Has anyone ever been in a screaming match or any altercation with their superiors?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 10:41:21 -0500

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 1 at 2016 11:14 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 11:14:59 -0500

Behind closed doors, heated discussions, absolutely. In front of the kids....NEVER

Response by SGT Gene Welds made Dec 1 at 2016 12:06 PM

SGT Gene Welds — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:06:59 -0500

I was on the road March once and I stopped to tie my boots because one of them was loose and my first sergeant said what the fuck are you doing and I didn't realize it was him I just looked at the boots and thought it was another GI that I dislike and I said what the fuck does it look like I'm doing you asshole I'm time I fucking boots and he fucking snapped on me and I stood up and saw it was him and I fucking freak

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 1 at 2016 12:28 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:28:24 -0500

I don't have "superiors." I have seniors. I have been in VERY "heated discussions" with my seniors at times (because of safety or HUGE morale concerns they hadn't considered). I have always attempted to shift those discussions outside "public view" however. Sometimes you have to tell the boss they're wrong. If you don't, his boss will, and his boss will be less nice than you will. You won't hurt his career (only his ego). His boss has the potential to do both.

If your senior can't handle you being honest (and as TACTFUL as the situation calls for), then sometimes you need to escalate the "discussion parameters" up a hair.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 1 at 2016 12:33 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:33:58 -0500

When not behind closed doors? No never. I got into some strongly worded disagreements but never a screaming match. Just like in marriage, nothing is resolved if it gets to that stage; add on "military bearing" and having things reach that stage means you will not get a good solution.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 1 at 2016 12:40 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:40:29 -0500

Not one that anyone junior in grade would ever know about..... And we didn't "scream". We 'discussed in a loud manner' the issue at hand.

Response by PFC Jason Jackson made Dec 1 at 2016 12:51 PM

PFC Jason Jackson — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:51:26 -0500

Let me count the ways. lol

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 1 at 2016 1:20 PM

1SG Al Brown — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:20:59 -0500

Sure. Me E5, him O1. Outside the wire in Somalia (93), during a somewhat tense moment. He was wrong and I let him know it. We both cooled down. I kept my rank, because he didn't realize that he should have took it. Lucky day in the life. Made me more forgiving, made him think before issuing lawful orders that come with real consequences.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 1:27 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:27:50 -0500

Once in public (I regret that now) and many behind closed doors. Usually in a loud....But professional Manner Which normally ends in my seniors being flabbergasted by my understanding of Navy Regs and General common sense.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 1 at 2016 1:44 PM

SGT David T. — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 13:44:34 -0500

I've had seniors scream at me, but I never raised my voice back. The louder they got, the more determined I was to not give in. They would get way more angry lol

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 1 at 2016 2:33 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:33:51 -0500

Back when I was a SSgt I had one MSgt that was well overstepping His bounds. Myself and My Men had complied with things He told us to do but It wasn't good enough for His unreasonable approach. He continued yelling and I walked away from Him. I wasn't going to get in a verbal yelling match with Him and felt He was out of control. I figured that was better than punching Him in the mouth which was what i wanted to do but knew that was not the proper approach. I went straight to His boss a SMsgt and His boss a Captain removed Him from His position and assigned Him a job where He supervised no one Inside of 3 days that was done with full approval and the blessing of the unit Commander. We weren't the first ones to have a problem with Him. His replacement another MSgt who had recently arrived PCS turned out to be a great man to work for and the problem was solved.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 2:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:46:31 -0500

Wouldn't call it screaming, but a particular altercation between myself, a MSG, and a MAJ comes to mind. Myself and the MSG were...strongly suggesting...the MAJ take our recommendation to heart when it came to accounting for some property and wanted him to fully appreciate our genuine concerns lol.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Dec 1 at 2016 4:12 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 16:12:40 -0500

I got into a heated "in your" face altercation with my Battalion Commander one day. He won to say the least.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 1 at 2016 6:22 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:22:26 -0500

Never with seniors, never with subordinates. When I was a 1stLt Company XO there was a 1stLt rifle platoon leader who regularly, (almost weekly) went "over the hill" with me to settle a difference of opinion with fisticuffs. There was no doubt the Company CO and Battalion CO and XO knew what was going on. I doubt if there was ever an entire two week period where one or both of us didn't have a black eye, fat lip, or stitches. I'm sure the entire company knew what was going on but there was no doubt that we presented a united front in front of the Marines.

Response by SPC Tyler Engebretson made Dec 1 at 2016 6:43 PM

SPC Tyler Engebretson — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:43:28 -0500

On the flight deck during operations one of our planes malfunctioned and dumped its fuel to BINGO, 17k bls to 3k bls. One of my chiefs, who I never seemed to be on the same page with, told me to go get a broom and start sweeping the spilled fuel overboard. It heated up pretty quickly, I was soaked in fuel, the aircraft still purging, everyone yelling over the noise of fight ops, troubleshooters frantically trying to get it to stop, and I don't see how a broom is going to even reasonably resolve the thousands of pounds of fuel on the deck. As I explain that our priority is containing the spill and there is a specific procedure for it, clean up later, chief looses it and turns at me, slips on a deck hatch (mind you there's fuel everywhere) and slams into me. I didn't know that he slipped but on his way down he grabbed me, so I just reacted... and hip checked him into the deck.

I was very fortunate. He realized he was wrong on the procedures for a fuel spill while I knew them verbatim, which made discussions regarding what led to the altercation much better. I was even more fortunate that after it cooled down he understood why I thought he was attacking me. I was however, pretty much cemented on his s**t list after that.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Dec 1 at 2016 6:48 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 18:48:18 -0500

Only time I lost it was with a supply E-6 that since he was in charge of inspections for his section took it upon himself to remove all the serviceable tags on all the aircraft parts that were signed verifying that the parts were operational and replaced them with his tags that he signed saying inspection good. Not sure why he personally delivered them but I flipped out and started screaming at him and my E-7 had to pull me out of the room, told me to sit down, and then proceeded to scream at him, himself and have him send $12m in parts back to the shops to re-certify they were good. Looking back at it I was lucky not to get written up for the incident since I was an E-5 at the time. Not sure what happened to the E-6 from supply though since I never saw him again. But I'm we had to cancel three missions because there were no serviceable parts for the helicopters.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Dec 1 at 2016 7:10 PM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:10:59 -0500

Only cause they love recruits. Kinda makes ya feel real good, and welcome.

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Dec 1 at 2016 7:47 PM

TSgt Denise Moody — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:47:53 -0500

Yep, when I was an E-4 Sgt I told a Capt no. It did start out fairly quiet, but he escalated the disagreement and I wasn't backing down. The unfortunate part was this took place at the front desk with patients sitting in the waiting room. We both got counseled, mine wasn't noted in my records. And in a way we both won. He got what he wanted but none of the patients he wanted rescheduled were, just moved around. And he never crossed me again, so I think he got reamed a little worse than I did ;)

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 8:30 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 20:30:20 -0500

I had it out with my now ex husband's E5 squad leader. When this happened we were dating, same company different platoons. We had just got back to the company parking lot to head up to the barracks when we started arguing about something. my ex's squad leader, comes up to both of us and starts telling us that he can break us up and all sorts of other b.s. By that time, I was in full blown pissed off mode, being a red head (short fuse & all), I turned to him, and proceeded to cuss him up one side then right back down the other saying , who the h... does he think he is telling me who I can and cannot date. I told him to mind his own dang business and stay out of our's. By the time my ex could say something to get me to finally shut my mouth for a minute his squad leader said he would see me tomorrow and will be writing me up. I said that's fine, but you still can't tell me who I can and cannot date.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 8:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 20:35:19 -0500

I've only had heated discussions.

Response by SSG Steven E. made Dec 2 at 2016 1:10 PM

SSG Steven E. — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 13:10:06 -0500

No screaming matches, but I did have a few occasions of responding to a question or comment in a manner that held much room for improvement in my choice of wording and tactfulness. Overall, I had a pretty good group of Officers and Senior NCO's throughout my time in the military, and they were for the most part, easy to work for and "vent up" to when needed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2016 8:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 20:23:18 -0500

Nope. I have been told by some of my NCO's that if I thought they were wrong about something that they want me to tell them so. That being said I know there's a way to do that.

Response by TSgt Jeremy S. made Dec 6 at 2016 7:06 AM

TSgt Jeremy S. — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:06:52 -0500

I can think of few if any instances in the military where someone who is serving honorably would believe they could have even an argument with their leadership (so called or otherwise) and get away with it. It's one thing to disagree, good leaders embrace differences, but in the military sometimes you just have to suck it up and move on. Assuming everything is legal and no one is getting killed. If you feel strongly enough about your argument, go up the chain and see if they agree with you, let those above them handle the screaming. If they don't agree with you, either you're probably wrong of you have poor leadership. In the case of the latter, had you got into any sort of arguments that could be construed as insubordination they would likely back the superior and you would probably find yourself in a situation you really don't want to be in. Keep in mind we are talking about an argument and not a disagreement. The difference is an argument you don't back down whether your wrong or right, a disagreement you make your case and accept the outcome. Keep in mind you're in the military and although it may not happen consistently or as often as it should, you can still be court marshaled for insubordination, disrespect and for disrupting good order or discipline and the penalty could be death and imprisonment. No one wants to be made an example out of and you never know when they all of a sudden decide to enforce a rule or two, even if it happens all the time. Good luck!

Response by TSgt Jeremy S. made Dec 6 at 2016 7:10 AM

TSgt Jeremy S. — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:10:56 -0500

I can think of few if any instances in the military where someone who is serving honorably would believe they could have even an argument with their leadership (so called or otherwise) and get away with it. It's one thing to disagree, good leaders embrace differences, but in the military sometimes you just have to suck it up and move on. Assuming everything is legal of course, there is a structure in place for good reason. If you feel strongly enough about your argument, go up the chain and see if they agree with you, let those above them handle the screaming. If those up the chain don't agree with you, either you're either wrong or you have poor leadership. In the case of the latter, had you got into any sort of arguments they would likely back the superior and you would probably find yourself in a situation you really don't want to be in. Keep in mind we are talking about an argument and not a disagreement. The difference is an argument you don't back down whether your wrong or right, a disagreement you make your case and accept the outcome. Keep in mind you're in the military and although it may not happen consistently or as often as it should, you can still be court marshaled for insubordination, disrespect and for disrupting good order or discipline and the penalty could be death and imprisonment. No one wants to be made an example out of and you never know when they all of a sudden decide to enforce a rule or two, even if the offense all the time. Good luck!

Response by PO2 Robert Moore made Dec 6 at 2016 7:36 AM

PO2 Robert Moore — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:36:06 -0500

Yes.......because he almost got us killed. Starts off "with all due respect.....and disrespect"...... E-4 turns into a Gunny Lewis all over an E7, and suddenly an 0-6 is helping him chew. Not pretty, not going into details. I will add, that the idea I had to do that physically made me sick, and the few times that I actually threw up......afterwards.
They're your men/women, your charge......don't put them in harms way needlessly. Be more responsible.....and be more intelligent.
Hooyah, Oorah and Hooah........are more than a catch phrase.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Dec 6 at 2016 8:53 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:53:43 -0500

Since I knew myself very well, and the temper that I had, plus I wanted to keep my rank, I've always respected the rank and position, probably not the person so much...I've always kept my mouth shut! I can't tell you the number of ass-chewings I've gotten over the years...it comes with the rank. The way I've leaned to look at over the years, IF you have to YELL, you've already lost control as a supervisor...think about how many parents yell at their kids over and over, are the kids really listening?...especially teens, they just tune you out!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 8:57 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 08:57:36 -0500

yep me as an AIC and my super TSgt Ragsdale...lol over a pcam card that skipped a card coloum .. he say are you aruging with me three times and i said no... and the last time i said we are haveing a slite disagreement.....lol well the chief took me out side and we have the talk...lol

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Dec 6 at 2016 9:03 AM

MSgt Richard Randall — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:03:06 -0500

Rather heated discussions, yes. Screaming match? No. My five year old granddaughter screams, especially when she sees a spider. I don’t do screaming.

Response by PO2 Drew Brown made Dec 6 at 2016 9:04 AM

PO2 Drew Brown — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:04:42 -0500

I once almost decked my division officer. He ordered me to a one on one meeting over some dumb stuff that could have been easier resolved using the proper chain of command. Some elevated voice discussion ensued and I almost lost it. Thankfully, I had a clear enough head to walk away and find my chief. Chief fixed everything.

Response by TSgt John Hebrard made Dec 6 at 2016 9:15 AM

TSgt John Hebrard — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:15:57 -0500

Sure did. Both of us were SSgt's but the other guy had one month more time in grade. He sucked up to the Chiefs and screamed and yelled at the subordinates, especially me. I liked pushing his button as he was working to become an officer. I got called out by a CMSgt to find out what was going on and I told him my supervisor was an ass kisser. I was told the next day I was 'fired'. I lucked out as a new position opened up next door in another shop and I got accepted. Oh ya, it was the CMSgt's ass that was being kissed. Oh the good old days.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 9:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:55:13 -0500

Short answer - Yes. Stood my ground to my PSG (E-7) and 1SG (E-8). They threatened to bust me if I was wrong, and I said that it was a fair thing to do. It was my job and if I failed to do that then busting me was reasonable. They backed down.
On another occasion I was recovering from surgery but required by SOP to go w/personnel on profile to the gym. Had some guy in PTs come up and start screaming that I was in the &^%$^ way, and what the *^& did I think I was doing. I calmly explained the situation and stated that his actions were quite unsoldierly. "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" 'No, I don't. But, whoever you are, it's no reason to act in such an unbecoming manner.' "I'm Colonel So-And-So! Who's your commander?!?!?" 'Sir, I am SSG Baird with 3/9 Aviation, and there's still no reason to be so rude and vulgar.'
Quickly informed the CofC.
It was ridiculous. My 1SG laughed.

Response by PO1 Dallas Shewmaker made Dec 6 at 2016 10:36 AM

PO1 Dallas Shewmaker — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 10:36:02 -0500

A general rule of leadership:
"Give praise publicly. Reprimand privately."

As a junior, I always wanted to scream back. I was a new E3 with an E6 (PO1) that was gunning for promotion. The guy rode me like a theme park ride. He would always say that it was to make me a better sailor. Personally, I think he was just a miserable person that needed to vent his frustrations on others. He would take me aside and ream me. I learned that nothing says FU like a smile. I'd just take the dressing down with a smile. It would upset him even more but he couldn't do anything about it. Simple responses like, "Yes, Petty Officer. No, Petty Officer."

As a leader, I've had to give a few "counseling sessions" behind closed doors. I tried to remain calm. Keep to the facts. Make it simple and when they tried to make it an emotional disaster, stop them. Pull rank if necessary but only if necessary or they become totally resistant.

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Dec 6 at 2016 10:52 AM

SCPO Lonny Randolph — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 10:52:04 -0500

Such discussions are always best conducted behind closed doors, respectfully and with the full knowledge that one's objection can be over-ridden. If you feel that you have not been given a fair hearing, it is best to follow the chain of command while always being aware that being wrong can have consequences.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Dec 6 at 2016 11:15 AM

MSgt Brian Williams — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 11:15:46 -0500

Yep. Went nose to nose with a Major in his office. I had stopped in the office on my way to the airport to pick up a FOUO training manual for a new system. I was in civilian clothes as might flight to Cali was about 3 hours out. He wanted to know why I was going TDY and who authorized it. It was the OT&E for a new system and this MF had signed the paperwork so I could get my orders processed. Then he wanted to know why I was in civilian clothes. Well when I came back from TDY I had been "mysteriously" moved to the training office. Then karma took over. He was promoted to Lt Col and became a squadron commander. Turns out his squadron was responsible for the training program that I had become the NCOIC for. He was such an a**hole that he got fired within the year. The great part, I was TDY to review the training course but I got to see his walk of shame.

Response by PO1 Charles Kimbril made Dec 6 at 2016 11:31 AM

PO1 Charles Kimbril — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 11:31:52 -0500

Once you scream, you have lost.

Response by CMSgt Gary Fichman made Dec 6 at 2016 12:12 PM

CMSgt Gary Fichman — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:12:30 -0500

Well, one of my first discussions ended like this--"you are a SSgt and I am a Col-- well do it my way". Later in my career I had a boss that was hispanic and if you were not passionate about your point of view he did not think you were serious. The guy in the office next door to his (we had our discussions behind closed doors) asked him why he let me yell at him and he replied "what are you talking about"--he shared the discussion with me later.

Response by CMDCM Kermit Cain made Dec 6 at 2016 12:14 PM

CMDCM Kermit Cain — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:14:59 -0500

I retired after 31+ years and I can recall three, once as a E5, once as an E6 and once as a E9 in EVERY situation is was due to my seniors doing either an unethical or a dishonest action. In the case of when I was in the CMC (E9) billet I slammed the door on the CSO's office so hard that the framing nails pulled out of the wood. Hard to hold an art. 15 or CM for disrespect (or actually a physical threat I was so ticked) when it would be revealed violations of the UCMJ by the command. I am NOT going to go into details but YES - It happens. By the by, my brother and others stated that I would not survive in the civilian word due to my over the top attitude towards ethical behavior and morality, YEP - fired from three different positions due to "not fitting in". Also known as "you have to go along to get along (apparently a certain level of dishonesty and corruption is required between the military, the GS's and the contracting companies)." After the third termination I just retired and gave up on "the real world".

Response by SSG Vincent Wilson made Dec 6 at 2016 2:16 PM

SSG Vincent Wilson — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 14:16:09 -0500

Never. But I had some really good leaders that to the best of my knowledge never gave me an unlawful command.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Dec 6 at 2016 3:13 PM

1SG Harold Piet — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:13:52 -0500

I had a warrant Officer who was an idiot, then the Army made him go back to E-7. Then in all the Army wisdom left him in the same plattoon as a Plt SGT. He was Polish, and I am sure almost all Polish jokes were made after meeting him. I and other NCOs in my company had both screeming and physical altercations with him. He was the worst individual I ever met dealing with other people. The only good thing was he was really intelligent. SFC Wipochowski. not sure the spelling is correct. It is a wonder my career survived him.

Response by SSG Thomas A Gilmore made Dec 6 at 2016 4:02 PM

SSG Thomas A Gilmore — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 16:02:00 -0500

never , just listened to what they said

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 7:18 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 19:18:04 -0500

As soon as you yell back, listening has stopped. A good leader (up or down) has to figure out a way to get juniors and seniors to do what you want without them focusing on the credit that they are doing what you want. I have always told my Marines that there are ways to tactfully tell someone that they are screwed up without specifically telling them they are all messed up.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Dec 6 at 2016 9:05 PM

SSG Wayne Wood — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:05:15 -0500

I don't recall ever being disrespectful to any senior to a point that it jeopardized my career - I've had disagreements - probably too many (I tend to be opinionated) but always kept it behind that line one shouldn't cross. I've stood through many screaming butt-chewings from folks who ranked me but held my peace (for that I thank my Drill Sergeants at Ft Leonard Wood); more than once, that has stood me in good stead later. Only one time did I ever get into it with a higher rank - as a PFC I got into a fight with a SSG; but it was off-duty, had nothing to do with the job (he wasn't in my direct chain) and I let him get the first punch so I was acting in self-defense. Sadly, he got busted for it as there were witnesses - it shouldn't have gone that far. Bottom line, it's not worth losing it with those above you. Better to state your case respectfully (no matter how bad you are) unless it's life threatening - as some have recounted here. I am thankful I've never been in that position.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Dec 7 at 2016 12:18 AM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:18:56 -0500

Don't know if it was an altercation, but I did raise my voice to my first Sergeant one day.

It happened when I was a lowly E3(A1C), and a Red Cross message did not get passed on to me on time. Oddly enough, it was the same day I found out I was being promoted below the zone to E4(SRA).

Standing outside the commander's office, the First Sergeant, (CMSgt) asks me if I heard about my grandmother passing away. As I asked questions, my voice got louder each time. The Chief, I think, understood my anger and just blew it off.

Needless to say, I missed the funeral. Found out it was that day.

Response by PO1 Lindsey Bland made Dec 7 at 2016 8:03 AM

PO1 Lindsey Bland — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 08:03:15 -0500

Yes and most of the time they are always right. They never want to hear you out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2016 11:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 11:15:06 -0500

Section Sergeant (E6) and I (young E5) almost came to blows twice. We were in Kuwait. Disagreements that I escalated line an immature ass. We ended up both being right. Say down later and worked it out after things came to a head. He was the bigger man and saw that I was being an immature hot-head. Learned a lot from those incidents.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Dec 7 at 2016 2:52 PM

CPO David Sharp — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 14:52:53 -0500

Navy Regs are very specific and the UCMJ is also specific. This is not "romper-room". What movie were watching when you enlisted?

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Dec 7 at 2016 5:21 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 17:21:18 -0500

If your a leader there will come a point in time that this will happen some more than others. I know ive had my fair share but most were trying to protect the folks i was in charge of. Luckly cooler heads prevailed.

Response by SFC Tom Carey made Dec 8 at 2016 7:29 AM

SFC Tom Carey — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 07:29:39 -0500

No.

Response by SSgt Donald Ostrem made Dec 8 at 2016 2:53 PM

SSgt Donald Ostrem — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:53:47 -0500

Yes, I had a screaming match with my supervisor, who was a SR Airman. I thought my supervisor although young, was a person who thought that power went to his head. Like Stan Lee said, "With great power comes great responsibility."

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Dec 9 at 2016 12:20 AM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 00:20:31 -0500

During my career as a Hospital Corpsman I had the pleasure of teaching the basic EMT program through paramedic level for the National Registry and having them test for the National Registry, as this was done in the evening on my time to those interested in learning. I was approved at the state level as an instructor and at the national level as an instructor. I was also certified by the American Red Cross as a Advanced Cardiac Life Support instructor. This apparently upset a few Nurse officers including the Chief Nurse (LtC) who ordered me into a meeting stating my programs final exam should be written by nurses. I asked her who wrote her college final exams? Those were written by her instructors thus allowing her to take the state boards certifying her as an RN. My final exam was approved by the State and a copy was sent to the national registry. On passing my program my students were authorized to take the National Registry. My percentage pass rate of my students was 95% overall. This meeting was brought to the attention of the Hospital Commander (Col) by a senior NCO, who informed the Chief Nurse to get off my back. Soon after I was moved to the nursing education office as NCOIC of nursing education under an RN Major. When I first arrived in that position, She informed me that she wouldn't let any of my students work to save her life if she needed it. My statement to her was that's too bad as that would reduce her chance for survival. Come to find out that the Chief Nurse had a favorite Airman who she wanted to take over and teach the program that I had established. Who ever said politics doesn't play a part of the military needs to take a good look before making any statements.

Response by SFC Michael Smith made Dec 9 at 2016 5:07 PM

SFC Michael Smith — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 17:07:45 -0500

Sadly yes. Was a Committee Chief in TSB/FLW. Was at a Bn Training or Maint. Meeting; felt the Range Control CO/Civilian Cmndr had insulted my subordinates and I freaked out; threatened him. It had been building for a long time. Even though the old 'treat everyone under E-8 like a Cherry Drill Sergeant'; I was totally wrong. I was lucky that he didn't take it to another level. They suggested I go speak to someone; which I did. It helped. I became 1SG and retired not far down the road. Guess I'm trying to say; look inward. In this case; respecting others; just like in the Ethos; goes both ways; but I was wrong. I was carrying a lot of anger and stress.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 5:10 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 17:10:21 -0500

Never had a supervisor who would tolerate nor whom I disrespected so much that I would. I have on rare occasion told one that I would do what was being asked only if it was a direct order.

Response by SGT Todd Miller made Dec 16 at 2016 11:49 AM

SGT Todd Miller — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 11:49:40 -0500

I still don't talk about these things and it's been 25 years at least. I had one SSG who would wake me every morning by grabbing me by the ankles and yanking me out of bed. More than once I hit my head and bruised my back. I got tired of it. I talked with my section SFC and he tried to get the SSG to stop it. One day I wore my boots to bed. Next day the man came in to yank me out of bed and I kicked that guy in the face hard! That's the Army I grew up in. We were in TOP's office in no time. SSG wanted to article 15 me. Apparently, there is some rule somewhere that goes back to the war in Vietnam that says a soldier isn't responsible for what he does during the first 30 seconds after someone wakes him. I still don't know if that's true but charges were dropped, the SSG stopped yanking me out of bed every morning, and we got along a little better. Lol!

Response by LCpl Ian Houston made Apr 26 at 2017 5:53 PM

LCpl Ian Houston — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 17:53:20 -0400

I never bothered to argue. I would just say "aye sir" and then go do it the right way. I got into several fights with senior enlisted on ship and nothing ever came out of it. I realize now that I probably should have been busted down more than once, but got away with a lot. Probably because we were deployed.

Response by SPC Colin Smith made Apr 26 at 2017 6:31 PM

SPC Colin Smith — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 18:31:35 -0400

Ohh man...Got drunk as hell in the Sanai once and turned the Co HQ upside down looking for a check from home. My drunk ass thought (for some unknown reason) that the 1sgt was hiding it from me. Came outta his office to confront me then I threatened to kick his ass. Woke up the next morning, my buddies had to tell me what happened. Luckily I had a great realationship with him since I had been his RTO fir a couple of yrs when he was my Plt Sgt. Just got unofficial ED! Lucky me!

Response by SFC Rick Forlines made Apr 26 at 2017 6:48 PM

SFC Rick Forlines — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 18:48:37 -0400

Sad as it sounds, I did blow the living hell up on one character who basically shat in his own SGM's face via his ill judged decision, but that was in a time and galaxy somewhere prior to 1993. You better have your shit tight in one sock if you feel that kind of froggy

Response by TSgt Julie Miller made Apr 26 at 2017 7:42 PM

TSgt Julie Miller — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 19:42:15 -0400

I lost it when as a young Buck Sgt. a TSgt who had cross-trained into my career field refused to learn what I was trying to teach him. He'd made it a point to not tell me he was not my direct supervisor, he told me point blank that I should get out, stay home and have babies, because the women in Puerto Rico do and I was not trying to teach him anything. On this particular day, he accused me of not showing him something so he failed to pass a CDC test. Naturally, I'd had about all I could take and in front of my Shop Chief and co-workers lost my composure, exploded, said a few choice words then reported to the First Sgt. I was damn sure right then and there I'd lost a stripe and my one chance at promotion. Fortunately, his behavior had not gone on unnoticed. I was sent home to cool off, and he got a letter of reprimand or counseling.
Do I recommend it? No, but I can't say as I am fully ashamed either.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 8:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:19:54 -0400

Yup, as an E-3, I exploded on my sniper section leader as I was talking to our platoon sergeant about quitting the team due to his shitbaggery. He'd been fucking me over for months, pushing almost all of the headquarters platoon's details and vehicle maintenance on me while he smoked and joked in the office with our RTO and mortars.

He was a real winner. I had zero respect for his combat or leadership abilities. He was really big into airsoft and was always ninja rolling, jumping out of windows and dual wielding pistols and shit. Guy actually had the same tattoo on his forearm as Snake from Metal Gear Solid. He apparently thought life was a video game. With an upcoming deployment, there was no way I was putting my life in his hands.

He tried to play it off like he was just testing me and then started accusing me of lying, so I blew up on him in front of our PL/PSG and a few other NCOs. Our CO later pulled me into his office to talk and I kept my rank. My punishment was a month of purgatory in the training room before going back to the line like I wanted.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 8:20 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:20:26 -0400

In my short time, I haven't had a yelling match or very outward disagreement with my leadership. My team has a pretty good culture - if you disagree and time allows, we can have open discussions of what we think should or shouldn't be done, and if time doesn't allow, leadership cuts you off and we press on.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 9:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 21:02:16 -0400

Does telling 1 to pull over the GSA so you can beat their ass count?? And calling them a pu$$y for talking big but not backing it up in front of a vehicle of fellow SSG's and SFC's count? Then telling them to shut up and drive? ... Shouldn't call people a little bitch after they call you out for drinking and driving in a GSA the night prior... just saying.

Response by SGT Brian Dimoff made Apr 26 at 2017 10:20 PM

SGT Brian Dimoff — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:20:23 -0400

There's a reason I'm wearing SGT stripes for the 3rd time after 13 years. We'll leave it at that

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 10:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:37:22 -0400

Once, as a brand new PA, I had just finished sickcall and had time to go to the gym. I got in my car and drove through the parking lot to get to the gym. The BDE CSM and his entourage stopped me to chew me out about driving in that area during PT. Since I was newly commissioned and had over 10 years enlisted behind me, I was, of course, standing at parade rest during his tirade. When he finally stopped to let me talk, I asked him, "Don't you think there's a more constructive way to inform the FNG that he's wrong?" That led to more yelling, finally, I'd had enough called him to attention, told him who I was and dismissed him. We exchanged salutes and went our separate ways. I had such angst while working out and then showered and went to my office and called the BN CSM to tell him what happened. I told him I was shitting my pants with worry about the Full Bird calling me to the carpet. The BN CSM just laughed and told me not to worry about it. After about a month, I finally relaxed. I attended quite a few staff meetings at the BDE level, not once did either of us ever discuss the incident. To this day, I don't really know who was right or wrong, but it makes me chuckle thinking about it today.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 11:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 23:18:14 -0400

Lol I put hands on my NCO AS AN E3 down at Bliss. I had an on going family situation going on as my little girl had just passed away. He knew this situation but didn't seem to care much ... not his problem I guess . However he then decided that he wasn't going to sign my pass to go home . granted I just got back from deployment ... My child was in Philadelphia... she passed the night we returned . Since everyone else had okay'd it ...I was told to purchase a plane ticket immediately ... which I did ... him deciding that he was going to hold my paperwork until he felt ready made me miss the flight ...

Clearly he and I have a checkered history... but rather than argue further I took it up with 1sg and Co Commander ... they flat out told me to leave and they'd handle which they did. He however, decided that he was going to try to give me an Article 15 for not signing out ( yes I forgot to do that )
So after gettin back I immediately requested leave ... obvious reasons ...

Next thing you know ... I'm
In his office being told ... I'm a bitch... not cut out for his army... pos...
( he's only an E5 at 14 years in... I musta not been the only bitch... and that's what I said to him )

2 other NCOS sat quietly as the whole thing transpired ...

And I was tired of being disrespected by this man ...
He asked me to repeat myself.. so I did ...
calls me to attention...I complied
Half right face.... I complied

Front leaning rest position ... move!

I stood silently ..
He repeated himself again...
I stood there now smiling

He then grabs me by my collar to attempt to force me to drop...

At that point ... it's game on... touched the wrong Staff Private
( even worse that I hear my senior NCO yell out ... oh shit get em J ... fuck him up Philly ) instead of stopping me .

At this point I thought I'd be kicked out anyway so I made sure he paid for it

... somehow it never got out past them even tho you'd hear jokes once in awhile when he'd say something .. better chill out Johnson just got promoted ... he goin out them hands on you....

He got out a year later with a bruised ego...

Me... I turned out alright

Sorry for the long winded story but I figure you could use some entertainment

Response by SSgt Nicholas Merchant made Apr 26 at 2017 11:50 PM

SSgt Nicholas Merchant — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 23:50:53 -0400

Once... I had a dufflbag E6 buying his time to retire during stop loss. He had been embarrassed by one of of my sqared aways in front of a 3 star. I had just finished ALS as an E4 and was only a supervisor to 5 and my first group, the general ended up really letting the E6 have it this E6 was our scting flight chief and it happened in front of our flight. The E6 about z month later ordered me to give my troop a 2epr i refused he got angrey pulled me into a secured room with other E6s a few 7s and began yelling at me telling me he could end my career said this kid didnt deserve to wear the uniform all kindx of stuff. When he finished yelling at be littling me I said no i will fight you on this no matter the consequence i continued with I come from a long proud line of military service members and non msde a career out wearing out holes in their knees and I for sure will not suck your or kiss your ass just to make you feel better about your sorry go no where career youre a joke and sad excuse for z Sgt in the USAF two days later he was forced to retire i was sent to training with a guaranteed promotion upon completion

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Apr 27 at 2017 7:01 AM

SPC Rick LaBonte — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 07:01:14 -0400

I only got in a yelling match with an NCO once and he wasn't even from my platoon, luckily I was fortunate enough to have good NCO's above me. The parking at the barracks on Ft Rileywas two rows-one facing the barracks, one facing the street. The large parking lot at the chapel was across the street but some married personnel were too lazy to walk 300 yards so they'd park in the lane at the barracks blocking in up to six cars. It was enough of a problem the MP's wouldn't do anything unless a car was damaged. Saturday if I wasn't on duty, that was my day to catch up on errands( PX shopping, gas, car maintenance, etc) and there was a car parked directly behind my pickup! A lime green Cadillac ghetto cruiser I knew belonged to an E-6 from another platoon. I tracked him down and he refused to move it, said it'd only be a few minutes and he'd leave. Two hours later it was still there. My truck had a plate steel bumper, so I drove it forward onto the sidewalk, then put it in reverse and plowed into his car hard enough to mangle the rear door and cave the trunk! He come running out screaming, thinking he was going to intimidate me, tried to lock me at parade rest and I told him to go to hell. He called the MP's and got ticketed for blocking a fire lane! I was senior enlisted man in my section at that time and my section chief( another E-6) was concerned so he had a meeting with me and the rest of the section NCO's, when I told them what happened, my squad leader started laughing and said "f_ck that prick! His stripes don't give him the right to disrespect single personnel like that! My First Sergeant was an E-7 filling the slot, my former platoon Sergeant, next time he seen me, he shook my hand, told me that SSG had a God complex and a few weeks prior Top had went off on him when he came in on a Saturday to find that boat parked in the spot that had a sign on it-"reserved for company First Sergeant ", and if he complained to him, he wouldn't have an ass left!

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Apr 27 at 2017 8:58 AM

SSG Grant Hansen — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:58:15 -0400

I have never been in a yelling match with anyone above me in my vhain of command. I have occasionally politely corrected one in private.

However, I did once yell at an E-6 from another unit when when I was an E-5.

My unit was entering the main gate at Camp Arifjan and the line at that time was VERY long. Suddenly 3 trucks from another unit drove up and tried to cut in line. I told the E-4 driving my truck to close it up and be sure they didn't get in.

After a near collision with one truck, the driver got out and yelled at my driver. Unfortunately one of the trucks had managed to cut ahead of us and we were at a dead stop while the gate security sorted out why a truck not in our unit was in our convoy.

I got out, walked to his window and proceded to lecture that E-6 in a very loud and angry manner, on why his trucks just screwed everyone in a mile long line to enter the gate.

His only response when I asked him if he understood was a sheepish, "Hooah, Sgt."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 9:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 09:13:12 -0400

No. Usually, such instances are a clash of egos, not a case of clear right vs clear wrong. There are no winners when egos clash. Just embarrassment and display of emotional weakness. If it's important enough, I get an objective third party involved. If it isn't crucial, I disengage and carry on with my business.

Response by SGT Jason Trevino made Apr 27 at 2017 9:43 AM

SGT Jason Trevino — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 09:43:04 -0400

In Iraq as an E5 I got in a heated debate with a captian and company commander of a sister unit. It was in regards tona change in the middle of a convoy that would ad unecessary time, and put us in harm, and separate us for an expended period of time...needless to say after a couple of Fbombs from me, we went with my plan!!!! Common sense beats book every time!!!

Response by PO2 Mike Dayton made Apr 27 at 2017 11:30 AM

PO2 Mike Dayton — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:30:41 -0400

I was an ET2 on a straight stick frigate. One evening a radar repeater in CIC was acting up, but they wouldn't let me work on it because they had an exercise coming up. Five hours later (1:30AM) the exercise had been canceled and they racked me out to fix it. I lost my cool with the Operations Officer (a LT). I didn't under stand why if it waited five hours it couldn't wait until morning. He just let me vent, I suppose because he knew I was very good at my job.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 27 at 2017 11:36 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:36:56 -0400

Not only "no", but "hell no." Don't do it. Keep control of yourself even when those around you are losing it. Once the other guy starts screaming, you've already won. Let the "senior" person vent their anger all they want. BTW if it's fake anger trying to get a response out of you, then you will completely defeat them by remaining calm and professional. Give them a "yes, sir (or sergeant)" when appropriate. Being professional and showing proper respect for the person's rank or position nearly guarantees you won't be punished further, given NJP, or charged under the UCMJ for insubordination.

I know this is difficult. The end result is worth it.

Response by PO2 Mike Dayton made Apr 27 at 2017 11:37 AM

PO2 Mike Dayton — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:37:57 -0400

I witnessed (or actually triggered) another altercation, and it was actually hilarious what happened. I was on an LPH helo carrier at sea, and the time came for our annual evac drill. A blindfold simulated a smoke filled berthing area, and each of us had to find our way to a weather deck. We shared our berthing area with the engine and boiler room guys, and many of them were sleeping off their most recent mid shift. As I was feeling my way toward the ladder, I accidentally put my hand directly on the face of a sleeping BT3. I made it out, then went back down to swap the blindfold with my safety spotter, only to find that BT3 screaming in the face of our Operations Officer, a Commander. The poor BT3 had no clue I was the one who woke him, and the Commander very professionally allowed the BT3 to vent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 12:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:13:26 -0400

When I was at Campbell we were on a brigade run, and a Maj and Ltc noticed a female running quite slower than the pack. Unbeknownst to them she was like 6+ months pregnant. As they ran by with zest and hooah, they tried to motivate her with, " come on! Run faster". To which she gave a banshee shrill retort, "I'm going as fucking fast as I can"! I've never seen fear and terror strike so quickly. They didn't say a word, just ran faster to get away. I laughed. She murdered.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 12:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:59:11 -0400

I've had a few. I'm a hothead anyway, but the one that really stands out is my first trip to NTC. Baby PFC Collins out there doing medic stuff, I was the only Evac platoon medic put on night shift. Naturally this is set to cause issues, since someone higher up the chain than me decided that our TMC tent city was to be set up on the opposite side of the fake FOB from the rest of the BN's living quarters and showers. Since I needed a partner to go anywhere, and my shower time was at odd hours to anyone else...i just didn't get one apparently. Asked my SGT, asked other people's SGTs, asked literally anyone i could find, but no one was cleared to go up there and my SGT just blew me off. So after 4 days of this, I'm pretty ripe, I'm chafing to the point of bleeding and I'm really, really angry.

I grabbed my shower stuff and proceeded to hike out of our little mini-FOB we had going on. my SGT proceeds to try to stop me, at which point I just let loose 4 days of rage on this terrible cow (5'1", almost 200lbs and not on the fatboy program? Yeah right). The amount of screaming drew out half the TMC, i get threatened with UCMJ, but by this point i don't care. I just want my freaking shower. They exist, they are close enough for me to walk to, if I had to beat someone to death I was going to get my shower. Eventually my PLT SGT comes out and tells this horrible excuse for an NCO to do her job, we round everyone up and make sure that everyone actually gets to bathe. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was running around nasty. Ended up apologizing and explaining it to the PLT SGT, which saved me from the Art. 15. I still have a grudge against that useless excuse for an NCO and probably always will.

Response by CPL Johnny Davis made Apr 27 at 2017 4:51 PM

CPL Johnny Davis — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:51:45 -0400

When I was in basic training my Drill Srgt had us in formation yelling at us. As he was yelling a 2LT walked in from of the formation and behind the Drill Srgt. Our Drill Srgt did not look directly at the 2LT walking behind, but had to of glanced because he seen the soft cap on. Our Drill Srgt swong his arm back behind him knocking the 2LT to the ground. Then started to yell "why the hell was a private walking in front of his formation"? The 2LT being a younger guy in his mid 20's jumped to his feet and started screaming at out Drill Srgt. You can see that's when out Drill Srgt noticed the butter bar and his face turn white. That was the first and only time I seen our Drill Srgt get smoked like he use to do to us. Needless to say we all started laughing. It was well worth the trip to the saw dust pit. Lol

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 4:52 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:52:35 -0400

Was a PFC and an E5 asked myself and a PV2 to watch a stack of weapons. Of course we did and the Sgt returned to relieve us about 20 minutes later. The 3 of us thought his weapon was in the stack when he asked us to watch it, but it wasn't. Shortly after he and my PSG realized it wasn't there they come at us. I can't say that I yelled, but I was firm when I told them no one touched the weapons while we were there, and that he should have checked before he relieved us, stating it was no longer our responsibility. He kept talking and I kept repeating you relieved us, until he gave and admitted he should have checked. I immediately turned around and walked away, hearing our PSG chew him out as we walked. They found it and he apologized. I think one of his team members had picked it up while his back was turned before we arrived. I'll never go down for something I didn't do if I can prevent it. I love them and miss them both to this day, the incident didn't effect our relationship at all.

Response by SSG Chris Morrison made Apr 27 at 2017 5:38 PM

SSG Chris Morrison — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 17:38:16 -0400

One time an officer tried to give me UCMJ for using unauthorized weapons for training purposes. I wanted my men to hear what an AK-47 sounded like. Later we had a fist fight. And that all I can remember from gunny highway

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Apr 27 at 2017 6:08 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:08:13 -0400

Even as a private I practiced the principle of courtesy and respect. I have always been of the mind that, when the shouting starts, the one that refrains from yelling is the victor.

Verbal conflicts are rarely solved at the point of origin, especially when there is yelling.

My drill sergeant was quiet; spooky quiet. On the first day, with all other drill sergeants roaming around chewing trainees out, he would walk up to each of us, put his nose almost to ours, and I honestly felt he was staring into my soul. He would stare for what seemed like forever, and other drill sergeants would get in our ears and yell at us, "are you eyeballing him!" When we would look away, our drill sergeant would whisper to us "eyes front soldier", and when eyes were front, the beatings began.

Of course, we were scared of them all, but with a drill sergeant who was a Vietnam vet with a CIB and a 101st combat patch, who rarely spoke: we were terrified.

This meant that, if he started yelling, hell had froze over, and he was looking to get rid of the ice right quick and in a hurry.

The one who walks around blowing his horn and yelling AFTER basic training, is normally the one with little respect and is not taken serious, or becomes "that guy."

Yelling is counterproductive, but a yelling match is total loss of self control and discipline, and in my opinion, does nothing but ruin both parties reputation.

Bruce Lee had a famous quote that I believe should be part of a warriors life:

"You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend."

That's all I got to say about that.

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, choose the direction you want your military career to go, but always keep improving yourself. Don't let promotions drive your desire for military education, truly have a desire to learn, and never take shortcuts, we have too many soldiers doing that already, so go against the crowd, and don't take cheat sheets and shortcuts.

Be the leader you want to be in charge of you!

Response by CPL Peter King made Apr 27 at 2017 6:17 PM

CPL Peter King — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:17:41 -0400

I was a young E3 signal corpsman on a 2 week deployment with an MP platoon. I got along with most everyone in the Platoon and had a certain degree of latitude with the Sqd Ldrs and PSG because of my knowledge. The PLT Ldr was a completely different story. The idea of a no nothing 2LT no nothing was something I didn't believe in til I met him. Needless to say I tore into this 2LT one night as he was not rotating his squads properly to allow the proper amount of rest. We always had 3 Sqds on mission with one down for rest but on call for QRF for the Bde AO. Well he received a tasking order from Bde for a squad. Instead of denying the request or retaking another squad he decided to wake up the down squad that had just pulled 24 hour duty to pull this meaningless task. Needless to say they complied but in the process I'm chewing out this officer while the PSG sat in his chair in our CP grinning. Needless to say this 2LT was jacked with constantly by the PSG and the rest of his plt for his lack of any brains.

This wasn't his first jack up with the PLT or company as he got us all lost on a vehicle convoy once before. We returned from that 2 week mission and he was transferred out the next month.

Come to find out his last unit had completely duct taped him in a shitter which lead him to transfer to us.

Response by PFC Scott Thompson made Apr 27 at 2017 6:33 PM

PFC Scott Thompson — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:33:41 -0400

I did hit my Platoon Sergeant once. I was reading a newspaper clipping that my Grandmother had just sent me. My Uncle had just shot a guy in the line of duty and I was stunned by the news. That stuff just didn't happen in my home town. Apparently either this guy didn't say anything to me or I didn't hear him. He just grabbed me by my shoulder and spun me around. Well, suffice to say, my fist was faster than my target identification skills. My command wanted to court martial me, but the Post Chaplain intervened and got it squashed after I explained everything to him. Surprisingly, the SFC understood when I apologized to him. However, he always announced himself nice and loud when he approached me from behind after that.

