Posted on Sep 17, 2019
Is it our mentality that’s wrong or the leadership?
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I struggle asking questions like this for the simple reason that I hate the new soft army, that being said I’m having problems with my platoon level leadership. I’m in a scout platoon in a infantry BTN, it’s a pretty high speed platoon considering we are in the field training more than we are in garrison. We have been observed by multiple high ranking officers that borderline praised the platoon. But on the inside are NCO’s that do not do any of the training with us, smoke us for asking any kind of questions, degrade everyone who’s not e-5 and above. When I say we I mean other SPC and the pvt’s and we’ve all been here for a long time. I’m 100% for corrective training but what they have been doing is for no reason. We are all squared away and we all carry our own weight. It’s to the point where a lot of the guys are just tired and talk about how there is no way out. I’m worried about the health of my platoon and the soldiers I serve with. We’ve been through a lot together and we’re a rough and tough bunch of joes but. I’m seeing the mental affects on everyone including myself. I don’t have the space to include all examples. Some advice would be great considering I can’t go to my leadership about this.
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Toxic Leadership
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Toxic Leadership Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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See MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi 's response. That's true. If the leadership is as obtuse as you describe, you may have to "go dark". Do what you're told, but don't offer anything in return to force them to see their problem. However, be prepared to learn that the problem is yours. Doubtless, a successful resolution of your problem will involve give and take on both sides.
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If you aren't leaving anything out, I think your NCOs have lost sight of their mission. The quote by Powell that MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi begins his response with hits the nails right on the head. It does sound like this is your first unit, though. Please know that what you're experiencing now is not indicative of the entire army. Most NCOs are trying their best, often beating themselves up for any perceived failure they might believe they have demonstrated.
I would definitely talk to your leadership though. Start with your low level NCOs and work up the chain as necessary. They may not understand exactly what you are experiencing. Perhaps they simply see it differently. Maybe they come from a hard charging background where this is the norm. Sometimes all it takes is a tactful conversation with your leadership to, at a minimum, get clarity, but perhaps, you can start to build towards a different atmosphere.
I would definitely talk to your leadership though. Start with your low level NCOs and work up the chain as necessary. They may not understand exactly what you are experiencing. Perhaps they simply see it differently. Maybe they come from a hard charging background where this is the norm. Sometimes all it takes is a tactful conversation with your leadership to, at a minimum, get clarity, but perhaps, you can start to build towards a different atmosphere.
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There is a lot left out Sgt, and this is my first unit but I’ve been here a year and 2 months. Not incredibly long but I’ve earned my place like all the other guys have. If I could explain what kind of person I am you would know this is my last resort. We’ve tried everything
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I’m sure if enough of the platoon submitted complaints against the NCO’s not being present for training to the 1SG, especially in an Infantry Battalion, that said 1SG would take a closer look at the backbone of their formation. You and your peers asking questions is 100% the right answer so long as it’s done in a tactful manner and I’d advise those NCO’s to read their leadership ADP’s to correct themselves. I also advise you to read them as well since you’ll be a leader of soldiers in the future.
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