"Popping Hot" Situational Question Guide, Framework, & Examples

Welcome to the board questions podcast, where you can study for your board while working, running errands, or chilling around the barracks. Today's episode is a situational question episode. Situational questions are a big part of boards, so make sure you have them down solid.

Here is your question.

“You are a squad leader, and you have a Sergeant with over 6 years of service in your squad or platoon that comes up hot on a urinalysis. What are your actions?”

Now, let’s talk through how to answer this question using a 3-step proven method. This approach shows board members that you know how to think like a leader. The format is:

Step one, take care of the Soldier. Step two, handle it at the lowest level possible. Step three, use Army programs when applicable.

Let’s start with step one. You take care of the Soldier. A positive urinalysis result is serious, but your first priority is their safety and well-being. Before you worry about paperwork or punishment, you sit down with them in private. You ask if they are okay. You look them in the eye and make sure they are stable and not under the influence. You check if there are any mental health concerns or signs of personal crisis. If the Soldier is a danger to themselves or others, you act immediately. That could mean escorting them to Behavioral Health, the Chaplain, or getting help from a medical provider. You stay calm, supportive, and clear. You let them know you are there to lead them through it, not throw them away.

Now for step two. Handle it at the lowest level possible. This doesn’t mean sweeping it under the rug. It means taking ownership. You still notify your platoon sergeant and chain of command, but you don’t pass the issue off and walk away. You initiate the counseling. You flag the Soldier. You document everything properly. You explain what happens next, including the consequences of a positive urinalysis. At this point, it is critical to understand whether the result qualifies for mandatory separation under Army policy, or if the Soldier is protected by the Limited Use Policy under AR 600-85.

Step 3: Utilize Army Programs. Some drug offenses, like wrongful use of controlled substances confirmed by a command-directed urinalysis, are grounds for separation. However, in some cases, especially when the urinalysis is part of a self-referral or part of command-directed evaluation not intended for disciplinary action, the Limited Use Policy may apply. If the Soldier qualifies under this policy, the result cannot be used for UCMJ or separation actions, and they may have a better chance at rehabilitation. As a leader, you must understand the difference, and you should encourage your Soldier to seek help if they qualify for protection under this policy. The board may follow up with questions, so make sure you study AR 600-85 and know when separation is required and when rehabilitation is an option . If the Soldier is eligible for rehabilitation, your job is to support that process. You check in regularly. You ensure they attend required sessions. You balance holding them accountable while helping them recover and move forward. Army programs like Behavioral Health, the Chaplain, and legal assistance may also come into play depending on the circumstances. You do not need to name every program in your answer, but you should name the ones that apply and show you know how to use them.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the Board Questions podcast where you can study for
your board while working, running errands, or chilling
around the barracks. Today's episode is a situational
question episode. Situational questions are a big
part of boards, so make sure youhave them down solid.
Here is your question. You are a squad leader and you

(00:21):
have a Sergeant with over six years of service in your squad
or platoon that comes up hot on a urinalysis.
What are your actions? Now let's talk through how to
answer this question using a three-step proven method.
This approach shows board members that you know how to
think like a leader. The format is step one, Take

(00:43):
care of the soldier. Step 2.
Handle it at the lowest level possible.
Step 3. Use Army programs when
applicable. Let's start with Step 1.
You take care of the Soldier. A positive urinalysis result is
serious, but your first priorityis their safety and well-being.

(01:05):
Before you worry about paperworkor punishment, you sit down with
them in private. You ask if they are OK.
You look them in the eye and make sure they are stable and
not under the influence. You check if there are any
mental health concerns or signs of personal crisis.
If the soldier is a danger to themselves or others, you act

(01:26):
immediately. That could mean escorting them
to behavioral health, the chaplain, or getting help from a
medical provider. You stay calm, supportive, and
clear. You let them know you are there
to lead them through it, not throw them away.
Now for Step 2, handle it at thelowest level possible.