Response by SGT Joseph Miller made Apr 27 at 2017 8:11 PM

SGT Joseph Miller — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:11:58 -0400

I was on med hold at ft dix after returning from iraq and i was the staff duty nco for ft dix, when they were clearing some areas with bulldozers in the training area and one of the dozers pushed up a buried 500lb bomb from WWII, well we had to evacate the training area and the training fob which shutdown all predeployment training for units going to iraq and Afghanistan. I called ,I believe it was fort Monmouth for eod support and talked to a major who if I remember correctly was SDO and notified him of situaton and requested eod .about 6 hours after hearing nothing I called back and was told it's late and he would notify eod on Monday as everyone was gone and this was Friday night so my bases training was completely shut down to which he said that's unfortunate but he's not calling in eod and other assets on a weekend, to which I laid into him hard and told him what I really thought of his chickenshit ass and he threatened to have me court-martialed and hung up on me. I called our base commander and he went off and he took care of it. I never heard anything else about it and nevery received any punishment and base CSM said I did good so all well that ends well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 9:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 21:13:01 -0400

I got one. When deployed to Iraq, for my third time, had a CSM walk into my CSC clinic with his entourage. I met him at the door and offered him a tour (I was a brand new SSG) He proceeds to interview three of my soldiers and asks if they are re-enlisting. All three say "no". He turns to me and tells me I haven't been doing my job. I proceed to explain the cultural differences between these three soldiers. One Vietnamese kid, American born, who is going home to pursue the college dream that she enlisted to support. One Chinese kid, Chinese born, that was going home to support his aging mother, because as the oldest child it is his responsibility. And a Mexican kid, American born, who was going home to take over his father's business. I offered to show him the stack of counseling statement that supported their decisions to not re-enlist. He politely declined and left. Btw. All three of these outstanding soldiers have become very successful civilians.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 10:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:31:53 -0400

Closest I got to an altercation with a drill sergeant was in basic. All the joes were crowding around the bathroom watching a fight break out. We were only allowed to change in the bathroom and I was not about to be late to formation. One shorter soldier was in my way, so I pushed through him to get into the bathroom. Turns out it was the senior drill watching the fight. He turned around ready to kill whoever pushed him. I about pissed myself. I was a good 8" taller than him, but he was about as wide as tall with muscles. He saw I was clearly not wanting to start something and went back to watch the brawl. Yep, that could have ended badly.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 27 at 2017 11:21 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 23:21:55 -0400

No, because when you scream you have lost control. SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Cayle Harris made Apr 28 at 2017 12:21 AM

MSgt Cayle Harris — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:21:16 -0400

I had an argument with an ANG, MSG that I was replacing on deployment. He thought he deserved some power tools to take home as a souvenir. I didn't yell and scream (not my nature). I just suggested that I would report them missing if they weren't there in the morning. He wasn't happy with me; yelling and stomping around, but he put everything back in the conex.

Response by Cpl Christian Johnson made Apr 28 at 2017 12:44 AM

Cpl Christian Johnson — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:44:24 -0400

Twice. Once in each branch of service. As a Lance Corporal, myself and my Corporal generally exchanged quips in the Marines. Once while working the targets at the range, he was giving a brief to us while we were at attention. I called him a buddy fucker, jokingly. He told me to get down and push. I refused. Our SGT. , after hearing about the situation told us both to remove our blouses and go into the storage room and resolve our differences. We both respected each other again after that. This was in the 90's. Twenty years later I join the Army National Guard and get into with a POS MSGT (and I'm an E-4) because I refuse to sign the counseling sheet because I won't let their shitty dentist touch my teeth. He writes "soldier refuses to sing". I laugh and he is furious. I'm ready to ask him to remove his blouse and go at it old school but he left the room to pass up to the Lt. Col too fast. I then got a speech from the Lt. Col and still refused to "sing". Lol. It was a top heavy, small liaison unit and I was finishing law school. E-4 and JD didn't mix well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 2:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 02:16:38 -0400

Yep. Almost physically went at the Battalion Commander. I was the lead Stryker VC, and stopped the convoy because my driver spotted a possible IED. But the BC, being in the back of the convoy, told us to push through, and we would probably be fine. Nice of him to think that.....

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 28 at 2017 6:52 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 06:52:20 -0400

Knew and know that it doesn't end well when it happens.

Response by LT David Bailey made Apr 28 at 2017 8:43 AM

LT David Bailey — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:43:16 -0400

As a former officer and "senior", any time one of my senior enlisted pulled me aside (never in front of the kids) I knew they were doing me a favor. So, thanks to all my enlisted for setting me straight.

Response by SPC Anthony Caliguiri made Apr 28 at 2017 9:50 AM

SPC Anthony Caliguiri — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:50:10 -0400

Never physically touched an nco but have had a few heated discussions with them, we had an E-6 in my unit that was way overboard with everything, never cut anyone even a little bit of slack. Until he was told by 3 different enlisted guys that he was an asshole because of it, all prompted by him to tell him straight up what soldiers thought of him and all at different times. I hated this guy so bad but i tell you what, he did a complete 180 and turned out to be an awesome NCO, he went from being it's my way or the highway to being firm but fair. He started listening and hearing, he was still tough but he wasn't the total prick he had been before.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Apr 28 at 2017 10:16 AM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:16:42 -0400

Which time? We were "training" and using paint ball guns. The rules were, if you got "hit" you were to take your key out and put it in your barrel, lay down with your gun out of your hands. My commander saw me and didn't see my weapon was keyed and out of my hands, he just saw me in the prone position and fired at point blank range into my back hitting me in the kidney area. It stung like hell, causing me to say some very foul and unpleasant comments to the shooter, in which, of course, I didn't know it was my commander. Nothing happened, but, the commander did yank my chain about it later. He took it in good jest.

Response by SGT John C. made Apr 28 at 2017 10:29 AM

SGT John C. — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:29:28 -0400

I went on a lovely trip to NTC and had a "discussion" with a 1SG (Army E-8) who wanted me to run my fuel point his way. I'm relatively new to the 92F MOS as I was Infantry for most of my career. He was trying to tell me to set it up and run the Fuel Point in a manner that I was unfamiliar with. I informed him of how I would be setting it up and that I was unfamiliar with his way and felt it to be an unsafe way to do the fuel point. Mind you we would be refueling M1's and Bradleys. He informed me that we could play Rock, Paper, Rank and see who won. I stuck to my guns and informed him that as I was responsible for setting up the refuel point and I was responsible for my safety and my A Driver's safety I would set it up my way and if that was an issue to take it to my command. He proceeded to inform my NCOIC of my actions and my NCOIC came to me to discuss the issue. When I informed him of what the 1SG said and how he wanted to run the refuel operations my NCOIC proceeded to respectfully inform the 1SG that he was wrong and the way we ran it was the fastest way to refuel a company of M1's and Bradley's. Never heard a word from the 1SG after that. I will never back down to any rank when it comes to the safety of my troops or myself and in this case I felt the way I was most familiar with was the safest and not the way the 1SG wanted it done.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 10:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:47:51 -0400

One time my OIC and I got into it in our office in the TOC in Iraq. I was a SGT she was maybe 1LT by then. I got her as a 2LT. I worked night shift but I would stay a couple extra hours to have some face to face time with my soldier. This kid was such a shit. I had to constantly get on his ass because he was a cocky little SOB and thought he knew everything. I also think he had an issue with female supervisors who didn't give in to him.
So it's getting toward the morning changeover or some brief. I don't know. I was trying to print out slides and get a bunch of stuff ready. My OIC picks that time to tell me how I'm "too hard" on my soldier and I need to relax with him and all this crap. I honestly just had enough and I said "Ma'am if you want to take him on and do his counseling and take care of him go for it." She said that's not what she's saying and I said "I'm trying to get this stuff ready I don't have time for this" and we kind of went back and forth a little. The 1SG came in for some reason and she said "Um we can hear you in the front." (It wasn't a big TOC and we were right next to it where S3 sat).

About a month or so later, my OIC did apologize to me after she had to work with him without me there buffering his nonsense. I was pretty surprised she did. I had so many issues with that kid...mainly his attitude. I think he got out a year after I PCSed from that unit and went Reserves. He used to text randomly like every two months or so but stopped. Not sure what he does now. He did marry some girl he met in R&R in Europe.

One time I argued with a 1SG from another company. It was after we had just gotten back from NTC I think. I had put some stuff back in the S2 office and the vault. Just as I left BN, I see a MP car pull up. I'm like that has to be the vault. I hope it's not. It was. Somehow the alarm was going off. I have no idea why because we never messed with it. We just had to put in the combination and you could mess that thing up and it wouldn't do anything. They reset it and then left. I had to go back in and this 1SG is saying "Someone must have put it in wrong." (I think he was the rear D 1SG). I said no 1SG that's not how it works. I explained it to him and he kept telling me I was wrong. I was exhausted and just not in the mood. I guess I was getting out of line my 1SG stepped in and took me aside and said remember you're talking to a 1SG. I said well he's wrong and I'm not in the mood for it. No one yelled but I really get irritated at people who try to tell me how to do things in my shop who have no idea what goes on.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 11:21 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 11:21:17 -0400

I have on a handful of occasions, depending on what the issue was.

There was on that escalated to a fistfight (out of public view, of course). One turned into a screaming match (behind closed doors). And the latest one ended up with us nose-to-nose in a screaming match because I was not going to let an NCO form another platoon administer corrective training on me for something I didn't do, especially without my NCO being present.

BLUF; it happens, whether we like it or not. But there is a right way to go about it, and a wrong way. Allowing it to escalate to anything above a conversation is most definitely the wrong way.

Response by SP5 David Cox made Apr 28 at 2017 12:19 PM

SP5 David Cox — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:19:35 -0400

I ended up in front of my CSM for a chewing out where he ended up giving me what I still think of as one of the best compliments I've ever received (he didn't intend it as a compliment) I was a young SP5 (E-5) MOS 74F - computer programmer and I had already decided that the Army was not going to be the career for me. Despite that and me only having less than a year left on my contract, they we pushing real hard to send me to PLDC. I saw it as being useless to me, and thought they should give the slot to someone who would make use out of it. They finally came out and said "you ARE going!" So I did some digging in the Regs and found one that I thought applied to my situation. If I was reading it right, I could turn down the course IF I had less that 12 months active duty remaining, AND didn't intend to re-up. However, I wasn't 100% sure I was interpreting it correctly, so in order to make sure I had my ducks in a row, I went to a buddy in Personnel to get his take on it. He agreed with me, but passed me to his SGM, who also agreed with me. Now, I had told the general situation to everyone, but I hadn't mentioned any names. So this SGM, after agreeing with me, says "I have a buddy that knows these regs very well, let me check with him" and he picks up his phone and makes a call: "Hi, I've got the Specialist Cox here and blah, blah blah <tells the story>" He gets a strange look on his face, hangs up, and tells me "Your CSM would like to talk to you" Yes, he'd called my guy. I hustled over to his office and he starts reading me the riot act. One of the things he said was that I was the worst soldier and best programmer he'd ever had working for him. I don't think he expected me to thank him! Once he calmed down a bit, I was able to explain that I hadn't been trying to circumvent the chain of command (which is one reason I hadn't mentioned any names) but simply trying to be sure I was right before coming to him. He eventually relented about PLDC, agreed I was right about not having to go, and stopped bugging me about it. I suspect that had I changed my mind and decided to re-up, that I would have run into difficulties. He was getting ready to retire, but his replacement was already on station and in fact was temporarily working out of my office until he took over, so I knew that my legacy would be intact, even under the new management.

Response by SPC Mark Baugh made Apr 29 at 2017 9:33 AM

SPC Mark Baugh — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 09:33:03 -0400

Yes

Response by SPC Joshua Gallet made Apr 30 at 2017 2:00 PM

SPC Joshua Gallet — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 14:00:38 -0400

As an E-4 we had a morning formation the day we were leaving for the field. I was a 92F petroleum supply. The only one in my unit at the time. Platoon Sgt was an E-7.

I was in possession of equipment of another troop who needed it to prepare for the movement. We broke and individual formations were held. I walked behind his formation and sat his equipment down and said "here it is" open air directed to no one to not interfere with his platoon Sgt's formation and message. An E-6 by the way. He attempted to stop me and try and belittle me in front of his troops. Being on a strict timeline as the only fueler I respectfully went to parade test and let him begin his childish tirade. About half way into it he attempts to make me hit the pvement and smoke me. My response was "Really Staff Sgt?" At that point I say "Sure things we can handle this." I walk toward my platoon sgt who is talking to our 1st Sgt about 20 feet away. This sets the E-6 off. Acting like the child he was he follows with his temper tantrum in tow. I approach the senior NCO's and start to state my case. The E-6 or course starts to interrupt. Both stop him in his tracks and say they saw the whole thing. 1Sgt instructed me to carry on. The E-6 then spent about a half hour in front of his troops getting smoked for being a little shit and not acting like a leader should in front of his troops. We lead by example. Rank does not protect your teeth as you are not super man. Withholding my temper payed off by doing the right thing.

Never had an issue with that E-6 again as he would just get red in the face and move on when I was around.

Anger over the situation results of sheer embarrassment we will never know.

Response by Who Trynna Roast Boii made Apr 30 at 2017 6:23 PM

Who Trynna Roast Boii — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 18:23:22 -0400

yeeeep

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 12:35 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 May 2017 12:35:48 -0400

I'm sure there are a million things I have thought when it comes down to "superiors", but I always grind them down into a monotone "roger".

Response by AN Austin Dennis made May 2 at 2017 4:27 PM

AN Austin Dennis — Tue, 02 May 2017 16:27:56 -0400

I always used the you're right, I'm wrong tactic.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 7:06 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 19:06:48 -0400

I have many a times as a private. I'm sure Jt will happen again. Most of the time it's over the group chat and almost leads to physical altercations. But all in all we still love each other and we get over it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 10:13 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 22:13:44 -0400

Heated absolutely altercation yes but worked with them and past it.

Response by A1C Jerry Kraase made May 3 at 2017 4:03 PM

A1C Jerry Kraase — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:03:06 -0400

Behind closed doors, yes. NEVER out in the open.

Response by SSG Darin McNeely made Jun 9 at 2017 7:22 PM

SSG Darin McNeely — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:22:28 -0400

I was an e-6,an e-7 from the shop (not in my chain of command)was giving a command briefing. he did not really even know the mos he was grandfathered into. he was dicking it up and giving wrong SIGO info. I tried to correct him by expanding on what he was saying and was shut down twice.i tried multiple times and he was getting irritated with me. we went back and forth a few times and his response was to lock me up at parade rest to shut me up. I looked him in the eye and said I will not go to parade rest so you can give out wrong planning and information. we were face to face at this point.another e-7 grabbed me and took me outside. I composed myself,walked back inside,stood at parade rest and apologized to the room for my unprofessional behavior.

Response by PO1 Christine Bilyeu made Jun 9 at 2017 9:49 PM

PO1 Christine Bilyeu — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 21:49:51 -0400

As a1st a Class Petty Officer I got into a "discussion" with my Ensign who was insisting that a series of readiness tests be done on equipment on a submarine that was scheduled to be replaced in a few days. I kept insisting it was stupid and that my guys had better things to do and he kept saying the tests had to be done. I finally said "Sir, don't you think..." he interrupted me and said "I don't think, I know." I said " I don't think you know either!" I was down in that sub very soon after that. When I explained why I was there to the1st Class on the boat we went aft to the galley and filled out all the paperwork for the "tests" while drinking coffee and eating pie. I spent the rest of that day and the next day relaxing in their galley than took the "results" of the "tests" up to my Ensign and turned them in. The next day the techs from the state's arrived and all the gear I was responsible for on the boat was ripped out and replaced with new gear and the testing was done by them as part of the certification.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2017 12:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 12:36:35 -0400

Hahahaha ooooohhh the stories I could tell of NCO v CO! Darn ginger stubborn legal biding know it alls...lol.... sometimes it's a terrible thing to be an analyst, if it's not explained in complete garrison our minds wonder and question. Oh well, what do you do... lol...

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Jun 10 at 2017 5:39 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 17:39:58 -0400

I recall when our NCOIC, A Staff Sergeant, took all of his Sergeants out back one at a time and read us the riot act about the need to tighten up the shop. All of us just took our turn, and heard him out, not saying a word.......until the last Sergeant went out for his turn. He was the junior Sergeant in the shop, having just been promoted a couple of months earlier. We watched through the window in amazement as the young Sergeant gave as good as he got.....maybe better. When it was over, the Staff Sergeant left the scene without coming back into the shop. The young Sergeant came in and said, "He forgot one thing.......him taking me out back is the same thing as me taking him out back."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 3:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:01:26 -0400

Had a female SFC who was a section sergeant (NCOIC). She was a prior Finance NCO who reclassed to MI, became a Drill Sergeant shortly after that, and then came to our unit. She knew literally nothing about the career field, and terrorized the Junior NCO's and Enlisted. I was a SSG at the time but was promoted to SFC during a deployment. Any time I would try to ask her anything (as a SSG), she would brush me off as inferior, and tell me to ask someone else. During that deployment, her section was repeatedly late for guard duty, and when I pinned on 7...I had the OPs SGM look at me and tell me "you need to fix that..."Sergeant" (looking at my chest). So...I went in...corrected the issue (so to speak) and walked out. She followed me and started yelling "who do you think you are?" My response..."the person who catches hell when you don't do your job!" "Since you wouldn't fix the issue...I did!" This exchange happened outside the OPs SGM's door. I was soon after put in charge of her section.

Response by PO2 Rick Broz made Jun 17 at 2017 5:23 AM

PO2 Rick Broz — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 05:23:19 -0400

I was a young corpsman stationed in Portsmouth Naval Hospital. A female captain, (full bird for you land and air types) starting screaming at me, accusing me of something I didn't do (and knew I could prove it). I stood there for 15 minutes and let her rant, rave, yell, scream, curse, etc, etc. When she got tired, I proved she was wrong with two words and showed her why she was wrong. Then I said, "Ma'am, with all due respect, I think you owe me an apology." She did, and stormed off and never said a word to me again. My boss, a HMCM, ran into his office, closed the door and laughed his ass off.

Response by SrA Robert Hubbard made Jun 17 at 2017 11:30 AM

SrA Robert Hubbard — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 11:30:41 -0400

The only time I care to share about was when I was in BMT we had base lib for memorial day concert, and around 1630-1700 a huge thunderstorm came thru, well one of the DIs that also went to the concert decided to make an ass out of himself and tried to chew my ass out for not getting in the bus to go back to squadron (totally different squadron that I was apart of) as I was told before we left that day to come back in the group. I was looking for my flight-mates when he come running up and yelling, then he hit me in my shoulder, that was when I yelled back at him telling him I was in a different squadron and was given alternate orders and that if he would like to keep his position as a DI that he wouldn't touch me again. He stormed off after that to yell at more trainees, but that was my 1st encounter at arguing with a higher ranked person lol.

Response by PV2 Kenny Klein made Jun 18 at 2017 12:31 PM

PV2 Kenny Klein — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 12:31:27 -0400

Yes and no, needless to say as I kept my cool I've watched two NCOs loose it. As I stood there at parade rest smiling.

Response by SPC Tom Rugg made Jun 19 at 2017 10:27 AM

SPC Tom Rugg — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 10:27:33 -0400

As an E4, I had an E-5 who was all sorts of FUBAR all the time. Every single time he was put in charge of soldiers (only two at a time due to his blatant incompetency, I might add), suddenly those soldiers were never where they should be, always late, misinformed, never in the right uniform, and we're in trouble literally every day.
When I was an E-3, he called me one morning prior to PT and asked if he could "Borrow some PTs" because he didn't have his for some reason. He did this once and I told 1sg. There is NO reason that an NCO should have to ask his subordinates for PT's. 1sg agreed with me and said that if it happens again, he will tell SGM. So, the 2nd time this sh!tbag NCO called me for PT'S, I said

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 12:46 PM

CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 12:46:50 -0400

Just once. I was a SFC and the active 1SG and got into it with a MSG. Talk about weird. But I still went to parade rest even though I was technically in charge because he outranked me.

Response by SSgt Julius Bob Midgett made Jun 20 at 2017 2:31 PM

SSgt Julius Bob Midgett — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:31:32 -0400

The boss may not always be right but the boss is still the boss

Response by SSgt Julius Bob Midgett made Jun 20 at 2017 2:33 PM

SSgt Julius Bob Midgett — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:33:32 -0400

If you have a question about orders follow them then complain that will keep you out of trouble at least as long as the order is legal

Response by SSgt Julius Bob Midgett made Jun 20 at 2017 2:37 PM

SSgt Julius Bob Midgett — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 14:37:48 -0400

Our leaders are always right--misinformed perhaps,sloppy,crude,bullheaded,fickle,even stupid,but,NEVER WRONG!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 4:55 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:55:30 -0400

Years ago, had a colonel try to lock me up in a gym over what one of my Marines said or didn't say. I stood my ground, but it wasn't pretty. No matter, we're still on speaking terms.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 10:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:15:41 -0500

Plenty of times. Ironically enough, it enhanced our professional relationship and fostered a personal one. Every single time.

Response by CPL Brandon Kling made Dec 12 at 2018 10:46 AM

CPL Brandon Kling — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:46:22 -0500

One of my platoon sergeants and I got into it, but we did it away from everyone else. I may not have liked the man personally, but I respected his skills and position.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Dec 12 at 2018 11:59 AM

CPT Don Kemp — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 11:59:35 -0500

I was a one month Platoon Leader when we went to Baumholder for 30 day FTX. Imagine my surprise when I walked down the icy stairs and saw the entire battalion with APCs Open, engines running, and lights on.....except for my Platoon. I walked back up the icy stairs and found my E6 Squad Leader returning to the barracks from a leisurely breakfast. I used profanity in telling him to get moving, and he stopped to tell me not to curse at him. That probably didn’t end well for either of us.

Response by PO1 Douglas Petersen made Dec 12 at 2018 12:22 PM

PO1 Douglas Petersen — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:22:52 -0500

I called a full bird a f****** moron....does this count?

Response by SSG Brian Edwards made Dec 12 at 2018 12:40 PM

SSG Brian Edwards — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:40:57 -0500

I learned a long time ago when I was in that if you as the platton Sargent didn't have one on one with the LT that one he would never learn to be a good leader, and some times those one on ones became very heated. Even once lead to a post field boxer smoking lol.

Response by 1SG Mark Reed made Dec 12 at 2018 12:55 PM

1SG Mark Reed — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:55:40 -0500

Absolutely, as a Platoon Sgt and 1SG there were time when a Bn CSM or Bn Cdr were in the troop area and started barking out directives that were counter productive or downright dangerous to the troops. A good leader will never fear a confrontation with a superior, just make sure your are correct in your actions.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Dec 12 at 2018 1:18 PM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:18:00 -0500

There were several times when I had to raise my voice towards a subordinate. After the whole ordeal I found that when it gets to that point, you just lost control of not only of the situation, but yourself.
Now, I have never, ever screamed back to any of my superiors. But, there was this one time during a deployment when I almost knocked someone's head off. The guy was a superior who was the acting signal detachment sgt at the time. I was actually praying to the Man upstairs to make this individual touch me, because that was going to be the day.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 1:55 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:55:07 -0500

I love how half of y’all think there’s no time or place for an open heated argument. Those are normally the ones that get you busted down, but they’re also the ones that have the biggest impact on the command. They realize that they are not gods among plebs and that they are working with grown ass men and women who were blessed by God with the ability to think for themselves.

There’s a time to bite your tongue and a time to voice your opinion.

Safety and moral reasons were what caused more than a few SNCO’s or LT’s to back down. That’s why marines came to me with issues: because they knew I got shit done.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Dec 12 at 2018 2:13 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:13:32 -0500

I got into a yelling match with a 1SGT one time I was a SPC at the time I was going to pt one morning cutting across ft hood come around a corner doing the speed limit it was about 5am and here's this Pvt standing in the middle of the road as a road guard no flashlight or anything reflective on him barely missed hitting stopped my car helped him up and asked him who put him out there with no illumination at all he said his 1SGT did I asked him where the 1SGT was he pointed him out I was hot I went over and started off the conversation tactfully I asked him did he know that he had a private on road guard with no illumination on him the 1SGT said yes we were only moving two tracks across the road. Well I lit into him he asked me name rank and unit and I told him ( I was in pts) I asked him his name rank and unit so I could file a safety complaint with his COC and 3rd Corp safety office he changed his tune real quick

Response by PVT Charles Rader made Dec 12 at 2018 2:15 PM

PVT Charles Rader — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:15:48 -0500

Spc, I was that bad ass private that thought what went on in his head was more important than what his NCO's had to say. I argued my way thru ft Polk like a dumbass. If I learned one piece of advice from that, this.... DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 2:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:33:01 -0500

I was one of the lucky ones that had Full Bird on down on the senior side backing me, and there was definitely a few times I was happy that was the case. Chewed out a 1st Lieutenant, a Lt. Col, a Major, and a whole slew of Senior Enlisted at various times. Never when it wasn't warranted.

Response by SPC Tony Ross made Dec 12 at 2018 2:39 PM

SPC Tony Ross — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:39:16 -0500

I zoned out in a PT run. My mind was gone due to the heat and I dropped out of formation but my body kept running. I was told that my eyes were unfocused, glazed and I kept moving forward despite them trying to stop me. It took a few of the guys to stop me and get me to the ground to treat me for possible heat exhaustion. This was a platoon of medics so they started untying my shoes, loosen anything restrictive. My SSG, who had an arrogant streak and was kind of a jerk to the troops, started taking off my watch and I’m told my right fist came across and decked him in the jaw while I was saying something about him stealing my watch. I don’t remember much except my hand was hurting later and that SSG left me in peace for awhile. At least I can say I clocked a somewhat deserving NCO without any repercussions even if I don’t remember it clearly.

Response by SPC Karim Abdullah made Dec 12 at 2018 3:20 PM

SPC Karim Abdullah — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:20:08 -0500

I personally never had an altercation with an NCO, but while at Ft. Dix in basic in 1984 our platoon Drill Sgt used to always say: "As long as I'm wearing my campaign hat and BDU top I cannot lay my hands on you." He then would take off his "smokey bear" hat and BDU blouse and get into a boxer stance. This had the effect of cooling out a lot of tough guys. Once while in the barracks with us during down time a fellow recruit was showing a picture of his woman and the drill sergeant commented that she was unattractive and the guy jumps up and calls him a punk. The drill says his speech about his hat and top, takes them off and gets into his stance. The guy, who was from Detroit, scoops the drill up slams him on the floor and the look on the drill's face was priceless. Afterwards, no one made a report or any statements.

Response by PO2 Kevin Peine made Dec 12 at 2018 4:06 PM

PO2 Kevin Peine — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:06:38 -0500

When i was an airman (e-3) i grabbed a second class (e-5) from walking into a spinning prop. He got into my face luckily my chief was there and got the said second class out of my face before i lost my military bering

Response by PFC Donna Warner made Dec 12 at 2018 5:03 PM

PFC Donna Warner — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 17:03:44 -0500

During Roll Play I called a Full bird a lowly Private....

Response by SGT Tony Page made Dec 12 at 2018 6:15 PM

SGT Tony Page — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:15:11 -0500

I was an E5 Battalion Reenlistment NCO so I reported to the CSM. Best "discussion" I ever saw was the XO and CSM talking about my rating scheme...E9, O5, O6. The Major refused to accept it and argued that my NCOER didn't need to leave the BN chain to a full bird. CSM and Major had offices with an connecting door and this discussion went on for several minutes and increased volume until CSM finally screamed "Major, stay the fuck out of NCO business!" and slammed the door.

Response by SrA Andrew Volz made Dec 12 at 2018 6:15 PM

SrA Andrew Volz — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 18:15:23 -0500

My favorite was when a fellow weather forecaster E-4 was called up by the commander of a nearby fighter squadron. They were behind on time in the sky and the COL tried ordering him to take thunderstorms out of the forecast so they could fly. He replied "Fuck you Sir" and hung up. Nothing came of it either.

Response by SFC Casimir Vital made Dec 12 at 2018 8:26 PM

SFC Casimir Vital — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 20:26:15 -0500

Not a long heated argument but it went like this. My first name is Casimir they thought it was my last name and put it on all my name tapes at Fort Dix. So for the duration of basic training they keep calling me by my first name. I kept trying to tell them that I needed to get it fixed and they didn't. So one day the commandant is on the quad and bellowed Pvt. casimir while we were in the front leaning rest recovering from mountain climbers and squat thrusts so I responded what the f*** do you want Bob calling the commandant by his first name. That did not go over well and I got to visit the airforce base for CCF.

Response by SGT Mike Bohan made Dec 12 at 2018 8:43 PM

SGT Mike Bohan — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 20:43:09 -0500

Back in 09 about a week before we were set to come home from the Stan my (fairly new) PL decided to wake us up to do a uphill movement in pursuit of a AAF force. Mind you were 2 days from leaving and almost completely ripped out with the replacing unit. Like I said he replaced up late in the deployment(missed all of the Kunar and action) so he was just trying to show his size. Anyhow, bc we were about to leave most of the guys (including me as RTO) had turned over mission essential equipment over to the replacements. We get outside the wire about 2 miles, his radio takes a dump, the replacement RTO has the required equipment, he’s pissed.
We get back to the fire base and all crash. He wakes me up out of a dead sleep telling me I failed him and I need to write him a 500 word essay on responsibility. Let me tell you I ran up one side of that dudes ass and down the other. Higher ups knew I was a good guy so they pushed to have me go to the E5 board right after we got back and PCS to avoid any UCMJ by him. To this day he still won’t except a friend request and I made it a point as an NCO to always put the welfare of my guys as a top priority.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 9:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 21:41:34 -0500

May or may not have threatened a senior leader with a shotgun. May or may not have been told harden the fuck up, everyone goes through shit the day my dad passed. Three weeks after mom did. But hey, go fucking army right?

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Dec 12 at 2018 10:10 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:10:19 -0500

The day before leaving the Army my CO denied my request for a week extension to continue to hand over property, both company and battalion. He told me that it was his job to make sure that when his sons joined the Army that thier was good leadership. I told him that it was good that he'd be gone. 1SG jumped out of his skin. I told them both to pound sand. This was the same command group that tried to give me an "Other than Honorable" discharge, literally the day after my third good conduct medal. I got word from the XO that the commander was walking around the office breathing fire. #ToxicLeadership.

Response by CPT Derial Bivens made Dec 12 at 2018 10:16 PM

CPT Derial Bivens — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:16:06 -0500

As a young E-4(P), I found out the hard way that it is considered a sign of disrespect to point at a Filipino. My section chief was a Filipino staff sergeant and had actually loaned out my gas mask to someone in another unit for SQT testing. A few days later, when we were undergoing our SQT, I went to put my mask on and it was adjusted all the way out and no longer fit. He proceeded to chew me out for not being able to mask up in time. I told him something was wrong with my mask, that I always kept it properly fitted. He said, "It worked just fine when I loaned it to SSG So-and-So last week." I made the fatal error of pointing my finger at him, raising my voice and asking, "So it's your fault my mask was all messed up?" He went straight to battalion and preferred charges against me, wanting a court-martial for public disrespect to an NCO. Interestingly, it was the pointing at him that disturbed him more than my raising my voice.
Naturally, it got kicked back down to unit level, with instructions to the CO to take appropriate action. I was a SP4 on the list for SP5, with about 6 months remaining on my enlistment. My career was basically over. To my surprise, the only punishment I received was one week of extra duty, one hour per day, counting our map stocks and re-ordering to fill shortages. The SSG had to stay and supervise me and had to count all the maps behind me, just in case I got it wrong. I never forgot the wisdom of the old prior-enlisted lieutenant that handed down that punishment.

Response by PO1 Jason Osgood made Dec 13 at 2018 1:34 AM

PO1 Jason Osgood — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 01:34:35 -0500

Snapped on an E-8 and two E-7 when I was an E-5 because they didn’t want to listen. They wanted to incorrectly code a piece of ordnance and send it back to the weapons depot. After about a month of asking about the ordnance and them hmmimg and hawing over I asked once again in the morning meeting about said ordnance and was given the same answer. Well after a month of trying to explain the proper way to do it, I lost it and explained to them in as rude manner as I could that if they insisted on doing it their way then they would look stupid. The civilians at the weapons depot get off on making military members look stupid and send out branch wide reports for all commands to see, so not only would my direct chain of command look stupid but the whole command would look bad.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2018 2:41 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 02:41:17 -0500

At my second duty station. I was a SrA, and I lived in the dorms but had been told there was enough room to allow me to stay until after I sewed on Staff (hadn't even tested yet). Then one day my dorm manager tells me I have to move out within six days. Went straight to my First Sergeant, he told me tough luck. Problem was, I was on night shift working a Panama Schedule and they refused to give me any time to house hunt. Squadron policy was leave wouldn't be approved if it wasn't filed less than five days before it was to begin, so I couldn't even take leave. I effectively had two days to find and commit to a house in an area I wasn't familiar with for the first time in my adult life. My dorm manager then decides to move the timeline forward and knocks on my door at 7 AM two days before the deadline to do my final out inspection. I had just fallen asleep after a twelve hours shift. Mind you I had packed a bit but largely nowhere close to being ready to move out. He gets pissed, telling me he's got Airmen flying in in less than 24 hours that need a room. I asked him, still in a haze, if these were short notice orders, and he said he had been expecting them for over six months. I.e. he knew they were coming the entire time I had been at this duty station. The stress of trying to find a place to live, work, and him barging in after a long ass night of work was just too much and I told him, a SrA to a MSgt, to get the f*** out of my room, that he was a dumba** for waiting until the 59th minute of the 11th hour to inform me I needed to leave, and that I was going to get eight hours of uninterrupted crew rest before I was going to JAG with all this (I didn't know if I even had a case, but I didn't care). He tried to raise his voice and I literally screamed "Get the f*** out!" and he sort of did this weird about face chicken walk thing out; he was NOT prepared for this scenario.

I got a call from my supervisor almost exactly eight hours later telling me to meet him at the DFAC in ten minutes in uniform. I braced for the worst, but turns out the squadron Commander was never told of my situation, and upon receiving the call from the dorm manager, tore new orifices in him, my First Sergeant, my supervisor, etc. Then while I was asleep he secured a tour of several homes in base housing for me that my supervisor was to accompany me on.

Had a lease signed by the end of the day, three days of permissive TDY to move my stuff, and sooooo much satisfaction.

Response by PO1 Matt Klier made Dec 13 at 2018 11:12 AM

PO1 Matt Klier — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 11:12:55 -0500

I had a master chief call me into his office and call me a vagina
I laughed, he’s a punk.
I was an E6 and a few months away from my eaos.
On my last day dd214 in hand I told him I was going to beat his ass at quarters in front of the entire command. I had my best pressed camies on standing in ranks waiting... he never showed up. Hahahahaha I send him texts now and then reminding him that it’s on next time I see him... we both live in San Diego it’s only a matter of time...

Response by SPC David Larson made Dec 13 at 2018 12:09 PM

SPC David Larson — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:09:23 -0500

Working Ft Lewis for the ROTC Warrior Forge program. I was working at the CBRN & Aid range, the OIC was some prick of an LTC from Massachusetts, we did not get along. So we had just finished sending a group of cadets through the chamber, its July, its hot, we are in our area, in various stages of undress, smoking and drinking water. Ltc fuckface comes along, group comes to attention, renders proper salute and greeting of the day. His responces is "what the fuck is this? A union break?" To which my response was "Yep, and I'm the Union Rep"

Response by SSG K Johnson made Dec 13 at 2018 12:22 PM

SSG K Johnson — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:22:13 -0500

Got into it with a MAJ as a PFC, However I was in the right and my NCO had my back. Also got into it with our acting 1SG (a SFC) as a CPL. Good times.

Response by PO1 Michael Bruner made Dec 13 at 2018 1:50 PM

PO1 Michael Bruner — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:50:19 -0500

I was starting to once with a CPO who wanted me to have someone take out the trash because there was a lone Snickers wrapper. He didn't seem to understand my opposition to it, with the whole Fraud, WASTE & Abuse issue the Navy was shoving down our throats in the 90s.

Response by SFC Bill Kurtz made Dec 13 at 2018 4:21 PM

SFC Bill Kurtz — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 16:21:05 -0500

Had words with a SGM once in the field. Luckily he was so drunk he forgot the by the next morning.

Response by SGT Bj Anderson made Dec 13 at 2018 5:22 PM

SGT Bj Anderson — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 17:22:16 -0500

Back story before comment: we had a really big issue and went through four 1st Sergeants in two years. This caused Brigade Command to start asking questions and that included informal meetings with each soldier that had been in the company over a year. It got to be my turn and I said screw it and told them exactly what I thought because the Brigade Commander and CSM asked. A Napolean Syndrome having Sergeant First Class decided he didn't like my comments about his platoon and decided he was going to put his hands on me outside in the company PT area. As far as I know I was the last Specialist he ever grabbed and threw down in a violent manner. He took that ass beating as the Company XO looked on and I never had another problem with him after. He was moved to Battalion Staff and was gone in around a year later and I went on to the board and a few schools before my accident.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2018 7:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:58:09 -0500

I once told my chaplain off

Response by PVT Rich Burns made Dec 14 at 2018 12:40 AM

PVT Rich Burns — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 00:40:13 -0500

I had a discussion with my CO as an E3. I was given an Artical 15 never fully recovered from that one.

Response by SGT Philip Keys made Dec 14 at 2018 1:26 AM

SGT Philip Keys — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 01:26:51 -0500

All the time; that's why I got out of the Army. 2LT yells at me when I was attending BNOC. (I'm SGT) This guy's seriously across a parking lot. Yells at me "get over here now" I jog all the way over to where he is. Yells in my face "you don't salute officers where you're from". I reply "of course I do sir", gave him a LEFT handed salute. He salutes back and I can still see the puzzled look on his face. He didn't know what happened. I said have a great day sir as I walked away.
SFC we all hated because he was dumb as a rock and he was always messing with all of us. Dude was a bully best way to explain him. Tells me that he can tell me to F off and I have to deal with it because he out ranks me. I don't know what happened I lost it. I said "Scott if you pull that shit, it's game on and after you f'ing with me for the past 2 yrs, we're going to fight and we both know who's going to win". He left me alone after this...conversation. I got out of the army about a year later. Zero article 15, tons of extra duty for stupid stunts like these.

Response by SPC Tj F. made Dec 14 at 2018 7:35 AM

SPC Tj F. — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 07:35:19 -0500

We were in Iraq back in 2004. As a Spec E-4, I was the Desk sergeant for the base MP Station. I had SGT E-5s and SSG E-6s as Pateol Supervisors who had to report to me for end of shift report clearing. Anyways, while on my shift, we had a returning airgroup (x1 Blackhawk and x1 Apache) coming back from a Lights Out mission. Unfortunately, the Apache had taken small arms fire and had some equipment malfunctioning. When they were landing, the Apache was actually above the blackhawk instead of landing next to it. Needless to say there was a crash involved. Unfortunately troops and armament were scattered around the area. I sent my Runner flying to the unit hooches kicking every door and getting the whole unit up and reporting in. He won also to brief the CMDR and 1SG too to brief them. Mind you, my small unit (<50 troops) had x3 Majors, and x1 MSGs, one was the 1SG and the other wishes he was. (Yeah, lots of power struggles in that unit)

As the soldiers kept filing into the MP "station", I'd go over the map and tell them their duties, (Triage the wounded, set up/secure scene border, mark protected area around armament for EOD, etc)

I had two base telephones, two SINCGARS (forgive my spelling), and two walkie talkies. I was on all of them, and still directing my troops as they came in. In retrospect, this was one my life's shining moments in multi-tasking response and control.

Anyways, one of the Majors was next door (last of my concerns at the moment). He walks into my office as I'm switching hands from a telephone on one ear, a SINCGAR radio in the other swapping for a walkie talkie, pausing to tell another arrival what his duties are, where he is to go, and to get the hell on his way - why is he still present in my office.

This Major stands in the doorway, yes, in the way, and asks what's going on. Which if he really wanted to know, he could just listen to what's being said. I hold up a finger to signal, Just a moment, sir, and keep talking on the phones, radio, and walkies.

A) The CSH (Combat Support Hospital) was notified and sending medics, B) The air traffic control tower was diverting any/all flights to other areas of the airfield, or another airfield altogether if they were far enough away, C) Base CMDRs office was notified, D) Fire dept was notified and responding, E) EOD was woken up and en route... I'm telling you, everyone who was needing to get there was being contacted.

In the middle of all of this, the major keeps standing in the doorway trying to interrupt my handling of the situation, which is both accurately described as SNAFU and FUBAR.

Finally, after another one of his "I'm-more-important-than-you-so-answer-my-question" interruptions, I put all phones, walkie, and radios down, flashed a "You're really starting to irritate me" looks, shouted "Shut the f*ck up!", picked up the walkie, radios, and telephones and resumed my handling of the situation. Mind you, this was in front of others too.... those responding still as well as my Runner.

Needless to say, all of my promo packets in that unit never saw the light of day....

Response by SPC Tom Rugg made Dec 14 at 2018 9:11 PM

SPC Tom Rugg — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 21:11:16 -0500

As a pretty fresh E3, I quickly made a name for myself, due to my previous mechanical experience. Our unit got absorbed into a SIGNIFICANTLY larger unit where I was placed under this 16yr E5. At first, because of the move/transition, it was all chaos, so nobody noticed this moron. After a few months, little things started to show. We were told about a ceremony 2 days prior. I decided to clean a pair of boots for it. Not wanting to wear wet boots for the practice ceremony, I wore my slightly dirty boots while the clean ones dried. After getting a councelling for wearing "unserviceable" (Ft. Jackson mud stained) boots to the practice, this NCO told me to buy new boots. I didn't have the money immediatley, so he told me to open a credit card to buy them. A few weeks later, I was helping a generator mechanic diagnose a generator that wouldn't start. I was a 91B (Wheeled vehicle mechanic), so this was a walk in the park for me. Eventually, we narrowed the problem down to a fuel delivery issue. This same E5 walks up to figure out what's going on and when I tell him that the generator isn't getting fuel, he looks confused. He then tries to explain that a generator doesn't require fuel because it's electrical... An E5 who has been a mechanic for his entire 16 years as an NCO DOESN'T KNOW THAT A GENERATOR REQUIRES FUEL!?!?! I looked at him and straight faced asked ""How the f**k are you an NCO?" Before I walked to our MotorNCO E6 to complain about this guy. Our Motor NCO was by far the best NCO I've ever seen, (Always took care of her soldiers, no matter what it took) and she asked him the same question before sending him somewhere else.
A month or two after that, this same E5 forgot to tell ANY of his soldiers about a training excercise. Needless to say, those who didn't get the information didn't show up in the correct place. He tried to counsel us all for it and we complained that it wasn't our fault. We did show up on time to the normal formation area where our 1sg redirected us.
Basically the year I was under this guy, I looked like a soup sandwich. As soon as I had another NCO, Suddenly I didn't seem like such a f**k up. Eventually, our commander caught wind of this guys CONSTANT screw ups and took his soldiers away from him. He became a runner from there on out. I just hope that moron doesn't get someone hurt or killed.

Response by SP5 Gary Smith made Dec 15 at 2018 12:12 PM

SP5 Gary Smith — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 12:12:12 -0500

Never.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Dec 15 at 2018 1:12 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 13:12:06 -0500

There was a E-6 in the battery that was constantly missing 1st formation. In an attempt to correct this, he was required to stay in the barracks for a couple weeks. No UCMJ, just the correction. Turns out, he has a serious drinking issue. He would get a good drunk on, start banging on peoples doors and just being a general PIA drunk. One night he banged on my door demanding to let him in. I was starching my next day's BDU at the time, I had my iron and board out getting this done. I open the door and he starts screaming and carrying on in a drunken stupor. He and I didn't care for each other anyway. I thought he was a punk gang banger and he made a point several times to tell me he hated "white boys". He starts yelling at me and knocking my stuff down. He came at me when I yelled at him to knock it off, I had the iron in my hand and it went center mass in his chest. It burned him bad. He's hauled off in an ambulance, MP's are called, COC is there, and I'm thinking "O-shit!", I'm going to jail. Luckily, there was enough other guys that saw or heard what went down. The next morning while I'm on the carpet, it comes out that the E-6 BAC 3X's over limit, that COC had no idea about his drinking and that my status is pending the MP's investigation. In the end, nothing happened to me, it was ruled self defense/accident. The E-6 however, received an Article 15, busted to E-5 and moved to the next battery. It wasn't long before his drinking got him busted again. Last I heard he had went A.W.O.L. and was a E-1 and OTH discharged. I never saw it, but I was told that he had a scar impression of an iron on his chest. I don't like that I burned the guy, he had a problem. I wonder to this day if he's even still alive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2018 7:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 19:15:28 -0500

I had a E-6 in Hawaii that i told off. When I first got to the unit I told him i was the E-6 promotion list by da selection. He told me dont plan on going to the board anytime soon, you just reclassed. Then he asked how my NCOERs were. I told him 3/3 he said don’t expect that. He then tried to put me in a level 10 spot. I told him no that will hurt my career. He said I was going to the level 10 spot. I proceeded to tell him that is I was SSG whats his face in that spot i would call my brach and ask for a reassignment. If need to be I will go all the way up the NCO chanel. Even if I had to take it to CSM Chandler. I than told him trust me I can get an appointment with him, because I worked for a CSM that was battle buddies with him. After that we always banged heads.

