Life in a Brig or Stockade

Most COs who are court-martialled and imprisoned are tried by BCD Special Courts-Martial. This means that the maximum length of their confinement is six months. For most, it is much less. This is because courts don't often sentence people to the maximum and because the possibility of parole and clemency further shortens the actual time.

Leslie Cole, for instance, who had refused to wear her uniform or perform any work, was convicted in the late 1970s of eight counts of failure to go to appointed place of duty; four counts of disobeying orders; and one count of failure to obey a general order or regulation. If she had been tried by a General Court-Martial, she could have been sentenced to a total of four years, eight months in the brig and a Dishonorable Discharge. Instead, she was tried by a BCD Special Court-Martial and was sentenced to two months confinement, forfeiture of three months pay and $375.00, and a Bad Conduct Discharge. She was released after 6 1/2 weeks when the federal civilian court in Baltimore granted her a writ of habeas corpus. Although the court's decision was overturned on appeal, Leslie did not have to serve more prison time. However, if there is a war, a court-martial may impose harsher sentences.

Being in a military prison is like being in the military, only more so. In terms of regimentation, restriction, arbitrary authority, and your own sense of meaninglessness and powerlessness, life in military prisons is somewhat worse than military life.

• Isolation: Perhaps the worst thing about being in prison is isolation from your family and friends. There are limitations on how often they can visit. They probably won't live near where you are confined, so they won't be able to visit you very much. Mail to and from them will be examined. Even finding out about your case may be difficult at times.
• Harassment and Violence: Your guards and fellow inmates will all be military personnel. Most of them probably won't understand your CO position, and some may even consider you a traitor. You may experience harassment for this. Violence is common in prison. This isn't surprising. And it can be frightening. Rape does occur, and threats of violence more often than rape. Most COs learn to cope with these threats, but making the adjustment can be hard.

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