At what lengths do you back a superior to an even higher superior? Or even your subordinates?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:05:48 -0500

I was thinking about this today and about the direct loyalty I have with the guys I work with in comparison to the loyalty I have to the AF and military as a whole. At what point do you back off and let things run their course? Do you stand up for them, even if you know it won't be looked upon favorably? I have loyalty to my superiors at the highest level, but I won't lie, I have something that burns in me for the men and women I work with and for on a daily basis and feel like sometimes it is worth me getting a bad look to stand behind my direct leaders or subordinates.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 3 at 2015 8:51 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:51:18 -0500

1) Never throw them to the wolves.

2) If they made their bed, let them sleep in it.

If they were right... go down fighting for them. If they were wrong, but worth protecting, mitigate it as best you can for them, but remember that you can't do that if your own honor is impinged.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 8:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:55:45 -0500

"I will be loyal to those whom I serve; seniors; peer and subordinate alike"
(Army NCO Creed). I must abide by.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 3 at 2015 9:12 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:12:21 -0500

When they are right, defend them.
When they make a mistake, as long as it was not due to negligence and was made on the best information available, defend them. It is OK to say that you had advised them on to take a different COA if that is what you did. The important thing is don't LIE to "back your boss".

For subordinates, Their successes are their own, their failures are yours. I cannot count the number of times I have "taken it in the shorts" for one of my troops screw ups or more importantly perceived screw ups. When that happens, that doesn't mean passing it down the chain either, especially when it is a perceived screw up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 12:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:35:21 -0500

Loyalty works two ways. I've taken some chewings for leaders that took care of me. On the other hand I've not only thrown under, but also drove the bus when a leader has been disloyal to his subordinates. As far as the higher ups go, I've never seen someone get scuffed up for backing their supervisor. It shows backbone even if you're not completely in the right

Response by SSgt Khanh Pham made Aug 6 at 2015 7:48 PM

SSgt Khanh Pham — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 19:48:41 -0400

The underlining issue you have is the distinction between professional and unprofessional relationship. You have many years to learn this through experience. Your question is great, if not the best. However you still need experiences to back up whatever answer we provide for you. DOnt forget to continue asking and having your (trusted senior) recalibrate your thinking. It is a deep deep philosophy that impact your character, which is your entire life at stake.

If you are unconfortable with a relationship, maybe you should not be in it. Your 6th sense is great, even if you're a duche bag, it will tells you how to get away with being a duche bag. For honorable folks, it will flag integrity warning.

I have lost friends over supporting policy. Being asked to help my team pass standardized test, is the most annoying. Sucking in the stomach and saying it is normal like that. @.@ Saying the 44 inch is inaccurate and should be measured again. I pull out all the stop to get my people over the standards, except change how the standard is measured.