Response by SGT Liz Carolan made Dec 16 at 2018 5:48 AM

SGT Liz Carolan — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 05:48:37 -0500

Not me, but my ex husband punched his company commander in the face. He was a marine on a ship, I was in the army, so don't know the full deets. But he got a full captain's mast

Response by MSgt Sharon Mallory-Robinson made Dec 16 at 2018 1:27 PM

MSgt Sharon Mallory-Robinson — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 13:27:04 -0500

Back in the early 1980’s when I was an E-3, we were having a Squadron get together. Everyone was drinking and laughing, having a good time on a TDY. My E-6 was drunk and started mouthing off to another Airman. I stood up and asked, “What’s wrong?” E-6 looks at me and says, “Shut up, Bitch!” At 20 yrs old I didn’t take that from anyone, and advanced on him. An E-7 stepped between us and said, “He’s drunk, leave it.” I replied, “Not going to happen, He knows better.” E-6 laughs and says, “What are you going to do, Bitch?” Without even thinking, I lashed out, my hand went under the E-7’s outstretched arm, slammed into the E-6’s chest and sent him backwards over a table.
A friend grabbed me and dragged me away and when I turned around, there was my CO, a Major, and two E-9’s, just staring at me. As I walked away, one E-9 asked the Major what he was going to do about that? The Major’s reply? “I’m going to finish my beer.” And that’s one reason the Major was known as “Wild Bill”.
The E-6 apologized the next day. I didn’t get in trouble, but I did have to explain it to my E-8 when we got home.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Dec 29 at 2018 6:21 PM

SPC William Weedman — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 18:21:10 -0500

I was once assigned as a junior medic at a refuel site in the middle of ranch country in Texas. Had a soldier come in as a driver who was very sick, fever over 100, a bit dehydrated and not feeling well. I discovered he was driving a fuel truck without an assistant. I as an E-3 grounded him. I had his E-7 platoon sergeant and his O-2 platoon leader both give me orders to release him. I refused the senior E-4 medic stayed clear, scared of the rank of these two. After a phone call to our OIC (mustang O-4, SF medic in Vietnam) the O-2 told the E-7 he would drive the truck if he had to and asked me to take care of his soldier. A few months later I got the AAM the O-4 wrote up for me.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Jan 3 at 2019 8:39 AM

SMSgt Jeff Kyle — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 08:39:29 -0500

I had a loud conversation with an E-7. The night before I’d grounded a Huey for a damaged tail rotor blade, out of limits. I came to work and the first thing I notice was a big blob of Bondo stuck to the side of the still installed blade. After questioning the over night Crew Chief, I talked to the E-7 in charge of the shift to find out WTFO. He told me to sand it down, smooth it up and get it ready to fly. I kinda lost it at that moment. I told him that by no means would that helicopter would fly with that blade installed. If anyone tried, I would take a hammer and make sure that bade was damaged out of limits. It got heated until I calmed down. I apologized for losing my patience but made it clear it weren’t gonna fly. It didn’t and I got a good replacement blade.

Response by Lt Col Rick de Castro made Jan 6 at 2019 11:47 PM

Lt Col Rick de Castro — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 23:47:05 -0500

Had one E5 when I was an E4 with about a month before I went to OTS who was being an ass....short little dude, wanted to chastise me because I called him Sergeant instead of Staff Sergeant....took me outside the building, and stood on one of the steps above me so he could try a position of dominance.....

It was hilarious!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jan 9 at 2019 7:49 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 07:49:43 -0500

A few. I had a butter bar who was a prior SGT, so she "knew my job." I was an E5 filling the PSG (E7) role because of vacancies and NCOs away at school. We got in to it a LOT - but always behind closed doors.

I also had a 1SG who didn't like it when I pointed out that he and his Commander had very obviously and blatantly failed to follow a reg specifically concerning my situation. He started yelling at me, and giving me unlawful orders (namely to drive unsafely and illegally), at which point I started yelling back at him verifying the unlawful order and identifying it as unlawful. That one was VERY public - and I ended up counseled negatively and a 4/4 NCOER.

Response by SPC Pauline Gilroy Badenski made Jan 18 at 2019 8:52 PM

SPC Pauline Gilroy Badenski — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:52:14 -0500

Had a captain at Edgewood arsenal who hated me from day 1. Had a profile from Walter Reed that he crumpled up. I was blamed if someone saw the Chaplin or JAG. He caused it. Told him I could not be responsible if I did not have authority and we should switch ranks. Well he did give me permission to speak freely. It came to a head one duty night when a female came running in the orderly room screaming He’s going to kill me. I put her behind me as the whole room went quiet. The captain was in my face. I asked what the problem was because this was my second tour and knew regulations. He slapped me in the face. Plenty of witnesses and I filed charges. Orders came and he said I couldn’t leave. Had a cab waiting, cleared post in the middle of the night. He was furious. Later that year he was forced out of the Army.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2019 5:59 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 17:59:47 -0500

It was probably about a year ago when I was working on the flight line with logistics. I had just finished tagging along with them in a C-172. While going back into the flight office, I catch this E-3 dipshit ordering an E-2 to front leaning rest ON THE FUCKING FLIGHT LINE. I immediately go into NCO mode on this dude who just transferred here. Mind you, while you are in FLR position on a flight line, that isn't so safe as you think it might be. I was damn near demoted back to E-2 for chewing this dude out.
The guy who was getting drilled by the E-3 thanked me and my 1st SGT praised me. All three of us knew that this E-3 was a control freak and that after this happened, he would be getting a Big Chicken Dinner REAL soon.

Response by SPC Samantha Stapley made Feb 15 at 2019 4:36 PM

SPC Samantha Stapley — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:36:08 -0500

I was a reservist when I was deployed. I was attached to an Engineer Unit based out of Western Pennsylvania. I was a mechanic and the only female in my company. There were 26 females in the entire Brigade. I was told that I wouldn't be a mechanic down range, and that I would have to sit in the office as a TAMS clerk with the other girls, even though we already had one adn the MTOE only called for one. This came from the company commander. I replied that I didn't go to AIT to be a TAMS clerk and that I was not trained in that field. I started to get heated when no one would listen to me. I pulled out regulation at the time (it was long ago and I don't remember it). I was involuntarily transferred (same Brigade, different company) the next day. I didn't get into any trouble, and was able to do my MOS in the other company. I also met my husband, so it all worked out well for me.

Response by SrA Robert Mollenkopf made Feb 16 at 2019 1:35 AM

SrA Robert Mollenkopf — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 01:35:44 -0500

Unfortunately, many times. The good old "Rank has it's Privilege" is the key. More times then not it was about someone thinking they can get away with anything because they have higher rank. Just about every time I was justified in my responses and the higher ranking people were proven to be in the wrong. I can think of at least 6 confrontations, in 4 years. The roughest one was with my Squadron Commander, an O-5 when I was a E-4. Let me just say I left the Air Force with a clean, Honorable discharge. ;)

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Feb 20 at 2019 7:12 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 07:12:34 -0500

With a superior in status and in the command line? Right!! NEVER SAW THAT as a Marine. Saw a few peers get heated, not a superior. You may do that once...………………. you will eventually wish the hell you had better sense. I read a lot of silly, undisciplined and ignorant things here...……… the Marine Corps I knew did NOT play games and silly ass bull shit wastes time and money and is not allowed in the duty mix.

Response by LT Terry Lober made Feb 22 at 2019 10:39 AM

LT Terry Lober — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 10:39:28 -0500

Sure. I stood there silently while my DI screamed in my face. It is called "boot-camp".

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Mar 4 at 2019 7:39 AM

SPC Chris Ison — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 07:39:47 -0500

While I was in "A" school in the Navy, we had four USMC corporals, who were reclassifying. One of them thought he was a super Marine, and decided i would be his pet project. One day I had enough, he had his hand in my face pointing at me, and i grabbed his fingers and bent them backwards, and told him, "You keep this shit up, and i will teach all the shit the marine corps didn't about Tea Kwon do."

Only time i ever had to resort to that with a non peer.

Response by CPL Banter Boss made Mar 9 at 2019 7:00 PM

CPL Banter Boss — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 19:00:41 -0500

One of my NCO's in Korea was having an affair with another NCO, well the other NCO then slept with a PFC in my unit. Drunk, the male NCO went to confront the PFC. He went in the barracks, called him out into the hallway, and made him stand at parade rest. He then sucker punched the PFC in the face knocking him to the ground. Before I could even get down the hall, the PFC's roomate (former Marine) had knocked the NCO clean out. He received no disciplinary action, but SGT sucker punch was soon after PFC sucker punch.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Mar 18 at 2019 12:47 AM

1SG Brian Adams — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 00:47:21 -0400

I put 23 years in this Army....short answer yes...but always maintained a professional bearing...especially when I was in the right...!

Response by SPC James Gromley made Mar 24 at 2019 2:32 PM

SPC James Gromley — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 14:32:19 -0400

Had a discussion with 1ST SGT about Fire Safety when he put chains and locks on barricks doors. Post Fire Inspector had my back by pulling a inspection ask about said chains and lock and informed Top about said Safety rules. He was not to happy with me but when you a cook well think we know where this went.

Response by CPL Glynnda White made Apr 5 at 2019 11:41 AM

CPL Glynnda White — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:41:47 -0400

yes I have in circumstances FOLLOWING Basic....that guy up there in the photo however, needs exactly what he is getting....Basic is a separate thing from military life. I got my fair share in Basic which was what I needed to pass....that is the objective in Basic.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Apr 5 at 2019 11:54 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 11:54:26 -0400

Hell no, it is disallowed, plain and simple. WTF do modern members of the Army not understand about orders, directives, traditions and RESPECT? You don't get to do just as you like in a disciplined fighting organization. Maybe that is the reason that the US Army is actually conducting a study of why the US Marine Corps out performs them day after day, week after week etc. Who did Douglas McArthur say was the best fighting outfit in the Pacific? I'll let you guess...………….. initials are U . . C.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Apr 7 at 2019 9:47 PM

SGT Juan Robledo — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 21:47:16 -0400

I can say for certain that this never accord to or my family, I certainly understand your loss of a loved one especially a child of yours, in this instance maybe requesting to speak to your first Sgt might have been better, then speaking to your commanding officer, if that didn't work to over their heads and speak to their higher up, again my condolences for your loss

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Apr 19 at 2019 1:29 PM

Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 13:29:12 -0400

Got a reduction in Rank

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Apr 20 at 2019 6:00 PM

SGT Greg Gold — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 18:00:07 -0400

I was in a port security MP detachment at the end of Gulf War I. At this point in the mission we had running the port of Jacksonville down to a science, and ran two platoons on 12 hour shifts with the third platoon off duty, but subject to recall unless signed out. What this really meant was you worked two days on, had two days off but be near a phone, and then four days of actual off duty down time, all the while being 90 miles north of Daytona Beach during spring break.

Well, our COC was a soup sandwich. The CDR was flying home weekly without taking leave, the XO was MIA most of the time, and the 1st Sergeant was so incompetent he couldn't see why any of this was an issue. It all came crashing down when the port commander, (06 type), came blowing into town and summoned all his CO CDR's to a staff meeting. Well our CO was AWOL, the XO was MIA, and the topkick was at the zoo. 06 looses it, and shuts down the whole operation.

Fast forward to the first NCO meeting after the big blow up, and top is briefing all of us as to our new work schedule. He starts off by saying "the Army says you are getting too much time off, so from now on everyone is working 8 hour shifts, 5 day on and 2 off." 'The Army' huh? Not a word about the fact that our port CDR couldn't find an MP above the rank of E6, and when he did find one no one knew where any of the senior leadership was. I asked what about training and was told 'the Army' said we had too much time off, so we were working the new shift schedule on account of 'accountability'.

There isn't enough space here to document the breadth and scope of the lack of leadership we had had been working under over the past year, or the number of MACOM investigations we had been subject to, but I totally lost it. I started to object verbally to the stupidity I had just witnessed, but I just couldn't contain myself. I ended up literally jumping up and down on my leader's book while yelling "we can't train the troops, so we'll just #$%! the troops!". Let the record reflect that I uttered that phrase no less than three times in response to the 1st SGT trying to restore order.

Long story short is I beat a field grade Article 15 down to a letter of reprimand for my performance that day. I framed it on my 'I love me' wall.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made May 12 at 2019 8:37 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:37:58 -0400

On my 2nd Tour... An LTC (1st tour non-combat arms Deputy G3) & I got into it then he locked my heels and proceeded to try and take a bite of my ass... the G3 SGM was laughing the whole time. Later told me I got to him (LTC) with some of my comments. Moral of this story... No matter how right & experienced you are... Someone always outranks you ... don't do what I did... I got away with it cause of the CIB and 2nd tour. I still was not wrong just should have presented it better. That said... I still laugh about the time I chewed out an LTC...

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Jun 1 at 2019 1:27 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 13:27:05 -0400

I was taught in PLC ,1981, that if you ever lose your temper and started yelling then you have lost the Argument, if you hide behind your rank then your weak. I have had my soldiers tell me that I can scream without ever raising my voice. Learn to use your tone and never allow yourself to get boxed in a conversation.

Response by SGT Eugene Brooks made Jun 9 at 2019 9:41 AM

SGT Eugene Brooks — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 09:41:54 -0400

I was stationed in Bamburg, Germany in the 82nd Engineers. I had a platoon Sergent that was never satisfied with anything I did. We would get into some of the worst cussing and name calling yelling match ever heard in that tool room. It got so bad that I filed a 1049 to Vietnam just to get away from him. To this day I have no idea if he was doing it just to see what I would do. Maybe he got a kick out of having a go around with me knowing that I could take what ever he said and keep on trucking.

Response by CPT William Hoh made Jun 28 at 2019 11:44 PM

CPT William Hoh — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 23:44:34 -0400

Disagreements… Sure. Altercations… No.

US Army medical Corps is somewhat unique though . A general practitioner like myself might outrank a specialist. The specialist still has the final say even though I outrank them.

Response by SFC Brian Gillum made Jul 1 at 2019 3:30 PM

SFC Brian Gillum — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:30:37 -0400

Screaming? No, I don’t believe I ever took it that far. But I can state truthfully, that I had more than one occasion where I said far more than I should have in a tone that was not appreciated nor appropriate and earned some extra duty/confinement to company area for a few days.

Response by LCpl Drew Watts made Jul 1 at 2019 10:06 PM

LCpl Drew Watts — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 22:06:00 -0400

I was a marine so yelling and "hands on" attitude changes were the norm even if not PC, wouldn't have it any other way. While in Iraq in 03' we fell under a joint service army MP battalion, our XO's vehicle was cleaned out by one of our few female HQ folks. Without knowing this info our XO went into jarhead rage thinking someone had tore his personal shit apart and i happened to be the E3 in the room that was in the area at the time. After alot of yelling and some buddyfucker comments i politely told him "i didnt fucking touch your shit sir"! I think the army guys around werent sure what to think about the exchange. The XO was in the wrong at the time but later made ammends in his own way. Id love to hold a grudge but hes the guy that keeps a FB page together for our unit to keep us in touch and the first one to volunteer help when we have a gofundme type of situation. Point is that i could have hauled off and slugged him to feel better for a minute but im glad i didnt b/c heated exchanges happen in the military. He coulda been a prick and pushed a wrong accusation into a ucmj violation b/c of his rank if that was his way, instead there was some yelling and swear words and that was the end of the misunderstanding followed by as much of an apology as an E3 would get by his XO.

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Jul 3 at 2019 9:29 AM

SFC Barbara Layman — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 09:29:14 -0400

Not a screaming match but an altercation.
1989, FRKS there was a CSM who was pretty raunchy. He made remarks to female soldiers that were inappropriate and if a troop was called into his office (literally a closet with just enough room for a desk and an extra chair, with no ventilation) upon exiting it was clear that something had taken place.
He would arbitrarily make mal-assignments of troops that would cost bonuses if they remained in incorrect slots.
I was a senior E-5 PSNCO filling an E-7 slot. One day, he called me into his office. Knowing he had just reviewed manning documents that had been corrected and no reflecting the 'assignments' that he had 'directed,' and anticipating what would happen 'behind closed doors,' I did not follow his request.
He came out into the office and yelled that he wanted to see me in his office. I responded that anything he had to say to me could be said "in front of my troops." With that, I removed the pin-on rank from my collars and approached him in the center of the area, essentially toe-to-toe, extended my hand with the rank in it and advised him that whatever he had to say, "You will likely want these after hearing my response." I went on to advise that since he was a 96R and I was the 75H, I would leave the intelligence arena to him and he should remain out of the 75H administration.

Two important points - First, that battalion was at the top of the division list for inaccurate and improper personnel assignments to include tardy sitreps and payroll actions. Within 90 days of arrival, I had cleared all of those deficiencies. Additionally, but not necessarily related, although I was considerably junior in rank, the SGM and I were chronological peers. He was not dealing with a 20 year old E-5. Second, I had been assigned to that position because of my years of experience in my career field in the WAC, the USAR and the ARNG. Lots of experience and training. The SGM was a 96R

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2019 3:55 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 15:55:18 -0400

After basic training, none of my leadership was ever stupid enough to yell at me. So no screaming matches, although it has been pointed out to me that I do have a tendency to raise my voice when I'm feeling strong emotions, whether it was excitement, anger, frustration or upset. Only one Soldier pulled the "watch how you talk to me" rank card, as soon as she walked out of the cubicle, another NCO came to talk to me to calm me down, and I went off some more about what the whole issue was, he calmed me down, warned me that while my upset was justified, I needed to be more professional (yea, ok, true, but in those moments, I DON'T CARE, I'm tired of being a "whipping boy" just because I'm not an NCO) because he doesn't want someone will no compassion to make trouble for me. But that type of bull was one of the many reasons that I requested a discharge for family hardship when things started falling apart, instead of fighting to overcome the obstacles I had in the unit and my life.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 5 at 2019 2:53 AM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 02:53:42 -0400

I had a very loud shouting match with the new E9 at Hurlburt Field in FL. It cabout returning a part to bench stock, that was to be installed in a generator, that was finish with its inspection. The technician who did the inspection, didn't check his forms for parts. The E9 said I couldn't return the part. I said that it had to be returned, because the generator was gone. The arguement turned into a very loud discussion of regs and policies. The whole section stood around waiting to see who'd throw the first punch or start cussing. An E6 corrected the E9 about the Wing's policies on the return of parts to bench stock . Well the E9 walked off and I awaited for either the Wing Commander's car to pull up and chew my ass, or the security police to haul me off for disrepecting the E9. Neither happened. A year later the E9 was upset that I had missed promotion by three points. It seems I didn't have any awards that were enough to be promoted. He made sure I got an award worthy of being promoted,.from E4 to E5 .

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 5 at 2019 6:18 PM

SGT James Murphy — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 18:18:46 -0400

No, that's not smart. There are much better ways. Take a couple of bottles of Jack Daniels with you to see your buddies at records and have a few files misplaced... That works much better...

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Aug 7 at 2019 8:03 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 08:03:42 -0400

Not a screaming match or altercation but a exchange on words with two adults to get the best results. Oh it got loud but respectful.

Response by CPL Joe Zaucha made Aug 22 at 2019 12:43 PM

CPL Joe Zaucha — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 12:43:09 -0400

Closest I came was when I was an E4 and then the five called on my personal cell phone and started yelling at me that I had 30 minutes to get into the office or else I would face you C closest I came was when I was in the E4 and then the five called on my personal cell phone and started yelling at me that I had 30 minutes to get into the office or else I would face you UCMJ. I informed him that I was three days into a 10 day leave and was currently in Detroit Michigan, pretty hard to get to Fort Carson Colorado in 30 minutes. He said he didn’t care and now it was 29 minutes. I informed him that he could count down every minute but there was no way possible it was going to happen, even if I could get to the airport it would take me longer than 29 minutes. He hung up but called me back 29 more times to tell me how many minutes I had before UCMJ would be started. I called our company commander and informed him what was going on and he told me not to worry about it and to enjoy the rest of my leave. Never did find out exactly what this guys problem was but when I got back there was no mention of it ever going beyond him calling me and being an asshole.

Response by SP6 Guy Slater made Aug 23 at 2019 1:07 AM

SP6 Guy Slater — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 01:07:22 -0400

While on first tour in Germany, 72-75, I was in a 7th Army Support Signal Battalion. During this time, some of the brown stuff hit the oscillating mechanical contraption between Israel and the rest of the Middle East, and my BN was tasked with back-up commo from Embassy (Israel) to DC.
Had a bitch of a time with my team's antenna's due to the wind, and lost three of them. When the new antenna's came to site, so did my LT. Also on site was a Full Bird Signal Officer from 5th Corps, who was about to take command of the Signal Brigade. LT fussed about every thing that I had done, or had done, to the site, until the COL told him to stuff it.
After about 20 hours on site, and commo being in 5 by, I took first shift and told my people to rack out, and I would call on relief when I was too tired to go on.
The wind died down and the weather did the Alpine thing of changing to pretty pleasant, and I was at the rig desk (in the back of a deuce and a half radio shelter, and the desk faces the cab wall) doing on site paper reports, when all my alarms go off.
I turn around grabbing the fire extinguisher and see the LT with his hands on a tuning dial. AN/GRC 50 radio has separate transmitters and receivers that have to be tuned more than 50 cycles apart. Our SigOps order had us at something like 55 cycles separation, and the LT had just detuned the radio to less than 50. Burned out the receiver and the shot went to hell. I asked him what the hell he was doing, and he told me he "didn't like" my meter readings.
I decked him off the rig and to the feet of the COL, who was running up to find out what had happened.
When the LT came to, he told me I would get a courts martial for striking an officer. And the COL informed him that he (the COL) would be very happy to appear as a defense witness at my trial, and as a prosecution witness at the LT's trial.
The LT wound up paying for the destroyed radio, and had his "automatic" promotion to 1LT delayed until the money was paid.
And me? I got an AR-15 for something else. But it was really for decking the LT.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Aug 25 at 2019 10:39 PM

PO3 James Bobiney — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 22:39:03 -0400

Well, sorta I guess. When I was a Medic with the 67th CSH overseas. We had a soldier surgical patient who was recovering from surgery. It was night shift and as a Spc I was the highest ranking soldier on the ward. His company commander decided to come up to the hospital and demanded he be released asap. Idk why, and to be honest, I think he was a little sauced. But I told him he cannot be released he has to recover from the surgery. I told him I can call the CQ and/or the on call Doc and he could discuss it with them. He started to raise his voice and trying to pull rank on me. Of course this all took place in the patients room with said patient looking like a Deer in the headlights. The CO did not even bother to go to the Nurses station. I pressed the call button so the Charge Nurse would come back, who was a DAC. I told the Captain that "I'm sorry Sir, but with all due respect this soldier cannot be released right now and you are disturbing other patients. If you do not leave I will call the MP's and they can deal with it". I never felt so intimidated in my life. But I went in the Army older than most and being more mature than some of the guys in our platoon I held my ground.
My CO told me I did a great job when I saw him in the Morning. The hospital CO did as well. To be honest, I really don't know what that Captains problem was. Anyway, that's my short story about this, and the only time I've ever had anything like it happen during my service.
Oh, and the CO left before the MP's got there. Yes they were called, by the Charge Nurse. Good on her.

Response by SFC Robert Mercantini made Aug 29 at 2019 7:31 AM

SFC Robert Mercantini — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 07:31:53 -0400

When I was at Bragg...2002? I had a 1SG who was a pretty cool dude, master blaster... ranger etc. Called me into one of the latrines to show me it needed to be cleaned. Apparently he got lit up by the BN CSM and was a little ticked. After the complaining was done I said Ill get some troopers to clean this up. I guess he didn't like my response because I was leaving he tried to block the way out of the latrine...(he may not have been done ranting I guess. He got in my face told me he can stop me from leaving or detain me....can remember the exact wording. So I grabbed him by the fron of the shirt and slammed him against the wall and gave him an agoshi (SP) slam. I felt bad because I was smaller than him and was supposed to be intimidated. He was still in my mind a good 1sg.

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Sep 3 at 2019 7:18 AM

1SG Steven Malkowski — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 07:18:12 -0400

We were at Annual Training with my Guard unit at Ft. Drum. This was my last AT as I was scheduled to retire two days after getting back home. Our mission that AT was to conduct pre-deployment training for soldiers going to Afghanistan. I had already had some disagreements with our (new) Battalion CSM, I was the HHC 1SG. One day about half way through the AT, He calls me on the Battalion radio net, which was monitored by Brigade, and dresses me down for not conducting a proper police call in the company area. I said "I'll see you in a minute, OUT". That was the last straw with this idiot. I confronted him in the Battalion TOC in front of all the staff and MF'd him for about two minutes until I started to think about hitting him. Then I STFU and walked away. No sense in ending my career with an Art 15 or worse. We're training soldiers to go to war and he's worried about a little shit paper outside the outhouse.

Response by SSgt Dee O'Connor made Sep 20 at 2019 2:00 AM

SSgt Dee O'Connor — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 02:00:57 -0400

No. I wasnt ready to die

Response by CPL James S. made Sep 26 at 2019 3:00 PM

CPL James S. — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 15:00:05 -0400

I've been in a few altercations with NCO's that outranked me as well as the 1Sgt, a CO, and a few officers from various different branches or areas, usually in the line of duty as a Firefighter (though twice as an NCO in the combat arms).

Long story short: I tend to be a person who is excessively concerned with formalism, accuracy, and precision and rely on my knowledge of the regs as well as the local laws. I am also someone who usually prefers to fight with facts... I've only once had anyone get in my face for anything, probably because I am short but stocky (5'6", 225lbs at 7% body fat as measured by the USAF when I deployed). I rarely get physical because I know what I am capable of, being a life-long martial artist and having had to apply the knowledge from Miami to Afghanistan.

Response by CWO4 Gene A. made Oct 6 at 2019 5:10 PM

CWO4 Gene A. — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 17:10:56 -0400

Site starting to sound like a story book. Wondering what valid question will be presented next.

Response by PFC Terry Kuehner made Oct 7 at 2019 7:50 AM

PFC Terry Kuehner — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 07:50:44 -0400

It was a common occurrence when I was in we didn't do charge sheets we went out back and settled it man to man

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2019 3:29 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 15:29:18 -0400

I’m always one to take things behind closed doors. If you have something to say, be a man and say it. We can disagree like men and move on. I respect civil discourse but If I found out someone was talking smack behind my back though, that’s a different closed door conversation altogether.

Response by SPC Michael Scantling made Oct 8 at 2019 4:39 PM

SPC Michael Scantling — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:39:35 -0400

As an E-4 I had a new baby with high fever and constant crying waiting in the emergency room on post. I had taken her in late evening and by this time it was around 1am. So I call my brand new just promoted E-5, that I didn’t see eye to eye with as an E-4 to begin with. Lol. I let him know everything that’s gone on. His knee jerk reaction was don’t miss pt or else. I was beyond heated at that point so I just said ok, my wife had gotten off work by then and was there with me so I left at about 2am and was present for pt, I didn’t say a word to him that morning but he confronted me later that day alone, basically asking me rudely was I butt hurt or whatever. I told him that he could go fuck himself, and that he was really fucking lucky that my daughter was ok that day. Then he asked me (still an asshole) if I wanted to hit him. Which surprised me because at that point I hadn’t even considered a physical altercation with an NCO because I’d like to think I’m smarter than that. Lol. (Not justified in MY situation). I just laughed at him after that, told him I thought he was a complete shitbag, and that while I may be forced to respect that rank on your chest, but that’s it. I have lost any hint of respect for you as a person. And I just walked away. He really was a shit bag. Agreed to re-enlist for that E-5 rank but apparently changed his mind because after that I’m pretty Sure he started ACAPing. Anyway. That’s probably the worst situation I was in with a superior during my time.

Response by PO2 Robert Moore made Oct 9 at 2019 1:15 PM

PO2 Robert Moore — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 13:15:59 -0400

I had only one shout match in my 8 years in the Navy. With a Chief, and I an E4 at the time.
I got nasty with another E4, as he was being a shitbird. The Chief heard the yelling and came to look. Unfortunately for me, he comes around the corner just in time too see me finally throw my headset against the wall. He beckons me outside and begins to chastise me. But....at this point, I had had just enough of this other E4 getting away with a bunch of crap he shouldn't be. Sick of him getting a pass because he's a brown noser, and etc. So....I lit into the Chief about it. We stood their spitting at each other for about 5 mins, when out of the corner of my eye I spot the LCDR beckoning him with his finger wag. The Chief left me, I stayed and stood there still facing the way I was. The Chief returns to me with the LCDR and apologizes for giving me shit. (which I replied he had his right). It seems the LCDR had actually witnessed a few incidents prior to, and the one that set me off on him. Lucky ME, that day :)
Now....in the civilian world.....OMG. More than three times. Was I fired? No. Go ahead, fire the guy who actually knows what he's doing. Good luck. Bert doesn't take kindly to unwarranted denigration by anybody. Especially a novice in the tasks, or a Daddy's boy "that's why he's a boss".

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Oct 9 at 2019 1:17 PM

PO1 Mike Wallace — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 13:17:52 -0400

Yes once with an Ensign who I found lounging in CIC while he was on watch while my guys were tracking a large number of contacts. The Ensign was the CIC watch officer. When I walked in and found him I told him he was relieved and I took the watch. He raised his voice and so did I explaining I was the Leading Petty Officer and he was not performing his duties and then told him to get out of combat. He refused so I woke up the full lieutenant operations officer and he stormed up to CIC and told the dumb a** to get out of combat and not come back.
About a year later in the Philippines he made some remarks to after we both had been drinking and I responded (we were in civvies). At which point he threw a punch at me and he ended up on the ground. Nothing came from it and he left soon after.

Response by WO1 Mike Dwyer made Oct 10 at 2019 4:59 PM

WO1 Mike Dwyer — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 16:59:20 -0400

As a new WO1, I was feeling a lot of pressure and I felt like my CW2 supervisor was micro-managing me. I lost my temper during a particularity stressful moment and yelled at him. He sat there looking very surprised. After I calmed down I went in his office and apologized. He accepted my apology and we were fine after that. We're friends on Facebook 31 years later.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Oct 11 at 2019 1:04 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:04:04 -0400

While in basic ,we were getting a chance to see family as a special treat for Thanksgiving. The long phone lines to call home made me about 15 minutes late getting back to the barracks.As I approached ,my drill sergeant started yelling and pushing me towards the barracks.l knew I was wrong and let it slide.I caught it for about another 15 minutes to make a show for the rest of the platoon. The next day,while in formation,he informed me I would not be seeing my wife as I was going to be on detail.Besides,he would be entertaining my wife. I fell out of formation with all I had.The CO busted him back to E4 and l scrapped wax off the floor with a nickel. I got to enjoy a visit with my wife.

Response by SGT Mike Moschkin made Oct 11 at 2019 6:28 PM

SGT Mike Moschkin — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 18:28:31 -0400

I saw it happen outside the my hooch in Vietnam between the PSG and platoon leader (2nd Louie). I heard the PSG tell the Lt when you were in diapers I was fighting a war (Korea) !

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Oct 11 at 2019 11:38 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 23:38:39 -0400

Only in Boot Camp.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Oct 15 at 2019 1:11 PM

SMSgt Jeff Kyle — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:11:56 -0400

Yes. I grounded a helicopter for tail rotor blade damage. The damage exceeded tech data repair limits. I wrote it up and, since we didn’t have any spares, I closed it up and briefed nite shift. Unfortunately, grave shift didn’t get the word or decided to disregard my plan. So, on my to the shop, I saw my helicopter, prepped for flying, with what appears to be a half pound of Bondo plastered over the damaged area. I kinda got too Marine (I had joined the Air Force after my Marine tour) and went off at the shift leader. I, a SSgt (E-5) bellowing at a MSgt (E-7) about how that blade wasn’t going back in the air, etc., etc., etc. My Air Force side finally broke through and inside said “dumbass, you’re fubar’ed if you don’t shut up”. So I said that the helo was grounded and I’d make sure there wouldn’t be any doubt as to the blade’s serviceability. I won the argument but got scolded by the Chief.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Oct 16 at 2019 3:44 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:44:02 -0400

In 2008, I had an altercation with an E-7 when I was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea(I was an E-6). She tried to tell me that the eye glasses I was wearing at the time were unauthorized(I was wearing BCG's that had tinted lenses. I had gotten them when I was stationed at Fort Hood prior to this). I told her how I got the glasses, yet she kept pressing the issue, and I finally said to her:"If you want to talk to the Sergeant Major about this, we can do this right now. After you." It didn't get to that point. Reason being, she finally backed down, and walked away.

Response by SFC Bruce Smith made Oct 16 at 2019 7:50 PM

SFC Bruce Smith — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 19:50:44 -0400

Pick a month and year between 1989 and 2011.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Nov 1 at 2019 5:40 PM

1SG James Kelly — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 17:40:47 -0400

No; but when I was a 1SG i told my Bn co to take this job and shove it, I quit - and did.
You used to be able to get away with a bit more back then when you were over 20.

Response by SFC Andrew Ormiston made Nov 5 at 2019 8:46 AM

SFC Andrew Ormiston — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 08:46:50 -0500

One stick out. A SFC had an absolute screaming tirade in the face of the CSM over some perceived slight. All this in front of the entire unit.
Most unprofessional display I ever saw in 22 years.
Thought for sure she would have some form of disciplinary action taken against her, but alas no.

Response by SPC Don Goffaux made Nov 5 at 2019 12:34 PM

SPC Don Goffaux — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:34:02 -0500

#1 He violated Red Cross emergency protocol ! Which over rides any company troop movements! No Commander or NCO has the authority to deny emergency leave for a death of a child even if its a miscarriage & your wife has trouble dealing with it!
Case in point I was training @ Ft. Irwin CA & became injured before we moved into the sandbox & I was temporarily assigned to the E.O.C. & since I was the senior enlisted other than the CSM over me. I coordinated all emergency leave through the Red Cross! While there I had a request come across my desk for a soldier in my company. And upon 3 different leave denials from my 1st Sgt & Company Cdr ! I drove into the box found the soldier & asked him if he wanted to go be with his wife & he said yes & just as I told him to get in the Humvee my CO over heard my conversation & ordered me to ATTENTION & said if I interfered with his order of no leave I would be busted down to a E1! And I replied with all do respect Sir you do what you feel that you need to do but Im goin to do what I need to do so I immediately reported back to the post CSM & the CSM ordered the MP's to arrest the Captain & 1st Sgt & for me to get the soldier immediately to the airport! On the way to the Airport I asked Corporal Prather who worked as the company clerk why they denied his leave he told me that they treated him as the company bitch!
By the next morning the CO was dishonorably discharged & the 1st Sgt was reprimanded!
All in all it took a E4 with the right knowledge to bring down a Captain & a 1st Sgt after retuning to post the other officers had a new found respect for me !

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Nov 6 at 2019 2:19 PM

CWO3 Bryan Luciani — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 14:19:23 -0500

I had been the number one ranked E-8 for the past three cycles when I became eligible for E-9. I went to the Commodore's office to sign my fit-rep when I noticed that both me and an E-8 peer had both been MP'd. I suggested to the Commodore that he EP the other Senior Chief who had been there for the past two years because I was the new guy there and it would look bad to a promotion board to have both of us as MP (No EP). He said he had agreed to and taken the recommendation from the Command Master Chief to do as he did. I asked him what he advised I do to re-establish my EP standard and he said, "Nothing at all Senior. Just keep doing what you do." I barely controlled myself, walked out and went straight to the CMC's office. I walked in and closed the door. He had his feet on the desk. I asked him why he had sabotaged my first promotion opportunity at E9 and he said, "You are too young to be a master chief and you wouldn't have been promoted anyway." I asked him what he knew about the Master Diesel Inspector position for E9 Enginemen (as opposed to being a Command type) and he said he'd never heard of it. I put my hand on his bundled feet and thrust them off the desk, thanked him (sarcastically) for taking that away from me and told him he was a sorry POS as I walked out. I never spoke to the clown again and he never mentioned this event to a single soul. I applied for CW02 three months later (since the CMC had zero say-so on officer programs) and picked it up the first time. The anger and ignorance truly motivated me. Best career move I made in 22 years of service.

Response by SGT Keith Smith made Nov 6 at 2019 3:58 PM

SGT Keith Smith — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 15:58:48 -0500

I have an odd way of looking at raising ones voice. There is a time and place to do it. Normally it’s when the person I am talking with needs to understand that I am angry. After people raise their voice a discussion is normally over. A discussion takes two people listening and talking with each other. Normally when this started I just shut up and let them go. I have refused unlawful orders and I have not followed orders which were just wrong. In both cases I was threatened with punitive action and when it got to the next to the next person in the chain of command, it was dropped. This did not please them and they would not recommend me for anything. However doing the right thing over the easy thing has always made me able to live with myself better. I listen to both sides and then try to go from there.

Response by CPO William Plaster made Nov 7 at 2019 8:18 AM

CPO William Plaster — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 08:18:56 -0500

No response unless I know the other side of the story.

Response by SPC Brian Blaney made Nov 7 at 2019 11:32 AM

SPC Brian Blaney — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:32:42 -0500

No, never, though I did have an O-3 that chewed me up and down, over his error, when I was the Battalion S-3 Operations Clerk. My job was to make sure training got done and scheduled, so I did it. His road march was well past when it should have been done, so I scheduled it, with the O-4s blessing, and signature.

The O-3 wasn't happy and came storming into the S-3 office, I was the only one there, and no officers in the BN HQ at the time either, and I was the one who scheduled it. Tore me a new one, while standing at attention. I took it and went about my day, though in a rather foul mood of course.

The O-4 came back and checked on me, which he had a habit of doing, and knew something was wrong. He asked me a few times "Is everything ok Specialist." My answer was the same every-time, a simple "Yes, sir" then he called me into his office and asked what was wrong, so I told him.

The O-3 was called to the O-4s office and read the riot act, he avoided me like the plague, his 1SG thought it was funny as hell.

Those were the days.

Response by SSG Bobby Richardson made Nov 7 at 2019 11:44 AM

SSG Bobby Richardson — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:44:05 -0500

I was fortunate enough during my 11 years Army M.I. to have superiors whom I respected and who, in turn, respected me. So I never had any outright yelling at each other encounters, there were some 'heated disputes" in which opinions were freely and frankly shared. Either I changed their mind or I got on with the task as directed.

I did however, have a run-in with a subordinate who came to work having left most of his senses in the bottom of an empty beer mug. As soon as I smelled his breath I directed him to go back out to the break-room for a couple of hours. He kept insisting that he could work just fine, getting louder & louder. Finally I had to grab two hands-full of his BDU blouse and switch to "wall-to-wall counseling" and told him to "Get the hell outta Ops until I sent somebody to get him." It was a slow night so his absence didn't have any impact on our mission. Next day I bought him lunch and we had a good long counseling session, which I played as just two guys - the Old Hand & the New Guy - having a good jaw over lunch. He responded well and we never had any more problems.

Response by SFC David Kauppi made Nov 8 at 2019 11:10 AM

SFC David Kauppi — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:10:34 -0500

"Praise in public. Punish in private."

Response by SFC David McAfee made Nov 9 at 2019 3:37 PM

SFC David McAfee — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 15:37:40 -0500

Provision are made for issues like that by Emergency Leave. Addressing the back might be best handled in the chain of command (CSM/CDR) if not resolved by your company CO/1SG.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Nov 10 at 2019 1:01 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 13:01:55 -0500

Of course...this is going to happen! Only if I was correct and always one one one...never in front of the troops.

Response by 1stSgt John Sims made Nov 10 at 2019 2:19 PM

1stSgt John Sims — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 14:19:38 -0500

Yes, several times. Not a screaming match though. I was in training at Ft. McCoy as a First Sergeant and called out a Major on his less than knowledgeable process/procedure. I could have handled myself a bit better, thought it was going to be a career ender. Back briefed my command chief at home station who in turn briefed my CO on the altercation. I was given a pass and told to enjoy my deployment. In the end I am upset with myself for being drawn in to a pissing contest with a skunk.

Response by A1C Craig Cambreleng made Nov 10 at 2019 5:36 PM

A1C Craig Cambreleng — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 17:36:06 -0500

Yes, while in USAF stationed at K.I Sawyer AFB, doing a G.I party cleaning the AIrcrew Life Support shop, Buck Sgt David Dion told me too clean the latrine (he didnt like me because I wasnt a white supremacy idiot like him), when i was finished NCOIC told me too help another Airman buff the floors, when Sgt Dion seen I was running buffer he went off on me in front of the other Airman and when I didnt back down (I was A1C) it made him more upset, possibly because he knew I didnt respect him, and he threatened too take me into the office for some “Wall to Wall counseling”, during the incident, the Airman that witnessed everything went and found the NCOIC and I ended up with an LOR for insubordination but Sgt Dion ended up going to Correctional Custody (he had a huge file due too issues he created during his enlistment) for the threats he made, and thats where he stayed while USAF Outprocessed him and put together his dishonorable discharge

Response by MSG David Pickerell made Nov 14 at 2019 9:27 PM

MSG David Pickerell — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 21:27:45 -0500

Not really a screaming match, as I don’t generally scream, but I’ve been in a few altercations with folks who outranked me. Years ago, when I was an S1 NCOIC in an armor battalion, I had an HHC XO who decided working in the motor pool took priority over keeping the S1 open and also decided he was going to make sure HHCs personnel actions would take precedence over the other company’s, since I and my personnel were assigned to HHC. I decided the best way to manage my shop was to send half the office (3 guys) to the motorpool and the other half would keep the office open, as we only had one 2 1/2 ton, for which we were responsible. I also decided to keep the personnel action priority as it was, because the Bn CSM had already blessed off on it. The HHC XO took exception to both decisions and I politely informed him I had a responsibility to the entire battalion and not just HHC. We went round and round for about ten minutes, with me continuing to calmly support my position and him getting more and more irate. We eventually ended up in the Bn XOs office, who after hearing both sides, told us to get out of his office and settle things ourselves. I continued to stand my ground and he finally gave up.

The other memorable time was at BNCOC, participating in the FTX. The SGL was not very proficient when it came to tactical operations, and decided he would drop an artillery simulator right in front of my battle buddy and I (about three feet in front of us). After we got out from seeking cover, I cornered him, confiscated all the pyro he had left, and told him if he wanted any employed, he would come to me and I’d employ it. I could see in his eyes that he realized he’d screwed up and he didn’t argue about it.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Nov 26 at 2019 1:20 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 13:20:03 -0500

Guilty. I was taking a replacement part out to install on a mobile generator set. But the generator had been sent out without the part. I was putting the part back into the supply hold bin, when the NCOIC (E9) stopped me and asked me why I was doing that. He wasn't calm about it. He pulled the piss me off pin on my temper grenade. Well one word led to another, and you could hear us shouting over the noise of the shop, the taxing C-130s and a generator being run up for testing. Everyone stopped their work, looked at us and waited for the heavy weight boxing match to begin. Fortunately the assistant NCOIC and the supply sgt stepped in between us and clamed things down. They explained to the E9, that I was doing the right thing and that was policy to do just that. Things settled down, we both apoligied and respected each other's rank and experiences.

Response by MSgt R Roberts made Dec 1 at 2019 3:07 PM

MSgt R Roberts — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 15:07:21 -0500

Have a couple of those, one was fairly recently ( civilian) now. My Chief wanted to do something that violated safety regs as well as his and everyone elses safety. Politely told him this isnt going to happen not while i am here. He backed off, 10 min later he calls me in to his office along with another civand statts in that o dont have his back etc. tried explaining to him why and kept getting cut off. Final straw came when i stated as soon as he has approval from wing safety to do hi stunt then id shut up. He slams his fist down on the desk and sxares the crap out of the other guy who was wondering what he was ther for anyway, statts berating me and the other guy jumps up and says im out of here. I did chuckle and that probably wasnt exactly right, but it was funny. I tell him to leave as im his supervisor, and calmly tell the E9 that this is the end of discussion and his stunt will not happen while im here, last thing i need is an accident by you being investigated.
This was AF and the E9 was weak as water but wanted to try and grandstand for a bit. It was kind of fun at the time, i knew i had regs and common sense behind me and he had only a ‘good idea’ fairy to lean on

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 11:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 11:02:47 -0500

As a newly promoted SPC in the National Guard I was a range safety and I cursed out a SSG for flagging. I ended up in front of the 1SG's desk for it. Luckily, I was only yelled at for "disrespecting the title of SSG" in his words. I'm sure he could of done more but I'm also pretty sure I know why he didn't.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Dec 17 at 2019 1:07 PM

SGT Doug Blanchard — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:07:13 -0500

I only had one row with my captain. My (now ex) wife contacted the grade chaplains office because I had not sent her the paperwork to get her dependents I.D. card. I was still in nxt at the time. My CO chewed me out for not sending it to her. After he finished, I asked for permission to speak, and I told him what was going on. I let him know that she had never sent me a certified copy of our marriage license and that I had requested it several times. He apologized for what he said to me and got on the phone to my ex father in laws squadron commander and got my ex father in law on the phone, who at that time was a senior chief in the Navy on the phone and read him the riot act for upsetting the Apple cart. He told him that if he ever contacted the base chaplains office again concerning me, and it was not an emergency that he would do whatever it took to either have him busted in rank or kicked out of the Navy.
But long story short, I received at mail call roughly a week later a certified copy of my marriage license in the mail.

