utmost respect and admiration for. Just one of the many reasons I have followed and will continue to follow this ideal husband and Airman of mine anywhere our Mighty AF needs us. Unfortunately William Gurney has not been nor ever will be considered an ideal Airman. What a shame. Shame on him. Shame on his spouse who was actively involved and willfully participated in these heinous acts. She is not a victim in this. She intentionally was an accomplice to the crimes her husband committed. Shame on anyone who believes our Mighty AF should tolerate such deliberate and calculated violations of the UCMJ, especially by a Chief. Chiefs are the Top 1 percent of our Mighty AF who not only represent but also influence the other 99 percent of our force. It's a crime what William Gurney did. However, the real crime would be if our Mighty AF and the men and women who proudly represent it don't st....

A Real CMSgt's Spouse, Osan AB ROK

2/1/2011 10:43:14 AM ET
Chief W is obviously just another good ole boy E-9. It's to bad. The AF needs Chiefs not great test taking E-9s.

Retired SNCO, OH

2/1/2011 7:34:39 AM ET
@Chief W you are completely off target. This is textbook different spanks for different ranks. I have no empathy whatsoever for Chief Gurney. He received his just punishment. Its the General officers who commit the same offenses and get off with the usual punishment plus pension plan. The next time a general officer commits the same acts-and it will happen-the system should grow a spine and finally do what is right. The UCMJ applies equally to all.

First Sergeant, Midwest

1/31/2011 11:41:16 PM ET
How can anyone say a double standard is not evident? I was always under the impression that it was the Officers who were the elite professionals and us lowly enlisted were just little cogs that make the machine work. Yet as others have pointed out time and time again Officers who commit similar offenses are swept under the rug and given their retirement package while the enlisted are hammered and lose everything. No double standard. Yeah right.

TSgt Greedo, San Antonio

1/31/2011 9:47:54 PM ET
Chief W from CA really Honest and owned up to his failures He lied cheated and deceived for years. It's obvious Gurney never intended to fulfil his creed as a Chief our core values or his nation. He thought only of himself physical pleasure and control. Quite a leader. Yes I made mistakes in my career, as have most. Regrets in leadership decisions maybe being plain tired and not always as committed as I should have been but with all respect I never simply forget where I came nor have thousands of others. You do simply forget the occasional meeting or taking home a pen from work you don't simply forget that ADULTERY is verboten that preying on those below you not part of your job description as a CCM. Nice excuses for a complete disgrace to the Air Force and the enlisted corps. He got what he deserved.

Ret Sr NCO , Colorado

1/31/2011 8:02:25 PM ET
To those of you who think there's a double standard....you're absolutely right and it's a DISGRACE. We need to fix this. As the comments show this double standard undermines good order and discipline in our Air Force by shaking the confidence our NCOs and SNCOs have in the officer corps. We need to hammer EVERY scumbag who betrays the trust of their troops and the American people in this fashion regardless of whether they wear their rank on their sleeve or their collar.

Maj Keith Gibeling, Ft. Belvoir

1/31/2011 4:12:01 PM ET
While I don't condone a single thing this Chief did in fact foul and I'm ok with the outcome. However check out the cases of Maj Gen Thomas Fiscus former AF JAG over a dozen sexual assaults adultery misuse of position etc. There were NO courtmartial no fine reduction to Colonel kept retirement and benefits. Check out Brig Gen Lyle Koenig same situation no courtmartial no fines reduction by two grades got full retirement and benfits. So if we all are uniformed members subject to the UCMJ and MCM why are there differet levels of punishment for Officers and Enlisted

CMSgt, Somewhere

1/31/2011 4:09:00 PM ET
There is no double standard with regards to different spanks for different ranks. This E-9 was in a position that had command-wide influence for years to come. The old addage To whom much is given much is required. Granted he was honest and owned up to his failures this is what would be expected of someone in his position. We must always remember that there are lots of folks behind us every time we get a new promotion when we fail we let lots of people down. This E-9 simply forgot where he came from. There is nothing more to be said.

CMSgt W, California

1/31/2011 3:38:43 PM ET
Punishment fits the crime and I know the former CMSgt personally. As far as a double standard I can think of few cases where abuse of rank this egregious took place either from an Officer or Enlisted. There was a case of a Colonel at Sheppard a few years back convicted of assaulting a woman and making sexually suggestive comments to another--he was sentenced to 9 years in prison forfeited all pay and benefitsand received the equivalent of a dischonorable discharge....he's in prison as we speak. Actions in both cases were unconscionable and deserve to be punished. Not sure I've seen much evidence of a double standard...anyone who committed crimes such as these would be punished accordingly.

GPD, WAFB

1/31/2011 2:15:55 PM ET
The bashing seems to get out of hand at times. As a mustang who has been on both sides of the fence I can see on the surface an issue. However, there were 19 counts against Mr. Gurney, and although I do not have the data in front of me, that is by far the most I have seen regardless of rank.

Lt Col former TSgt, Orlando

1/31/2011 1:58:39 PM ET
Concern about what punishment an officer may or may not have received seems misplaced and makes it seem like this individual got a raw deal. This person repeatedly committed significant offenses against subordinate personnel. Based on this article the punishment seems about right to me.

Retired Chief, Langley AFB VA

1/31/2011 1:11:10 PM ET
This seems to be an ongoing issue today high profile politicians sports superstars high ranking military personnel. What makes them think they can get away with this behavior? It boggles my mind that they are willing to lose everything they've worked for and for what?

Retired E-8, Hill AFB

1/31/2011 1:05:45 PM ET
Fitting punishmentfor someone abusing their trusted position. Hope is victims receive all the help they can.

Retired E-7, San Antonio

1/31/2011 11:49:22 AM ET
This guy was the Command Chief of a MAJCOM. Next step might have been CMSgt of the Air Force. He should be held to a higher standard. A message had to be sent. Hopefully the message has been heard.

Retired MSgt, Texas

1/31/2011 10:38:56 AM ET
The guy was honest - I will definitely give him that. Yes, after he was caught. But at least he didn't try to deny his wrongdoings and he admitted guilt. I will still say a prayer for this gentlemen because he is one of God's children. Yes he did wrong things but he can recover and he will if he seeks trust in the Lord.

SSgt , Out there

1/31/2011 9:37:09 AM ET
Too bad he wasn't a commissioned officer. His sentence would have been a lot lighter. The double standard continues. Hammer the enlisted, take care of the officers.

Retired E-8, CAFB

1/31/2011 3:08:33 AM ET
Ah the double-standard strikes again. An officer would have been allowed to retire at his current rank quietly. The enlisted man faces prison, loss of benefits and a dishonorable discharge. I look forward to the day that the officers are held to the same standard they hold the enlisted to.

SSgt C., Afghanistan

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