Posted on Apr 29, 2020
As a PSGT, how do I handle a situation if one of my NCOs thinks a soldier needing a shaving profile needs to get out of the Army?
28.7K
125
51
15
15
0
Hello everyone I just want opinions on this situation. So today at work I had an Soldier (PFC) come into my office and say he needed to talk to me in private, so of course I stepped aside with him and asked him what was wrong, so this Soldier told me that his squad leader which is an E-5 told him that “ Soldiers that has an shaving profile/ needs a shaving profile doesn’t need to be in the Army/ needs to get out of the army” And yes this Soldier does have a shaving profile, so I told the Soldier I was going to handle the situation. (This is the 2nd time the NCO has said this by the way but I wasn’t in the company when it happened) So later that day I pulled the NCO aside and asked him did he say what the Soldier told me he replied with “ yes I did say it and that is how I feel” I told the nco not to say it again and that he can’t be saying things like that. Both of them are African Americans (just throwing that in before anyone questions it) so I want to know did I handle the situation correctly? Is it EO? And if this happens again how should I handle it ?
Posted in these groups: 
Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)
Equal Opportunity (EO)
Sgt
Officers
Warrant Officers
Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Equal Opportunity (EO) Sgt Officers Warrant Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 36
0
0
0
I have more of a problem with medical personnel who give out these profiles. Transfer him to another unit. Perhaps they will get along better
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I got out because I was pregnant and my 1st Sgt told me I needed to get out as he didn't allow pregnant soldiers in his unit. Biggest mistake ever was listening to the jerk!
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
You handled it correctly with a verbal counseling. You might want to do a MFR . If this happens again, I would do a formal written counseling statement. That should send the message to the NCO.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I agree with how you handled it. If the E-5 brings it up again, he can find himself subject to censure under the UCMJ. At the very least, he might have to be corrected in front of the 1SG. No one, regardless of rank and so forth has any authority to force/coerce any subordinate to conform with his or her personal bias in defiance of published regulations.
This reminds me of when the Army first authorized wear of the mustache to all soldiers who chose to do so. I was in Viet Nam and was on my way to R&R towards the end of an 18-month tour (I had extended). I was ordered to shave my mustache off before I could receive my R&R orders. If not, I would have to return to the A-Site I was assigned to. I followed the unjust order, received my orders and made a stop at the nearest division JAG office enroute to my R&R. When I return to Nam, the JAG MAJ took me to the SGM and advised him that any further violation of my rights would result in him being read Art.31 of the UCMJ. Made a couple of enemies but at least I kept my dignity and honor. Respect has to be earned and the best way is to show that one respects one's subordinates.
The United States Army provides specific regulations and guidelines that address appearance. The E-5 is out of bounds to berate his subordinate because of his shaving profile and it is he, not the subordinate, who should be kicked out of the Army.
This reminds me of when the Army first authorized wear of the mustache to all soldiers who chose to do so. I was in Viet Nam and was on my way to R&R towards the end of an 18-month tour (I had extended). I was ordered to shave my mustache off before I could receive my R&R orders. If not, I would have to return to the A-Site I was assigned to. I followed the unjust order, received my orders and made a stop at the nearest division JAG office enroute to my R&R. When I return to Nam, the JAG MAJ took me to the SGM and advised him that any further violation of my rights would result in him being read Art.31 of the UCMJ. Made a couple of enemies but at least I kept my dignity and honor. Respect has to be earned and the best way is to show that one respects one's subordinates.
The United States Army provides specific regulations and guidelines that address appearance. The E-5 is out of bounds to berate his subordinate because of his shaving profile and it is he, not the subordinate, who should be kicked out of the Army.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
You did right by gently confronting the E5 about this subject. His feelings about shaving waviers must never come into play. If this E5 is truly a professional, his "opinion" must never be voiced to anyone but himself. I'm not shocked that he is also black and understanding of Sudo feliculitous, the bumps caused by shaving by black men, whose facial hair retracts back into the skin because of its thickness. And as an NCO, he must show better leadership in all his voicings.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I had a shaving profile, only one who asked was a SGM ,presented it done deal younger NCO inquired. Professionally said stay in your lane SGT you're still a pup.lol
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
You handled it right. You listened to the concern, confirmed the information and addressed the problem. I would just plan to move forward as normal unless it becomes an ongoing issue. If the young Solider is within regs and within their shaving profile they are doing what they need to. If the Sgt keeps harassing the young Solider address it like you normally would with any other behavior issue. If it persists it wouldn't hurt to consult with the EO rep for guidance and Senior enlisted leadership. Hopefully the Sgt learns how to manage their opinions with their leadership responsibilities.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google