FORT SILL, OK — A noncommissioned officer at the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence has been convicted of multiple offenses—including conspiracy, drug possession, and larceny—and will be separated from the military with a bad-conduct discharge following a June 25, 2025, special court-martial.
Staff Sergeant Kolby M. Blackwelder was found guilty by a military judge after pleading guilty to several violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The trial took place in the Fort Sill courtroom, with Judge Lt. Col. Kenton E. Spiegler presiding. Blackwelder elected for a judge-alone forum and entered his guilty pleas as part of a pretrial agreement with the prosecution.
The Charges
Blackwelder was convicted of:
- One specification of conspiracy (Article 81, UCMJ):
Conspiracy charges typically involve two or more individuals agreeing to commit an unlawful act. In military law, the agreement itself is criminal, regardless of whether the planned crime is carried out. Though details of the conspiracy were not publicly released, convictions under this article often involve coordination with others to commit theft, fraud, or other misconduct. - One specification of wrongful possession of a controlled substance (Article 112a, UCMJ):
This charge indicates that Blackwelder knowingly and unlawfully possessed illegal drugs. The specific substance was not disclosed, but possession of narcotics such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription medications without authorization can result in serious penalties. Drug use or possession is considered especially damaging in leadership roles, particularly at the NCO level. - Three specifications of larceny (Article 121, UCMJ):
Larceny charges reflect theft of military or personal property with intent to permanently deprive the owner. These could involve stolen government equipment, misuse of military resources, or theft from fellow service members. Having three separate larceny charges suggests a pattern of conduct rather than an isolated incident. - One specification of failure to obey a general order (Article 92, UCMJ):
Violating a general order—such as disregarding command policies, safety regulations, or rules on conduct—constitutes a serious breach of military discipline. This charge often accompanies other misconduct, indicating the soldier’s behavior not only broke specific laws but also defied broader Army standards.
The Sentence
Judge Spiegler sentenced Blackwelder to five months of confinement and a bad-conduct discharge (BCD). The punishment was consistent with the terms of his plea agreement and marks a significant fall from grace for an NCO entrusted with leadership and responsibility.
A bad-conduct discharge is one of the harshest forms of administrative separation and carries lifelong consequences. It strips the service member of most veterans’ benefits, including GI Bill education funds, VA healthcare access, and federal hiring preferences. A BCD also becomes part of the veteran’s permanent criminal record, potentially impacting employment, housing, and civil rights.
Background
Blackwelder has served in the U.S. Army for several years and has been married since 2017. He is the father of three children. His family status, however, did not shield him from accountability under the military justice system.
While it’s unclear how or when the misconduct began, his case highlights growing concerns over drug use and internal theft within the ranks.
We have requested more information from the Army regarding his charges plea agreement.
At The Salty Soldier, we believe that transparency matters—especially when the system would rather sweep certain stories under the rug. For more uncensored military news and behind-the-scenes coverage the mainstream won’t touch, visit TheSaltySoldierUncensored.com.
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