Counseling a Soldier who isn't in my direct line.

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 08:13:45 -0400

I didn't see if this was asked before.

But my question is simple, as an NCO can I or should counsel a soldier, or conduct some type of corrective training (regardless of the manner be it push ups or writing an essay), for a Soldier who I am not in their NCO Support Channel. this issue has come up in the units that I have been in, with Soldiers saying that another NCO told them to do something, and the Soldier responds with, "well you aren't in my Support Channel, so I will talk to my NCO first." I know that that is not what right looks like, and I would counsel my Soldier and probably push for an Art 15 for something like that.

I am just looking for some type of clarification though regarding whether or not I have authority to counsel a Soldier who isn't mine, but maybe the same PLT or Company even.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 8:43 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 08:43:56 -0400

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member, it's been a while since I was an NCO, but I still have advice for you. If you're talking about on-the-spot corrections, that's an easy one. If you have the Soldier do pushups or some other "task," that should be fine too (in my book, but my book is dated).

One thing I would definitely recommend is contacting the Soldier's NCO and letting the NCO know the details of what happened and how you handled it. Besides it being a professional courtesy, you'll eliminate the possibility that the Soldier might distort the truth about what happened to his/her NCO and potentially cause friction between you and that NCO.

For what it's worth, that's my advice. Let's see what others think.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 9 at 2014 9:32 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 09:32:43 -0400

I am not sure how it works in the Army, but that wouldn't fly on the AF Side. You have the general NCO Authority to do on the spot corrections, not on the spot punishment, especially for folks not in your chain.

NCO's, under the UCMJ are not allowed to punish, only officers can do that. Smoking someone, even if framed as "corrective action" and not punishment put you in a precarious position of being charged with abuse of authority.

Here is an example. We had a hard charging MSgt (E7) in a previous unit that had just come back from TI duty. He had an issue with an NCO (SSgt/E5) in another duty section of the same unit. He walked in to the SSgt's office, locked them up at attention and proceeded to rail in to this NCO for his perceived infraction in front of the SSgt's troops. Once word got to the 1Sgt and Commander (not from the NCO but from their troops) the MSgt was relieved of all supervisory duties and became a "special project NCO" which was the kiss of death for his promotion. The reason was simple, he abused his position of authority.

I agree with the Chief that contacting their chain is the best thing you can do for anything other then an extremely minor correction.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 9:44 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 09:44:11 -0400

When I was a kid, "back in the day" my parents and the other parents in the neighborhood had an agreement. If any of the parents saw any of the kids in the neighborhood acting a fool, they could administer the punishment. Kind of kept us in line. Nowadays, that would not work.

Kind of reminds me of the Army. You have to establish that relationship and understanding with your fellow NCOs. I agree with CW5 Private RallyPoint Member , you should definitely advise the SM's NCO. Also, make sure that what you are doing is within UCMJ. NCOs administer corrective action, re-enforcing a skill.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 9:55 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 09:55:40 -0400

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member CSM Private RallyPoint Member TSgt Joshua Copeland, thank you gentlemen for your answers that does help a lot. I will most definitely go to the Soldier's NCO and inform them of any situation as to not get into a sticky situation.

Response by PFC Cedric Powell made May 27 at 2017 6:11 AM

PFC Cedric Powell — Sat, 27 May 2017 06:11:31 -0400

This is out of my lane, but if you run into those problems such as in a company setting, now keep in mind 1SG should be holding meetings with all NCO's once a week, is familiarize yourself with soldiers, team leaders, squad leaders, and platoon sergeants. Also have contacts with at least one NCO in those platoons. Communication is key in those areas, if it is on the spot, do what you do. If a soldier is in the middle of actively doing something ordered by a fellow NCO, my .02 is that unless it takes precedence, I follow last order given prior, now that is not to say I am disregarding your order, it is just saying what I am accomplishing right now came from higher up, and yes, I will follow your order and come by and see you for what you are needing. Maybe I am in the wrong, but I approached that with tact when a higher ranking NCO spoke.