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Dec 27 at 2019 1:15 PM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 13:15:39 -0500

@ my first duty station.
A Spc5 "got on my last nerve," in front of my dept & unable to hold my tongue, I freely & loudly released a tirade at him while probably red faced as The Devil. I don't believe my squad has seen anything like this before or after. I went straight instinctively to my native 1st language, Hebrew. Ever hear Ricky screaming @ Lucy? Probably looked something like that.
Well, after calmer heads prevailed he insisted in knowing what was said. In front of the squad, I advised him there wasn't a clear translation, but it did include a curse.
He asked, what was the curse?
I advised: "That ALL his children should look like him."
He responded, "How is that a curse,? That's a good thing."
I ended it with: " Go look in the mirror." I don't know if they ever laughed so hard in their lives?

Response by SGT Mark Burns made Jan 6 at 2020 3:19 PM

SGT Mark Burns — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:19:02 -0500

YEPPERS... I was an SGT E-5 in DISCOM "deployed" to NTC. I and a MAJ from a supporting brigade got into a heated argument. He put me at parade rest and it took every bit of military bearing not to clock him with the flashlight I was holding. It was an argument about respect, he felt we lowly enlisted weren't deserving of the same respect his officers deserved. For me, it wasn't about rank rather just normal human respect... I am glad now that I didn't lose my bearing.
I had at least two maybe three incidents with a Platoon SGT while I was an SPC in Hawaii. The day I was to get married, which everyone knew about and I tried to put for a day of leave for it but was told I didn't need too, told me the day of I couldn't take time to get married at the courthouse. So I asked for just enough time to go get married and come back. Again was told no, so then I laid into verbally which of course backfired. I was in the Infantry and we had no training, no special formation or anything planned for this day. If I wasn't getting married I would have been in the barracks with my platoon playing Nintendo.

Response by PVT Robert Cameron made Jan 7 at 2020 9:06 PM

PVT Robert Cameron — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 21:06:34 -0500

Yep and it was bad lol.

Response by SPC James Baker made Jan 8 at 2020 11:00 AM

SPC James Baker — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:00:50 -0500

I walked away from a Major who was in the middle of reading me out. I was an E-5 11C National Guardsman coming to pick my men up from a local bar near Pinion Canyon (the squad was not welcome and about to get trounced by locals) a major pulled up with a bus and started to read me about being drunk in public and a disgrace etc. I tried to tell him I was there to handle the problem, not a part of it, but no joy. As he’s peeling strips off me I notice my guys slinking into the humvee. So, when he tells me to get on the bus and goes into the bar, I just jumped in the hummer and drove back to our area. My First Sergeant had been contacted before I got back to our bivvy and I was ripped down to E1 on the spot

Response by SSG Joshua Johnson made Jan 8 at 2020 11:05 AM

SSG Joshua Johnson — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:05:48 -0500

Nope, never with seniors, peers, or subordinates. Combat medics should be level-headed

Response by SSG Thomas Hill made Jan 8 at 2020 5:11 PM

SSG Thomas Hill — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:11:16 -0500

Had a CO who thought it was cool to swear with every breath whenever he spoke to me. I am not talking about the occasional word but descriptive expletives for every noun that came out of his mouth. He also knew that, tho I was an SSG, I was also an ordained Baptist minister. I respectfully asked him if he could try to refrain especially in the presence of lower enlistees. After one request he lost his temper and "Let em fly" directed at me and proceeded to tell me that I was not a soldier if I didn't swear like one! At the end of the confrontation he asked me if I had anything to say. I proceeded to tell him how much I respected the Office corp and how important I felt it was for officers to be an example of professionalism and military courtesy in every situation and that I expected more of my commander. When it was done there was silence and the 1Sgt, who I never saw enter the room spoke up and said "AMEN, SSG!" The CO walked out of the room but never swore in my presence again. Honestly, I understand that swearing is part of the culture even if I chose not to participate, but what the CO was saying would make the devil blush!

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Jan 9 at 2020 2:23 AM

PO2 Lawrence Janiec — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 02:23:04 -0500

When HTCS(SW) Aaron Beebe got to my (second) ship, he was big on EVERYONE getting ESWS. I was bitter about the pin, because on my first ship I had the entire qual book finished, ready for the board, and they denied me a board because I was "transferring soon" which was just them giving me a big "fuck you". So I just decided I would never work on it ever again. When he first got there, I said, "Fuck ESWS." "Is that your final answer, Petty Officer Janiec?" "Yes, that is my final answer. Fuck ESWS." "Okay then." He sort of nodded and got that schemer look in his eye.

A few months later, the MOOW woke me up late for my SP watch when we were anchored out in Korea. As such, I was scrambling to put on my whites and stopped by my shop on the way down to the boat to take me ashore (we were anchored out). HTCS(SW) Beebe was there, tearing into me over being late for my watch and giving our shop a bad name. So, I yelled back. Or, as I put it when asked by the JAG on board, "I continued the conversation in the same manner in which it started." So, I got put on report for disrespect to a senior (not superior, as SGT Kennedy pointed out) petty officer. When it was time for XOI, I was in my "dress" dungajams and when I got to the MAA office, they said go talk to my department head. CDR Saunders informed me that I was going to be given 30 (50? I forget) hours of EMI as punishment, and my EMI was to work on getting the ESWS qualification. So yeah, HTCS Beebe won. However, rank/friendship restrictions nonwithstanding, I like to think that he and I became good friends after that, because I got the pin and I'm glad I did.

As a side point to the story, when I was on report, awaiting the whole report process and the JAG investigation and eventually XOI like I mentioned above, I had POOW one day at the forward (Chiefs and Officers) exit from the ship. I was in a foul mood, mostly because of the whole being-on-report thing, and I sort of just paced back and forth the entire 4 hours with my hand on the .45 in its holster. HTCS(SW) Beebe came up to leave the ship for liberty, and saw me pacing and when I looked at him and he saw death in my eyes and my hand on a gun? He sort of couldn't turn around and leave fast enough. I kept pacing the rest of my watch, but I swear I had a good laugh over it later that night.

Response by SPC Colten Pemberton made Jan 9 at 2020 5:57 AM

SPC Colten Pemberton — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 05:57:25 -0500

One time, when I had just gotten my SPC. I was a team leader in a Commo unit (they were fast-tracking me to E5), and I was tasked with a retransmission operation; which, I was shit-hot at, and that's what my team Did. Well, I was up on an OP with my section sergeant, scoping out where to set up my antennae, and dude starts talking mad shit! When we were setting up the antennae, he kept trying to tell me how to do it, and trying to show me how to do my job, calling me a dumbass, and saying that I didn't know shit. So, I squared up on him, and said, "look here, sergeant, you and me are the only m*****f*****s up here on this mountain. So you better watch how the f*** you talk to me." (He was a short, Scrappy, Irish guy, and I'm damn near 6ft, and used to be a PT stud) His face turned red, and he looked like he wanted to say something, but he just stormed off and started setting up his own antenna.
When I sorted out all the stuff that he had been throwing everywhere, and got my antenna set up, and then went over and helped him put up his.
Now, I realize that my situation was a bit of a special case, especially since it was never spoken of again, but this SGT actually had a bit more respect for me after that.

Response by 1LT James Patton made Jan 9 at 2020 11:57 AM

1LT James Patton — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:57:42 -0500

Public head space and timing adjustments are to be avoided. I was involved with only two.
One occured due to a safety violation, where the the NCO essentially refused to let me do it privately, the other was just before we went into combat and an NCO got a bit stupid during an OPORD Briefing.

Response by PO1 Dee Lee made Jan 10 at 2020 10:45 AM

PO1 Dee Lee — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 10:45:06 -0500

I have. I was an E6 on recruiting duty. An E7 I worked with was pretty lazy. He was supposed to put the records together before he left the day before. When I came in at 0600 the applicants paperwork was supposed to be ready for me to start looking at their birth certificates, diplomas, etc and start their paperwork. After a few times of asking him to please have everything put together so I could start my job (he didn’t come in till 0730) and this became a real problem I jumped all over him. He jumped right back. He wasn’t my supervisor. The guys I supervised all congratulated me on doing what needed to be said.

Response by PFC Terry Kuehner made Jan 10 at 2020 11:29 AM

PFC Terry Kuehner — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 11:29:17 -0500

I have never been the one to hold my tongue that is why I am a civil for over 30 yrs, and I still tell my bosses they are wrong

Response by CPL Angelika Guilbe made Jan 10 at 2020 8:32 PM

CPL Angelika Guilbe — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:32:36 -0500

Yes i hit my e6 in the helmet with butt stock of my weapon because he was trying to stop me from going to my counseling session while in Iraq. I WAS PISSED. Not my proudest moment but again pissed.

Response by MSgt Jesse Tiede made Jan 11 at 2020 7:48 PM

MSgt Jesse Tiede — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 19:48:04 -0500

Yes, I am ashamed to say that I DID exchange heated comments with my Supervisor (Branch Chief, actually!), and in front of witnesses! Our Captain came out of the office to see what the ruckus was about! It had to do with (Mandatory) Club Membership, in order to get Awards, Decs and Performance Reports, all needed to get promoted! One other time, just as I was retiring, happened when a rather obtuse E-9 (sorry, this a-hole was NOT a Chief!), didn't share my rather truthful opinion that "he", a Cop, shouldn't have control of a Civilian Small Arms Weapons Instructor, who was not only smarter, and more skillful than he, but much better looking, as well! I lost ALL respect for this a-hole when he picked up the phone, and disobeyed a direct order from HIS supervisor, that cost me a nice job!

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jan 13 at 2020 8:35 AM

SPC Stewart Smith — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:35:41 -0500

In my opinion yelling and getting into altercations like that show immaturity and a lack of confidence in your own self. This projects outwards from yourself in a show of force because you can't handle it mentally.

Response by SFC Pat Mattson made Jan 13 at 2020 10:39 AM

SFC Pat Mattson — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:39:32 -0500

Twice, I was the patrol supervisor in Butzbach when a call from a spouse about a her husband threaten her with a knife with no other information the Desk Seargent closes down all the kasernes in the area, locked down all the building in them. I wasn’t sure that we needed to that as there was no injury and where is he going to go, to the East Germans? As I sent a patrol to see what exactly happen at residence, I arrive at the Brigade Headquaters I was met by the BGE CSM and Commander and was informed I a very strong way that we military police overstepped our authority and so fourth. My patrol then called in a said that the wife made the story up. Being the middle man in this Cluster F, I went tot the MP station and laid into the DS who was a E-6 and I was a newly minted E-5. I am not sure how I didn’t pull over the desk and beat him with the butt of my weapon is beyond me. Next day the Guy was no longer on the desk.
Second, was detailed as a recruiter and sitting on a doughnut (0) after my dad got sick and I went on Emergancy leave. About a month later he passed and I went to the Company Commander to get him to sign my leave to go home and bury him, the CO said he wouldn’t because I was failing my mission and that when he was down range in Kuwait he couldn’t go home when his passed. He equated war time down range to our recruiting mission as the same. I then lost it and told him if he wouldn’t the BN CO will and I was going, he said he would kick me out of the Army if did. I went with the BN CSMs condolences and after I returned I decided that the Army wasn’t for me anymore even though I was an E-6(P) and 12 in. The INF Capt that was my CO in recruiting was transitioned out of the Army the same month I did, go figure.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jan 13 at 2020 2:35 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:35:34 -0500

Not exactly screaming matches but I recall “vigorously” standing up for my troops during training and deployments and “vigorously” promoting the course of action I thought was the correct one as a staff officer I had good bosses and actually changed their minds a few times

Response by PO3 Timothy Thomas made Jan 15 at 2020 2:56 AM

PO3 Timothy Thomas — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 02:56:14 -0500

While stationed at Charleston SC Navy Base I had collateral duty in building maintenance.
The E6, forgot his name, in charge of the building maintenance department. But I believe that he was a Bosun's Mate.

At the time I was a Nuc Weps instructor. Back story complete.
Anyway, this guy kept calling me "TOM" after I repeatedly told him to call me by my first name Tim or Petty Officer Thomas.
I was sitting at a desk in the office, Electrical Room. He comes in with 5 or 6 seamen, his regular staff, following. He says "Tom", and a sentence that went on deaf ears.
I stood straight up, chair rolls and slams into the wall 10 feet behind me. I then order the men entering to get out of the office and shut the door.
He asks me what's wrong. I'm part Blackfoot Indian and I know my face goes beet red when angry.
For weeks I did everything he asked, buffed floors, polished the brass, used a weed eater in 100 degrees because of a visiting Admiral, and weighed 200 pound CO2 cylinders for the fire suppression system. And much more.
One thing. Call me by my name or Rank.
The last man peeking through the door. He apologized to me and that was it.
The other guys knew that I hated what he did. I saw it as being disrespectful. I was an educated professional and a soldier.
I worked for him another 2 months.
He changed the way he addressed me and his regular staff of Seamen. Near the end of my collateral duty, when our E6 Bosun's Mate was absent, the rest of us were in the office for muster.
They thanked me for sticking up to him. Right or wrong, I could have ended my career, been thrown into the Brig, or worse.
In a way, I'm grateful that it didn't come to that. For all of the responsibility on my shoulders, I still was only 18 years old. To me, at that time, I earned my rank, carried the knowledge and responsibilities of a man who knew what that weapon was capable of.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2020 4:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 16:25:30 -0500

...I have been known to be a passionate advocate for my soldiers behind closed doors

Response by SMSgt Cary Baker made Jan 24 at 2020 2:21 PM

SMSgt Cary Baker — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:21:57 -0500

As a MSgt & SMSgt I have - I thought my Capt and Maj's decision was outright wrong and they didn't want to listen - in the end - I followed my orders - and we drank beer later that night at the club.

Response by CPL Gregory Ellis made Jan 31 at 2020 11:41 AM

CPL Gregory Ellis — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:41:48 -0500

SSG. Alejandre J. my heart and support go out to you brother and yes I have been in similar situations in my life both in and out of the military. Fortunately for those supervisors I never got to the point were it got physical, but there were times where it was on that edge. In my case I oftentimes reflected on life lessons from home, the good military encounters and interactions, alongside forethought of what the potential ramifications would be for me as a black male. Whether it is the military or civilian justice system America historically has invoked harsher penalties on black males, even when the elements of cases are exactly the same. So with that information alongside other information I often would stop short of doing anything physical. But the use of my mind and the power of the pen has served me well over the years. So after those screaming matches if they were truly wrong or coming from a bad place in their approach to me. Then I would find the corresponding rule, policy or contract violation to use in my documentation of the event and call them to the carpet on their actions. Which is way different then how I would have handled it back home on the streets of NYC, I guess that is one of the benefits that comes with maturity because that fight never ends, there will always be fools out there that somehow become supervisors over you. You just cant waste time suffering through their issues, have to rise above and continue to soldier on absent the drama they may try to push you into.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Feb 2 at 2020 12:36 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 12:36:10 -0500

Yes, in early 1969 in Vietnam we had a new 2nd Lt who decided to have a rifle inspection, my squad was the first to inspect, as I was the squad leader I was first to be inspected. He said my rifle was rusty, I explained to him that the M16 did not rust, it was discolored , he kept saying it was rusty, soon we were yelling at one another, meanwhile my squad was rolling around laughing their asses off, finally he agreed with me and said to take of it, I said yes sir. When telling the story to the first sgt. he said color it with a pencil and it would look fine.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Feb 2 at 2020 8:22 PM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 20:22:36 -0500

I can't help but think there is more to this whole story. There are too many irregularities. 1. How does an E-5 override a company commander? The chain of command works in the opposite direction. 2. I have heard many stories about service members smacking a supervisor. Most of them are embellished or flat out lies. 3. An NCO normally cannot initiate article 15. He can write a report and request the commander pursue it.
If this account is factual, there is a company at FT. Bliss that is completely out of touch with reality.

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made Feb 3 at 2020 5:52 AM

SPC Stiv ChenRobbins — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:52:27 -0500

I guess I really don't have a temper at all. I have literally never gotten in a screaming match with anyone. I have been screamed at, I have been in physical altercations when forced to defend myself (though never with a superior) and I have even had a very few occasions to apply physical force to someone when it wasn't strictly self-defense. When this happened, I wasn't especially angry or agitated, though. :)

Response by PO2 David Allender made Feb 10 at 2020 8:02 AM

PO2 David Allender — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:02:59 -0500

Back when I was in, we knew better. It was better to take the hollering quietly, than to say or do anything to make the situation worst. This was between 1962-1971. My, how times change.

Response by PO2 Brian Hoadley made Feb 14 at 2020 3:00 PM

PO2 Brian Hoadley — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:00:25 -0500

What's worse, a seaman or a buck ensign? A buck ensign as the seaman has been promoted at least twice. LOL
Sometimes you got to give guidance and experience where there is none. This guy just sounded like an ass though. I had a Chief over my division that thought he would do something similar when my dad died and i had to hop a flight back from italy over a weekend. I called my nephew and told him to send a red cross letter to the command, next thing I know my CO is giving me a ticket and signed leave papers all filled out and asked if I had a ride to the airport. Bypassed him altogether.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Mar 1 at 2020 4:58 PM

SFC Oddie Brown — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 16:58:00 -0500

I've been in so many pissing contests and shouting matches I wouldn't know where to begin.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Mar 1 at 2020 11:29 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 23:29:49 -0500

I did once threaten bodily harm to a Warrant. He had just knocked a critical system off air because he violated SOP. (We were a LORAN station and were required to provide 99.98% availability of our signal.) He opened an equipment draw for inspection, which was a BS thing to do because our equipment was always spotless, and he knew it. The problem was he didn't check indicators or signs (we had both as a backup), before he did so and knocked us off air. After several minutes of scrambling to get everything back up and stabilized, which he just stood watching, I came back to the timer room. I looked at him and said calmly, "If you ever touch my equipment again without checking with me first, (I was senior tech, so technically it was my equipment), I'll kick your ass." Well needless to say I was on report before I finished with my log entries.

I talked to the Senior Chief I reported to and he said, "Let me deal with it, just keep your mouth shut." I did so, saying only "Yes sir, No sir" to the CO's questions at mast. The Skipper asked if anyone had anything to add. Senior Chief said, "I do sir, I would like to commend PO Dougherty for his restraint." Clearly puzzled, the Skipper said, "How do you figure that chief?" With a straight face, Senior Chief said, "If it had been me, I would have kicked his ass into next week." The CO shook his head and said, Mister XXXX I would like to have a word with you, Senior Chief, PO Dougherty, your dismissed, please close the door on your way out.

We obviously did not hear the following conversation, but Mr. XXXX never came into my spaces again alone, and he NEVER touched my equipment when he did.

Response by SGT Warren Crutcher made Mar 2 at 2020 1:00 AM

SGT Warren Crutcher — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 01:00:21 -0500

I clocked a 2Lt once when I was PFC. I was on a field commo excersize getting ready for deployment snd had a 2 Lt that was brand new and thought he knew it all. I was running a 24 channel system with so high ranking brass talking across the channels. I was monitoring my equipment when i saw a hand come across my shoulder and resch for my tuner. I grabed him by the wrist and asked what he thought he was doing. He said my equipment was off frequency. I informed him that this equipment was older than dirt and did not operate like it was brand new and he insisted on fixing it for me. I told him a second time it was working fine and he reached for the dial again so I knocked him out of my coms truck right when my CO walked by. He asked what was going on so I told him the situation and my course of action. He then yold that 2 Lt to stay out of my coms because I apparently knew my job better that the 2Lt did.

Response by PO3 Michael MacKay made Mar 2 at 2020 2:38 PM

PO3 Michael MacKay — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:38:07 -0500

I hear you. At the start of my second life, the room mate in college told me I was going to have a hard time succeeding "Because you take shit from no one." Yeah, same rough ride, Brother.

Response by SGT James Lansberry made Mar 2 at 2020 7:28 PM

SGT James Lansberry — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 19:28:19 -0500

The arguments with superiors during wartime were much shorter of duration when you moved your weapon in a certain manner. Especially with those damn butter bar Lt’s!

Response by SFC William Myers made Mar 3 at 2020 10:04 PM

SFC William Myers — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 22:04:31 -0500

Cost me my career! No violence nothing even cool, just reading the regs out loud on basic rifle marksmanship. Alt C vs pop up range.

Response by PO2 Marc Gunter made Mar 6 at 2020 11:07 AM

PO2 Marc Gunter — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 11:07:12 -0500

Had a chief (whom I didn’t get along with) tried to order me to help out another work center-after hours-not on duty. I let him know that I wasn’t on duty and he insisted that I go help a different work center do their work. Refusal turned into shouting which escalated to him removing his shirt and saying to me “Chain locker, now.” At the time, I was a 19 year old defensive lineman (intramural squad) and he was a 30-something Philippino man (small in stature). He was small, quick, and hit often. I was big, slower, and hit HARD. Needless to say, we both took an ass whooping that evening. Nothing came of it and we had an unspoken understanding for the rest of my time onboard.

I doubt you could get away with it in today’s snowflake environment.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Mar 6 at 2020 2:17 PM

Sgt Charles Welling — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:17:53 -0500

Nope! Scream at a Marine NCO in an official setting? NEVER saw it!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 4:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 04:35:30 -0400

On a MOB AT for a deploying ARNG unit I got in a verbal altercation with my superior, he was an O3, I an E6. It probably didn't help that I had only two hours of sleep. I was part of the ADVON and he came down with the Main Body. One of my tasks was setting up a vehicle Land Nav Course, which I did the day before and validated all my points. After lights out, I still had a ton of stuff to do, including writing up the "test", hence why only two hours of sleep. The next morning, the O3 wanted to go through and validate all the points, I explained we didn't have time and the points had been validated the day before and the Land Nav was to start in 30 minutes. He still insisted and he got upset when I reiterated we didn't have time and he needed to learn to trust his NCOs. He got pretty upset and he started yelling. I actually thought we would come to blows. Things got heated and I told him if he wanted to validate points he should of been here the day before. This only made him madder. I almost told him to get the "f" out of my HMMWV, but held my breath and was able to regain my composure. I then asked "permission to speak frankly" to which the weasel said "no". At that point I told him we wasted too much time and need to get back as the Land Nav was starting soon and it was my exercise to run (and it was "my HMMWV).

Later that day, I got some great advice from the acting 1SG. He said to "never ask permission to speak frankly" but to ask "May we speak man-to-man?" The 1SG said it's hard to deny that request. I learned a lot that MOB AT and helped prepare me in my military career.

Response by SPC Michael Terrell made Mar 8 at 2020 10:19 PM

SPC Michael Terrell — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 22:19:09 -0400

While I was in Basic, in1972, the Drill Sargent kept intentionally mispronouncing my last name, and telling me that I was too fucking stupid to know how to pronounce it. I informed him that he was not only being an ass, but he was insulting my entire family, for countless generations, and that he owed me the courtesy of pronouncing my name properly. He started screaming at me, that he didn't owe me one damned thing. I remind him that I could mispronounce 'Janacek' in dozens of ways that would piss him off. He didn't know it, but our Captain had heard the argument, and had walked up behind him. He started in on me again, until the Captain pinned his ears back and told him that he was not only wrong, but he would have his ass in a sling if he continued to abuse my name. Once the Sargent left, The Captain gave me a smile and a nod for sticking up for myself. That Sargent kept trying to get me to mess up, so he could challenge me to fight him. The jackass had no idea that I could pick up a V8 short block. He learned it on Visitor's day when I picked up the huge coil of rope from the Tug of War and tossed it onto a flatbed truck without any help. He never looked me in the eye again, after that. :)

Response by MSgt John Geruso made Mar 16 at 2020 9:46 AM

MSgt John Geruso — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:46:04 -0400

Air Force, a number of Senior Disaster Prep NCOs had a conference at Numbered AF to develop a checklist to be used for self inspections at the unit level. Designed to aid newly assigned personnel to see the function and setup of the division. New captain assigned to my office decided rather than using the checklist as designed, he wanted to rewrite it, with his signature. Behind closed doors I tried to explain the purpose and scope of the checklist, but he figured he knew better. I raised my intensity level and told him about 45 years of combined experience is behind each and every item on that list and only an idiot, or an extremely egocentric fool would change it. Sergeant and Captain were repeated a number of times by each of us - guess he finally saw that I was not going to back down, and conceded to the fact he was wrong. No matter the ranks, in one on one situations, keep it private, keep it within proper military boundaries [during our debate, many words my mouth wanted to inject, the brain overrode] keep it military. In the end logic and experience won out.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Mar 23 at 2020 8:18 AM

PO2 Ron Burling — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 08:18:11 -0400

And this is no shit.... It was 1976 or so, I was assigned to Naval Schools Construction, Port Hueneme, CA as an instructor at Builder Class 'A' School.

The Navy, even the Seabees, is regulated by the Plan of the Day (POD), which covers mundane matters like designating the proper uniforms. E-6 and below were to wear Seabee 'greens' or dungarees. One day I showed up in dungarees, looking every inch Popeye. The school was run by an old E-8 Builder who took exception with my choice of uniforms. I felt I was being bullied but pointed out that the POD authorized me to wear either uniform and the fight was on. We were in his office yelling at one another when he threatened to take me before the command Executive Officer (XO), I said "Let's go!". We arrived at the command admin building, home to both CO and XO. The senior chief offered me 'one last chance to backdown'. When I declined, the yelling broke out again right on the front steps of the admin building where we managed to attract some attention and the XO stepped out to see what was going on. The XO asked and the senior chief explained the nature of our dispute, sort of. When my turn came I explained that I was in proper uniform as per the POD and the senior chief, with whom I had a history, had 'gone off' on me. The XO explained to the senior chief that I was indeed in the proper uniform, either uniform was correct and the choice was mine. End of that dispute. I never wore dungarees again though.

Response by Cpl James Kelly Jr made Mar 27 at 2020 10:03 AM

Cpl James Kelly Jr — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 10:03:36 -0400

I actually threw a set of keys back at my Drill Instructor after he decided I was moving too slow for his taste. Everyone was shocked, thinking that I would at least be mountain climbing on the quarterdeck forever. I guess he was so shocked at what I had done stunned him . Just gave me a look, and proceeded back into the Drill Instructors hut. Graduation Day, he approached me, shook my hand, and told me I was a crazy SOB, and was surprised I was guaranteed aviation, instead of going into the 0300 types of MOS.

Response by SPC James Cooke made Apr 10 at 2020 11:47 PM

SPC James Cooke — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 23:47:04 -0400

(Back story: I was a 92G, but was also Supply & Maintenance for my dining facility) Story: I occasionally yelled at newly promoted E-5s and laterally promoted Corporals because privates and some Specialists would ignore the sign right above the garbage disposal that lists the food items to NOT put down the garbage disposal (i.e. egg shells, bones, rice, and grease). Rice was commonly put down the disposal with would turn into cement in the pipes and back everything up, rendering the garbage disposal useless until it was serviced by contractors. Them: "I never showed you disrespect before I became a Corporal/Sergeant. I expect you to show me the same respect." I wouldn't say anything in response; just stare at them and think, "Then watch them and make sure their not putting rice down the disposal."

Response by SGT Steven Smedsrud made Apr 11 at 2020 1:46 AM

SGT Steven Smedsrud — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 01:46:32 -0400

As an NCO I knew better then to say a word when I was called in-on-the-carpet (this case the sand). It was in the middle of the 2003 invasion of Iraq and as a hard charging 19K stuck behind the desk due to food poisoning and ultimately dysentery. After 3 days with IVs in almost every vein I felt it was my duty mo matter what to relieve my subordinate after manning the post for 3 days. Anyway moments before the CORP commanders SITREP his chief-of-staff decided to test me a new one for have a less than a killer look on my face.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Apr 11 at 2020 9:57 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 21:57:16 -0400

I was an Infantry Captain on my 2nd tour and was the Headquarters Commandant. A 1st tour LTC (Chem Corp) Dep G3 called me and wanted to know why he didn’t have new clean sheets. I commented that it was Vietnam and I couldn’t shit sheets. The G3 SGM was in the background laughing his butt off and the LTC locked my heels and told me no one ever talked to him like that and I reminded him that he was in Vietnam and couldn’t have everything he had back home. I am sure he had a conniption fit but the Real G3 came to me later and apologized. His SGM had told him about the encounter and they had a good laugh.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Apr 12 at 2020 1:57 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 13:57:44 -0400

While in Basic, the CC,informed us we could have family visit for Thanksgiving dinner.As you can imagine,after last formation,everyone headed for the only 2 phones in the company area.I had duty that did not end until 8 pm.After calling My wife,I was late getting back to the barracks.My platoon Sgt stopped me.Some words ensued, and I was told to get out of his sight.In formation the next morning,in a loud voice,he informed me l would not be going to Thanksgiving dinner,but not to worry as he would entertain my wife.I lost it as I busted formation.He lost a stripe and I cleaned the Battalion floors the rest of Basic.Fair trade.

Response by SSG George Duncan made Apr 12 at 2020 5:20 PM

SSG George Duncan — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:20:48 -0400

some thing that will get them to hit you in front of witness

Response by SP5 Wayne Walling made Apr 12 at 2020 8:07 PM

SP5 Wayne Walling — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 20:07:02 -0400

As a Combat Medic in Vietnam 67/68. Yes many times

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Apr 13 at 2020 9:01 AM

MAJ John Douglas — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 09:01:13 -0400

When I was a primary staff officer at the brigade level, one day our Colonel had the XO and me in for something and he just lost it screaming. But that was his favorite way to command, scream at someone, usually Captains. As he was screaming, the XO and I just looked at each other like this guy had lost his mind. It was the only time he did that to us and he later made three stars. My wife and I had the Bde Cdr and his wife to our quarters for dinner one night and he happened to mention they didn't get may invitations. I couldn't imagine why!

Response by MSgt James Slawson made Apr 13 at 2020 3:29 PM

MSgt James Slawson — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:29:10 -0400

You will never win a screaming match so no use in getting in one. If you have a problem the chain of command is there for you just let them know you are going up. Stay professional no matter what.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Apr 13 at 2020 3:56 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:56:00 -0400

Yes I have. The first time was on Fort Bragg. My wife and I experienced a miscarriage with my daughter in 2011 shortly before I was forced to go to the field and do the STX lanes with a fractured foot and a swollen ankle. I was on doctor's orders to stay off it for 10 days until my MRI results came back. I was on quarters doing everything I was told to do to make my healing go faster when I got a phone call from my PLT SGT, asking me "WTF, SGT Blue?!? Why in the f--- are you at home instead of being on the STX lanes?!?" He knew my situation, but I reminded him anyway. He showed up at my quarters all big & bad like he was gonna drag me out of my housing to make me go. Now mind you, it was about 2000 hours and my neighbors were in chill mode. He's talking all kinds of BS about what he's gonna do to me and I'm looking at him on my crutches and saying to myself, "Please, God...don't let him come into my house because I will cripple this Special Forces washout if he does." God might have wanted me to humble him, though, because he cross that threshold and put his hands on me. At that point, I didn't care about pain, military bearing, or any other Army stuff. I was afraid that he was going to try to maim me and maybe hurt my wife and son. And so while balancing on one leg, I proceeded to clinch him and break his ribs with my knee and his jaw with my elbow...all with my wife screaming for help and my son crying in confusion. I shoved him out of my house with one of my crutches and called the MPs. They got my statement and got him out of my yard. When my quarters were up, I went back to work and was transferred to BDE HQ to take over as Land Acquisition NCO (and a few other titles). From what I understand, my now ex-PLT SGT had been arrested, charged with assault, and received a letter of reprimand for Conduct Unbecoming A Senior Non-Commisioned Officer. I don't know what else happened to him after all. I hope he got hit head-on by an 18-wheeler!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Apr 13 at 2020 4:16 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:16:55 -0400

The second time was in Korea while inprocessing. My son was stillborn about 4 months prior at my previous duty station. My command team got my orders deferred for 90 days so that they could a compassionate reassignment approved for me. The warrant officer in charge at reassignments said, "F--- THAT! Get you $#!+ packed and get ready for Korea, SGT Blue!" So I was already pissed off when I got there because I couldn't mourn with my family nor could I attend the STATE-MANDATED grief counseling I was supposed to receive. Anyway, during the inprocessing, the band warrant asked if there were any singers. I raised my hand, he auditioned me on the spot and said, "Let me get your orders so I can get you moved over here." The next day when the units came to pick up soldiers, I was greeted by a MSG and two SFCs, one of which became my $#!++y-@$$ PLT SGT. All three of them where acting like asshats, talking about, "WHY YOU TRYIN' TO GET OUTTA OUR UNIT?!? WHAT, YOU DON' WANNA DO YO JOB HERE?!? YOU AIN' A REAL FISTER!" and all other kinds of stuff. Then the story came out that they got into it with the band warrant about me going to the band and they didn't like it. After about 5 minutes of getting berated at parade rest, I lost it and started shouting back at them, talking about how I'm not even supposed to be here and that I should be mourning my son with my family. The MSG got right in my face, grabbed my collar and snarled, IDGAF about your son!" I bashed his temple with my elbow and that put him out. Then the two SFCs got into it with me, jockeying for prime position to take me down. The fatter one charged me and parried him into taller one to where they fell down together. From there, I put the boots to them until they were a rainy and bloody mess. I snapped back to reality from survival mode and screamed, "WHO ELSE WANTS SOME?!? WHO ELSE WANTS THEIR ASS KICKED TODAY?!?" The HHC 1SG came up beside me and said, "Come one, SGT Blue. Let's talk." I didn't face UCMJ or anything for what went down, but I was stuck with that PLT SGT until he got orders for Bliss.

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Apr 15 at 2020 8:26 AM

LTC Donell Kelly — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 08:26:05 -0400

I had a situation where I told the truth to a fellow LTC. She was a pain in my ass & later stuck a really mean spoke in my part of the organization, that resulted w/me & my staff w/70-80 hr work weeks for months during a deployment. THAT part, I sincerely regret for what that did to my staff. However, pay back can be & was a bitch!

Response by SSG Alford Pouse made Apr 15 at 2020 12:53 PM

SSG Alford Pouse — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:53:35 -0400

Requested leave to be home for birth of my first child. Commander replied that I was there for the lift off I had no need to be there for the splash down and refused to sign. For once I managed my temper and passed this on to a Full Bird Chaplain. Made it back 6 hours prior to childs birth. Upon return to unit 5 days later payback from commander commenced. Dealt with it as it was worth it.

Response by SPC Ruben Marin made Apr 15 at 2020 8:22 PM

SPC Ruben Marin — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:22:34 -0400

Playing some dumb board game involving giving clues, at the barracks with my team leader (E5). He questioned my use of the word "golf" to describe the "gulf war". The argument got so bad I threatened to throw him off my balcony. We were both held back by the rest of the group bc we seriously tried to throw each other off the 3rd story balcony. We were good the next day though. No harm, no foul!

Response by 1SG Raymond Woothtakewahbitty made Apr 16 at 2020 12:59 PM

1SG Raymond Woothtakewahbitty — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:59:51 -0400

Back at Hood in 2001 when I was a SSG I had a POS SFC Platoon SGT that started in on me one morning because one of my guys went to sick call and didn’t make it back for 0845 formation so the SFC comes into my maintenance office and starts yelling at me for not knowing where my soldier was, things got to the point where he took off his rank and said we could handle it Old School, he came across the office and got up in my face, I told him a few times to back off or I was going to hurt him. I was going to hit him but I had a cast on my right hand from a previous injury so instead I shoved him pretty hard. He stumbled back across the office and fell down, I got ready to fight but instead he says “I got you now you put your hands on me, I’m telling the 1SG” I called him a little bitch and said I thought we were handling it Old School but he headed to the 1SG’s office, I jumped in my pickup and beat him there and gave the 1SG a heads up, within the next 30 minutes I was in the BN CSM office and got one of the best ass chewings of my life. In the end I got a Local Letter of Reprimand. The SFG also got a Letter and I made E-7 about a year later. The E-7 became the joke of the BN. Since the LoR was local it didn’t leave that BN and I ended up making E-8 a few years later and even was the Mechanical Maintenance BNCOC 1SG for a couple years

Response by SSG John Justin made Apr 19 at 2020 1:14 PM

SSG John Justin — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 13:14:37 -0400

as the Medical Platoon SGT I lost my temper. (I was a SSG holding a SFC slot). The Sgt first class in the motor pool had failed to hold a vehicle I'd requested a month earlier for a training event. I had spent months checking and double checking things to make sure the training would go smoothly. I was angry and did not hide my displeasure, I was loud and a bit obnoxious. The SFC calmly listened, remedied the situation, and "killed me with kindness". It put us a little behind on the training but the training still was successful. I felt like a jerk for how I acted and for months after that I would tell him how I appreciated his professionalism and for not returning my anger with anger. I have apologized. I learned from him how to be a better leader.

In my civilian career I had a boss who would get angry and was unprofessional. If I asked for something and he was his bad mood and said no I'd just go on with my work and most of the time he'd come back and say yes. My coworker on the other hand would argue with him. She once asked me why I usually got what I requested and I told her because when he says no I don't go into a pissing contest with him, when he says no to her she would immediately argue and yell. Sometimes it is all about how you approach someone.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2020 6:42 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 18:42:29 -0400

Yup. And proud of it. As a Lance, more than once laid into one particular NCO for not only blatant racist comments, but also for being a complete moron when it came to basic MOS related performance and skills. Probably a few more to boot.

Response by SSG Vincent Wilson made Apr 20 at 2020 8:27 PM

SSG Vincent Wilson — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:27:54 -0400

Yes, but it was a lopsided affair. I was an intoxicated E-4, he was a sober Maj. He screamed, I stood at attention (to the best of my abilities).

Response by SSgt Daniel Batista made Apr 21 at 2020 6:22 PM

SSgt Daniel Batista — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 18:22:07 -0400

Never! Disagreements yes many but never a physical confrontation. Thats part of being a diciplined and professional warrior.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Apr 22 at 2020 3:09 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 03:09:37 -0400

Yes, I had a Battalion CSM give me a hard time because I was promoted to 1st Sergeant, came in from another company and took over. He wanted his buddy to get the job. After raising our voices for a few minutes I told him to get fucked, end of story.

Response by MSgt Jesse Tiede made Apr 26 at 2020 11:12 PM

MSgt Jesse Tiede — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 23:12:19 -0400

I am embarrassed to admit that I DID get into a shouting match with my E-7 MSgt, when I was an E-5 SSgt. It was about membership in the NCO Club, of all things! Got so loud for a minute, the Captain and the Chief came out of thier respective offices to see what it was all about! I didn't, and still don't, see the need for "Unofficial" demands for club membership to get superlative performance reports, Command Endorsements, and Awards and Decorations. In my day, the Air Force spoke out of BOTH sides of their mouths, what with "Support Clubs so units have a place for Commanders Call, Official Functions, etc", and ZERO TOLERANCE for Alcohol problems, and, eventually, smoking indoors (who can drink a beer, and NOT have a cigarette? I CAN'T!), and now smoking, period! I am forever grateful for my time in service, but, I could NOT serve in Today's Military...

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Apr 27 at 2020 9:01 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 21:01:19 -0400

By altercation do you mean Physical Violence?

I am a leadrship challenge, and I have expressed my opinion quite vulgarly on this site.

I would have NEVER thought to speak to an officer or NCO in that way while on active duty, even as a leadership challenge.

That said, I have had a few choice words before.

One time I had a 2nd class petty officer come up to my bird pull the LOX bottle, install a new lox bottle, then proceed to break the BNC connector on the LOX bottle. Now I am not an AME so i have no idea if it was important, but i do know this: As a plane captain I am responsible for my bird when it is on the deck, that includes the life of the aircrew, and I was NOT going to let that fuckhead use GUM to put it back together, which is EXACTLY what he tried to do.

I went into the line shack, called the maintenance officer and downed the bird, My aircrew was reassigned and i went out and proceeded to prep that aircraft and launch the aircrew.

Then I went into maintenance control, and spit fire at the maintenance masterchief, who to his credit knew i was not being disrespectful to him, I was just frustrated because of the bonehead play that AME2 tried to fucking pull on me.

A few months alter we had a "new" pilot. As a Replacement Air Group our job was to train pilot candidates on the A-7E. Every now and then you would get actual qualified pilots cross training on the aircraft. As the A-7 was being decommissioned we were getting many field grade pilots who were wanting to have the qual on their file as a OER bullet point.

We had a few choice words when he tried to ORDER me to launch his aircraft with a bad AOE light. I told him simply, "I am in charge of this aircraft not you, and you, sir, are done for the evening." Then I walked into the line sack and refused to fly the aircrew.

I have learned over time that if you have to resort to the stick, you have failed as a leader.

But if you are forcing your leadership to resort to the stick you have failed as a follower too.

Leadership is a give and take, if i decide I am not going to do the job, the only resort the military has is to put somewhere where i can't do the job. This is either getting of AD or going to jail. And in this situation both the military and I lose. So in order for a person to get to that point, a good leader always asks an important question. WHY? Most fo the time it is just immaturity and that can be disciplined out of a person; But sometimes it is more Divorce, Cheating spouse, Sick family member (especially a very close grandparent). etc.

I was in X division awaiting my admin board when we had a young sailor passing through the unit on his way to his permanent duty assignment aboard ship. He confided in me that he really needed to take leave as his grandfather (the man who raised him) was sick, and the Navy wouldn't give him Emergency Leave, because his grandfather was not his actual parent. I tired to get the Chaplin involved, make the argument for "in loco parentis" status, and even the red cross but it was a no go, the night he was do to ship out, there was an emergency red cross message for him to contact the red cross. His grandfather had died, and the chaplain had gotten leave scheduled. No one could find him. Another seamen and i were looking when we came across him, drunk, throwing himself in front of cars on the road, trying to kill himself.

A good leader always asks why.

A good follower always tells why.

If you have something going on, you need to talk to someone.

Response by CPT William Jones made May 11 at 2020 12:50 AM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:50:13 -0400

yes they have

Response by CPT William Jones made May 11 at 2020 12:50 AM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:50:34 -0400

yes they have

Response by CPT William Jones made May 11 at 2020 12:51 AM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:51:02 -0400

yes they have

Response by CPT William Jones made May 11 at 2020 12:51 AM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:51:26 -0400

yes

Response by CPT William Jones made May 11 at 2020 12:51 AM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:51:41 -0400

YES

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made May 24 at 2020 1:33 PM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Sun, 24 May 2020 13:33:46 -0400

I have never been that childish!

Response by LTC Anthony Broussard made Jun 2 at 2020 8:06 PM

LTC Anthony Broussard — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:06:31 -0400

Too many times to mention in this forum. Although I was always respectful a few of my superior officers resorted to vulgar language and open hostility. I found out very early in my military career that most senior officers do not like being told that they are wrong by subordinate officers. Had my heels locked 3 nights in a row at Wildflicken after the nightly Cmd and staff meeting by a Major(S3) when I was a 1LT BN Supt Plt Ldr. New S3 had just been assigned to the Battalion and was clueless, he tried to tell me how to do a job I had been doing for 12 months. Had I followed his directives, most if not all live fire would have ground to a halt, not to mention vehicle’s fuel tanks running dry. The Battalion XO was my rater so I ignored the arrogant fool and did my job. Years later as a senior captain in an ROTC assignment, I “forced” my Brigade Commander to conduct an Article 32 Investigation on an incompetent and regularly AWOL National Guard AGR Captain. When the Investigation proved my allegations and overt racism. The “embarrassed” Colonel decided to Cover up the AGR’s crimes, bury the Investigation and implicate me, in an attempt to shut me up. He came down to Tulane ROTC to personally present me with a Letter of Reprimand. I refused to sign nor accept the reprimand. He had a fit! For 15-20 minutes sitting across a small table in a small room he threatened me, called me a few choice names, including disrespectful, insubordinate, disloyal, etc. It was only after I told him I was going to see the ROTC Cadet Command Commanding General, using the CG’s “Open Door Policy,” that the ass hat backed off and agreed to terminate the AGR Captain’s active duty contract, only if I agreed to not push for a Courts Martial, I would forget the Letter of Reprimand and not go see the CG. I got the worthless jerk off active duty and away from my cadets, so I felt like I accomplished my primary objective. That incident finished my career. I made the Major’s list soon after, but the ass hat Colonel paid me back with a center of mass report card after top blocking me 2 years earlier when I was the PMS for a year as a Captain after the LTC PMS was relieved. That center of mass report ensured I didn’t go to resident Command ad Staff College. That also ensured even if I got to LTC I would never see Colonel. I filed an appeal and an IG complaint but Brigade Command Colonels are hard to take down. There are other incidents where I had to “correct” Colonels but that’s for another post.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2020 3:42 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:42:41 -0400

Dang. Ft Bliss sucks anyway.