(01:46):
This doesn't mean sweeping it under the rug.
It means taking ownership. You still notify your platoon
Sergeant and chain of command, but you don't pass the issue off
and walk away. You initiate the counseling.
You flag the soldier. You document everything
properly. You explain what happens next,

(02:08):
including the consequences of a positive urinalysis.
At this point, it is critical tounderstand whether the result
qualifies for mandatory separation under Army policy or
if the soldier is protected by the limited use policy under AR
600 to 85. Step 3.
Utilize Army programs. Some drug offenses, like

(02:30):
wrongful use of controlled substances confirmed by a
command directed urinalysis, aregrounds for separation.
However, in some cases, especially when the urinalysis
is part of a self referral or part of command directed
evaluation not intended for disciplinary action, the Limited
Use Policy may apply. If the Soldier qualifies under

(02:51):
this policy, the result cannot be used for UCMJ or separation
actions and they may have a better chance at rehabilitation.
As a leader, you must understandthe difference and you should
encourage your Soldier to seek help if they qualify for
protection under this policy. The board may follow up with
questions, so make sure you study our 600 to 85 and know

(03:12):
when separation is required and when rehabilitation is an
option. If the Soldier is eligible for
rehabilitation, your job is to support that process.
You check in regularly. You ensure they attend required
sessions. You balance holding them
accountable while helping them recover and move forward.

(03:32):
Army programs like behavioral health, the chaplain, and legal
assistance may also come into play depending on the
circumstances. You do not need to name every
program in your answer, but you should name the ones that apply
and show you know how to use them.
Now let me give you a word for word example answer you could
say at the board. If a Sergeant in my squad tested

(03:54):
positive on a urinalysis, my first action would be to speak
with them privately and make sure they are OK.
I would check if they are safe, stable, and not under the
influence. If there is any risk of harm, I
would involve behavioral health,the chaplain, or a provider.
Immediately after confirming their safety, I would notify my

(04:15):
chain of command and begin the required administrative steps.
That includes flagging the soldier, conducting a formal
counseling, and documenting the incident.
I would submit a command referral to the Army Substance
Abuse Program and follow up to ensure they receive an
evaluation and any treatment required.
I would hold them accountable, but I would also support them

(04:36):
through the rehabilitation process if they are eligible to
stay in the Army. My job as a squad leader is to
enforce the standard while taking care of my people.
Let's go through that again. This time the soldier answering
is going to miss something. Listen closely.
You are a squad leader and you have a Sergeant with over six

(04:58):
years of service in your squad or platoon that comes up hot on
a urinalysis. What are your actions?
If a Sergeant in my squad testedpositive on a urinalysis, I
would flag them and notify my platoon Sergeant.
I would write a counselling and explain the consequences of the
positive result. Then I would refer them to ASAP

(05:20):
for a command directed evaluation and make sure they go
to their appointments. I would check on them and make
sure they know I expect them to take accountability.
This answer sounds strong but they forgot something.
What did they miss? They forgot to take care of the
soldier first. They skipped the part where you

(05:40):
make sure the soldier is safe and stable.
Without that, the rest of your response sounds cold and
reactive instead of proactive and compassionate.
Board members want to see leadership, and that means
taking care of your people before anything else.
Let's go back to a complete correct answer.
If a Sergeant in my squad testedpositive on a urinalysis, my

(06:03):
first action would be to speak with them privately and make
sure they are OK. I would check if they are safe,
stable, and not under the influence.
If there is any risk of harm, I would involve behavioral health,
the chaplain, or a provider. Immediately after confirming
their safety, I would notify my chain of command and begin the

(06:24):
required administrative steps. That includes flagging the
Soldier, conducting a formal counseling, and documenting the
incident. I would submit a command
referral to the Army Substance Abuse Program and follow up to
ensure they receive an evaluation and any treatment
required. I would hold them accountable,
but I would also support them through the rehabilitation

(06:44):
process if they are eligible to stay in the Army.
My job as a squad leader is to enforce the standard while
taking care of my people. Let's go one more time so you
can really lock it in. If one of my sergeants came up
hot on a urinalysis, the first thing I would do is talk with
them privately and make sure they are OK.

(07:05):
I would check their mental stateand ensure they are not in
danger to themselves or others. If needed, I would contact
behavioral health, the chaplain,or their provider.
Once I know they are safe, I would notify my platoon
Sergeant, flag the soldier, and write a counseling.
I would refer them to ASAP through a command referral and

(07:26):
track their attendance and progress.
I would continue to hold them tothe standard, but I would also
support them through the process.
If they are a good candidate forrehabilitation.
My job is to lead them, not giveup on them.
Thanks for listening to the Board Questions podcast.
Situational questions like this one can be tough, but they are

(07:47):
your chance to show that you know how to lead soldiers the
right way. If this helped you, pass it
along to a battle buddy. Study hard and lead with
purpose.