Response by SSG Lawrence Crow made Jun 4 at 2020 4:01 PM

SSG Lawrence Crow — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:01:28 -0400

I was a Platoon Sergeant. I had a micro manager LT for Platoon Leader. I shut my door. Asked him how he got his butter bars. Army Green to Hold. Former PFC. I told him if he had wanted to be an NCO he should have stayed in. Then I told stay out of my Lane. Opened the door. Told him to get out of my office.

Response by SPC Scott Kauffman made Jun 5 at 2020 4:15 PM

SPC Scott Kauffman — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 16:15:54 -0400

Yes, with an asterisk*.
I served 4 years in the regular army, with no problems. After I got out, I decided to join the reserves (big mistake). Even though I was one of pretty much the only person who was in the reserves with full time army experience, I just couldn't relate. I didn't get along with the soldiers or leadership. One day, I was confronted by a much younger, obviously straight out of reserves officer class. Just getting out of the army in 1991 after serving time in Iraq for desert storm, I wasn't able to respect or even attempt to respect some low level lieutenant who probably graduated high school just months prior. He told me to work faster, I screamed obscenities at him and challenged him to a fistfight. He didn't back down, and we were separated. I ended up leaving camp, took off in my car, as he was threatening to have me court martialed. I never went back, and was granted an out, keeping my honorable discharge status. The regular army is the real deal, the reserves were a joke and an excuse for a bunch of losers to get drunk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2020 10:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 22:08:37 -0400

We were in our last month of deployment. My Section Chief, ATC, and I (a scrappy young E3 at the time) were at the wash rack, it was really hot and we had been there for 15 hours a day for the last week so tempers were running high. My Chief, who hadn't done much that week, came out of hiding in the AC and decided I hadn't cleaned my area well enough so I said do it your fucking self he hoped up to snag the hose from me and out of left field my ATC checked him into the door. A short scuffle ensued with me egging it on from the gun hatch in the cab. My Gunny who is now a Drill sergeant came over yelling and broke it up. Noone was hurt but I got banned from the wash rack from that day forward.

Response by LCpl Rich Baker made Jun 6 at 2020 12:33 PM

LCpl Rich Baker — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:33:21 -0400

Semper Fi Do or Die :

Response by LCpl Rich Baker made Jun 6 at 2020 12:37 PM

LCpl Rich Baker — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:37:18 -0400

Semper Fi Do or Die

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jun 6 at 2020 3:33 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:33:58 -0400

No, never I was the perfect Soldier.

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Jun 7 at 2020 6:53 PM

CSM Bob Stanek — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 18:53:13 -0400

When I was an Operations NCO (SFC) in a training battalion, I got into a really heated verbal argument with my Battalion Staff Sergeant Major. We were at an outdoors training site and away from the troops when it first started. The argument was about some training aids needed by the instructors. A couple of the instructors knew we had the training aids on hand and had requested them per the POI (Program of Instruction) and so I issued them. During the previous rotation, the instructors and students damaged a couple of these training aids causing excessive paperwork for the instructors, myself and the SGM. The SGM was not happy and had warmed the instructors that he was not going to issue out the training aids. I only knew about the "withholding of training aids" after the fact.

So when the SGM found out what I did, he the tracked me down and started chewing my ass out in front of a couple of the instructors (not an issue as most knew we had our issue together anyway). In any case, when we first started arguing, there were no students around besides a couple instructors, but a few minutes into it, a platoon of soldiers marched up close by (about 100 feet) without us knowing it. After a minute or two, one of the instructors stopped our "discussion" and pointed to the student platoon. We looked over and I immediately stopped the argument and walked away (knowing full well that I was going to get my ass chewed out anyway). Later I apologized to the students for the scene and drove on as if nothing else happened, but a bit latter a couple of the students told me privately they they knew the reason for the argument and ripped the SGM in their final After Action Report at the end of the training period.

The kicker was that I had my transfer and promotion orders already in hand for Master Sergeant to another organization and was set to transfer two weeks later. The SGM told me that he was going to have the transfer/Promotion orders revoked. Needless to say, he was full of BS. Luckily he had little input into my NCOER. Eventually, I was promoted to SGM and actually served in his SGM position three years later eventually making SGM to the 2-star level.

So moral of the story is, arguing with superiors are few and very far between. But they can be legit provided that you have all your ducks in a row and support by your peers that you're doing the right thing.

Go Army
Bob S

Response by PO2 Ed Leidy made Jun 7 at 2020 8:00 PM

PO2 Ed Leidy — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 20:00:39 -0400

Most of my yelling to senior NCOs consisted of : "SIR, YES SIR" or "AYE-AYE SIR!". The only time it went beyond these was 1969 when I was in Field Medical Service School, (for Corpsmen) at Camp Lejeune. My Marine Staff Sgt. thought that because I was skinny and wore glasses, I did not "pack the gear" to be with HIS Marines. After a few weeks of getting every S**t detail & mockery, I had enough. I went to his office, banged on the door and said "Staff Sgt., HM Leidy requests a session of Close Order Knuckle Drill!" He smiled, complied and met me back by the wash racks. After removing our uniform shirts (no rank) and placed our I.D. Cards and dogtags on the stand, I managed to get a couple good punches in. When I came to, admiring the clouds, he gave me a hand up and told me I "Might" have the stuff after all. Of course, that was back when, before all the "touchy-feely-feel-good" stuff. It did clear the air of any misconceptions either of us had. Maybe not a bad thing after all! Semper Fi - "Doc"

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Jun 8 at 2020 10:17 AM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:17:09 -0400

I have in the state police. I had a Sgt that really worked at stressing me out day after day. One day I lost it and it was a good hour argument wasted listening to him go on and on...... in the military? Not sure if I ever had an all out argument. Most NCO’s in the military knew how to lead. I always had great NCO’s.

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Jun 8 at 2020 10:26 AM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:26:53 -0400

There are 2 types of respect. The respect troops give our rank. Most importantly it’s the respect our troops give us. We all have growing pains as a NCO. I’ve been there.

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Jun 8 at 2020 11:17 AM

Sgt Ed Allen — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:17:04 -0400

Sadly, yes.
In my case it was a 1st LT and I was a SGT (E5 for you non-Marines). A little background.
I was fulfilling a SSGT/GYSGT (E6/7) billet as a SGT. The SSGT who was in that position before me was fired by the LT for lack of military bearing, not completing an assignment and lack of integrity. In other words, he stank, didn't wash his utility uniforms, shine his boots or iron his uniforms. He was given an assignment and was 8 months behind on a 10 month project that was due in 2 months. He, of course kept that information hidden until that point. The assignment fell to myself and another SGT. We completed the 10 month project in 6 weeks, including all documentation.

After that time, I was passed over for promotion to SSGT for the first time (Another story involving politics and officers not following regulation) and the LT was transferred

The LT who replaced him was a washout from flight school. Had already pinned on his silver bars but still did not have an MOS and had joined the Marines because he had a business degree and had been fired as manager at a grocery store.
When he joined our unit, we were preparing for a field exercise plans for computer support were being laid out for multiple sites. 3 marines for 20 computers at LZ Bluebird on Camp LeJuene, 1 marine for 1 computer at Bogue Field Aux Landing Field, and so on, with 1 marine assigned to sites with 2 or fewer computers.
As with most things, timing is everything.
The new LT showed up and started rearranging things. Suddenly, 2 marines supporting 1 computer and only 1 marine, me, supporting the 20 computers at LZ Bluebird. Which included training 30 marines for the secure messaging system.
Throw into the mix, I had just gotten passed over for SSGT again. They promoted 43 of 45 marines in the zone. The only SGT senior to me had been UA for the last 6 or 7 years. I was coming up on 9 years and the Marines had implemented an E6 by 12 or out.
Needless to say, my attitude could use some adjustment and I was a bit surly.

While at LZ Blue Bird, about 90 minutes into performing training for the 30 non-rates (E1 - E3) who would be using the new computer systems, in walked the new LT. He was interested in seeing what was being taught. At this point, I had them marines back up to the beginning of the current session (about 5 minutes x 30 people). However, the LT wanted the class to start at the beginning. 90 minutes x 30 persons.
At this point, my anger got the better of me. I wheeled around on the LT and proceeded to inform him that he was an absolute idiot, had no business leading men, was lacking in any common sense, had dismal decision making ability and that his lineage was in question. I followed this 5 minute chew out by telling him to get his fornicating derriere out of my sight and not to return.
The LT then left the field. Went home and I didn't see him again for 3 days.

The side note on this is that there were 3 other Marines in the tent as I did this. A MGYSGT (from 2nd Marine Air Wing G3), a Major (2dMAW G4) and a Colonel (the 2d MAW G1).
All that was said to me by the Major was "That's not how you should have handled that, but we understand".
At this point, I was just waiting for the write up for disrespecting an officer, conduct unbecoming and NCO and a few other charges. It was my good fortune that the LT was too stupid to understand what was done.

Final result: I decided not to reenlist as I would have to server at least another year under this LT (guaranteed court martial if I stayed that long) and got out 2 months later. The LT ended up getting a white letter from the Commandant of the Marine Corps ordering him to resign his commission upon completion of 4 years of active duty, and I learned how to be a civilian.

There were other events with that particular LT. But, thankfully, he was too much of an idiot or he was actually learning something.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Jun 14 at 2020 10:51 PM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 22:51:30 -0400

Four times in my career. A Navy Commander, two Navy Captains, and one Admiral. In none of those cases have I regretted the high energy confrontation. But, as an officer, not an enlisted. Big!! Difference. One thing I never did was curse or personally insult the other (except in another situation). If I couldn't defend the action at a court-martial, I stood down. I was a senior member of an admin discharge board for an E-6 who decked a senior (just one punch) for insulting his wife. I thought the E-6 was rather restrained at the time. We threw out the charge much to the chagrin of a subordinate command. We actually sent the proceedings to the other guy's command for conduct issues. At a meal in an officers mess aboard ship, a Commander made a degrading comment to a junior, Though I was a Lt Cdr, I said "you are an a..h..le." The table went quiet for a short time. Then picked up. I never heard a word after.

Response by Sgt Leonard Lamb made Jul 2 at 2020 1:44 AM

Sgt Leonard Lamb — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 01:44:51 -0400

My buddy decked a lieutenant.. got a general discharge.. that was back in the American War on Vietnam days..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 8:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 08:21:46 -0400

I have never personally gotten into a screaming match with anyone senior or subordinates. If I did escalate my voice it was justified so it was a one way conversation (Soldier caught by the MP's doing donuts in a gravel parking lot when he was supposed to be at the motorpool). Everything is not emotional event. Unless there is a danger of life, limb, or eyesight it should not get to that point. I think it's called military bearing, a word we throw around alot but only use it when its convenient. There's no on and off switch for bearing and it pertains to everyone, all the time.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Jul 2 at 2020 9:46 AM

CPT Lawrence Cichelli — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 09:46:38 -0400

Sorry about your daughter, my condolences! Several things wrong about the NCO, for this it's a Red Cross message to grant you emergency leave, this was approved by people way above your NCO. Also an NCO can't give a Soldier an Article 15 it must be a Commissioned officer that is the Soldier's Commander. Even as an E-8 Commander, I did have have the authority to do that, yes I did sign an Assumption of Command order. He did retaliate against you and you should have reported that to the 1SG/CDR. You did mess by laying hands on him first, but it seems things took care of themselves.

Response by SSG Michael Vance made Jul 3 at 2020 11:20 AM

SSG Michael Vance — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 11:20:06 -0400

Actually I was on a couple of occasions, I had a supervisor at Ft McClellan that pleaded with me that if I felt the need to stand and scream on anyone's desk to come and do it on his. Come to think of it there were a couple of them that made that request but always after some type of unfortunate incident

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Jul 3 at 2020 12:23 PM

PO1 Todd B. — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:23:19 -0400

As far as I am concerned, ANY superior that "screams" at a subordinate, should NOT be in a position of power or leadership. Being angry is one thing. Full on screaming rage yelling, is a whole other thing.

A good leader does NOT HAVE to yell, scream, wave their arms, jump up and down with neck veins bulging. Their tone, voice level and eye contact are all that should be needed to make the message clear when someone fucks up.. Conversely, the same when someone does good.

So for me, anyone that is in a leadership position that acts like that, should be removed from that position. PERIOD.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Jul 4 at 2020 10:36 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 22:36:15 -0400

Didn't turn into yelling, but there was an incident when I was providing information to a LtCol over the phone and attempted to give him some info that would aid him in his conversation with an aircrew some 2000 miles away, but he said he didn't need any further information than i had already given him and hung up. Not 5 minutes later he walked into the work area and asked for the exact same info I had attempted to give him over the phone. I POLITELY informed him as to how he had wasted both his time and mine as this was the info I had attempted to give him over the phone as I was by then in the middle of another time sensitive task. He was unhappy with my "attitude", so we talked to my CO, I went back to what I was in the middle of, and that was that. End of story.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 1:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 01:56:56 -0400

Hell yes. I joined as an infantryman when i was 18. I didnt have alot of confidence in myself so I was always slow to do things because I was afraid of messing them up. Being as the first unit I got to was getting ready for a deployment, my first couple squad leaders didnt want me on their team. I was moved around a bit. I was actually finally made a bradley driver and I was pretty upset because it was basically a position that i thought they were putting me in because I was useless. My team leader, the gunner, was pretty well liked and everybody was giving him a hard time about being stuck with me so he was upset about the situation as well because everyone was sure I was going to be a shitbag. Because of this, he was very short with me and I was very non compliant. My first squad leader was a big, former, olynpic boxer so I never mouthed off to him. My second squad leader was also big and pretty intimidating older guy so i kept my mouth shut. The team leader I ended up with though was smaller than me and only a couple years older and the section leader was so chill I didnt really get intimidated by them. So when I kept mouthing off to my team leader, he eventually taught me to respect him the old fashioned way. He kicked my ass pretty good several times. I actually ended up maturing in that unit and on that deployment. I found confidence in myself and made it in the Army for another 7 years after that. Im still very close with most of that unit actually. I imagine clashing with supervisors is a pretty common occurrence in the Army as they accept alot of people that were like me....young, dumb, and inexperienced

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Jul 5 at 2020 6:01 AM

CPT Don Kemp — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 06:01:54 -0400

I was a new 2LT Platoon Leader with a very “expressive” Company Commander. One day on maneuvers, a fellow LT and I had not done something the CO expected...I think we may have been late to a Start Point....the CO proceeded to chew us out in front of the Company. My fellow LT kept responding and every time he did, there was a new round of butt-chewing. I kept saying “Yes Sir, Yes Sir, Three Bags Full” and my session was much shorter.

Response by PO2 John Harker made Jul 5 at 2020 12:44 PM

PO2 John Harker — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 12:44:25 -0400

Oh lots of times. The best times were when they tried to cover up some neglected maintenance on a critical system and then later when I took leave to get married.
In January 1997 three of us were assigned to measure and change nearly 100 graphite brushes on the ship's degaussing system. This was to be done quarterly, but the last time it was scheduled during a visit to Singapore. The person assigned signed it off but didn't do the work. Due to favoritism in the chain of command, I decided that complaining to my LPO or chief wasn't the best bet. I pocketed about a dozen worn out brushes, then wrote a brief description of the issues, pulled the maintenance logs and instructions, and made two packets with all of that. One went to the chief engineer and one to the ship's captain.
Things changed real fast in my department. We repaired the system the night we were assigned to service it, a couple weeks later the click in our chain of command was dealt with. I actually became friends with a senior chief who caused many of the issues.
The other situation was one week in June when my chief threatened to pull leave and liberty one day. I had a three day cross country trip and needed to be in the road after lunch. Knowing their tendency to hold leave papers until the last second, I photocopied mine after it was approved then took the originals to my chief. Both sets were ready to go. When I found out he planned to hold my papers that day, I told him about the photocopy and informed him I was leaving at 1300 as per my leave request and I could easily check out using the photocopy.
I left at 1300, but not before Chief gave the entire shop a very loud piece of his mind

Response by SGT Martha Cain made Jul 5 at 2020 3:42 PM

SGT Martha Cain — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 15:42:55 -0400

Yes, & to my credit I never screamed back. My silence was my protection from prosecution by those much higher than me ; under UCMJ ~'s provisions. An extremely high up civilian thought he could make a pass. I refused & reported him. He retaliated, using high enough military friends, or so he thought. I went to my own inner(CWO) army. As I had years before when the most powerful senior NCO in my line unit's battalion had tried similar tricks. This continued, & happened overseas, too but by then I'd become my own battalion of one. Now openly connected & protected, Masonic ; I became virtually untouchable...as a lectured, junior officer & three senior NCOs were soon, silenced by the senior most, officer in the command. Never underestimate the means, by which an independent woman ; military or civilian, will enable, resource to support that very independence. I am & was no great beauty, nor have or had I, any illusions of same. My constant self/ID image was one of not being forced or used to anyone's will but my own.That image maintained, with honor/pride all my life/career ; uncompromising/unconditionally, I belonged to God/me...& the US Army.

Response by SP5 James Johnson made Jul 5 at 2020 4:07 PM

SP5 James Johnson — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 16:07:57 -0400

Been screamed at by a drunken CO. Back in Nam I was CQ and a Sp 5. Doing a bed and parmeter check when I saw a dark shape out by the wire. I pulled my 45, dropped to one knee and said advance and recognized. It was the CO and he was so very drunk. He screamed at me for a long time because I pointed a loaded gun at him. He wanted to give me an article 15 but didn't as he would have to explain what happened. I didn't spread it but it soon got out. The CO and I never got along after that. But that's another story.

Response by SGT Martha Cain made Jul 5 at 2020 4:48 PM

SGT Martha Cain — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 16:48:23 -0400

Yes, & to my credit, regardless of situation I never screamed back. Therefore, never was subjected to prosecution under UCMJ. I chose to be in the Army, Vietnam era, enlisted, went thru BCT ; & went for training to Ft. Bragg, N.C. The lessons learned there have served me all my life since & I made many highly placed friends & enemies. Foremost, regardless of the rank or status of any opponent, I made ; I found my inner core~ independence my strongest weapon. In Munich, I realized I needed to be my own inner Army & became allied with a powerful fraternal organization. Any & all further harassment stopped, abruptly. As time passed, my career elevated (if not my rank) to combat illustrator. I met & married my Navy husband, at USCENTCOM ; when we both served, proudly & honorably under General H.Norman Schwarzkopf, during Desert Storm. I do look back with immense fondness to the many officers & NCOs & civilians, along my path ; who shared their wisdom & protection, until I was able to resource my own. No great beauty, then or now ; I realized it was my personal love of freedom & determination to preserve & protect it...that presented an irresistible challenge of/to ranking authority. Yet, I have little pity for any who would choose victimization over valor. Now, as a veteran of two wars, I can look back with the same pride & purpose ; that I, also, look forward to...in the excellent new US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard & Air Force s...who are equally determined never to betray their honor & love of freedom~! Psychological operations & my newspaperman, papa, taught me much~ so much about motivators, persuaders, influences on perception. I still embrace any worthy enemy~& never Scream Back~that enables me, icy cold, to Get Back.Just how I'm Hard Wired.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Jul 5 at 2020 7:29 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:29:02 -0400

As a Platoon Sergeant my CO and I got into a shouting match in his office after duty hours. I politely told him that he needed to pull his head out of his third point of contact before someone took a boot and stuck it further up his third point of contact. Respect is a two way street, you got to give it to earn it. After a well deserved butt chewing for mouthing off and being disrespectful, we had more respect for each other and I ended up becoming his Acting 1SG. Respectful, tactful and political correct.

Response by SGT Richard Lovell made Jul 7 at 2020 9:53 PM

SGT Richard Lovell — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:53:34 -0400

Yes, sort of and I gained a tremendous amount of respect for my NCOIC. I was a PV2 and my younger brother and I were stationed together In FRG. He would get promoted before through E-4/Spc for him and I had finally had enough. Obviously, I didn’t understand allocations then and my little brother happened to be assigned to HHC and I was in the field unit. SSG Moses Jackson apparently had had enough of me and took me outside. I thought I was either going to get ripped up one aside and down the other, but he looked at me and said “son, you’ve got 5 minutes to say whatever you have to say-anything”. I confirmed and then let loose with every thing you could think of saying without bringing his family into it. He stood there taking it all in. When I was finished, he took the time to explain to me how allocations worked and that he recognized I did the brunt of the work, etc. although my brother pinned on Spc a couple months before me, my NCOIC recognized and put me in for Corporal, which I received. As cars as I know I’m the only pinned hard stripe corporal in the 91T field and also the only MP Coin recipient. I’ve never forgotten that lesson and still think about SSG Moses Jackson on occasion. Oh, and I pinned SGT on before my brother in the least time in my MOS. Fun times.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jul 10 at 2020 6:39 PM

1SG Billye Jackson — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 18:39:04 -0400

LOL Once in 23 Years. We were in Graf. and was the Last Night, We Sr NCO's always went to the Top 5 Club with CSM. When I got back Bn XO Called me in to HQ to tell me that I had to get my people out on MP Guard. I said Sir we just had it Last Night. He responded with Ya but the Firing Battery's had to Rail Head the Next Day, Told hem so did my Fist People ( who were the Only Ones I had to Use as the rest were Staff Pucks and Except from Duty, I had a HHB). He said Do it anyway, I went Off and I mean OFF. He called me Out side ( I was Very UnProff) in the Rain. But I was in No Mood to cool off and Proceeded to speak my Mind In a Very Loud 1st Sgt Voice. I did Follow Orders but everyone, and I Mean EVERYONE Knew I wasn't Happy about it. The Next Am in Chow Line I was Right Behind, Guess Who the BN XO. I said Good Morning Sir in a Very Hoarse Voice. He said Good Morning Top, did you Louse your Voice from the Rain or from Yelling at Me. I said a Little of Both Sir, He Smiled and that was the Last thing Said about.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jul 12 at 2020 11:47 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 23:47:39 -0400

I did have serious words with a CWO once. Problem was, I was an ET-3 (E-4 for you lubbers). It was on a LORAN station and as senior LORAN A tech and at the moment watchstander, it was my space. Well he decided he wanted to spot check the condition of one of the timers. A few things you need to know, first, we took great pride in how clean and well maintained our equipment was. You literally could eat off any of it. Second, there were not only lights to indicate operate or standby, there were big plaques hanging in front to indicate same. There were also battle short switches that allowed drawers to be opened without the interlocks triggering a shut down, but they were for maintenance purposes only, and normally kept off. Third, anytime we were off air/out of sync was bad. If our bad time exceeded more than a few minutes in a month, we had to submit a message up the chain of command explaining why. Barring power failures, our down time was typically measured in seconds per month.

OK, so now that you know that, I can continue. So he pulls open a drawer at random, not checking if it was the operate timer, and not flipping the battle short switch. I saw what he was doing but could not get the words out fast enough. Well the sudden loss of excitation also tripped the operate timer, so I had to switch timers, run to the transmitter room, switch transmitters and bring the standby on line, then run back to the timer room and slew us back into sync. All this time he stood there watching me. I got done, and instead of apologizing for his screw up, he made some stupid remark, 40 some years later I cant even tell you what. That faned my smoldering anger into full flame, and I spun on him and said something like "If you ever touch my equipment again with out clearing it with me, I will kick your ass." Yea, that earned me a report chit.

I talked to my Chief and explained what happened. He instructed me that at mast my answers were to be yes sir, no sir, and leave it at that. Well I did so, and finally the CO asked if anyone else had anything to say before he pronounced sentence. Chief spoke up and said I do. "Sir, I want to commend PO Dougherty for his restraint." Clearly puzzled, the CO asked, "How's that Chief?" Chief replied, "Had it been me, I would have kicked Mr. XXXX's ass." CO shook his head and said, "Dismissed, PO Dougherty I don't want to see you again for something like this." "No Sir!" As we began to walk out the CO said, "Mr. XXXX would you remain behind for a moment? Shut the door please." I don't know exactly what was said, but Mr. XXXX never set foot in my area when I was working or on duty again.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Jul 17 at 2020 5:12 PM

SPC Franklin McKown — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:12:19 -0400

POOR debate methods.
ALWAYS be calm,Find out what they are exploding about ..break off as you can and fix it. The idea of yelling is to dump THEIR stress on you,YOU are better off solving than fighting.

Response by SPC Richard Fayal made Jul 27 at 2020 10:30 PM

SPC Richard Fayal — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 22:30:54 -0400

Yes I did, lost a stripe, 1968

Response by SrA Robert Adams made Aug 3 at 2020 4:10 AM

SrA Robert Adams — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 04:10:09 -0400

I was told to do a an inspection on a set of generators by my company motor sgt..I informed the line crew to bring the trailer set up to my shop in a few minutes.. well their section Sgt was having nothing to do with that.. he was telling them to go do something else..I informed him I had my orders to follow.. then he wanted to start pushing around his weight and getting a smart mouth.. so with me being a sp4 I got very loud back at him.. next thing I i know I'm in his face telling him I'm going to kick his diaper wearing ass up the line to my shop.. all of a sudden his boss walks up behind me and puts his hand on my shoulder and ask what was happening.. his boss was a very large man..so I explained the situation.. so he said here's .50$. Go buy a coke and smoke a cigarette... the generators will be there shortly ..never heard anything about that incident either from plt Sgts

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 17 at 2020 10:04 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:04:39 -0400

"Let me take my stripes off real quick." Now that we're equals let's take this behind the building. We're human, eventually you're going to have conflicts of personalities. Our driver and TC/Gunner used to fist fight almost daily, when we went to the field it was even worse. Me and my Gunner used to fight a lot in the field over stupid and petty stuff. Except once we fought over whether or not his barrel was in the dirt.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2020 1:42 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 13:42:43 -0400

When I was an E-3 fresh in my new squadron I had a colleague whose grandmother died and his E-5 supervisor told him to go be with his family and he (the supervisor) would handle his leave. A couple days later me and the E-5 and in the room and in walks an E-8 to try and dress down the supervisor for sending an E-3 AWOL as his grandmother was not immediate family and therefore didn’t meet the requirements for emergency leave. Supervisor started cussing out the E-8 calling him heartless, etc. I was sitting inbetween the two of them. One of the more awkward days of my career. Nothing came of it as far as I know but it was a confidence boost as an E-3 seeing my supervisor had his troop’s back.

Response by James Nelson made Aug 29 at 2020 3:55 PM

James Nelson — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:55:42 -0400

Yea 20 Years Army 27 Army Civilian 47 Years Total I fight every Day Happily With my Wife we

Response by SPC Joseph Miller made Aug 30 at 2020 7:31 AM

SPC Joseph Miller — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 07:31:49 -0400

Had an Sgt that thought one of the trucks was his personal vehicle. I got back from a parts run after the motor pool had closed down for the day. I went back to the unit, parked the truck by the Company Commanders Office. I went into the office and told the Sgt that I wasn't able to turn in the truck to the motor pool and Sgt went nuts, screaming about "You better not turn that truck in, I'll kick your ass!". I told Sgt that "I was only trying to do what the written directions said I needed to do and you are not going to touch me, but if you feel froggy we can step out behind the office and I will leave you lying in the ditch!". Sgt yelled "Don't you come in my office getting all irate with me!" I told him "I'm not the one getting irate, you are, but as I said, any time you feel froggy!". He lost it and yelled "Just get out of my office!". I laughed and as I was walking out I stopped and said "Oh, and it's not your office, it's the Company Commander's office, you're just the clerk here.". That was it, later that day we were sitting at the snack shop eating with his family like nothing had happened.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 8:03 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:03:41 -0400

As an E3 currently, I sometimes forget my place as a lower enlisted. I’m never blatantly disrespectful, but, sometimes it happens where between you and usually an NCO don’t agree with something and it’s hard to swallow the pill and leave it.

Response by SSG Raul Alaniz made Aug 31 at 2020 2:59 PM

SSG Raul Alaniz — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 14:59:24 -0400

In my day, "It was Wall To Wall Counselling", Once maybe twice, maybe that's why I stay as a Staff Sergeant, I could have been in some serious trouble, but one thing I always told MY Soldiers, I will take care of you, so we can all come home. For some reason as I think back, they were 2nd Lt., I haven't said this to anyone except My Closest E-5's, I Loved Being in the Army, and I served Proudly. But sometimes, and I don't condone this, house keeping needed to be done and the platoon function to the MAX.

Response by LCpl Chad Swetmore made Aug 31 at 2020 6:39 PM

LCpl Chad Swetmore — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:39:49 -0400

Had a green cpl (baracks NCO) tell me that he was separating me and my roommate. I was only a Lance corporal .I knew he was fresh to the fleet. I asked him how long he had bin in the Marine corps. He said 6 months I told him I was a Lance corporal longer than he was in the Marine corps and that he could shove it.

Response by SGT Robert Schaefer made Aug 31 at 2020 6:45 PM

SGT Robert Schaefer — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:45:17 -0400

Yes I have I got in a yelling match with a 1st Sgt and I got in a yelling match match with a E5.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 6:34 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:34:39 -0400

It is a shame that he acted that way. His seniors which is also his command chain should have put a stop to this nonsense. Just FYI article 15 come from Commanders and yours had given you his blessing. I apologize for your experience. I was an E-5 long ago but I had a mentor. Maybe that is what was missing.

Response by SPC Ron Salsbury made Sep 2 at 2020 10:23 AM

SPC Ron Salsbury — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 10:23:50 -0400

One morning coming off 1st up while flying Medivac at Ft Sam, two pilots had completed their pre-flight of the aircraft for their morning mission; before being relieved of duty, I was asked to work on three helicopters quickly, and I would be compensated another day off. When retrieving parts for the third aircraft, I was called to the flight line after the same two pilots had landed, chewing at my flank about why this aircraft only had half a tank of fuel. I proceeded to explain to them that our POL section accepted 5000 gallons of contaminated fuel the day before, while I was on a mission to Del Rio Texas, with two of five running fuel trucks getting contaminated as well. I also expressed they could have stopped at the airport taking on fuel which would allow for longer flight times for both of them. Following the exchange, I grounded their aircraft, told the appropriate personnel why, and the part is now on order. I walked to my Flight Platoon leader telling of what transpired, that I was tired and was leaving for the day to get some rest. Childish reaction, hell yes, but stood my ground when I was not in the wrong. Next day I was getting an Article 15 from the Commander in his office with all the Unit's Flight Officers in the room, being ordered to sign the form; it is here I refused, explaining per Army Regulation, exposing the two officers not following proper pre-flight procedural checks per their flight manual, sighting chapter, page, and paragraph they violated also noting they put the crew in danger failing to do so. I included the POL Section, Motor Pool Section, Flight Platoon Section, and the Commanding Officer's dereliction of duty per Army Regulations behind closed doors regarding the incident for which I was receiving corrective action for. Following this educational experience, I was dismissed, relieved of duties as a Crew-chief, relegated to sweeping our hanger multiple times daily until being told of my fate for my new duty assignment. Long story short, know the Regulations, stand your ground with calm explanation's, and rational, but never in front of the crowd. The best part, they had nothing on me but retaliation, taking my flight status away; it sure felt good to know I beat them at their own game as an E-4 (P) walking away with my head held up!

Response by PO3 Kenneth Suvanto made Sep 2 at 2020 1:22 PM

PO3 Kenneth Suvanto — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 13:22:28 -0400

This E-5 guy (Pictured) was chasing me around the ship. I ran up the ladder to the flight deck and when he got to the top of the ladder, I kicked him back down. I was an E-3. I was written up for that and had to go to Captains Mast. When the Captain heard what I had to say about being scared he was gonna hurt me, he just told me he didn't want to see me in there again and let me leave. The E-5 stayed behind and prolly got an ass chewing. I think I took this picture when he finally recovered and came up the ladder lol...he looks pissed doesn't he. Sincerely Ken

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2020 2:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:53:30 -0400

Feh! Who hasn't. You haven't served unless you've wanted to kick your chief's ass (some more than others, but most of them at least once).

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Sep 5 at 2020 3:00 AM

Lt Col Leslie Bryant — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 03:00:19 -0400

Yes, as a Major with my Colonel, Deputy Vice Commander, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Fight occurred when he showed up to announce shortages in the Forensic Science career field the second year in a row. I had already had to work the work load of two forensic consultants for a year and that equated to being on the road 290 days of 365 days and we typically work days of 15-18 hrs a day since we respond to Homicides, sexual assaults, child abuse and serious crimes.

As a Lt Col, US Air Attache I had a fight with the Two star Vice Commander, US Southern Command. Following Hurricane Mitch, the two star wanted to send Special Forces to study Nicaragua after the US sponsored Sandinista Contra War and at a time that Nicaragua had not seen US troops other than Army, Air and Marine Attaches at the US Embassy in 30 years. Additionally the US Ambassador had said no to any Special Forces units due to country sensitivity. I actually screamed at the two star over a phone “what part of NO-the N or O do you not understand.”

As a US Air Attache to Nigeria to a two star, J-5, US European Command. Sadly we had lost a member of the US Embassy on an international aircraft accident. Fight was over whether I should spend a 2nd 30 days in a forest looking for a ring the person had been wearing. It was like looking for a needle in a hay stack. I had already spent 30 days working 15 hrs a day in 99 degree weather in a jungle with no success. Was a US Air Attache but had served as a Forensic Science Officer with Mass Disaster Training and other specialized training so volunteered to assist with an aircraft accident investigation and despite 30 days searching had no success finding the ring. When the General told me I needed to continue searching for the ring until I found it. I told him I expected him to be an expert in his field and would not question his qualifications; he needed to know I was an expert in Forensic Science and knew what I was doing and “NO, I WAS NOT SPENDING ANOTHER 30 DAYS in a jungle in the middle of nowhere in Nigeria.”

This is probably why I stayed a Lt Col! I was always about doing the right thing not the politically correct BS!!

Response by SSG James Mielke made Sep 6 at 2020 2:12 AM

SSG James Mielke — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 02:12:22 -0400

Sure. Had a C.O. that had a vendetta against me because I had met his wife (and saw her naked) before he did.
I was stationed in Germany and was at one of the local nude beaches with my gf. A bunch of her friends showed up, one of them being my future C.O.'s wife. (No, they were not together at the time and nothing happened between her and I, just it was a nude beach and she there.)
Fast forward about 4 years and to another post in Germany, my unit (ARTY Btry) is going through a Change of Command, I am at the CQ desk when people start returning to the battery.
Front door opens, in walks some female and she stops at the desk, its her. So we start talking and laughing, like we know each other, when in walks my new BC. I render proper honors, and go back to talking to the gal, he never says a word as he goes to his new office. About 15 mins later he comes back and asks her if she is ready to go, and they go.
From that day on it was a hostile work environment for me.
(There were a few other, smaller reasons why he disliked me, but me knowing his wife was the main reason)
My section not do well enough in some intra-BN competeition (i.e. not win and make him look bad) and he was deep in my shit.
Not salute him in the motor pool despite both hands being loaded with parts and manuals, deep in my shit...
You get the idea.
Finally, late one night (0100 or there about), we were doing one of those intra-BN competitions on the local training area; first commo checks after a movement gets to go back to motor pool, everyone else has to do another movement and then first commo check after gets to go in ....
We were not the first commo check after the first movement and he comes into the FDC track just raging, drags me outside and starts screaming at me about what fucked-up NCO I am and if we fail to go in first after the next move, he was going to have my rank and position.
I just shook my head, took my insignia from my collar and handed them to him. "You have my rank, and since you want my position you can fight with the fucking radios trying to get a commo check." I walked back to the battery area and waited for Top.
Apparently, he failed to commo check first with BN after the next 4 moves because the rest of the battery finally got in about 0600.

Yes, I went from E5 back to E3 but I was also much happier at that point. Nothing quite so satisfying as being able to say, "Sorry, Sir. That task is above my echelon and I am not authorized to do as you order."
Got my rank back pretty quick after he left and all was again right with the universe.

Response by TSgt Robert Wayne made Sep 21 at 2020 1:59 PM

TSgt Robert Wayne — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:59:39 -0400

I have had many "talks" with supervisors. One in particular who by chance followed me from base to base. His goal was to get me kicked out of the fire dept. Then tried to get me kicked out of the military. I knew my rights and follow orders/instructions and didn't give him a valid reason to kick me out. I never had to stop at his level and shout. I only calmly talked to him with the truth and was always Frank and to the point. Three times he tried throughout the years and three times left with egg on his face. Finished my career and retired despite his efforts. Shouting or getting yourself all worked up only stresses you out further and could possibly be career ending. Your boss always has a boss. Chain of command works.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 15 at 2020 12:35 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 12:35:21 -0400

On my 2nd tour I had a 1st tour LTC lock my heels and chew me out. The G3 SGT. Major was laughing so hard he had to go outside. I was the Headquarters Commandant and he (LTC) thought his sheets in his trailer were not adequately cleaned. I said “Sir I can’t Shit sheets and he didn’t like being told that be a lowly Captain.

Response by SGT Natasha Faison - williams made Oct 16 at 2020 9:55 AM

SGT Natasha Faison - williams — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:55:18 -0400

Yes I have when I was on ADSW i recently found out that i was expected later on in the evening I had a miscarriage. I called in letting my platoon Sgt and RNCO know. I RETURNED the next day in fear of losing my position. To find my office completely destroyed. My position was Battan SAMS E opertator I was incharge of my unit and Five other units Sams boxes. When I cam back the SAMS box security cords was cut layed unsecured. The nice desk and chair I had was removed. TMs was pulled from the binders maintenance equipment was scattered every where the secure key box to the trucks and locks was pryed open with sign in and out sheets scatterd. My RNCo and other males NCO came up behind me laughing asking me what happened to my office. I asked them with tears in my eyes what happened to my desk? They stated "the commander need a better desk " and that I need to clean my SH!# up Ni@#er! I was gone for only one day. A week later my orders was due for renewal which I received but was rejected the next day given to a male who was not in the maintenance platoon who was a SSG. He erased the entire SAMS including everyone driver license and all the new equipment bumper numbers and proper serial numbers. They cam to me to fix it I refused to do it since they took the job from me. I was denied promotion going to school so i can get my E6. I took pictures went to IG and JAG nothing was done since they were buddies. I did a intestate transfer which they gave me issues.

Response by SGT Natasha Faison - williams made Oct 16 at 2020 11:02 AM

SGT Natasha Faison - williams — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 11:02:28 -0400

These are the picture before and after

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2020 10:45 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 22:45:57 -0400

I dont have any input on my end but just wanted to give you my condolences. Sorry to hear about your daughter .

Response by SFC David S made Oct 18 at 2020 5:25 PM

SFC David S — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 17:25:10 -0400

I got called to the CSM's office to be told to stop cursing my soldiers so loudly, people on the phone with him could here it. I informed him I wasn't currsing my soldiers, it was my CPT. This crap went n for @ six months then when I asked him to watch 2 weapons while I see the Brigade S4, he promply turned them in as unsecured. more cursing took place and while deployed to Iraq I quit. I refused to work for that foul mouth back stabbing POS. I was the Plt Sgt and S4 NCOIC at the time. his name is barry williams if you want to punch him in the face for me. Also my soldiers wanted out but I couldn't let them quit because they didn't have enough rank and never made a formal complaint.

Response by Sgt Thomas Ivanoff made Oct 18 at 2020 6:32 PM

Sgt Thomas Ivanoff — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 18:32:38 -0400

Yes. I was in a mandatory attendance class on race relations in 1974. The instructors were black and the attendees were white. All went well for the first hour or two of the 8 hour course. Then a Captain instructor started in on an Airman who was obviously from the southern states. The Airman refused to interact with the Captain as the Captain kept pushing buttons to rial him up. Still the Airman kept quiet only answering yes or no or i don't know Sir. And the Captain kept escallating the situation. I raised my hand and said. SIR, He is mot requited to give you his views or opinion in the class. He is only required to ATTEND. With that the entire session of attendees shut down. The Csptain finally broke for early lunch. Afterwards he appologized to the group and stated his job was to get the white soldiers to see what life was like as a Black man. We realized what was happening but it did not make it right. We felt we were in the same boat as a soldier. What or hoe we dealt with life as a civilian was another matter that needed perspective from a different angle. Now i do realize realize we all have differences and we must learn to see everyone in the same manner. I hope the Captain can see it as well now. Take care and Carry On.

Response by PO1 Ken Helmick made Oct 18 at 2020 6:47 PM

PO1 Ken Helmick — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 18:47:46 -0400

Once. This was in 1981, I was a MM3 and the ship's supply officer was a Lt (O3). I'd always had a good repertoire with the storeroom, they realized their job was to get us the parts we needed and our job (engine room) was to keep the ship moving, lights running, water flowing and stuff like that. Then, the Supply Officer decided things were too lax and that he was going to tighten things up --- of course, he didn't send a memo to any of the other divisions that would be affected by this. We had an air compressor go down and I was getting pressure to get this thing fixed, like yesterday. This pressure was originating with the ship's CO and when the guy with eagles on his shoulders started pushing, everyone above me in the chain of command started pushing.

Anyhow, I wasn't too worried, it was a simple two-hour job and I had just pulled some identical parts for the engine room's other compressor a couple of weeks back --- there were maybe 8 or 10 sitting on the shelf. When I asked for the parts, I was told they had none in stock, according to their computerized inventory. Remember, this was 1980, computers were nothing to be overly impressed with and the skills of computer personnel were even less impressive. I pointed to the shelf, right inside the cage, and told them where it was. No one would listen to me because this was now part of the Suppo's new procedure, if it wasn't on the inventory list, it didn't exist. So, I started giving the E-6 a piece of my mind and I believe he didn't pull rank on me simply because he was sure that I was right and if he made an issue of it he might have to end up explaining why the inventory sheets and actual inventory didn't match up. As it was, he was in a fix because issuing me the parts would be impossible without proving that the inventory was screwed up.

As my luck would have it, the Suppo happened to show up and started to chew me out. Well, as I said, I was getting pressure starting with the Captain and flowing downhill. I tried to explain the matter cooly but he was so invested in his own rank that he just blew me off --- and then I blew my stack. Inside a minute they phoned the division office and my master chief and division officer were down there. Needless to say, I was in hot water --- but they were getting the same pressure to get the stupid compressor online. So, they started suggesting that we should look at the shelf to see if maybe I was right about having the valves in stock...with him still refusing on the grounds that he and his precious inventory couldn't possibly be in error.

Before long, the Engineering Officer was down there, who was a full commander. He gave me a cold look and told me the parts better be there and then, giving an order over the Suppo's objections, forced him to unlock the cage. We went in and, naturally, the valves were right where I said they were. The CHENG gave me a VERY neutral look, told the Suppo that he better not think of trying to put me on report over this incident because the CO would probably take the side of an enlisted man attempting to put the skipper's ship in order over an officer standing in the way -- then suggested things might not turn out to the Lt's. liking.

He then handed me the valve, told me to hop on the repairs and, when I was done, to put together a working party to haul every bit of my division's supplies out of the Storeroom while he cleared out a space for the division to store its own parts. The Suppo started to object to that and he was asked if he wanted to bring the issue up with the CO .... no response.

Now, the vast majority of the time, I would have been in really hot water. On the other hand, the vast majority of the time, I wouldn't have been under pressure and would have just shrugged things off and let it be someone else's problem higher up the chain. Circumstances can forgive a lot.

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Oct 18 at 2020 9:11 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 21:11:57 -0400

Had a very loud disagreement with a Major. I was a Staff Sergeant. I finally figured I wasn't getting through to him so I walked away. Asked the Sergeant Major for advice. He said "Look it up and show him in the book." I looked it up and found he was right. Apologized and we got along fine.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2020 11:01 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 11:01:45 -0400

not really a screaming match but.... I was a SFC, selected for direct commission by the state board, waiting on FEDREC board. We were in the field for AT and I had to leave to sit the FEDREC board. 3 hour drive. Our OPs SGM tried to give me shit about "bailing out on AT". I just looked at him and said, "I'll be back in about 7 hours as a 2LT and we can talk about it then SGM....". Guess who had the pleasure of giving me my first salute as an officer?

Response by CW4 William Kessinger made Oct 20 at 2020 6:32 PM

CW4 William Kessinger — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 18:32:56 -0400

Handled all wrong!!!! Your wife and your folks and her folks should have been told how to contact the Red Cross in an emergency (any serious) and let them handle the original notification to your command and start the ball rolling for your emergency leave. They carry a lot more weight then you can by starting at the wrong end of the chain-of-command.

Response by PO3 Steven Guess made Oct 20 at 2020 6:47 PM

PO3 Steven Guess — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 18:47:09 -0400

I was working on a piece of heavy equipment (on Diego Garcia) and the E6 in charge of the heavy shop wanted me to single stack timbers and I refused until he got me enough timbers to crib it. When someone backed a five ton into it hard enough to shove it a foot side ways into me, I grabbed Tiny by the ear and dragged him over to show him. Good thing Tiny and I got along most of the time

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 6:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:03:20 -0400

There are times to voice fully defend your position, and there are times to take the ass chewing. In general if you are peacocking in front of your peers it is a bad call.

Response by CPL Gary Dishman made Oct 21 at 2020 6:18 PM

CPL Gary Dishman — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:18:01 -0400

Go over his head and explain it to your first shirt and I am sure you can take emergency leave as they shouldn't stop you from taking it .

Response by COL Don Hall made Oct 21 at 2020 10:54 PM

COL Don Hall — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:54:13 -0400

Ha! When I was Chief of Staff of the 44th Medical Brigade, I once had to clear our CG's office when he and our DCO got into it once during a meeting. The DCO started raising his voice, the CG started tapping a pencil on his thigh and raising his voice louder and louder, and the rest of us started squirming, and eventually I just made a subtle hand gesture and we all got up and cleared the room, and I pulled the door shut behind us. They didn't come out for another half hour or so.

Then there was the time our Brigade CSM got into it with one of our hospital commanders during a rehearsal for the XVIII Airborne Corps QTB, and the hospital commander challenged him by asking him how many jumps he had. So the CSM said "One! All the rest were practice!" Our CG (a different one than in the previous paragraph) said "Gentlemen, if we're through with the [appendage] measuring contest, could we continue the briefing?"

I swear, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

Response by SPC Laurel Gargac made Oct 23 at 2020 5:12 PM

SPC Laurel Gargac — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:12:25 -0400

This was in Germany in the early 70's. I was a brand new SP5 in computer repair with a top secret clearance because of the equipment. When I was working the area was closed off for security. I had a Battalion Captain decide he had to enter the area. I had warned him off about 4 different times... even threw a wrench at the door once, but he kept coming back. So I punched him to make him leave. The Battalion commander decided his best course of action was to just bust me back to SP4 instead of article 15 and the rank. But the Captain got transferred and we never saw him again.

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Oct 24 at 2020 10:21 AM

1SG Chad Mcdaniel — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 10:21:26 -0400

More than I can count for a plethora of reasons; however, I may not agree with your NCOs life choices/decision making skills/values etc I also dont agree with you bragging about it in an open forum. Army values!

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Oct 25 at 2020 9:38 AM

Sgt Ed Allen — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 09:38:43 -0400

Unfortunately, yes. Fortunately, I was not written up. During the last few months of my being in the Marines, I had the misfortune of getting a new OIC. The 1st LT that I had been working with for the previous 2 years was among the best officers that I ever worked with.j

His replacement was already a 1LT without having even gotten his MOS. He was a washout from flight school. When this "gentleman" replaced the previous OIC it didn't take long to realize he was a A1 idiot. In the late 80's you knew there was something wrong when an officer doesn't join until he is almost 30 years old.

We were a computer programming/support unit of 12 men and women in support of the 2nd Marine Air Wing with training, software support, hardware support and logistics.

Examples of this gentleman's decision making was to assign 4 men to support a single computer in a remote auxiliary landing field, while only assigning 1 man to support 20 computers at a different location. Not the best use of resources.

While preparing for a field exercise, my job included training about 30 Pvt, PFC and LCPLs on the use of a new computer system at Camp LeJeune. I had just been notified that I was being passed over for promotion to SSgt the second time. The LT had already made enough bad decisions to last an entire career and decided to make another one.

He showed up at the LZ where I was teaching these young Marines how to use the new system. The training was already about 90 minutes in and would take about 6 hours to complete. The LT showed up and decided he wanted to know how the system worked.

At this point, I turned around and informed the Lt that he was descended from unmarried persons and did not know his father, was lacking in coherent decision making abilities, was fornicating with his mother and was practiced in the art of sodomy. This was about a 5 minute discussion. At the end, of which, I "ordered" him to go home and not come back.

He simply turned around and went back to Cherry Point and did not return for another week.

Needless to say, this was not what a Sgt of Marines should do in front of multiple junior Marines.

Did I mention that there were 3 other Marines in the tent at that time? The witnesses to this gross break in military protocol were a MGYSGT from the 2nd MAW G3, a Major from the 2nd MAW G4 and a full Col who was the 2nd MAW G1.

I will say that I fully expected to be written up, and possibly face a courts martial, not so much for what I said, but for saying it in front of junior troops.

The only thing said to me was "Sgt Allen, that's not the way you're supposed to handle that, but we understand."

I did have a few more "less than polite" discussion with that LT over the remaining 2 months that I served under him, including telling him to get back in his office and work on this masters degree.

In the end, he gave me one of the best fitness reports I ever received. He even rated me on training of officers. My CO showed me the write up and said he agreed, even though I shouldn't have been rated on officer training. J

My final decision to exit the Marines at that time was based on the fact that I only had 30 days to my end of enlistment. If I was to re-enlist, I was still have to remain on station for a minimum of 10 months and I knew that I would not last that long.

In the end, I feel somewhat justified as I found out that this Lt was one of the few EVER to receive "white letter" from the Commandant of the Marine Corps saying that upon completion of 4 years active duty that he was expected to tender his resignation from the USMC.

I can't help but wonder, who else did he impress?

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 25 at 2020 6:38 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 18:38:11 -0400

No; but when I was a 1SG Itold my Bn CO I quit. That caused a few waves.

Response by SSG Clayton Lam made Oct 25 at 2020 9:22 PM

SSG Clayton Lam — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 21:22:21 -0400

I did have a shouting match with a 1LT. I handled it wrong because him and I had it out in front of Soldiers. The argument was about allowing Soldiers to go to FAST class to improve their GT score. This happened in S. Korea. The test for the initial GT test was on a Thursday and only once a month and you could not attend the classes without taking the test. He did not want to let them go because it was during SGT’s Time TNG. I tried to explain to him that mission one day of Sergeant’s time would not hurt them. We went back and forth. I did have them take the test. He was a terrible platoon leader. He was fired from being a platoon leader by the company commander but for different reasons. We were all glad. Anyway, I handled it the wrong way regardless if I won that fight. I should have waited before I confronted him about it.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Oct 25 at 2020 10:26 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 22:26:58 -0400

Had issues with my PA while assigned to HHB 1/41 FA (Pershing) in the early '80's; all to often I had to be a duck/airhead... Some of the ideas he wanted to accomplish required the signature of an 0-6(modification to M-TO&E, and vehicle mods). I'd ask to for the authorization letter or change of hand receipt and be told to just get the mods done based on his word...
Like I said, had to be a duck/airhead and let it go in one out the other and roll down my back...

Response by SFC Aubrey Campbell made Oct 25 at 2020 10:31 PM

SFC Aubrey Campbell — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 22:31:21 -0400

I have been on both sides of this fence....fought my PSG and had soldiers cuss me out. But I never stopped a soldier from handling a family emergency...always took care of pay problems, and ensured that sick or injured soldiers went On sick call. As far as putting your hands on me, you regretted it! Check the record! ISG “Mad Jack” Monroe, ISG Ronald “Drill Sergeant” Vickerstaff, and ISG “Taz the Tasmainian Devil” Forester!

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Oct 26 at 2020 10:45 AM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 10:45:03 -0400

When I was in the Marine Corp 59-63 you didn't get in a screaming match with your superior. You would have been in the Brig for insubordnation. If you didn't get along with your superior for personal reasons then you went to see the Chaplin. Discipline in the Marine Corp is why it has the history it has. You may not agree with the superior who give orders but you follow orders. I was in the Army 63-66, sent to Vietnam in 65. I saw Sgts arguing with officers, Peons arguing with Nco. One person refused to go on Guard Duty in the Ammo Dump at night because he was an 18 yr old draftee scared to death. I don't know the outcome but the Co. took care of it. Good leadership is important when it comes to giving orders. Semper Fi.

Response by SGT Kenneth Rand made Dec 11 at 2020 12:22 AM

SGT Kenneth Rand — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:22:18 -0500

I was in a yelling match with my ex wife's entire chain of command I cussed them out over and over and they swore up and down I'd be in trouble. Right after they said that I asked them about as much trouble someone would be in for contacting someone under a no contact order without notifying their chain of command? No they didn't contact anyone in my chain of command and I was under a no contact order and they kept trying to get me to talk to my ex wife. Long story short I got verbally reprimanded but my ex's squad leader lost rank over it for that gross oversight her 1SG and commander were told they contacted my command and nobody did. I seen my opportunity and took it but I never did it again they all knew my ex was sleeping with someone else and did nothing even with photo evidence. Horrible leadership produces grotesque soldiers. Oh and her 1SG came back from deployment as a specialist for sleeping with a Platoon SGT.

Response by PO2 Michael Berry made Dec 14 at 2020 4:08 PM

PO2 Michael Berry — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:08:14 -0500

I challanged an order from a Lt. telling me to hit the rack. I was not ready to do so and was in the middle of a movie in the mess deck of the ship I was on. I was 26 yrs old, an E-5 with 8 years in service and he was a 90 day wonder with a history degree and 24 yrs. old. Morale on the ship was horrible and this officer had the least respect of everyone. He threatened to write me up for Captains Mast but I didn't back down. I left him with an out that I would leave when the movie was over. My chief mentioned the incident to me the next day and just told me to be a little more tactful when confront this officer and try not to do it in front of other crew members. Life went on.

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Dec 16 at 2020 12:10 AM

SSG Gregg Mourizen — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:10:43 -0500

I am no stranger to using the line "Do your job..." (insert Sir or Sargent as it applied). Sometime it included an expletive. If they expect perfection from me, they better be doing their job too.
One time, I even threatened to take away a majors compass one day, when he was being 'less than helpful' with his duties. I told him it was my duty as an NCO (Staff Sargent), to protect the safety of his men, if he could not show competence in his job. I was joking of course, but he snatched up his compass anyways, because he knew I would do it. Made a very funny sight, him clutching his compass.
On another occasion, I had a Sargent was assigned as my squad leader, who was being lazy. I was then a Spec 4, Gunner for a mortar platoon. We were doing evaluations, and he was sitting on his but. I had to keep telling him what he needed to do. At one point he told me "you know what to do, you take care of it." Of course this was in front of our evaluator, after repeatedly missing time by seconds, over the course of about 6 hours. I gave him a good swift kiss in the cheek he was sitting on, and told him to get up and do his F'ing job. After which, he began the "You can't that"...,"I'm an NCO"... and so on. I told him I didn't have time to do his job and mine too.
The Evaluator, stood there trying to look serious, but you could tell he was trying not to laugh. When the platoon Sargent was called in, I told him the same and it seemed to end there. At least for me.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Dec 22 at 2020 10:41 AM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:41:48 -0500

No screaming but strong disagreements especially when it came to the treatment or lack of for my soldiers. If personal, at me, as hard as it was I'd just bite my tongue til it bled, lol. Who can really understand why leaders make ignorant decisions at times. But if lives are at stake and the welfare of our soldiers, fight for what's right.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Dec 26 at 2020 8:20 PM

SMSgt Jeff Kyle — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 20:20:40 -0500

Can’t remember if I replied to this post but just in case, here goes:
My helicopter landed after a mission and the first thing I see during the BPO is this rather large dent in one of the tail rotor blades. As it was shift change, I briefed my night guy and told him I’d work it first thing the next morning. When I arrived at work, my bird was next to the walkway and bigger than schnizel, there was a big wad of Bondo stuck to the side of the blade. I pretty much freaked out. I went to the night shift super and politely asked what is going on. He proceeded to tell me they needed the bird for the flight schedule and I needed to finish the repair. Since the original damage permanently grounded the blade, I asked him, a little more heatedly, WTFO? The blade is damaged out of limits. He repeated that I was to finishe the repair. I blew up. There was no effing way that blade could legally fly with that dent and putting that wad of Bondo on the blade threw it waaayyy out of balance. Again, go fix the blade and he was getting pissed by my attitude. About that time I realized I was yelling at a MSgt (E-7) and I was a SSgt (E-5). I calmed down immediately, apologized and told him I would punch holes in that blade and make damn sure it was damaged out of limits. We parted, him to the Maint Super’s office and me to the tool room to get a pig arsed hammer. We met back at the bird purely by chance and he said pull the blade. I smiled politely, said thank you and turned the hammer back in to the tool room.

Response by SFC James Himes made Jan 3 at 2021 12:38 PM

SFC James Himes — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:38:10 -0500

Never needed to yell. I did have on incident that could have gotten me in trouble.
I was stationed as close in security with my dog. As the truck stopped to let us off my dog jumped down which he wasn't allowed for fear of damage to his paws on hard road. So I corrected him, put him back up and made him wait to take him off. As I did so the truck drove off with my weapon and dittygag. I didn't want to call over open radio so I found one of the land lines in the area and called into the security shack about what happened and requested truck to bring my gear back to me. Just about that time an alarm on one of the structures went off and we went into alert. This happened often and most times was just a faulty alarm but we took all seriously because of the things in this area. The truck came back out and driver told me I had to report to security shack to talk to E6. I confirmed he would man my post until I returned and he stated he couldn't because he had his patrol. I said I couldn't leave until properly relieved and he could just give me my weapon and bag. He refused so I said he could have my dog too and had Sport jump up in his lap which scared the shit out of the driver. I then went around the truck and grabbed my gun and bag and told Sport - I guess he don't want to take you for a ride and called Sport to me. The guy peeled out of there cussing me out. A few minutes later this E6 shows up and he is just all sorts of cussing me out - Who the f---- do you thing you are? You're just a f---ing little puppy f---er and you don't run this site. When I order your f---ing ass to report you are to report you f---ing report. And he goes on. I tried to explain what happened but he does not want to hear it. And all this is going on at the top of his lungs. So at this point I tug at my dogs leash and advise the E6 that he is upsetting my dog, who has now gone alert and is growling at the E6. I tell the E6 he cannot speak to me like that and he needs to leave as I cannot be responsible for my dogs reaction to a perceived threat, as I play out his leash. He screams "you wouldn't f---ing dare!" I say I won't but I can't be responsible for my dogs reaction under the current situation. I remind him of the fact I would not leave my post unless properly releaved and how we are currently under elevated security status. He leaves threatening to have me doing extra duty the rest of my career.
End results - a SMSgt inspected posts that night and I relayed the incident to him and that E6 lost his clearance for the area. SMSgt said I was in the right not leaving my post. (It helped he had a lot of respect for K9 handlers).

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Jan 3 at 2021 7:26 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 19:26:41 -0500

My third year in the Corps, I had an emergency at home. The utility company turned off our power mistakenly. Had just bought groceries the day before. If I couldn't make it to the power company and show them my receipt, I would lose hundreds of dollars inn food. It was a Friday about 15:30. I was acting NCOIC of my shop. I went up my chain of command requesting an early secure. My SSgt. decided to assume I hadn't paid my bills. When I showed him the receipt he got even more abusive. The final result was that he started "finger stabbing" me in the chest. When I told him I was not going to tolerate that, he said that in the old days we would already be out back of the hangar and he would be thrashing me. I told him to "Go0 for it". I had been continuously practicing Wing Chun since I was 10 years old. Needless to say, I put him down quickly and efficiently. My next stop was to go upstairs and turn myself in to my group MSgt. He early secured me and told me to be in his office "Locked and Cocked" at 07:30 on Monday. Unsurprisingly, my SSgt. had gone immediately to TOP. Monday morning we were both on the carpet in front of TOP. I was flabbergasted when Top proceeded to chew a MAJOR chunk of SSgt's ass instead of mine. Made him apologize for assaulting me, and told him that he was a disgrace. Come to find out he had gotten away with his shit many times in the past.

Response by SSG Raul Alaniz made Jan 11 at 2021 4:53 PM

SSG Raul Alaniz — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:53:17 -0500

HHHHuuuummmmmm, once or twice, maybe. Sometimes people don't click, End of Statement.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Jan 24 at 2021 9:17 AM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 09:17:24 -0500

I may have had some angry moments with both superior officers and NCOs; however, I am "old school." As a 3rd Class my only response was Aye, Aye or Yes, Chief. I can certainly understand how Sgt Johnson must have felt, especially being so far down the pecking order. In my day, regardless if the senior were an ass h--le or not you had better not put your hands on a senior or you'd find yourself Court Martialed, busted down, fined, DD'd, and thrown in Leavenworth making little ones out of big ones. One thing about being "hard core" is the BS stops here and now (good order and discipline). If we can't keep it together in Garrison how do we expect to keep it together in the field? The military life is not easy at all and requires special folks to do some really strange things, at the most inopportune time under the most arduous conditions. Obviously not Disneyworld for sure. It is rewarding, but you're in a job where someone wants to blow your head off as a career objective. You put your life on the line whether you're a Coast Guardsman in the Bearing Sea, or an air crewman, or a grunt. This means you must be hardcore and focus and sometimes that means you leave family issues in the footlocker of your mind. If this is a difficult or unwanted evolution in your life, then perhaps you might consider a job at the local shoe store. Semper Par! Semper Gumby!

Response by SSgt William Bull made Jan 25 at 2021 1:21 PM

SSgt William Bull — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:21:10 -0500

Only twice in combat in Vietnam. New "Boot" 1st Lt's who didn't understand how to save lives through common sense.

Response by SFC Roderick Early made Jan 25 at 2021 3:33 PM

SFC Roderick Early — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:33:38 -0500

Yes, “private” boxing match to settle our differences. I won decisively.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 3:54 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:54:04 -0500

I had an altercation with a toxic CSM, I was attempting to have a civil conversation with him. I was a SGM in his division when he said I did not what a CSM did. I said he was incorrect and he proceeded to yell and scream at me for 12 minutes and 43 seconds. I had already turned him off. I was amazed at the size of the throbbing veins in his neck and forehead. I was wondering if I would perform CPR or wait 6 minutes to ensure brain damage. He had a habit of screaming at senior NCOs. One SGM had a nervous breakdown while another had to be treated for PTSD. As I said, a toxic leader. It was a shame he had ruined so many Soldiers lives.

Response by SSgt William Blanshan made Jan 25 at 2021 6:12 PM

SSgt William Blanshan — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:12:51 -0500

Only in Basic, lol

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made Jan 26 at 2021 8:03 AM

SCPO Ken Badoian — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 08:03:01 -0500

Not in public but a couple of times in private. As a SCPO I have on occasion needed to provide strong council to superiors. Especially favored were O1 and O2's. By the time they made O3 they knew better. The Navy believes in assigning line officers, most of the time without any regard to their educational background. This was not too bad when all US Naval Academy trained officers were engineering majors but now.. I was a PO1 and had a history major from a major Eastern Ivy League college, an 02 who was: smart yes, arrogant yes, flexible no, understood even the basics of steam engineering except water boils to make steam no, so on occasion he had to be taken to task always in privacy of his stateroom or on the fantail. Saw him about ten years later, now a commander, and first thing out of his mouth was thank you Senior, the chief is usually right. SO it can be done but quietly.

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Jan 26 at 2021 7:53 PM

SPC Joshua Dawson — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:53:27 -0500

Oh yeah I definitely had more than my fair share of asshat nco's or officers. My unit was the newly reactivated 5/7 CAV and almost all the higher ranking nco's and officers were comprised of douchebag deployment dodgers that had spent their entire careers trying to avoid combat situations. These douchebags were extremely pissed that they were actually having to deploy and they took it out on us lower enlisted every chance they possibly got. I had an E6 that was maxed out at E6 because he had fucked up so many times in his career that he could not be promoted again and he had NEVER deployed acting like he was the hottest shit ever. This bitch would hold 2hr+ formations with just our platoon in the motor pool screaming and yelling at all of us telling us all what worthless pieces of shit we were and then fuck with all of us individually too. I had an appointment one day about my knees which were already getting bad and I did not have a personal vehicle yet as I had only been at the unit for a few months and he knew I had to walk every where and we were all the way down in the motor pool and he didn't release me to go to my appointment until it was only ten minutes until my appointment and the clinic was halfway across base so of course I was late. Then this guy would hold random room inspections even on the weekends and if he ran his finger across something and got dust then you failed the inspection. We were in a rapid deployment unit and we were always either deployed or in training and the one time one of us spoke up and asked him if he might take into consideration that we actually have to live in these rooms he just made things way worse on us. It got to the point that he was making all of us report for a formation at 5am wearing full "battle gear" and if one single person, out of 42 of us, did not have one single item on the list then the formation was moved up thirty minutes earlier for the next day. Our platoon leader actually had to give him written counseling to leave us all alone before he would stop. To top things off we were named the top medical platoon out of the entire division and we had the top five rated combat medics as well and I was within those five. He never said anything again about us being worthless pieces of shit after that.

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Jan 27 at 2021 10:31 AM

PO1 Todd McMillin — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:31:01 -0500

When I was an E-5 in the Navy in 1999 my father had just passed away when I was on deployment in South America during UNITAS. UNITAS are sea exercises and in-port training involving several countries in North, South and Central America, conducted by the United States since 1959 in support of U.S. policy. While I had to deal with the clusterfuck of returning stateside and a funeral for my father (Also a Navy Veteran Korea Conflict).

Afterwards, I was supposed to remain on station for mental health counseling, etc. for 90 days before being rotated back to sea assignments/duty. An SCPO (E-8) who had a history of conflict with myself and other junior enlisted broke those rules. They were short handed and he "assigned" me to San Clemente Island Target Drone Ops while ignoring my mental health. While I had a minor break down on the island during ops; so I decided to go to Medical and see if I could get something, as well as address the fact I shouldn't be there and wasn't fit mentally for duty.

While I was driving to the Medical Office, the SCPO contacted the base Medical Officer (LT) and told them I was malingering. The LT then threatened me with said charge as was his duty without knowing the whole story. I grabbed LT by the Throat and tossed him into the wall saying, "My Father just died you insensitive asshole." Followed by a crying fit and ripping the door off the hinge and throwing it down in response. He was shocked and apologized and said that the SCPO had called and said I was malingering. I responded with, "I'll show him MALINGERING" and got in the truck.... "You might want to get a body bag ready".

I drove back to the hangar and the SCPO was there looking like the cat who ate a canary and then said, "Get back to work Petty Officer!" I reached over from the DET tool box and took the largest straight slot screw driver (over 24 inches) and drove it into the wall with a Tae-Kwan-Do Yell and watched his eyes get wide as tea cup saucers; as his skin went from the usual color of drunkard beet-red to ashen white.

The handle of the screwdriver was next to his ear, as was my mouth. I whispered in his alcohol-added skull, "If you want a go at me you DRUNKEN PIECE OF SHIT! BRING! IT! ON! I spent time going nose to nose with Rookie MARINES and Baby SEALS on the other side of the water from here as SHORE PATROL! I've got scars and broken bones from brawls with those assholes scrapping with me when intoxicated, full of piss and anger at the world! You're a falling down alcoholic, whose second wife is getting ready to leave him. She's taking your pension away to raise the teenagers you're never home for and probably aren't even yours. 'If you want to FIGHT! GO FOR IT and See How DEEP this SWAMP I swim in is?' I can tell you that your funeral would be a relief to the command to avoid the embarrassment of paying your incompetent and worthless ass! Pick up any tools and take a swing, but BE READY to met JESUS!"

I walked off and left the screwdriver in the wall. All of the rest of the DET had been standing there in shock and hadn't even moved an inch. I looked at them all and said, "Get the FUCK OUT OF MY FACE!" They ran like I set them on fire and looked for somewhere else to be. I pretty much sat in the duty truck crying my eyes out and then the OPS Officer drove me back to the barracks to get rest. The next day the Operations were cancelled and the DET flew back to NAB Damneck.

Funny thing is I was assigned to Day Check ASDO (Assistant Duty Officer: aka Desk Duty) at NAS Norfolk (the main office of the Command) as Compassionate Relief/Mental Health Check. At least 5 of the Chiefs (E-7 & E-8) from the Chief's Mess came and talked to me in private at some point during the week after. They all pretty much said, if I had started beating the shit out of the SCPO, the Chief's Mess would have ponied up the bail money and also any fines from Mast including keeping my rank intact because of being psychologlically provoked by the SPCO.

The Command CMC (E-9) at the time had just come back off Medical Leave (Heart Attack) and I was transferred about a month later to Helicopter Command H-46s/H-60s. Strangely enough the CO, XO and Operations Officer; who were all pretty chill had simply signed off on my transfer paperwork. They also had given me a glowing performance review including the fact that they swept the Island incident under the rug. They marked it off as an emotional nervous breakdown due to stress of death of a family member in my medical record. I had counseling for a year as part of the aftermath. It's also part of my C-PTSD issues as legitimate mental health event of course the details are a bit more loose in what happened on the Island.

**Note: The SCPO was mandatory retired after this incident a few month later when his enlistment cycle was up at 24 years. His actions were addressed and unprofessional conduct and harassment of junior Enlisted including myself. He had already been on notice for being "Drunk on Duty" at least 3 times when I was there at the command (It was swept under the rug as well, which made me wonder what kind of blackmail material he had to avoid being booting from the Navy). One of these incidents prior to my father's death and our tee-a-tee event is something I'm going to talk about. When an AMCROSS (American Red Cross) Message came in for a junior sailor whose family died (again, this is before the UNITAS and Island incident). The SCPO had pretty much stayed home (drunk on duty) as the SDO, since it was the weekend. I was on a 12 hour ASDO watch and the message literally came in when I had sat down at my desk at 0700.

So I had to contact the Command 1st LT (as the next in line for emergencies) to get them to sign off on emergency leave. As well as getting the AMCROSS sailor sent to Nebraska as soon as possible. I had completed all the required tasking needed. I got the guy out the door in less than 4 hours and on a plane in 6 (including having the local Recruiter be his driver to and from the airport since he still had that information).

The SCPO finally showed up nearly 9 hours after the message and was sober enough to sign off the paperwork. I told him I had the LT do it and dismissed him like a Boot Camp Sailor. I also put in the log book that he failed to report for the emergency and made other indications of being "Derelict of Duty". I think this is what originally started the conflict between me and the SCPO that boiled over on the Island that day....

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Jan 27 at 2021 3:36 PM

1SG Michael Farrell — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:36:56 -0500

More than once. Results got better as I got older and more experienced and probably more wiley if not smarter. If you care about what you are doing, you can show honest emotion but you have to remember the things you can't do. Hitting people is always a bad idea. As a S2-3 SGM, with the best boss I ever had, he came up with a really stupid idea. We talked about, and he remained sold on it -- take the airhead Chemical Officer 2LT and put her in as acting HHC Commander while the CO was at CAS3. The company was a disaster, largely due to an inept First Sergeant, but the CO wasn't hopeless. We went back and forth and he locked my heels and told me to get the hell out of his office...which was interesting, because we shared the office. Picked up my hat, went to the Motor Pool to make certain we still had vehicles, counted them, nodded at my NCOs, and wandered back to the 3 shop. Knocked, entered, and said "You're my boss, my superior and I will support whatever you want to do. But what I don't want to see happen is for you to make a big mistake..." He looked at me, searched the sky, and said, "I don't want to make a mistake." We then figured out a solution to put a CPT in there temporarily and toss in our contribution to be his XO. Worked out excellently, except they fired that First Sergeant during a deployment to Baumholder, and pinned that rose on me when they got out of the field. Turned out to be a great job. My colonel and I remained close friends, and life was good.
For junior folks: Be honest, be direct and don't make it about yourself. If it is going to have to be about yourself, involve a spokesperson -- chaplains work, First Sergeants will work--approaching them not to get them in the middle. but because you don't understand what's going on. That will work better than you might think.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2021 9:24 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 21:24:46 -0500

I've been on both sides of this. And I've learned that once either side has to raise their voice above "Authoritative" it's already a lost cause.
If you are on the receiving end- dont throw away your own credibility by rising to it.
Sometimes you gotta ask yourself, am I wrong? Because sometimes we are all wrong.
Even if a senior rank is yelling at you, it doesnt give you permission to be disrespectful.
Unless it is a safety issue, illegal, or immoral... if you think the senior rank is wrong, do it anyways... everyones gotta get a chance to learn from their own mistakes.
If you find yourself suddenly on the giving end. Back down. Apologize. More "face" is lost by stubbornly blundering on than apologizing for losing your cool.
If someone is trying to apologize, let them. Dont start the fight over again.
That's my 3 cents worth.

Response by MSG Brenda Neal made Jan 28 at 2021 12:47 AM

MSG Brenda Neal — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:47:25 -0500

I'm not sure what you would call this. I was in 91C school and a group of us were training in CCU at BAMC, Ft. Sam Houston. Got informed the surgeon general of the Army was inspecting the hospital. He came to the floor with the attitude we weren't capable of doing patient care and was going to prove. He decided to question me about my patients, I'm guessing because I am a girl. He looked over 6 foot and started his questions. The more I answered, the shorter he got. I love the look of someone caught in their own trap. My ability to care for my patient was pretty obvious but he didn't want to lose face. His final question only a doctor could answer. I told him what I needed to do, just didn't know why. He was all important then because he did. He saved face and CCU remained on the rotation for the classes yet to follow. My teammates just started laughing. If they had any questions they always asked me!

Response by SP5 John Eskins made Jan 28 at 2021 2:33 PM

SP5 John Eskins — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:33:15 -0500

Absolutely not! Disrespecting the the ranks should not be done and those two other NCO's should've known better. All four of you should've been in trouble, those 3 NCO's court-martialed and you an article 15. I was at Ft. Bilss in '69 right after my 1st. tour in Vietnam assigned to Spec/Ops, deep jungle duty so I was pretty jumpy then. One day while taking a nap at noon an NCO came in and put his hands on me and got dropped up against the wall lockers. I appologized but he still tried to have me court-martialed but when I was in front of my CO, and I explained to him according to the AR's a combat soldier was not responsible for his actions within the first minute after an attempt to wake him up, the CO said I was right and told me to go back to work.
If your actions are covered in the AR's then you're covered, if not then you are in deep doo-doo. Just because he happens to be in charge of you doesn't give him the authority to abuse or to put his hands on you. He should've been court-martialed and sent home with a D/D at the very least, he could've lined himself up with a stay in Leavenworth on top of that. You could've avoided all of this by going back to Top and asking him for some support and had it handled by the brass.
Sorry to hear about your daughter, I pray for your family to heal and hope for all the best to you and
her mother, burying a child is the hardest thing we ever face.
Good tidings to you all my brother.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2021 2:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:35:59 -0500

As a young buck Sgt going thru a really bad divorce from another service member I got really drunk at the base club where I was at in Korea and got into it hot and heavy with my Sqdn CSM my last night on base. He told my 1SG that if I was still on base by the time he left his room the next morning my ass was his. He timed his departure just as the bus I was on heading to Seoul and home was easing thru the gate. Later found out in my drunken state that I had also cussed out the Sqdn XO who tried to interject himself into the fray.
Once again, my overworked guardian angels saved my career from certain destruction.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 28 at 2021 5:24 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:24:08 -0500

Only once, and it was a one-way conversation. I had been asked to research wildlife management violations on my land test ranges which were open to hunting when no missions were in progress. I did so, and delivered my report at headquarters to the civilian Department Manager that had requested it, and I waited outside the conference room as instructed.

After the meeting, an enraged General officer ripped me up one side and down the other at high volume. As a 2nd Lt, I took it at attention until he finished and stomped out. Quite an impressive dressing down for a 2nd Lt.

I didn't know that the civilian and the General were fighting over turf (the civilian wanted to prohibit hunting on the ranges and the General wanted to preserve it) and I got caught in the middle. My commander, Col. Beveridge, later told me to disregard it, as I had just been doing what had been requested, and he had explained the situation to the General.

Response by PFC Andrina Rich made Jan 30 at 2021 2:05 PM

PFC Andrina Rich — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 14:05:29 -0500

Ongoing situation with my Section Chief from Day one. I'll admit I wasn't the best Private. I joined the Army right after 9/11. I was 33 yrs old. Even at BTC I was older than my DS's. My MOS is 74B (25B now last time I heard) Basically computer specialist. I've done IT for more than a decade at this point. Plus my Army AIT.

First day at my active duty station I meet my Section Chief. He is not an IT person. His MOS is "cable dog". I don't know the exact MOS but that's the nickname for it. He has no certifications. (I have 3 4"binders with IT certifications) He has no formal training it IT. He does not have a security clearance. He has none of the qualifications required for the position he's in except his rank. But he's all they've got. Everything he knows about IT he learned on his own. Not a bad way to learn, that's how I started out, but that's where it ends.

He informs me that he does not care what I think I know about IT or whatever the Army taught me. He's been working on computers since he was 17. Remember I said I wasn't a good private? Yeah. I told him I had been working on computers since I was 15. He comes back with, well I'm 33. I answered back, I'm 35. (Got recycled in BTC and had a long AIT) He demanded I show him my ID.

I'm a PFC. People expect PFCs to be 18-20ish. I look really good for my age. Even now people miss my age by over a decade. He thought I was lying about being 35. What woman is going to lie and say she's older? And more than a decade older? Seriously?

From that point on he set out to break me. He straight up told lies about me. Usually behind my back. But he did it in front of me one day and I called him out on it. Suddenly I'm ringed by my platoon while he and my Platoon SGT are reading me the riot act. Everyone else is egging them on. They had me trapped and I couldn't escape. This kind of thing happened regularly.

Making me drop and do 25 pushups every time he came in the office. Office had 2 doors. He'd come in one door. Make me do 25 pushups. Go out the other door and come right back in. I was exhausted and couldn't get any work done. Then I'd get screamed at and written up for not getting my work done. At one point he decided I had to jump up and go to parade rest every time anyone E4 and above entered the room. Then there was a revolving door of all the E5s and up from our platoon and his buddies in other platoons in and out of our office. Again, couldn't get any work done, got written up for not completing tasks.

It culminated when an E4 in our office went to PLDC and came back and told everyone who would listen (and she was cute so she got a lot of male attention) that she had been promoted to SGT, she just hadn't been pinned yet. She had not been promoted to SGT. I found out she had a "diary" on her computer with a list of accusations against me. Her computer was password protected but she forgot I was an IT expert and I had backdoor access to every computer on base via DOIM. I copied her file and went to 1SGT with a harassment complaint against her because I couldn't take it anymore and I knew I couldn't win against the Section Chief but if I could bring to light her role maybe the rest would come out. In that conversation it came out that she was claiming to have been promoted already. Ooh boy!

She got into a LOT of trouble. And of course it's my fault for "tattling", not hers for doing the wrong thing. Even though that had not been my intention. I was only wanting to discuss her harassment of me, not her other behavior. So my Platoon SGT and Section Chief called me to a "meeting" with the entire platoon. I've got PS & SC in front of me and the platoon ranged around me and PS & SC are screaming at me. Both at the same time. I can't even remember the exact words. I'm at parade rest, listening to this and it occurs to me that I don't have to put up with this. I volunteered for the Army. I did not volunteer to be abused. So I dropped out of parade rest, turned around, and walked away. Drove home and went back to bed.

Two hours later there are police, EMTs, my PS & SC, my 1SGT, and the XO at my house. I was taken to the hospital where they made me drink charcoal crap because apparently my SC and PS had it in their head I tried to OD on pills. Then they committed me to a mental hospital for a week. Nobody would listen to me. I had the NCOs and my entire platoon putting forth a solid story and of course if that many people are all saying the same thing then it must be true right?

At that point I was broken. After I got out of the hospital I no longer bothered to show any respect whatsoever, even for their rank, to anyone in my platoon. My SC would scream at me until he was red in the face (which was a sight because he was black). I ignored him. I totally shunned him. If I caught him saying something about me that wasn't true I'd shut him down. I contradicted him in front of the COL, CSM, everybody. He'd lose his mind. I'd get called into meetings with him, my PS, and whoever I had corrected him in front of to be "counseled" on respect. I wasn't having it. My S1 file is in an expanded folder because of all the counseling statements they gave me. It got so bad I just told them to go ahead and write them up and put "soldier refuses to sign" on the bottom and have fun with it but don't bother me anymore. He'd write up Article 15's against me pretty much every week. The legal NCO would kick them back.

All of this because there was finally someone in the office who actually knew what they were doing and uncovered all the stupid, wrong, and often illegal stuff he'd been doing. Not on purpose. Just by doing my job. Pirated software on government computers. Working on personal computers that he charged people for the work on Army time. Swapping network cards to get around DOIM blocking a computer on the network. Using a network card with a MAC DOIM recognized to put people's personal computers on the government network so he could work on them in the office. DOIM set up a new naming convention for PCs and laptops. I spent 3 days renaming all the computers in the brigade. Idiot didn't read the email. Started changing all the names back, reamed me out for changing the names, and wrote me up. Don't mess with DOIM.

I've only lightly touched on what he, the PS, and the platoon did to me. I have PTSD from my time on active duty. I never deployed. I volunteered to deploy. I begged to deploy. I would have done anything to get out of that unit. In the end I got out of the Army to get out of there. Screaming matches. Physical altercations. Assaults. I've explained why. I can't go into exactly what or I'll have nightmares tonight.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jan 30 at 2021 2:17 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 14:17:45 -0500

With a fellow (superior) NCO, yes. Once, and it was one-sided - his screaming at me and my Asst Squad Leader. He was one stripe higher - my Platoon Sergeant. Despite his loss of control, we remained respectful though chagrined. The man was literally on the verge of a breakdown. Nothing came of it and a day or two later, I approached him and we talked it out and he admitted that he'd "lost it." So, in respect to your question, it was not a screaming "match," and one-sided. Had me or my Asst. SL acted the same towards him, we would have been completely WRONG. Perhaps not morally, but legally and ethically, wrong.
That was in a garrison environment however ... in a combat environment I can see where a junior person might have to take some kind of more direct conduct to counter an out of control superior. LOTS of variables.

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Feb 6 at 2021 5:35 PM

SP5 Derick Johnsohne — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 17:35:02 -0500

not in the army . always had the survival reflex, knowing the undemocratic absolute power a military superior has . but it pissed them off to no end by reading my thoughts on my face . some hatreds dont end .

Response by HN Richard Duncan made Feb 9 at 2021 11:34 PM

HN Richard Duncan — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 23:34:44 -0500

Hell no, just play the game and keep your mouth shut. Do what you are you ordered too do.

Response by PO3 Jerome Wilson made Feb 9 at 2021 11:42 PM

PO3 Jerome Wilson — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 23:42:24 -0500

As I read the story based on what you reported I was trouble by a few things. One the lack of communication and emotional support your NCO showed you, not to mention the breakdown in your chain of command. But with that being said I still hold you responsible for what happened in your part not following the proper protocol and time management. I’m sure you where informed about your child health condition and could have had a medical release from going on deployment. Though I feel greatly for your lose that doesn’t justify your actions nor the non actions of the NCO’s that witness the assault against a NCO. You do not have the right to put your hands on another service member regardless of how justify you may feel at the time. The military’s training is to teach you self-control in the face of overwhelming issues if you can’t handle in a proper way how to deal with unexpected life experiences then you need to rethink being in the military. As I’m troubled by you using the death of your child as an excuse for the unexceptional.

Response by SPC Don Goffaux made Feb 11 at 2021 1:32 PM

SPC Don Goffaux — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:32:12 -0500

Spc. Lopez, 1st off that NCO has no right to refuse your leave for a death of a child or spouse!
The Red Cross issues the request for you to return home & this request is sent to Congress which in return sends official leave orders to your Emergency Operation Command Center, These orders are Congressional & can't be violated or refused by no one! Even during war time!
I personally worked the EOCC @ Ft. Irwin when my battalion was in the field training. It was my job to
go find the soldiers & immediately take them to the nearest Air Port!
I was a specialist & my own company commander a Captain & my 1st Sergeant both refused to release said soldier ! They even gave me a direct order not to talk about it ever again & warned me I'd be F☆☆ked if i did!!!
I new better & I replied to them with all due respect your the ones that are Fucked & do what you got to do & I will do what I got to do. . .
I immediately reported back to the Post Command Sergeant Major that i was temporarily working for & told him & within 5 mins both the Captain & 1st Sgt was arrested & my company commander was instantly dishonorably kicked out of the military ! BOOM ! Talk about a shouting match!
When I got back to Ft. Riley
Everyone threw a party for me because they were tired of the bullshit this power tripping commander
rained down on everybody & was happy to finally be rid of his ass!
A wise word from an old soldier. . . All ways when confronting Senior personnel Say " with all due respect" Sir, Maam, or Sgt !
Then your free to speak your mind !
And before jumping chain of command & going to the next. Address the problem to the person of conflict & go up from there until its resolved & if its possible its best to do it in writting or in front of witnesses that way they can't say you never brought it to their attention!
Thank You For Your Service!
Sincerely Spc. Goffaux

Response by SGT Tim Bennett made Feb 12 at 2021 3:16 PM

SGT Tim Bennett — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 15:16:11 -0500

As a SGT and squad leader, I got into a screaming match with my platoon leader, a 2nd Looie. I was helping one of my privates change out a motor in a 5T dump truck, Looie showed up and told me I couldn't do that as a squad leader, and a shouting match soon ensued. When I went after him, my platoon Sgt quickly stepped between us and led me away. When I turned around, Looie was gone, I went back to helping my PVT, and we never had any more problems. SSG Cobbs saved my stripes and more that day, and Looie and I got along fine thereafter. It was never brought up again.

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Feb 13 at 2021 6:55 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 18:55:08 -0500

I was a staff sergeant and I tried to stop the Wing Commander from doing something to know when surprise he won and we did it anyway afterwords when everybody calm down it turned out that technically I was right and luckily I had enough people on my side that I didn’t end up in a court-martial. As my squadron commander told me you’ve used up every brownie point you’ve ever earned don’t ever try it again

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Feb 22 at 2021 1:13 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 01:13:23 -0500

I had a Sergeant Major who was a bully, until one day I told him he could eat shit. I guess he took my advice because he never gave me a problem again. Seriously, a screaming match between two senior NCOs shouldn't be witnessed by the troops.

Response by SSG Deron Santiny made Mar 15 at 2021 12:54 AM

SSG Deron Santiny — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:54:49 -0400

While attending a PTSD group, there was a female Specialist who would always come to the group with a plate lunch and in civilian clothes (during working hours). One day, she started running her mouth about how her Squad Leader was a shitbag and how she was about to put hands on him if he didn't change his attitude. I busted out laughing as did the other NCO's who were forced to be there since we had been medevac'd out of Theater (Iraq). She asked me if I had a problem and if I wanted to take it outside. I again busted out laughing. I told her "Sounds like the problem isn't with your Squad Leader, sounds like the problem is with you and your attitude. Maybe you should learn to listen instead of talk, you might actually learn something from someone who's been doing it a little longer than you." So she chimes in with "All you Infantry boys think y'all are better than everyone else but I don't take shit from nobody and I got no problem beating someones ass if I have to." I again busted out laughing and said that it was obvious that you never beat anyones ass and that your attitude is the reason you can't get along with others. Of course she was the only Non Combat Soldier in the room and all the others agreed with me that she was not a product of "Toxic Leadership" but a "Toxic Attitude". She stood up and said she was about to start throwing hands and that if we didn't leave we would regret it. So I asked her "Why are you here, were you volluntold to attend these meetings or are you there on your own free will?" So she said she came on her own because it was the only way she could get out of working and being around the people in her unit. Turns out, one of the other NCO's happened to be assigned to her unit and upon return, spoke to the 1SG about what transpired. Turns out, she had been skipping duty by telling her command that she was at "Medical Appointments" all day and was getting the Counselor to write her excuses and other things to keep her from having to deal with her Squad Leader. Also turns out that she was a shitbag who had been AWOL for a few weeks and when she returned, she began acting as if she was the victim of whatever happened at the unit. Needless to say, we voiced our concerns to the counselor who told us that we should be more compassionate towards her because she isn't used to being around soldiers who have been in combat. I was like, it's the fucking Army, if you aren't around someone who has been to combat then you obviously haven't been in long. This female soldier also threatened a MSG who told her to lose the attitude with "keep running your mouth and you'll need surgery to replace the bones in your jaw when I break it". Yeah, that went over well, we laughed and he excused himself and greeted her with her 1SG when the meeting was done. It was a hilarious situation to say the least. I'm sure her career was as short as she was (probably 5'5" if she was lucky).

Response by SPC Tj F. made Mar 16 at 2021 10:55 AM

SPC Tj F. — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:55:06 -0400

While at Ft. Bragg, we had a bunch of Reservists come to us: we were training them on what to expect when they got to Kosovo. This particular training exercise was a polling site which they were assigned to protect. We (both the OpFor and the Local Nationals) were trying to figure out how to F them up when they let others in to vote. We decided the only good way to do so was to mob the gate when they opened it up to let "voters" in. They had some greenback Private with an OC backpack dispenser guarding the gate. When we mobbed the gate he freaked out and just sprayed everyone in sight, including his own folks. Well, since we were out of commission, the rest of his guys started zip-tieing us and hauling us within the perimeter. By the time they got to me, they had run out of zip-ties, so they just dragged me in anyways. There were two small buildings, shacks really, that they parked their Humvee in between with their mounted turret. They just lined us up alongside the building so the Humvee could provide over watch. Well, about 30 mins later, everyone was back in commission, except the POWs who were all zip-tied, which excluded me. If our mission was to jack these guys up, there's no better way than to commandeer their vehicle and their turret. I hopped on top of the truck and started ripping their gunner out of the turret. Success!!! Except.... his canteen got stuck on the tow strap! Who even wears those anyways!?! I couldn't maintain my grip on him, and also try to get his canteen unstuck. Well, needless to say, I was tackled off of that truck like I was a fumbled football! They hurt me. Pretty good too. I had a finger under my nose pulling up on that pressure point. I had a thumb (assuming) in under and behind my ear's pressure point. I think I had someone's fingers digging in under my jaw too. They quickly found some Zip-ties, I assume they took some off one of my buddies, and put them on me. Their problem was that they weren't able to hog-tie me. Seems my then tree-trunk legs were just too much for them to over power. Apparently a sergeant felt the need, even though I already had several soldiers holding me down, to at that time jump on my neck. All I remember is feeling three loud pops in my neck, and an extremely sharp pain. I thought he just broke my neck, and I would be paralyzed. And THAT, that point right there in time, is the only time I saw RED. I was no longer in control of my actions, but more so an observer of what was instinctually happening. I rolled over onto my back throwing the multiple people off of me several feet away, including that Sergeant. He had gotten up and was charging at me. I fixed my gaze on him and struck out with my boots as hard as I could. I only intended to strike him in the chest, but just as I kicked he bent down to (assumingly) continue his punishment for attacking his soldier. I ended up not kicking him in the chest, but straight to the face, throwing him back quite a distance.

To wrap it up.... I ended up breaking his nose, and dislocating his jaw. I honestly don't remember much after this. I vaguely remember some of their guys and my guys dragging me back. It's fuzzy now (been 20 years) but I think I remember the Safety's screaming, "Index! Index! Index!" but it could be from something else. I have absolutely no recollection of how I got back to base. Nor do I remember that evening. The next thing I clearly remember is walking out of the Commander's office after explaining what happened. I was walking across the formation field back to the barracks when my Lt saw me.

He called me to attention, and proceeded to rip my ass apart about how I was going to be court martialed for assaulting a Non-Commissioned Officer. He proceeded to tell me in great detail what happened to the Reservist Sergeant (this is how I found out). He then sums up everything he just said and ends with, "So you assault an NCO..... You break his nose and dislocate his jaw. You $#%@'d him up pretty good. Good Job!!!!!" Then slaps me on the shoulder, and walks off. Of course, I'm not going to move. For all I know, he's testing me, seeing if I'll move or turn my head while at Attention. It was likely 2-3 minutes before I thought it might be safe to move. Sure enough, he was gone. He was serious! He congratulated me. I never got a counseling statement, Art. 15, or a Court Martial. I did find out though that the Sergeant was demoted down to E-1. He was going to assault a POW - in custody, and detained with Zip-ties.

I'll still never forget how I saw red. I now truly understand what a Blood Rage is.

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Mar 22 at 2021 6:27 PM

CSM Bob Stanek — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:27:45 -0400

Back when I was a SFC and an operations NCO for a Training Battalion, my BN Training SGM and I got into a really huge argument reference equipment requests that some of the instructors needed. The BN SGM (without anybody knowing it) wanted to be the final approval for all training requests, even if it was nothing more than just a box of maps. In this case, the instructors had asked for a piece of Program of Instruction (POI) equipment, they explained why and for how long etc. SO I approved it, made the necessary arrangements and delivered the equipment in about 30 minutes. Clean and easy with the instructors happy as well as the students better trained. Or so I thought.,,

Later that day, I was at the training site working with a couple other instructors on future training plans, when the SGM showed up and started chewing my ass out in front of these two instructors. No big thing, we were a family and he had chewed my ass out before for similar small stuff (he was a big control freak guy). In this case, it was just the four of us on site, with no students around (or so we thought). About five minutes into the heated discussion with lots of screaming and finger pointing, one of the instructors shouted that the students had arrived to my left. I turned to look and saw about 20 students gaggling around watching the SGM and me in our face to face argument. I looked at the students, then back at the SGM and simply said "Sorry'" and walked away.

The students initially thought I was being dis-respectful of the SGM (we had been working together for about 3 years at that point in time and I had orders for promotion to MSG/1SG and transfer at the end of the month). It was not dis-respectful of the SGM, just making on the spot decisions to help the instructors. Well, eventually the instructors explained what it was all about and also why I dis-engaged so quickly from the argument. If the argument with the SGM was just between us the instructors, I would have stayed longer. The two instructors knew the specifics and agreed I did the right thing in both the issuing of the POI equipment as well as dis-engaging from the SGM.

In the long run, I left the organization without really talking to the SGM except for the completion of my NCOER. He initially started to hammer me on my NCOER, but the Senior Rater (MAJ) knew the details as well and made the SGM correct the NCOER and saved my career. Thank GOD for Good Officers and Instructors.

Moral of the story, don't get into arguments with Senior NCOs unless you're in a private room with others there to support your story. Plus I learned to give my NCOs and officers I work with the ability to make decisions on site, but to at least keep me in the loop as soon as they can so I can defend their choice, even if I don't necessary agree with it.

Response by PO1 Frank Downs made Mar 26 at 2021 9:00 PM

PO1 Frank Downs — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 21:00:18 -0400

All the time I had 3 articles 15, and 1 special Court Marshal, sometimes you get away with it other time not so much, I guess the question is; is the argument worth it?

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Mar 27 at 2021 6:30 PM

SSG Ken Potts — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 18:30:38 -0400

No, but I did with another NCO who eventually became my roommate and we got along great.

Response by SSgt Steven Farmer made Mar 28 at 2021 11:41 PM

SSgt Steven Farmer — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 23:41:38 -0400

I told them to go fuck themselves. Had 2 Article 15's, they pulled my miltary id pass, confined to base but still went off base. Told the MP's I lost my id and they let me back on base after a few questions. Got demoted to an E3 from E4. Big whoop. Shipped overseas got my stripe back and never saw the asshole again. He was a total dick, don't regret a thing. Sometimes you just have to stand up to these ignorant bastards.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2021 2:55 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:55:45 -0400

When I was a Lance we were heading out to Korea for an excercise. I remember one time I got told by my Gunny to do something. I think it had something to do with holding rifles. Well this Cpl from another shop comes up to me and tells me to do something else. I respectfully told him I was busy at the moment doing something for Gunny. I asked him if there was anyone else avaliable, if not I would do it for him. Well long story short he got pissed off real quickly and told my Cpl I was disrespectful.

My Cpl and I had some tension between us. He immediately took this other Cpl's side and told me he was giving me a negative counseling, this would affect my promotion that was coming up for a paper board because I was on an excercise.

We are in Korea in the motor pool getting ready to go.and he hands me the paper and told me to sign it. He would stop me before I could rebuttal it and just told me to sign it. I had explained to him several times what had transpired. My side anyway, since there are two sides to every story.

Well I had his pen in my hand and I told him,

"If you're gonna act like a 'b-word', you can fetch the pen like the one you are!"

And I threw his pen across the motor pool and walked away.

Gunny came out shortly after and demanded to know what happened. We explained to him the situation. In that moment I was wring and just took the lesser paperwork.

But it was great to see the scared look on that Cpl's face.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 29 at 2021 2:15 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 14:15:00 -0400

I got a field grade for the pleasure of getting my ass whipped when I was a private. My section NCO came out on top but not by much. After we both were released by TMC I lost all my rank and got 45/45 and he got relieved. I got a better duty location and we both retired E7s.

Response by SSG Curtis Taylor made Apr 4 at 2021 4:01 PM

SSG Curtis Taylor — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 16:01:18 -0400

I had a yelling match with my 1Sgt. I was a Staff Sergeant and we were deployed. I was the FDC chief and he tried to pull 2 of my men for guard duty. It is a well established tradition that FDC does not pull guard duty. In any event, it ended by my stating that if he pulled my men, I would resign immediately. He pulled my men and I had one of my privates run my resignation letter to the Battery Commander. The Commander was en route to a Brigade Briefing but when he read my letter, he had his driver turn around. When he arrived, he had the 1Sgt at attention in front of the Battery and told him "I can run this Battery without a 1Sgt, I can't do it without an FDC Chief, quit fucking with him".

The next day, I walked over to the maintenance truck and one of the Sgt.s asked me what had happened yesterday. I told him I didn't know what he was talking about. He continued that Sgt. Thomas had just opened a can of soda pop, and my voice came booming down from above, and it was so fierce that the bubbles from the soda pop, jumped back into the can.

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made Apr 4 at 2021 9:18 PM

CWO4 Tim Hecht — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 21:18:44 -0400

Loudly and with anger. I was wrong and apologized to him for it.

Another time, after suggesting that the person I shared the Ship’s Office with that it would be a good time for him to go have some coffee....The EO, a Prior Enlisted O-2 started off by screaming at me about not ordering handheld calculators by a priority message when we were on a counter narcotics patrol in the Eastern Pacific. So I lit into him; a few minutes later there was a knock on the door - it was the XO; asking us to please hold the voices down; they were holding a qualification board and couldn’t hear. Later that day I went to talk to the XO and apologized for my actions. No problem he said. The next day at Morning Quarters the XO called me forward; and the EO as well. The EO was reminded by the XO about what he was supposed to do....apologize in front of the crew for verbally attacking me! It’s always good to be right!

Response by PO2 Trevor Porter made Apr 5 at 2021 1:02 PM

PO2 Trevor Porter — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 13:02:05 -0400

Absolutely, ensigns most of the time. The ship I was on was considered a training platforms for J.O.'s so we went through them pretty regularly. I was the Lpo for my Main prop work center. We put up with their shit for the most part. But we had one who thought he knew all there was about how equipment should be worked kn and operated and he tried to micromanage us to the point where he wanted only specific tools used on certain things. I eventually had enough and blew up on him and threatened to hurt him the next time. Fast forward to captains mast, I was asked why I said what I said and the only response I had was that he was a cock sucker. People can only handle so much until they become unruly. And manager of people should know how far they can push someone before something negative occurs, but people like him do not care about the people who make them look good. Only care about how they look. You handle things the way you feel you should but be prepared for the consequences of doing so.

Response by CW3 Joseph Lawrence made Apr 9 at 2021 12:20 PM

CW3 Joseph Lawrence — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 12:20:19 -0400

I got into it with the Company Commander after we moved a GP Medium Tent 6 times during a bivouac. Got so bad, I actually threw my helmet at him (Old Steel Pot) Years later I almost paid for it when i went before him to be placed in a Warrant Officer Slot. The Tent Screaming incident was the first thing he brought up, If you planning a career in the military it is better to keep your mouth shut and eat your words.

Response by TSgt Don Dollinger made Apr 11 at 2021 5:39 PM

TSgt Don Dollinger — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 17:39:42 -0400

In private, not public, ask permission to speak freely than TACTFULLY tell him he's nucking futs. Happened a few times with uppers that were out of touch with the "on the ground guys". A good super would take your comments under advisement, reevaluate, and change course.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made May 1 at 2021 11:32 AM

MSG Terry Lingle — Sat, 01 May 2021 11:32:05 -0400

Every screaming match I was ever in with a superior (in rank) was completely one-sided.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made May 1 at 2021 3:23 PM

MSG Terry Lingle — Sat, 01 May 2021 15:23:59 -0400

Any “screaming match” I ever had with a superior (in rank) was one-sided.”

Response by SGT Keith Smith made May 3 at 2021 1:54 PM

SGT Keith Smith — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:54:25 -0400

Not yelling no. When the yelling starts the listening stops. I have been slapped. I have been cut by my chai of command. The slap I deserved in my own opinion so I took no action. The cut though got me evaluated for homicidal thoughts. That went no where.
My mom died while I was on leave after deployment. My leave got extended to attend the funeral. The acting 1SG did this when 1SG actual said he wouldn’t have approved it. No we never got along.
I was an Sergeant with 15 years. I wouldn’t have done this to any soldier. I never had to put hands on my soldiers. I figured if it came down to that I should have already started the paperwork for chapter. Which I actually did only a few times. What he did was wrong. That should have been the beginning of his relief for cause. Demotion and chapter. In fact he should have taken you to AER if you couldn’t afford the ticket or if it would have caused a hardship. The only thing I would have asked for so I could get the emergency leave approved would have been a Red Cross message. This way you wouldn’t have been charged leave either. Told you to keep in touch so I can keep the chain of command off your back. These actions happen no matter my opinion of you. I will be fair and impartial. That’s why it’s in the creed. So I hope you read this and apply it should you ever get to be a SERGEANT not an e5.

Response by SPC Roger D. Pemberton Jr. made May 6 at 2021 12:55 PM

SPC Roger D. Pemberton Jr. — Thu, 06 May 2021 12:55:17 -0400

Yep, me personally and others. My personal heated interaction was in Baghdad Iraq of all places in a driving a HUMVEE headed to BIAP. My squad leader decided to start yelling at me over some BS that wasn't even a big deal and got fed up and went off. I told him under no uncertain terms that is wasn't a big deal and to stop F*CKING yelling at me. I'd had enough of his BS.

The one I heard some of through a closed door was at Ft Wainwright AK between a SPC and 1st Sgt. Our 1st Sgt wanted the SPC to go to PLDC and the SPC wasn't having any part of it. Needless to say 1st Sgt didn't take kindly to it and the SPC didn't take kindly to the 1st Sgt not taking his refusal well. The yelling was so bad the whole command hallway heard it and some were concerned it was going to turn physical. Fortunately it didn't and as far as I know the SPC didn't go to PLDC right away like he was wanted to.

Response by SFC Robert Falco made May 6 at 2021 1:31 PM

SFC Robert Falco — Thu, 06 May 2021 13:31:49 -0400

Yes, I won't name the former BN CDR or the overseas duty station but I ended up telling him he was a lying POS in front of the BN following an overdose incident in the barracks. I being the senior NCO present had the CQ call an ambulance which triggered a Blotter incident. This particular division required commanders to respond to blotter incidents to the CG.
When the ambulance pulled up to the barracks a highly intoxicated BN CDR showed up, made an ass of himself then stumbled out.
Monday morning he gathered everyone in the camp theater and proceeded to tell everyone what a terrible NCO I was for calling an ambulance and a few other things.
Of course I was relieved from my PSG position and he tried to press it to charges, until the BDE CDR and CSM got ahold of it and learned the real story.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 11:28 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:28:39 -0400

Absolutely, my direct supervisor call my previous supervisors all terrible leaders, I told him "Welcome to the club"

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 11:31 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:31:12 -0400

Not a screaming match. However, the day my supervisor call my previous supervisors terrible leaders and scum bags, I replied "welcome to the club". Word got around and found out he took a LOR for making the initial comment.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made May 24 at 2021 5:05 PM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Mon, 24 May 2021 17:05:10 -0400

Specialist, that kind of conduct would never happen. How in Slicky Brennan's AOR can we demand appropriate military protocol and bearing if we are not wrapped tight enough to render the same respect. We do not always agree with our bosses, but God and the President gave them more gold than I've got and made them responsible for the whole ship. All I have is being the First Lieutenant, which is an awesome job, but not like the Captain's.

Response by CPT Michael Moyers made Jun 15 at 2021 10:27 PM

CPT Michael Moyers — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 22:27:19 -0400

Yes, at JRTC. We were going into the last 24 hours of Force on Force and none of us on the battalion staff had slept in quite some time. It was about 3 or 4 in the morning and the Battalion XO and I (1LT MEDO) were discussing something regarding the current mission. It devolved into a shouting match where we were both too exhausted to realize that we were both saying basically the same thing. Eventually, the OC/T stepped in before it went to throwing leather. He basically said to each of us, "what you're trying to say is..." and "what YOU'RE trying to say is..." It made us both all of a sudden realize that we were saying the exact same thing. We both threw out a healthy dose of profanity as we walked away from each other into the night.

The next day, after ENDEX, the XO walked up to me outside of my aid station. I knew why. I went to attention and saluted him, but he threw me a half-lazy salute and waved me to walk with him. We got a dozen steps or so away from everyone else and he stopped walking. He looked at me and said, "sooo...you want to talk about last night?" I started to apologize and he cut me off. He said something to the effect of "you're passionate and vicious when it comes to these troops...I'll take that any day. We both got out of hand. Let's just not do it again, yeah?"

Ended up being one of the best guys I ever worked for, stateside or downrange, and I'd go to war with him again any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Jun 16 at 2021 12:36 PM

1SG Patrick Sims — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:36:55 -0400

YES--In a manner of speaking---The Battalion Command Sergeant Major told me to have my troops do a PT run in -20 below zero, along with a bracing upstate New York wind. After my refusals fell on deaf ears I finally told him to get fucked, and held the PT run on a warmer day. He was unhappy with me, however, I took being a 1st Sergeant seriously.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Jun 17 at 2021 8:49 AM

1SG James Kelly — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 08:49:46 -0400

Does locking and loading on a LTC count?

Response by CPL Frank Glahn made Jun 18 at 2021 7:04 PM

CPL Frank Glahn — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 19:04:30 -0400

Never...

Response by PO1 Ronald Parker made Jul 5 at 2021 11:04 AM

PO1 Ronald Parker — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:04:53 -0400

I had a falling out with my Chief in the Flag Passageway due to him not knowing what was going on in Flag Admin. He was the type that would come in for morning quarters and then spend the rest of the day in the Chief's Mess. We learned that it was best to let hi stay there. As LPO I made sure everything was covered and the office functioned smoothly. One day the COS passed him and asked him a question. Not knowing what the COS was talking about the Chief stopped me in the passageway and started berating me. I told him we should not talk about it the passageway. He stuck a finger in my chest and said he wanted an answer now. I went off on him screaming about his inability to lead and that if he wants to talk to me he better know what he is talking about. All of a sudden the door flew open and the Admiral stepped out and asked what the hell was going on his passageway. I yelled back at the Admiral to ask his Chief since he seems to knows everything that is going on, especially in the Chief's Mess. At that point the COS came out of his office and directed the Chief into the Admirals Office and me into his. I got the ass chewing I deserved. Come to find out the COS had heard about the Chief always out of the office. The day that I transferred the Chief took me out for a steak and beer lunch and we had a long talk and left on good terms. Don't know whatever happened to him.

Response by SPC Tommy Dean made Jul 8 at 2021 10:45 AM

SPC Tommy Dean — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 10:45:31 -0400

Never. That would be disrespectful. I wanted to on several occasions but just took the undeserved ass chewing and/or punishment and when we went to Grafenwoehr in the winter I made sure that individual’s heater didn’t work. After a few days, I usually received an apology and several cases of beer upon our return to garrison. I did feel sorry for the Bradley crew members, but the lesson must be learned.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2021 9:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 09:31:28 -0400

Ok listen up, any altercation with an NCO will in most circumstances bring you a UCMJ action. Be smart, if you have a reasonable request for leave, have your family, or family member request to your chain of command an emergency leave request. Most of the time this can be completed by your Brigade/Company Commander within 24-48 hrs. Secondly, every educated well versed Senior and company commander has an open door policy.
Especially in matters that involve immediate family members such as the one you noted, the American Red Cross can verify and request to any Division/Brigade/Company Command an emergency leave, [read up on your Brigades Emergency Leave Policy;- No Commander or NCO can ignore that.

And as a final note, in my day as a Section or Company Platoon Sgt., if a subordinate Soldier puts his hands on me, it’s something I would guarantee would negatively impact and affect their future Army career.

Response by TSgt Craig Rau made Jul 28 at 2021 12:08 PM

TSgt Craig Rau — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:08:48 -0400

Yes. Came home advanced party from Grayling Mi. driving an open deuce and a half so I could go to my cousins wedding the next day. The trucks brakes started to smoke north of Lansing, I pulled over ,and sweep vehicle did not stop. 4 hours later another units vehicle stopped and got us to a nearby rest stop. They stood by while I contacted my unit in Grayling. My CO said to stay at rest stop till main convoy the next day. I told him no. I explained I had an open deuce loaded with mini guns and 40 mm grenade launchers for our units AH-1 Cobras and was un armed, and it was a safety issue in that area. Was told to bad and to wait. I then explained that what was going to happen was I was going to limp the sick truck to the nearby Michigan St PD , identify myself with my civilian LE badge from my full time job, and request they impound every weapon for safe keeping . After that I would get a bus or rental car to go home, and he could explain to the Ohio AG why the weapons were in custody of Michigan State PD. He then said they would have someone to me in about three hours. which they did and we got to the home armory around 0200 Saturday Morning At the time being an E-4 in a argument with an O-5 , I figured I had not just burned a bridge but had nuked it. With in 2 months I lateraled over to the Air Guard

Response by PO1 Lee Garrison made Jul 29 at 2021 10:39 AM

PO1 Lee Garrison — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 10:39:57 -0400

If it wasn’t for an E6 physically stopping me I would’ve killed the E7 that was in charge of my workspace. On January 15 my chief said when are you gonna get over this I need you to come back to work and make parts, they get over this was in reference to my daughter dying on January 1. I know for a walk through the space while we were having our shouting match, he put his nose into it I told him to shut the fuck up and get the fuck out of there. I was put on report for disrespect to a commissioned officer. When I went to captains mast for this incident the skipper asked is this the sailor whose daughter had just died, chief Master arms answered yes it is. Needless to say all charges were dismissed and I didn’t have to work for that he seven anymore.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Jul 29 at 2021 5:16 PM

TSgt David Olson — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:16:28 -0400

That would never had occurred in the military I was in.

Response by SGT John Ball made Jul 29 at 2021 7:50 PM

SGT John Ball — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 19:50:27 -0400

My buddy got into it with a MSG some years back who claimed he was promoted to CSM and demanded to be addressed as much. But, my buddy asked him where his CSM rank was and was told I hadn't put it on yet. And the kicker? My buddy asked for a set of promotion orders which he clearly didn't have. He basically told the guy if you're wearing MSG Rank, then you'll be addressed as such until you wear the CSM rank. A huge and glorious argument ensued which gone no where. I swear some leaders can be toxic and self absorbed A-HOLES!

Response by MSgt John Geruso made Jul 29 at 2021 9:51 PM

MSgt John Geruso — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 21:51:38 -0400

Yes -- with a new Captain who was assigned as our unit OIC. I was the senior NCO assigned, and had a great crew. We handled the CBRNE and HAZMAT incidents for the base, trained troops in Chem and Bio warfare survival. A number of Senior NCOs from different bases got together and developed a checklist that would allow any newly assigned person to get familiar with the set up, equipment, procedures, etc etc. Upper Brass liked it and it gave us some needed uniformity.
When the Captain showed up for duty I briefed him on current ops and gave him a copy of the checklist to help him familiarize himself with the unit. He looked at it and said he'd like to change it. At that point I closed the door to his office and explained the creation of the checklist was done with over 45 year of combined experience. Didn't phase him. I reiterated the importance of him running it then, if he could improve it we woud consider his inputs.
Didn't work. It started "Sergeant, I want it changed" I said "Captain, no Sir, run it first" Voices raised "SERGEANT" "CAPTAIN" ... Went on for about 15 minutes and he finally decided I was not going to back down and I ws not intimidated by his rank. He ran the checklist, and he and I became pretty good friends after a while.
Maintain respect, be right, stand by your guns, know your stuff and don't let rank scare you.

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Jul 30 at 2021 5:44 AM

SPC Martin Meyer — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:44:06 -0400

I never got in a screaming match but I did get into the sergeant's face pretty hard. I was headed home on emergency leave and they were going to hold me a Fort Dix for the weekend as I arrived on a
Friday. My dad was in the hospital and not doing well. I got in the sergeant's face told him I wanted to see the duty officer. Duty officer contacted the Red Cross verified my emergency leave status and I was on a plane that night headed home.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2021 9:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:19:02 -0400

I don’t recall having any heated discussions with any senior NCO’s, however I do remember having a few with a Major who, in my opinion, was a person who had risen to his level of incompetence. It turned out in my favor, though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2021 10:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 10:10:40 -0400

Yes, only I call them my seniors. Always one on one though, not in front of mine or their Soldiers. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself, especially when someone has no idea what your job entails, and constantly says you do not do anything. Army or not, I did a damn good job and will not let anyone walk all over me, or my Soldiers.

Response by MSgt Matt Hancock made Jul 30 at 2021 11:24 AM

MSgt Matt Hancock — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:24:03 -0400

In my very humble opinion (sarcastic grin here) if any "professional" military member has never been in a verbal "discussion" then I have to wonder where their line of ethical behavior begins? I have been in a few heated discussions (luckily no hands on then as all bets are off) but afterwards, with bruised egos on both sides of the discussion, we were able to continue the mission and resume life. As a saying goes, "if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." Keep your eye on the mission, be professional and at times speak up as necessary.

Response by SGT Tiik Taaka made Aug 5 at 2021 1:50 PM

SGT Tiik Taaka — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 13:50:32 -0400

Ofc...who hasn't?
Mine is quite interesting, to say the least...
As a young SPC4, I found myself on a very elite installation team with a mission in a foreign country. It was nearly lunch time, and we decided to meet at the daily eatery. I was wiring a power panel, with high voltage (50k) cables, and used the lock-out/Tag-out process before leaving.
After lunch, I climbed the ladder and was reminded that cables were in Lock-out/Tag-out -the bright yellow tag is hard to miss. For a brief moment, before touching a bank of 3 OTT cable, my mind told me that no one would turn on a breaker during lunch...the panel is new, as well. Then, my training kicked in...I climbed down from the ladder and checked the breaker box (with my padlock still locked).
I opened the lock and flipped the panel open to check my three breakers. OMG! The power is ON. Confusing because I am the only person with a key...but not. An NCO, during lunch, flipped my breakers on.
'Who opened the breaker box?' I spoke clearly in a military manner.
The NCO chimed in, 'I did! I needed power at my equipment.'
'Oh! You turned on the wrong breakers.'
'NO! I did not turn on the wrong breakers.'
'You did! Look...' I said, pointing at my three breakers at the bottom of the panel.
'Those are not your breakers! They are mine.' he barked
'Show me your equipment on the blueprint.'
He snatched the blueprint from the table and oriented it to his position. After pointing his finger, and me tracing the circuits, I concluded...
'You're reading the blueprint upside down. Your breakers are all on the top...two of them it says. Why did you turn on three? and those three are mine? I locked the panel out before lunch, and I am the only one with a key!'
In short, I learned the LO/TO Program has a flaw...(2)keys per lock. I read once, there should be one key. If the one key is lost or stolen, the lock must be cut-off. The NCO was sent back to the US the next day, and I became the LO/TO specialist.

Response by SGT Tiik Taaka made Aug 5 at 2021 2:28 PM

SGT Tiik Taaka — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:28:15 -0400

Okay! You asked for more? Well...here it is...
It was a cool night, stars filled the sky. The hour is 2 a.m. and we are lost. I am not in a position of leadership, although my skin reaps of it. We were lost. I heard the leaders whispering, and decided to step up to the core principles of leadership (Pick the ones that match on your own -hahaha).
Me, 'Sgt. I can get us back to camp?'
Him, pausing for a moment, 'How can you get us back to camp?'
Me, 'I took a back azimuth before we left.'
Him, 'Show me.'
Me, 'First lets get the map oriented...there...that's the road here on the map,' I pointed with my finger.' All we need to do is make a right at the small stream in that direction,' pointing once more.
Him, 'You better be right.'
Me, (Starting to doubt myself)...'The camp is here.' pointing at the map for the last time.
We turned at the stream, oriented the map, and I stated the azimuth. We walked for about two hundred yards, and heard the most pleasant sound you'll ever hear in your life, aside from 'Mail Call'...
'Halt!' Who goes there!' the voice bellowed through the thick fog of night.
I replied with the challenge password, and we advanced into the perimeter of the camp to be recognized...We were released from duty and had the best night sleep you can imagine.
See...sometimes a whispering match can be just as awkward as shouting.

Response by Sgt Robert Shea made Aug 31 at 2021 1:20 PM

Sgt Robert Shea — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:20:55 -0400

yes. 1969 i returned from my 13 mth. tour in viet nam. i was an E4 with 5,0,5.0,5,0 procon marks. after checking in at my new duty station i was promoted to E5. the 2nd lt. that delivered my promotion, made it very clear that he did not think i deserved it. he got right in my face and told me so. he said it loud enough so that the other marines being promoted could hear. it was quite a scene. he took all of the pride out what i had worked for. my goal in boot camp was to achive 5.0's and the rank of E5 because the DI's said that it could not be done in a three year enlistment.i think this 2nd. lt. had been passed over for !st. lt. and resented for what i had achieved. i only had about 60 days left on my enlistment or i might have reported him. this is not the marine corp way of doing things. my only regret is that i didn't serve with him in viet nam....if you know what i mean.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Aug 31 at 2021 1:34 PM

PO2 Paul Dempsey — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:34:36 -0400

Yes when I was assigned recruiting duty. Told the truth to the CO about the senior chief in charge of the station. The CO. didn't like my answer and didn't like that I stood fast and refused to change it. I Was shipped to another station and had to commute and hour half. My previous station stats went to zero enlistment for three months a low and behold I was transfered back and was district recruiter of the month the month I returned.

Response by SGT Brandon Culpepper made Sep 1 at 2021 10:30 PM

SGT Brandon Culpepper — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 22:30:41 -0400

I (E-4) was sent to Camp McCall for Robin Sage (Special Forces FTX) and assigned as OPFOR. We we’re killed in a battle and the SF cadre taught the aspiring future Green Berets how to search and secure enemy dead. A young Captain was told eye thumps and knees to the groin were effective to awaken enemy “dead”. After a knee from the top rope, I grabbed the unnamed officer by the collar after the groin shot, tears in my eyes and testies in my kidneys, and tried to choke him. The laughing E-7 cadre pulled me off and reminded me striking a commissoned officer is punishable by UCMJ.

Response by 1SG Diane Gicewicz made Sep 2 at 2021 1:03 PM

1SG Diane Gicewicz — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:03:57 -0400

As a MSG deployed to AFG, I had an E4 get in my face, arguing, spitting and acting a fool! I figured he was just an immature schmuck and yes, he was firmly corrected. 2 years down the road a background investigator called about said incident.....he did NOT get hired....painful lesson for him. Recommend to all, take a deep breath, think about what you're doing and saying before opening your mouth. Have a mentor, it helps to have a different perspective on things.

Response by SPC Sebastian Wentz made Sep 3 at 2021 12:24 AM

SPC Sebastian Wentz — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:24:52 -0400

In Bagram, the Letterman dorms had weekly rotating cleaning schedules. We had an NCO E5 who was married and he would hang out in the hospital looking for prey to cheat on his wife with. This activity caused him to miss his rotation of cleaning toilets and urinals several times. I hated this guy he was worthless. I used to be in my bunk on my day off trying to find my peace. MFers used to barge the door open and yell " These fukin urinals are nasty who is cleaning them!" "The list says SGT _____ is supposed to clean this shit where is he specialist? " and various other comments. I was an E4 in a room with a Butterbar, MSGT, and 2 E5's. The 4th rotation for our room to have the latrines I lost my shit I hiked my ass over to the hospital and pulled him away from the beef skirt he was flaunting over and had him follow me into the nearest coms closet. I started out nice letting him know "with all due respect SGT or not if you do not drag your lazy ass over to the dorm and shave the fucking beard off of the fucking urinal I am going to wipe it off with your pillow and sheets. Its like where is the dumbass every time we have this schedule and I am tired of it (Now I am screaming) Get the fuck over there and clean that shit NOW! ...sgt." As I walked out he was flabbergasted stammering with tears in his red-tinted eyes .... spec...spec...specialist get back here. I was already halfway down the hall I tossed the dual bird salute and went back to the dorm. This fucker ratted on me and was crying when he was telling Staff how evil and mean I was. The unit knew this guy was a complete shitbag and Staff had my back but I still got a stern talking to for disrespecting rank.

Response by SPC Ana Moody-Dash made Sep 3 at 2021 6:54 PM

SPC Ana Moody-Dash — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:54:39 -0400

Being called GIRL! this and GIRL! That...finally made him aware my nomenclature was soldier or private, not girl.

Response by SP5 Robert Kennedy made Sep 4 at 2021 1:43 PM

SP5 Robert Kennedy — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 13:43:43 -0400

Yes, the First Sgt (Rivera) at my basic training company dismissed me from the daily briefing before noon chow for laughing as his voice cracked-into-a-chirp. He told me to lay dead on a pile of rocks behind the formation... so when I got to the rocks I did a Hollywood movie death fall on the rocks and he went ballistic. When the trainees were dismissed for lunch, I was commanded to report to the back door of our barracks (in the 3 story block construction "Disneyland" section of Fort Knox). When I got there he had a couple Drill Sergeants pull me into the building and he started whaling on me. The CO and one of the Lt. platoon leaders walked into the hallway, and immediately turned around and left (I had no idea that this was not an approved practice). Had a series of confrontations with SFC Lynch in Pleiku, 1968. He put me up for Court Marshall and the CO (1LT Gooding) called me in to question me. Long talk - no charges, but a week later I was promoted on the 2% program. Again in 1969 at Ft, McPherson in Atlanta: The Command Sgt Major caught me doing something illegal - which really rankled him... but he told me he'd put me in the brig if I ever did it again. A few weeks later he asked me to do it for him, and 3 weeks before my separation from active duty the Col. (Sandsmark) took me to lunch, and without specifically mentioning the deed - he told me that he was aware of what I had been doing, and offered me more that a years E-5 salary as a bonus if I would re-up. As a draftee, I honored my responsibility to serve. But, let's face it, I was not wired to quiet obedience, and celebrated my release July 3, 1969. Admittedly, those two years of service are the proudest of my life by honoring what every American should experience.

Response by SN Dale "CG" Veach made Sep 4 at 2021 7:02 PM

SN Dale "CG" Veach — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 19:02:58 -0400

Doing so gets UCMJ hearing...and the loss of a few stripes

Response by SN Dale "CG" Veach made Sep 4 at 2021 7:06 PM

SN Dale "CG" Veach — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 19:06:46 -0400

UCMJ...and a FEW A FEW STRIPES LOST....they have more stripes for a reason!

Response by PO2 Ronnie Chandler made Sep 4 at 2021 8:53 PM

PO2 Ronnie Chandler — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 20:53:20 -0400

As an E5 I had an E3 grab me once. I calmly explained that we could have a discussion but he wasn't to put hands on. He was walked away by shipmates came back apologized and explained his position calmly and I was able to help him. Only time I had an issue. Really was he just didn't want to calm down and talk rather he wanted to demand

Response by SFC James (JD) Flemal made Sep 5 at 2021 6:42 PM

SFC James (JD) Flemal — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 18:42:48 -0400

I had a brand new 2LT. I as the PSG seemed to not do anything right in his eyes. Everything was by what he learned in school. It didn't help that he was Signal Officer and we were a Cav Scout Platoon. He rode me for two months until I had finally had enough and went off on him. He wrote me up and wanted my stripes and some cash.
We were called into the Commanders office where I proceeded to get my butt reamed. The gist of my reaming was my interaction with the 2LT, not my actions regarding the disagreement. After I was placed at Parade Rest the Commander locked up the LT and proceeded to ream him out. He instructed him to get his head out of his Officer Basic books and into the game. That he needed to adapt to the situation, listen and learn from his NCO's, work as a team and not be so petty.
The LT did as he was instructed and started working with me instead of against me. We became a great team and great friends. He turned out to be an Awesome Officer, and I kept my stripes...Whew!

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Sep 6 at 2021 1:09 PM

SPC Robert Bobo — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 13:09:32 -0400

Borderline insubordination once as an E4 with E6, he had taken us several miles in wrong direction on "foot"and wouldn't listen initially, finally turned around after 5 miles, same E6 put us in 1k zone a few times, after I showed him my expertise with map and compus, he allowed me map out routes

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Sep 11 at 2021 11:45 PM

PO2 Lawrence Janiec — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 23:45:58 -0400

Yes. HTCS(SW) Beebe yelled at me for being late to my watch (SP iirc) and mostly it was the MOOW that didn't wake me up for it and some assclown turned off my alarm next to my rack to mess with me. So the combination of all those things had me in a bad mood when I stopped by my shop on the way to watch. He started in on me and I was already mad so I yelled back. As I put it to the JAG later, I continued the conversation in the manner in which it had started. However, didn't matter, disrespect to a senior petty officer and I was on report. When I was in my "dress" dungarees on my way to XOI, the MAA told me that they had stopped it and go see my department head.

While on report, that was some of the scariest time while I was in the Navy. However, as an aside to lighten this up, I was POOW on the forward quarterdeck (where CPOs and officers enter/leave the ship) which meant I had the .45 and ammo for it. I was on report, something else had angered me, so I was sort of just pacing back and forth with a mean look on my face, with my hands on the aforementioned pistol and the ammo for it, and when senior chief Beebe came up to leave for liberty that afternoon, he saw me pacing, hands on pistol/ammo, and we both stopped. I glared at him (that's not against the rules) and he knew he was the reason I was on report, and he was staring at someone he was possibly going to ruin the career of and he was "armed and dangerous" and I saw that hint of fear in his eyes and he turned around and used the E-6 and below quarterdeck to leave the ship....

(He wasn't in any danger, but just the imagery was probably really funny for those who saw it and knew the circumstances.)

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Sep 17 at 2021 3:12 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:12:48 -0400

From the perspective of a Sr. Grade Officer: This would disturb me greatly. Anybody putting hands on anybody or having a screaming match with anybody is one of those cardinal "unit moral" things that would get my attention, pronto!

Step one: If the matter involved Enlisted, only, get a report from NCO leadership. What happened? Who was involved? Why did it start? If the matter involved an Officer (or more than one), that's where either subordinate unit commanders (Squad, Company, etc.), or the Deputy gets to earn their pay.

Step two: Determine what, if anything, was done to resolve the matter. At this point, no judgement, but do want to know what steps were taken to mitigate the issue.

Step three: Determine any result from mitigation. Did that resolve the matter?

Step four: See if there is anything that might cause such a "ruckus" in the future. It is likely to happen in the future?

Step five: Review corrective actions and results. (Somewhat different from step two, above, which would refer to immediate mitigation of the matter.) Corrective actions in this case would refer to long term efforts.

Some CO's like to be "aloof" and let the Enlisted Corps handle their own issues. That's one way, and it's not a bad way, either. Personally, however, I would like to get more involved.

Response by SSG Russell Busicchia made Sep 20 at 2021 1:42 PM

SSG Russell Busicchia — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:42:02 -0400

You should never get into an altercation with a superior, regardless of how bad the superior is acting. Insubordination only goes up the chain, not down. Never give a superior the ability to get you, especially it he/she is being an ass. While an SSG in USSOUTHCOM in the Special Security Office I had a COL give one of my NCOs a hard time because he did not like security restrictions concerning foreign dignitaries. He said "I will not allow security to interfere with my operations." I did not get into an argument, I did a site inspection and passed my findings up the chain. The LTG J3 toldthe COL to fix every one of the 20 or so violations. My point, unless the superior lays hands on you, don't argue as there are always better ways to handle the situation.

Response by SPC Joseph Miller made Oct 26 at 2021 8:16 PM

SPC Joseph Miller — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:16:51 -0400

Clerk Sgt in Company Commanders Office and me, Spc Miller at the time.
Me-Hey Sgt, I couldn't turn the truck in to the motor pool, they were gone for the day.
Clerk Sgt-YOU BETTER NOT TURN THAT TRUCK IN, I'LL KICK YOUR ASS!
Me-You're not going to touch me Sgt.
Clerk Sgt-DON'T YOU COME IN MY OFFICE GETTING IRATE WITH ME!
Me-I'm calm Sgt, you're the one getting irate. Oh, and any time you feel froggy, jump.
Clerk Sgt-JUST GET OUT OF MY OFFICE.
Me-It's not your office, it's the Company Commanders Office. Oh, and any time you feel froggy, we can go behind the office, and I'll leave you lying in the ditch unconscious.
Clerk Sgt-Just go!

Response by SSG Cam Prince made Nov 3 at 2021 11:52 PM

SSG Cam Prince — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:52:08 -0400

I had a 1SG who thought all SP5's were useless and shouldn't be allowed any E5 privileges. At one point he decided all SP5's were to move out of the five man E5 rooms and back into the fifteen man bays even though there as no quarters shortage. I asked to see him privately and we discussed the responsibilities of SP5's as opposed to buck sergeants. When we got through, he had a new respect for the SP5 group and even invited me to have a drink with him at the NCO club (E5 and above only) which he had earlier attempted to have SP5's barred from. We were also told to move back into the E5 rooms. Later as a civilian, I punched out an O5 who thought he was GOD. They sent me to anger management training and transferred him.

Response by Cpl Bill Reyna made Dec 1 at 2021 3:46 PM

Cpl Bill Reyna — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 15:46:44 -0500

When emotions come into play...its very difficult as reason and calm leaves. Understand when the shit Hit a the fan, what are you going to do in response. Overall, bite your tongue and exit. Do what needs to be done and allow yourself out of a bad situation of even becoming worse. As an E3 you may be given leeway in this situation or not but it may looked under that context.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2021 11:47 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 11:47:37 -0500

No but I have witnessed a few of these altercations (screaming matches). The best one was between two Colonels.

Response by Cpl David Lear made Dec 3 at 2021 9:37 PM

Cpl David Lear — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 21:37:33 -0500

While stationed on Futenma Air Base on Okinawa with Marine Air Support Squadron 2 back in 1986 I stood in front of my Sergeant Major, at attention, for over 3 hours, while he chewed me up one side and down the other for dis-respecting our Squadron Commander, who was a full bird. I have learned from the experience, believe me.

Response by SP5 John Burleson made Dec 5 at 2021 11:34 AM

SP5 John Burleson — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 11:34:21 -0500

Being wierder than most, I don't "scream" at anybody when I'm really angry. i assume my drill instructor persona and in my best voice of authority I order my adversary to do such-and-such. They almost always comply. In those few instances where my bluff is called, I get nose-to-nose and just stare. Remember; they guy who yells firsr loses.

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Dec 5 at 2021 12:02 PM

PO2 Nick Burke — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 12:02:11 -0500

Once. I was on watch overseas when the Senior Chief came back and he was drunk. He was ranting at everyone so I walked away to take my readings. He followed me behind the boilers and started screaming. I finally got mad and told him to STFU. He took a swing at me. I responded by kicking him in the nuts. He went down and I figured I was going to mast (njp) so I jumped on him and started swinging. My top watch pulled me off and told me to get back on watch. They escorted him to his rack. Never got in trouble.

Response by 1LT Neal Schwartz made Dec 7 at 2021 5:05 PM

1LT Neal Schwartz — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:05:57 -0500

We, my FDC, got involved in a loud radio screaming match with HQ FDC, and a Marine trying to get artillery fire during Operation Apache Snow m in May of 1969. I was XO of an 8-inch howitzer battery near the Ashau Valley. A Marine was screaming for artillery, his men were getting chewed up by the enemy. HQ could/would not give us clearance to shoot. Then the radio communications between us and HQ went bad, all we could hear from them was static. I made the decision to fire my artillery without the HQ clearance. The unit has a letter of appreciation in it's archives for that decision. The Colonel flew out the next day and chewed my ass, so to speak. Then when he left he patted me on the back and said "Good Job, Lieutenant". That was my most proud chewing out of my military experience. "B" Battery / 1st Battalion / 83rd Artillery.

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Dec 7 at 2021 8:17 PM

HA Jace Gallagher — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:17:57 -0500

I made a threat to an NCO. My grandfather was passing away. I was at a purple command so I ended up with an Army Sergeant over me even though I was Navy. Master Chief told me get home and he'll sort things out when he returned from leave. SGT decided I could not go and threatened me with an AWOL and Article 92 if I left. I threatened to cut his balls off and told him if he did not get out of my way with a purpose he would soon relate to my grandfather's condition. I also threw a chair at him to prove my point. I ended up going home. I was discharged with an Honorable but barred from ever serving again. The Sergeant got denoted and due to time in service that forced him out.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Dec 8 at 2021 6:18 PM

SFC Oddie Brown — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 18:18:46 -0500

I could write a book and I have many witnesses. There are some soldiers I served with that if you mentioned my name they would probably reply with, "Oh yeah, let me tell you what that Sgt. did once. You won't believe this shit. LOL. I will say this however, there was never a time that I "had a confrontation" with a superior that I knew 1,000% I was right. With that said there are some instances I regret and wish I had just sucked it up but it had to stop.

Response by PO2 Christopher Foss made Dec 10 at 2021 7:50 AM

PO2 Christopher Foss — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:50:56 -0500

For me, it wasn't a screaming match, but my Chief (E7 for you non-Navy types) ordered me to perform a 40 hour rebuild of a server instead of waiting on State-side to tell us what was happening.

I was the office SME (DP2/RM2, E5), but the Electronics shop had a former instructor (DS1/ET1, E6) on their team. We had the standard hardware v software disagreement and my Chief sided with the other person. The rebuild didn't work because the motherboard had to be replaced, but it got far enough along that it wiped the load. As the only Cleared tech, I had to babysit the entire rebuild.

At the end of the process, I walked into the office, exhausted because I had been awake for 3 days straight, and he looked me in the eye and said, "I suppose you want to say, I told you so."

With utter contempt in my voice, I replied, "No, I just want to point out that the entire situation could have been avoided if we had waited for the support team to answer," and walked out.

He threatened me with Insubordination, I replied with Incompetence, the LT shut the whole conversation down.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Dec 14 at 2021 12:11 PM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:11:56 -0500

There is no point.. It is better to use actions to negotiate to fork them into a position you desire.

Response by CW3 Tamara Peruzzo made Dec 14 at 2021 9:03 PM

CW3 Tamara Peruzzo — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:03:43 -0500

I've never been in any screaming match with anyone. Never saw the point. Besides as a woman, I would only be accused of being "hysterical" or "hormonal". Physical altercations with someone senior to me...had a few close calls with lots of witnesses. The senior was in the wrong, and instantly flared my temper. The first was an incident over sexual discrimination that stopped me from doing my job. I was carrying a loaded .45 pistol at the time...I so tempted to shoot the SFC where he stood (I was a SPC at the time) that turned turned my pistol over to my patrol supervisor and told him I'd be back when I'd cooled enough that I could be trusted with it. The SFC was fired by the post Provost Marshal.

The next time was when I was a SGT dealing with a waste of oxygen MAJ. I never saw anyone work so hard to get out of work. On this particular occasion, I had given my subordinates a few tasks to accomplish while I was elsewhere for the majority of the day. Well there was some very routine paperwork that had to be done and the signed by either the executive officer (said Major) or the commander. The MAJ gave my SPC the run around all day to verify that it was done correctly and authorized. This should have taken 10 minutes, not 8 hours. When I got back, I had expected every task done. My SPC told me what the MAJ had put her through all day just to try to get out of signing any of it. I told her to give it to me and I'd take it to him for his signature. He had just come out of a meeting with all the senior leadership. He was the first one out the door, with 2 Colonels, 4 LTCs, 2 SGMs, and a CSM right behind him. One of the Colonels was the commander. The MAJ barely looked at the first document and flat out told me the signature block wasn't centered. If looks could kill, he would have been vaporized. I folded it in half. The signature block was a hairline off center. I looked at everyone standing right behind him. It was a parting of the sea. Everyone behind him took a step off to the side to ensure they didn't get hit by accident. They all knew me well...the MAJ not so well. I then made an about face and started walking back to the office. He was saying something to the back of my head, but I kept on walking. I heard the commander tell him to shut his mouth before I changed my mind and knocked him out anyway. I had my SPC change the signature block to the commander's and I would have him sign them. I was still so mad that I don't remember even knocking on the commander's office door or asking permission to enter. I think I just barged in and was going off about the MAJ and how he wasted my team's time all day for basic routine stuff that shouldn't have taken 10 minutes for each task... because of him nothing was done. Mine wasn't the first complaint about him. The commander told me to calm down and that he was taking care of it. The commander didn't even seem to read anything I put in front him, he just signed it. The MAJ was fired as executive officer.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Dec 17 at 2021 7:43 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 19:43:14 -0500

Only once, I barked at the Sr Sgt in our shop after he asked me to do something trivial. No big deal we’re big boys nothing came of it. Would have been worse for him than me though, guy was fresh from Oki.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Dec 18 at 2021 9:53 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 09:53:33 -0500

My LT & I got into a shouting match & then a fist fight while in Iraq. We both had UCMJ action. I was fed up with him is why it escalated. He would bad mouth senior officers in front of the men, cuss orders in front of the men, & then ended up being ordered that whenever he had anybody fill in for his duties, he had to clear it 24 hours before. I just came off a night mission & then he didn't show up for his duties. I was getting yelled at by everybody for not doing his duties. I confronted him in his room. What I should have done is gone to the CO at the time who gave him that order in the first place. He had authority over the messed up young officer, not me. A major obstacle we did have was our platoon had been passed along to various commands as the mission requirements changed. Nobody was really fully in charge of the LT. It was still no excuse of where it went.

Response by SPC Randall PeQueen made Dec 18 at 2021 3:13 PM

SPC Randall PeQueen — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 15:13:43 -0500

I lost E-5 over this.

I had a couple guys who were so ate up it wasn't funny... no amount of 'retraining' was working and I got locked up in front of Top and my Platoon SGT and I lost my bearings... I felt like they weren't being fair... these two guys didn't give a shit whether they got kicked out or not and I was the person chosen to 'not give them the pleasure' yet I was being chewed out over it.

I dropped bearing and went into 'fuck it I don't care who you are' mode..... First SGT's eyes got as big as dollars and my Platoon SGT just facepalmed.

Not gonna lie, I wanted to freaking cry I was so angry.

It was NOT in a private room... the door was open and the people gathered around the day-room all heard. Top slammed the door before he lit my ass up and SGT Moss had to 'deal' with me.

Only other time it happened was in Desert Storm... me and some of the other guys would play cards and our squad leader, an E-5 (I was E-4 still) told us to move somewhere else to play. (he wanted the space for himself and another E-5 he was... 'seeing'... both married back home) I saw no reason he could justify it and I ignored him... he came back a few minutes later and he and I stepped outside and walked out of ear-shot and he brought rage out in me and I lost bearing on that one. We ended up in front of our Platoon SGT, who was NOT happy to be disturbed this late, and he was fair and told SGT Mac that he had told us we could use that space (he had NOT told us we could, and it was a common space, so he was obviously siding with me but not saying it as to not disrespect SGT Mac). That time I got in no trouble and never heard another word about it but he and I never saw eye to eye after that.

To this day I defend myself as justified for both of those incidences despite the trouble I got in for the first one. Service isn't supposed to be fair... and I know I was technically wrong in the first case... BUT... I never claimed that I was a career soldier. hahaha

Response by SGT Brianna MacKinnon made Dec 19 at 2021 10:11 AM

SGT Brianna MacKinnon — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 10:11:38 -0500

As my Battery's Survey Chief (as an E-5) I would get into heated "discussions" with the Platoon Leaders/Sgt's of the MLRS Firing Platoons I was supporting out in the field at Ft Riley. They would attempt to use the fact that they out-ranked me to force me to do my job the way THEY wanted it done. They would get heated with me but I would ALWAYS calmly respond to them that I was the SURVEY CHIEF and it was MY job to determine HOW I did my work. THEN I would remind them that I was assigned to the HQ Platoon and NOT theirs even though I was in the field with them. I worked for the Battery Commander and NOT them. Essentially, I was telling them that I don't tell them how to run their Firing Platoons so don't tell me how to run my Survey since I was the expert in that and NOT them.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jan 24 at 2022 10:34 AM

Cpl George Matousek — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:34:08 -0500

Yes, in Vietnam a new officer had my squad line up for rifle inspection, I was first as the squad leader, he told me my rifle was rusty the m16 did not rust (it discolored) I told that and we went into a shouting match ( the squad fell on the ground laughing their butts off) finally he agreed with me and told me to take of it, I said yes sir. The first sgt. told me to color it with a pencil, it worked.

Response by SGT Thomas Price made Feb 21 at 2022 10:10 AM

SGT Thomas Price — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:10:06 -0500

Nope. I was always surrounded by really smart people, both Os and Es. We always collaborated, but that's intel. Rank doesn't always have the best idea or sort out the problem. We valued creative and critical thinking above all other matters. Our mantra was, "He or she who pulls rank loses the argument."

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 21 at 2022 10:39 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:39:37 -0500

Nope, disagree plenty, but screeming?........what's the purpose!

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Feb 23 at 2022 11:10 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 23:10:58 -0500

For one it is childless and serves no purpose getting to a resolution. I have broke up a couple in my 21 years but I never got into that situation. When I sense it was leading to this, I walked away and went higher up with my issue. Talk like humans and not like animals.

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Feb 25 at 2022 2:50 PM

PO1 Steven Siepp — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 14:50:41 -0500

I (an E5) was in the Chief's mess fixing their CCTV when a CPO came in and asked the EMC if one of his guys could take a look at something and the Chief Engineer (O2 mustang who converted @E6) spoke up and said no. The EMC turned and looked at him and commenced to question him on who the F he thought he was, speaking up in the Chief's mess and for him to get the F out of there until he was invited back. it went back and forth a bit, but the CHENG left with his tail between his legs.

Response by SGT Jon Goldsberry made Feb 26 at 2022 1:26 PM

SGT Jon Goldsberry — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 13:26:14 -0500

I had at least 2 instances.

The first that comes to mind is when I was having a heated argument with my platoon Sgt. I was E5, he was E8. We were arguing how I had certain mission requirements bit be kept loaning out my troops on long assignments do they were unavailable. The best part was that no one really knew what was going on. We were yelling at each other in German. Lol

The next wasn't really serious but amusing. We were on a field exercise. Some, like out 1sg, were housed in a gasthaus. I was on a break and we were playing spades. I was sitting on his cot. He came in and said he wanted to lay down. We were in the middle of a hand so I Altoids him to wait a minute. He grabbed me to get me off his bunk. As I rose up, I picked him up and then laid him on his bunk. A soft body slam if you will. Needless to say, I unaware the area rather quickly. Lol

The last was the same field exercise. It was a rather cold winter and the heaters in my track weren't working and the pot belly stove was worthless even though it was cherry red. I went to the company HQ in the gasthaus to talk to the lead mechanic to get the issue fixed. He would tell me what to do and sent me back to try to fix it several times. Around the 3rd or 4th time I refused to do it. I was insisting he cone out or send a real mechanic. It was below freezing outside but they were sleeping on top of their sleeping bags because it was so warm inside. He was a major cheese eater and made sure he slept next to the company commander. The CPT woke up and asked what was wrong. I explained the situation and he looked at me and said "waah". This set me off. I cussed him out pointingnout he was laying g there in his sweat while he had soldiers on duty freezing. I really let him have it. When I was done he looked at the motor Sgt and told him to go fix it.

All three of these were in the same unit. I had only just been assigned within the last month so they really didn't know me, or me them. They learned quick that I line to have fun but will go to great lengths to protect my soldiers and get the mission done. Good times.

Response by LTC Anthony Broussard made Mar 28 at 2022 11:26 AM

LTC Anthony Broussard — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:26:43 -0400

Never a shouting match or disrespectful to my superiors in anyway. But, I had several “major” confrontations with senior officers over my career, all the way to the end with me as a Battalion Commander having to go over my Brigade Commanders head. My first was as a lieutenant in Germany, I got into it several times with our arrogant and incompetent Infantry Battalion S3 (major) on more than one occasion on “his” first field exercise with the battalion, with him telling me to go to the position of attention while he chewed me out over something I was right about and he was wrong. But, then few senior officers like being told when they’re wrong. I just stood there and took it. When he was finished I saluted, did an about face and went straight to my boss, the Bn Xo, and told him. The very next night after the command and staff meeting the arrogant ass locked me up again, repeated his earlier ass chewing and dared me, over threat of Courts Martial, to ever go over his head again. After, my compulsory salute and about face I went back to the XO and told him thanks for nothing. He said, “What now?” I told him that what ever he told the S3 only made things worse. He told me, “Keep doing your job like you always have and I’ll get this straight.” The next evening after the Command Staff ended the S3 called me over, and this time I just automatically assumed the position. Since, I expected a third ass chewing. The angry S3 immediately got up into my face. Assuming this was it, I clenched my fists expecting to have to defend myself. Instead I looked down and he had his right hand open in my gut. He told me that the BN Commander told him he “had” to apologize to me and allow me to do my job with out his interference. So, his next command was, “Damit, Lieutenant, shake my hand so we can bury the hatchet on this.” He had gotten in my face because he knew every officer in the battalion was watching and he didn’t want anyone to see us shake on it.

Response by SGT M C made Mar 29 at 2022 9:18 AM

SGT M C — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:18:42 -0400

When I was in 64-67 it was pretty much you never mouthed off to anyone with a higher rank. You got out one of three ways. Finished your tour, Got out of Levenworth. or came home in a box. All this woke shit and discussion or empowerment nonsense is a failing policy. Time will tell!

Response by SSG Douglas Shaffer made Mar 29 at 2022 1:44 PM

SSG Douglas Shaffer — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 13:44:08 -0400

Yes. Yes, I have, I was a PFC at the time and got into a screaming match with our Platoon Leader a Second Lieutenant. About the procedure of a dud explosive using time fuse. We set the Charge and it didn't go off as timed, procedure stats wait 20 minutes. at which time no detonation call Range Control and EOD. The LT didn't think we needed to do all of that and a Sergeant from Combat Engineers that was there to monitor our setting of the charge claimed we must have done something wrong. I argued that is not what happen and that we needed to follow procedures, the LT okayed the Sergeant to inspect the charge as he reached the charge it went off. After the investigation it was bad roll of time fuse.

Response by CMSgt Jay Pine made Mar 30 at 2022 12:17 AM

CMSgt Jay Pine — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:17:40 -0400

Comical comments

Response by SFC David Johnson made Mar 30 at 2022 9:02 PM

SFC David Johnson — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:02:33 -0400

Oh damn…. 773 comments! I believe it is most I have seen in a post.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Apr 1 at 2022 9:09 PM

Cpl Craig Howard — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 21:09:17 -0400

I had an issue with a Sgt while I was a Cpl. We were TAD to Yuma and we were the two Senior NCO's for all of the Barracks. We had 2 people on all shifts, and each team divided it into 12 on, 12 off. It was sweet. This Sgt was female and thought that all Men were holding a grudge against her. (Could not be more wrong. The Marines doesn't just hand out Sgt Stripes, so she deserved my respect.) She wrote me up three times in 6 weeks for not being in the Barracks while she was on duty. I never got in her face, but pointed out that she was not present while I covered the night shift. She was at the Female Barracks. It was not an issue, but she felt I needed to be taught a lesson.

Finally, our Captain called me in for a NJP. When I returned to my command he handed me my SRB, with the NJP sticking out of the top with a Match taped to the top. I took that as an order.

Response by SP5 Peter Faris made Apr 2 at 2022 12:22 PM

SP5 Peter Faris — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 12:22:05 -0400

Just once, 1967, we had an idiot Captain who was sent to our unit to get him away from what they saw as serious duties at HQ. His policies were inconsistent and unpredictable (he had a serious accident involving head injury and it had not fully healed). I fear that as an E5 I put hands on him, just once. He filed for a Court Martial but was told by HQ to drop it and leave me alone, that I was filling an important slot and he was just filling space.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2022 12:29 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 12:29:39 -0400

Sounds like there was zero use of the chain of command and no thought to military bearing. Volume isn’t virtue. Make your case, if you don’t like the outcome, move up the chain but accept what your command decides or get good at saying “do you want fries with that”.

Response by SSgt Scotty Marks made Apr 4 at 2022 12:52 PM

SSgt Scotty Marks — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 12:52:48 -0400

Hell yes! Was ordered to do unauthorized repairs on flight control actuators and refused, citing the MIMS as justification. E9 Maintenance chief yelled "I WROTE THE BOOK!" So I pointed at the page in question and said "So you remember when you wrote this paragraph that says 'WARNING...' " He literally threw the book at me as I ran from his office. I've also been in some pretty good screaming matches with SNCO peers, but they usually resulted in agreement.

Response by SGT Steven Torstenson made Apr 4 at 2022 7:21 PM

SGT Steven Torstenson — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:21:16 -0400

The soldier doesn't leave you when you return home and many Americans won't like you for that, no matter how many times they say thank you for your service. We live in a world where everyone wants to cancel everyone....and as veterans we're blunt and honest and your average person doesn't like hearing the truth, they're used to people lying to them with a smile....when us soldiers are used to a little conflict at work, then after work we're playing video games together like nothing happened....Not when you return home. Like I had to tell my daughter's mother's landlord off with the truth last year because he wouldn't fix anything, I only spoke the truth, so this year one month from lease being up he says we're going to sell. Like he couldn't have said that last year or at Christmas. He came by this morning to do an "inspection" , more to harass a mother and I let him have it. Paid him 60 grand rent in 4 years and he maybe spent a couple hundred in repairs. Sorry the soldier never leaves you and by many you'll never be liked for it.

Response by 1SG Arthur Kristiansen made Apr 5 at 2022 2:42 PM

1SG Arthur Kristiansen — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:42:04 -0400

I don’t remember ever having to resort to screaming at anyone in my 21 years in the army. Provided the situation wasn’t critical, everyone who worked for/with me knew that I would listen to their concerns. However if I had the authority and the responsibility, I let everyone know that I made the final decision. That ended the discussion. And, of course, it helps if you’re always right. (LOL!)

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Apr 12 at 2022 7:48 AM

SFC Barbara Layman — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 07:48:55 -0400

As an E-5 filling an E-7 PAC Admin slot in a BN HQ, we had a SGM who, prior to my arrival, developed a habit of routinely making assignment decisions for newly arriving personnel. Particularly E1-E4 who had come directly from AIT. Many were receiving incentive bonuses in commo and were required to be i an appropriate assignment.
DIV was aware and routinely sent gig reports requiring corrective action which I began addressing upon seeing my first report.
SGM's office was a 5X5 cubby hole w/o windows and had a solid door. It was makeshift created with 1/2" paneling and smelled of alcohol (he was a heavy drinker often arriving for duty hungover). Anyone who entered never exited in good humor as SGM was a vindictive individual who 'abused' the EP.
One day he called me into his office - I knew it was about my having re-assigned those mall-assigned troops insuring that they retained their bonus and received required follow up training in their respective MOS. I begged off several times until he finally came out into the section area demanding that I come into his office. I removed my 'clip-on' rank from my collar, stepped around my desk and stood in front of him essentially toe-to-toe, offering the brass and letting him know that whatever he had to say could be said "in front of my troops," that he wasn't going to like what I had to say so he might as well "take these now."
I very calmly explained that he was a 97D expert and I was a 75H. If I needed advice on matters related to intelligence I would address them to him. In the meantime, since I was the expert in matters of personnel it was advisable the he defer to my judgement.
He turned and stormed out of the BN HQ. Came back a couple hours later and went into his 'office' SLAMMING the door. Nothing was ever said about the 'incident.' And our shop received recognition for having cleaned up the mal-assignment of personnel within a45 days.

This guy was a piece of work. He even tried to stick me with the cost of equipment that he destroyed. It was on my hand receipt and there were witnesses. There was an investigation in an attempted to dock my pay. I stood my ground and, again, within the confines of my shop and in front of my toops advised the officer that "SGM broke that coffee pot and directed disposal of the buffer by the CQ. You have their statements. SGM destroyed them, let him pay for them." SGM paid for both. He was shortly thereafter 'fired' by the DIV CDR. With 15 months to 30yr retirement, he was ordered off the installation, to report, by phone, once a month to advise of his whereabouts and well being.

BTW, I didn't lose my rank. NCOERs were outstanding.

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Apr 12 at 2022 8:22 PM

TSgt Mario Guajardo — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:22:47 -0400

I didn't think our voices were raised but through a closed door down the hall my guys said they could hear us. The SMSgt was chewing out one of my troops without going through me. I didn't allow anyone to deal with my guys unless they went to me first. On top of that the action in question was my action not my guy's.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Apr 16 at 2022 8:55 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 20:55:39 -0400

Nope told them they were wrong, showed them the right procedure then advised them its your call, the right way or wrong way. Never got in yelling match but paid for being right. 3 month humping the bush with a 40lb ground surveillance radar on my back with a bunch of grunts who only liked me because I protected their butts at night! Got a new OIC , out of the bush then he let me run my section and we produced. He got promoted early and even thanked me! Made it home alive, still am and can only say. Stay safe stay strong VETs never forget!

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Apr 20 at 2022 10:58 PM

PO1 Todd McMillin — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 22:58:24 -0400

This is a bit of a long story of Petty Revenge on the Part of a Senior Chief (E-8) which blew up in his face and cost him his rank; busted to E-7 before he was forced to retire from the service. The fact he was a Drunkard and complete disgrace to the Khaki Uniform was sad since clearly he fell apart and turned into asshole after his divorce. It was too bad the CO couldn't bust him down farther but Senior Chief's time in and also the fact the CO was a very compassionate leader is why both myself and Senior Chief were able to get out without BCD or OTH charges during this goat fuckery event.

My father passed away in 2000; I was on UNITAS (Deployment to Central and South America) at the time and had to get an AmCross message to send me stateside to attend the funeral and deal with the aftermath of his death I was an E-5 (AT2) at the time and also ALPO (Assistant Leading Petty Officer). At the time I was assigned to VC-6 out of Norfolk and Damneck in Virginia. I was tasked with the UAV Target Drones BQM-74 and pretty much the right hand of the LPO (Leading Petty Officer) in making sure everything ran smoothly during the Ops as well to be prepared and let the LPO just run comms without any heavy lifting other than the Drone and JATO on to the launch platforms.

Unfortunately, my command had a Senior Chief (E-8) who was the ACTING Command Master Chief when the actual CMC was getting heart surgery. The Senior Chief was a divorced drunkard and all around asshole who lived to make others lives miserable on purpose. Especially when he could find a weak spot to drive the knife into your back or front.... After I returned; the command needed me to fly out to San Clemente Island for Target Ops. I was doing the work my replacement sent to UNITAS was dealing with as a 1 for 1 swap out.

Anyway, at some point I was talking with a few of my fellow sailors and the Senior Chief said some rather snide words towards me and caused my "Fight or Flight" response. It was an ACTUAL PANIC ATTACK. He pretty much said things that should've made me punch him right in the face but I actually took off in the duty truck instead to avoid beating him to death....

I told the DET LPO I wasn't feeling well and drove myself to the base Medical where the Civilian Doctor accused me of "Malingering" and threatened me with an Article 83. I told him "FUCK YOU! My father just died and served in Korea you fucking asshole!" Then I said, "Who said I was Malingering?" The Doctor said, "Your Senior Chief and I'm sorry, I didn't know that!" I said, "Whatever, FUCK FACE! You might want to unpack a BODY BAG they use for the SEAL Trainees bodies since the Senior Chief is the next fucking arrival and I'll have his head on your desk!"

So I kicked open the door to the office and stormed back to the duty truck doing about 75 mph on the roads back to the airstrip. I drove right at the Senior Chief with the duty truck and stopped when I almost hit the doorway blocks for hangar doors. The Base Security was about 30 seconds behind me when I jumped out and grabbed the nearest tool box to fling at Senior Chief's head. I yelled at him saying "You Spineless Fuckwad! Take off that Anchors you fucking pussy! I'll beat your Drunken Ass so bad your ex-wife and kids who hate you will thank me for putting you in the ground!"

I grabbed a large 12 inch Straight Slot Screwdriver from where the tool box on the floor fell open . Then chased after him; as the Marine Security heard me raging at him. Clearly figuring out I was needing a bit of venting before trying to stop me, pissed off with a weapon. Especially since they also had dealt with the Senior Chief in the past at the base bar. He ran into the office and cowered under the desk behind a locked wood door. I stabbed the door about a dozen times before Security grabbed me and put me on the ground.

They hand-cuffed me and put me in the back of their cruiser to calm down; while they, Senior Chief and LPO argued about what to do with me. The Senior Chief threatened to take me to Captain's Mast; while the LPO said that I was intentionally provoked into attacking the Senior Chief right after my father died and he was being an asshole.

The Two Marines had sympathy for me since clearly I wasn't in a clear state of mind by being psychologically fucked with by the Senior Chief on purpose. As fellow E-5's they knew that I wasn't the one who started this fight and escalated it to violence; as it was pretty clear that they heard my verbal barrage on the Senior Chief and knew that I was being pushed to act out in response.

I should point out the Senior Chief was arrested by those very same Marines before I left for UNITAS; a few months ago groping a base employee while drunk and after an OP. Which was why he wasn't supposed to be allowed back to the Island to begin with. However, our XO had said he'd be responsible for the Senior Chief since he was the only person available to do the job as (L)CPO for the Detachment. As we had nearly every Command Detachment out at the same time spreading everyone thin because of OP TEMPO shifting to high before the end of the fiscal year.

The LPO called the Division Officer and XO who was on the beach to tell them what happened. They said they would finish the OP and then send me back early to avoid any more conflict. The LPO gave me the cellphone with the XO. I was allowed to talk before the Senior Chief tried to lie his way out of the problem. I was pretty much a blubbering mess at this time since; I wasn't able to do anything and while still handcuffed and having the phone to my ear and shoulder my XO actually apologized to me for the Senior Chief's actions. The XO said it was wrong of him to trust the Senior Chief not to act like an adult and he was already supposed to be "Forced into Retiring" soon anyway.

The XO was actually pretty good at calming me down; since he had 5 kids of his own and knew how to deal with someone in the middle of a Panic Attack and Rage Mode combined. After I stopped acting like I was a 5 year old having a tantrum. I apologized for my unprofessional behavior and said I would be willing to face whatever consequences of a XO or CO's Mast and quit the Navy as being unprofessional in my behavior. The XO said that's not necessary and said to get my gear packed and get loaded out to the airstrip to catch the last flight of the day out. They would meet me at the base to stay overnight before going back to Norfolk.

When I flew back to Norfolk, I was expecting to be going to Captain's Mass and discharged under Administrative/Medical. Instead the Supply Chief, CMC. and the CO picked me up in the Duty Van and said I was being transferred to another command instead. They said my behavior, while unprofessional was due to Psychological Trauma/PTSD. Therefore, somewhat understandable because I was provoked by the Senior Chief on purpose with witnesses of the LPO and the rest of the Detachment as well. The LPO and Crew had written up eyewitness statements and faxed them back to the CMC to avoid this going sideways for me.

Also the Supply Chief had said the command had heard what happened and had I gotten any fines for my actions towards the Senior Chief at a Mass; they'd had taken up a collection to pay for the lost pay amount and give it to me for the bill. Seriously, this is how much the Senior Chief was hated by the command's Enlisted including the Chiefs' Mess which is pretty bad when they're willing to "pony up" money for a loss of pay fine.

Ironically the CMC said that the Senior Chief had been pushing everyone's buttons too far too long as "Acting CMC" when the CMC was out for Heart Surgery and was back in the office to clean up Senior Chief's mess and do damage control. The Senior Chief however was told he crossed a line of professionalism that can't be excused and was actually demoted to E-7 Chief before he left the command.

After I left to my new command; I had several counseling sessions with base Mental Health to help me deal with it. This was of course before 9/11 and the events of that day when I was assigned to HC-6 (now HCS-26) and was part of the Washington Battle Group and deployed in 2002 to fight the "War on Terror" in the Middle East on the USS Seattle.

Oh, final note (since my wife who I had met at this command mentioned to me): The Senior Chief had also been Drunk on Duty as the Command Duty Officer/Officer of the Day during a weekend when an AmCross message came in for an E-3 who's mother died in Oklahoma. I took the message and did all the required paperwork for the events including scheduling a Compassionate Care Flight that Airlines provide for Military when they get AmCross notification to allow them to "Fly for Free" to the funeral and back on the message code.

I had called the Senior Chief over a half dozen times to get him to come in and sign for the release of the Airman to go on "Emergency Leave" to get him to the Airport on time with the duty driver (who was my future wife). The fact that I had to call the next Officer of the Day into work and having them sign off the paperwork instead. The LT (0-3) was pissed off to say the least; and when the Senior Chief finally was sober enough to drive to the base he got there only to have the LT ream his ass out and write him up which clearly had been tossed when the Senior Chief was "ACTING CMC" to avoid any negative issues for retirement or a rare change of promotion to E-9.

So, it was clearly a chance for the Senior Chief to engage in petty revenge against me for my outing him before the UNITAS deployment and my father's untimely death that he decided to shit on me in the lowest emotional point of my life before 9/11 happened. While I'm glad he lost his E-8 status and got out as an E-7. I honestly wished I had made E-7 and after I got my Anchors gone over to the VFW to talk shit at the shit bird for his treatment of me and others at the command.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made May 8 at 2022 6:47 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Sun, 08 May 2022 06:47:36 -0400

Yes

Response by CPT Earl George made May 20 at 2022 8:18 AM

CPT Earl George — Fri, 20 May 2022 08:18:07 -0400

Germany 1974-75. The brigade Commander monitored the MP blotter daily. He would write comments like Action Taken to certain Battalion Commanders on specific blotter incidents. AS the assistant Brigade S-1, i would make ca copy of that particular incident and send it to that particular battalion with a 7 day Suspense date for an answer. We had one particular battalion Commander who always lagged in getting responses in on time. One day, he had not replied on a particular case. I was told to go to his office and get an answer immediately. I went to his office, went in and reported and told him of my request. Within 5 seconds, he told me to get the the F___K out of his office. I went back to my boss(Bde S-1) a major and told him what had happened. The next morning, at 7am, that particular Battalion Commander was standing in front of my desk with the reply and also asking me if he had any other reports due. He continued this every morning for three weeks till his unit was caught up.

Response by SP5 Kenneth Smith made May 20 at 2022 9:30 AM

SP5 Kenneth Smith — Fri, 20 May 2022 09:30:05 -0400

While stationed with 22nd FASCOM, Ft. Lee, VA, I got into a "discussion" with a WWII era MSG E-7. This unit conducted LOGEX training for reserves performing summer service. The unit was more of a holding company for senior service personnel that would soon be retiring or otherwise leaving service, e.g. when I f for first got there the Finance Officer, was a Reserve Officer 02 with less than one year of AD. The TO&E for that position called for an 06. I don't remember what the MSG told me to do, but I refused to do it, and one of the other senior sergeants said "Sarge's the one wearing the stripes", and I responded, "So do zebras". It wasn't long after that I got my orders for RVN.

Response by Sgt Brian Kulesz made May 22 at 2022 5:42 AM

Sgt Brian Kulesz — Sun, 22 May 2022 05:42:21 -0400

I debated whether to share this. I always had (and still do) have issues with rules for thee and not for me leaders/managers - call it a character flaw. (Yes, this was the military!) And, to get this out of the way, the military had various 'good ole boys' clubs. (Actually, I see this everywhere and at every company I worked for.)

I had a Warrant Officer as my OIC. You would think that being previous enlisted, a WO would be more sympathetic to the plight of the enlisted, but not in this case. She was a rules for thee and not for me type leader. She was also a raging alcoholic to the point you could smell her 100 feet away before she entered the office. And then, the good ole boys network protected her. She also was bull-headed to the point she was always right despite me pulling up rules, regulations and standards to prove I was correct. I reckon she was my OIC for about 8 months before I called her a b1tch. She promptly kicked me out 'her' office telling me to never come back. She thought I was the problem child but I thrived after leaving her little fiefdom.

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made May 22 at 2022 7:45 PM

SPC Randy Torgerson — Sun, 22 May 2022 19:45:34 -0400

screaming match with a superior????? WTF has happened to our military? How is this tolerated?

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made May 22 at 2022 10:34 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sun, 22 May 2022 22:34:38 -0400

Personally, I NEVER allow myself to get too emotional in front of a Sr. Grade. I have been a CGO, and a civilian employee, and have had my keister handed to me by both Service Members (SM's) and Government Civilian Employees (GS's). The key is to keep steady. Keep cool, if you can, but keep on an even keel, nonetheless. If you believe your treatment was unfair, there is a Chain of Command to handle that. If you have an urgent situation (i.e., an incapacitated fellow SM that needs immediate transport) and a senior grade SM thinks that there is another priority, then that SM IMMEDEATELY takes FULL RESPONSIBILITY for ANY consequences regarding the delay. You can point this situation out, but you must comply with the orders of a senior-ranking SM. It is the senior-ranking SM that will have to answer for harm caused by any delay.

So, keep calm and soldier on. I have found this to be the best advice I've ever gotten in the military.

Response by MSgt Danny Derden made May 23 at 2022 9:14 PM

MSgt Danny Derden — Mon, 23 May 2022 21:14:21 -0400

Had an O-6 that I had previously served with when he was an 0-4/O-5. As a younger officer he was well liked by the troops if not actually respected (sometimes a little too much of a good guy...trying to be the troops buddy you know the type). Changed a bit when he made 0-6, got stars in his eyes I think. He had an E-8 working for him that I never got along with (nor did any of the other NCOs) I was an E-7. I tried hard to pave the way for our new 0-6 but he was dead set on upsetting the apple cart from day one...everything had to be his way right away before he even knew the staff or the mission particulars. Turned a lot of the officers against him right quick, I tried hard to mend fences as I thought given the right guidance and support the 0-6 would do fine as we had a stellar group of officers and NCOs. Didn't work...in fact they almost turned on me and I was well respected and liked by almost all of them. Anyway I finally decided that I had to change my damage control tactics and try to support the other officers and NCOs as much as I could because the new O-6 was really screwing the pooch. One day the O-6 called my office, got me on the horn and started chewing my butt big time, then began threatening me (now this guy was big, 6'7" or so and probably around 260 lbs) but that didn't worry me, I grew up fighting guys bigger than me and I finally got some height and weight on me later in high school and more after I signed up. So I told him point blank "Sir, we can take off our blouses any time you like and butt heads man to man...no eagles no stripes no rules...but be advised I'll put your ass in ICU. So do you want to go or do you want to apologize?" He apologized. Sadly.

Response by PO3 Richard Paul Lucia made May 24 at 2022 11:17 AM

PO3 Richard Paul Lucia — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:17:18 -0400

I have a tour of engineering spaces to our new engineering officer as an e4. He asked what the petcock on top of the pump was for. Being sarcastic, (the gauge next to the petcock was bouncing around 2600psi) when asked what the petcock was for, I told him we had look in it to make sure the water was going around. Much to my surprise he tried to look in it while opening. I caught him and pushed him back. He immediately left, went to his quarters and wrote me up. It was his first day aboard and when he gave the Captain his report on me the Captain ripped it up and transferred him. As the Captain was a mustang, he felt the engineering officer was too dumb for his command. The XO on the other hand was a ring knocker that was very displeased with me. He told me to my face I would be in the brig long before I became a civilian. It turned out the Captain overheard the conversation and told the XO he had no right to hold me responsible for the previous incident. The Captain later called me to his cabin and told me to forget about the career I had planned and after a couple of discussions with the XO and me I wound up with an early out prior to the Captain’s retirement. He told me the CG was too small for me to escape the wrath of the XO without protection. So a civilian I became. Honorably I will add.

Response by SGT Jon Goldsberry made Jun 2 at 2022 7:03 PM

SGT Jon Goldsberry — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 19:03:43 -0400

I was an E5. My platoon Sgt was a Vietnam era Major then stayed in as enlisted and was at the time a MSG. We has a very heated discussion about personnel assignments. But no one knew what it was about because we were the only 2 in the area at the time that spoke German. We had the loud discussion and parted respectfully and professionally.

Response by AB Roger Zauner made Jun 27 at 2022 2:40 PM

AB Roger Zauner — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:40:32 -0400

During teens and younger with Mom and Dad whenever I didn't want to take out the garbage, cut my hair, wear proper clothing, ... Lost every time too. Nowadays, I routinely have arguments with a person who keeps calling himself God. Still loosing for some odd reason.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Jun 30 at 2022 11:57 PM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 23:57:40 -0400

I don't know if I should say this. I Worked hard as an image interpreter as I enlisted for while in Vietnam. When I became eligible for E5 they stopped making promotions. While in Vietnam my hard work was realized and I received the Bronze Star. After returning I was stationed at Ft. Hood and for the first few months was assigned to lead a civilian grass cutting detail. After becoming eligible for proficiency that was also discontinued. Being stateside playing at being soldier with a job was not much fun.
So we started getting ready for a big inspection. My being a farm kid I knew how to get things done. After working hard all day I had night duty and at 8 am as I am crawling into my bunk our section staff sarge comes and tells me that the Lieutenant whats me to come down to work. Well what I yelled at him was not very pleasant. I told him to tell the lieutenant what I said and basically I said I would not be responsible for what would happen when he woke me up for the first 15 seconds. In my defense I was totally exhausted and really POed.
4 hours later I woke up and went to work were he said I had just gotten there in time. Two days later I was read an Article 15. I found out two days later that I had a friend in the office were it counted. He said you have 6 weeks left stay quite.
To this day when I think back at time at Fort Hood I still get upset. That was a very stupid year in my life. Thank God my dad contacted the Red Cross had me come home and help with the farming which he really needed. My older Brother was in the Air force and a younger brother was going to college in Hawaii. I was right to not have to go to work but wrong the way I went about it.

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Jul 5 at 2022 11:05 AM

Sgt Ed Allen — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:05:36 -0400

Screaming match? No. Royal chew out? Yes.
As a Sgt having just been informed that I was not getting promoted to SSgt for the second time, my patience was a bit low, my morale in the toilet, and my tolerance for stupidity was non-existent.
I had been working for one of the best LTs that I have ever met when he transferred out and a new LT checked in.
The new LT hadn't even been to school yet. He was a washout from flight school and was pending going to school for the field we were in. Computer Sciences.
After multiple decisions that he made that lacked any semblance of intelligence I ended up in the field as sole support for the main element of an exercise.
Part of the support was providing training for 30 non-rates on the use of a new computer system for message generation. About 2 hours into the training the LT showed up and asked if I would back up and restart.
I had the students back up and restart the section we were on (about 10 minutes of training) but the LT wanted to have me completely restart the class.

At this point I lost it.
I turned to him and began to chew his rear out. I'm not the type of person who uses profanity, but, in this case, I made an exception. I informed him that his lineage was in doubt. That he had sex with his mother and a few other personal affronts. After about 5 minutes I ordered him to get his mother loving derriere out of my sight and to return to base.
His response was to simply turn around and go home.

By all rights, I should have been charged with conduct unbecoming and NCO, a marine and there had to be several other charges placed against me. Instead, what happened was a Major and a Master Gunnery Sgt approached me and said simply "That's now the way you should have handled it, but we understand."

By the way. I bet if I had paid attention, the full bird Colonel would probably have been chuckling. The G1 for 2nd Marine Air Wing was in the tent while this occurred.

There were a few more incidents between this LT and me over the next 3 months. The end result was that I chose to get out knowing that I was blacklisted for promotions and would most likely end up getting busted down later since this LT was an idiot and I found out that the Lt received a letter form the Commandant of the Marine Corps that directed him to submit his resignation upon completion of 4 years of active service.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Jul 12 at 2022 11:52 AM

MSgt Brian Williams — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:52:04 -0400

Yep. Had a screaming match with a higher ranked individual, an AF Major. I was going TDY for an OT&E. So on my way to the airport, I stopped by the office to pick up the FOUO training book to read on the trip out. I was in civilian clothes. He had a cow and wanted to know why I was going TDY. This idiot signed my orders. We went back and forth for about 3 minutes. I was out of the office for about 5 days came back in and found out that I had been transferred to another office. Shortly after my transfer, the Major was promoted and became the CC of a unit at Nellis. Weeks later a CMSgt was removed from his position at the Wing that started a domino of transfers. A SMSgt was moved from training to fill the Chief's job and I was moved to fill the training position. It put me in charge of a training course at Nellis where the LTC had PSC'd. Fast forward 4 months, I had time to go visit the course and meet with the instructors. My visit just happened to coincide with a totally unrelated visit from the LTC's boss. Long story short the LTC was fired after numerous IG complaints and I was there to witness his walk of shame. It was tough not to smile as he packed his boxes so I smiled.

Response by CPT Patrick Butler made Aug 14 at 2022 12:30 AM

CPT Patrick Butler — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 00:30:47 -0400

When you ask that, I think about the Marine Lt Colonel, battalion commander, who called out his superiors on the Afghanistan withdrawal debacle. Imagine leaving 50 billion dollars worth of equipment, weapons and ammunition to an avowed enemy. We just didn't ever consider something like that in the old school military. Of course, the good guy got stomped pretty hard and made out to be unreliable, unloyal, etc.

Response by CPL John Fournier made Sep 9 at 2022 7:58 AM

CPL John Fournier — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:58:34 -0400

In the Marines that is unheard of today’s day and age 2022 I see the kids today doing Not in my day

Response by SSG Jacen Black made Sep 15 at 2022 2:28 PM

SSG Jacen Black — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:28:32 -0400

I was a SPC just came onto active duty from the reserves. An E5 I'd known for about a week had just gotten married and I had known. So I continue to call her by the name that is on her uniform and she never corrects me. One day her squad leader hears me and begins to chew my ass. I have no clue whats going on.

While he's going off on me he says some slick shit that I didn't find military related or related to the situation and look at him disrespectfully. He threatens to kick my ass and I call him on it.

He found out the hard way I was Tae Kwon Do instructor as well as a recent graduate of SRT phase one.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 6:33 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:33:54 -0400

Never dared to do that. I took my @ss chewing like man.

Response by PO2 Christopher Foss made Sep 26 at 2022 6:40 AM

PO2 Christopher Foss — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:40:59 -0400

This is back in the days of reel to reel tapes drives in a computer center.

I had a Navy LT who found it objectionable that I was just sitting at the console, "doing nothing" while a monthly operation was churning away. The operation normally took anywhere from 36 to 72 hours to run, and the phase I was monitoring could run as much as 16 hours with only 3 changes of tapes.

Normally, as the shift supervisor, I would have had one of my folks doing operations, but the run had already failed once (we would find out later that an entire order of tapes were junk). As a result, my Chief (E7 for you non-Navy types) specifically asked me to sit the shift .

About half way through the shift, the LT accused me of slacking off and demanded that I expedite the process. I tried to explain that there wasn't any way to do so, but he told me to shut up. I went to the office log, completed the normal turn over process, told him what I had done and that he could sign here. He did so, and I walked out of the office and down to the mess.

In the course of an hour, the LT set us back to the start of the process, my Chief came down and apologized, and Begged me to reassume the watch.

Kinda bit myself in the Six there, since I had to fix the LT's attempt at expediting the process.

Response by SSgt W. Aaron Gregory made Oct 19 at 2022 7:01 PM

SSgt W. Aaron Gregory — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 19:01:41 -0400

Screaming match, or altercation is a strong word, but I did have a lieutenant that was the XO of our comm detachment on MAGTF exercises. New buck, went from lance corporal to 2ndLt with the Marine 2-years of college ECS program I think it was. Had a major chip on his shoulder for NCOs. Classic power trip.

He's talking away like chatty Kathy with a PFC and Lance Corporal, and I had asked my sergeants to muster everyone up for formation and these two were chatting it up with the "cool lieutenant". Soooo, my sergeants came back and said 'we're waiting on (the PFC and LCpl in question).'. I waited, and finally moved over the the lieutenant. When I found a break in his chatter, I respectfully said "sir, by your leave, I asked my team leaders to muster everyone up. Is it okay if I make off with the PFC and LCpl, we're on the move."

He proceeded to give me a lesson on respect, in front of these two, and finished by saying "I'm done with them when I say I am done". I said "very well, sir, they'll need transportation to the next site - we're going to boogie", and excused myself. The PFC and LCpl didn't know how to react.

Well, the detachment commander, a gentleman and skilled operations person.. a captain that I wish I would have kept in contact with, Captain Riley, was outside "I am officially not smoking so if you tell anyone I will kill you!", and I asked if I could have a few words with him. He obliged.

I told him everything, and he said "Staff Sergeant, I will take care of this at my first opportunity".

Well, while everyone is tasked out, I'm walking back from our mess tent, and I hear the skipper jumping thoroughly into the lieutenant's shit with a variety of colorful phrases, that I thought officers weren't supposed to use, mixed with "do you miss being a Lance Corporal??" and different combinations of "Do not ever talk to my NCOs or SNCOs like that again", of course I soften the words used in the conversation. The captain made him apologize to me in front of the PFC and LCpl.

Aside from that, no, never.

Response by AN Heidi Hoffer made Oct 20 at 2022 11:19 PM

AN Heidi Hoffer — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 23:19:10 -0400

Define superior.

Response by SP5 Nancy Blanchard made Oct 21 at 2022 6:44 PM

SP5 Nancy Blanchard — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:44:10 -0400

I nearly died .. my LtCol thought I was pretending to be sick when in fact I was nearly dead with kidney failure after a reaction to medication prescribed.. sent 2 months in hospital.. my CO was on leave when my Art15 came thru.. she came back and of course called me in.. haven lost over 20 lbs while she was out.. she took one look at me.. told me to go change into comfortable clothes and took me herself to the hospital IG she just happened to be friends with.. he got me taken care of and my LTCol came to hospital and apologized.. there are decent cmdrs and some that suck.. I was fortunate mine was a great one

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2022 9:24 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 09:24:20 -0400

When I was a young Lt 8 years ago I had a Chief once give me a fantastic piece of advice I still follow.

If you (as the supervisor) have to raise your voice then you've already lost.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Oct 23 at 2022 11:38 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:38:07 -0400

I had one, fresh out of boot camp. A PO3 took a dislike to me for some reason. Well after about a week of harassment, he told me to step behind the shed with him. He stabbed a finger at my throat which I blocked, then he went for a shove, which I saw coming and braced for. I just looked at him and smiled, I think that's when it occurred to him that this 6' 150lb SA had a little more muscle than it looked. (I ran track and X-C, and worked summers as a life guard.) Ironically we later became good buddies and hung out together frequently.

Response by CPL T.A. Nelson made Nov 13 at 2022 8:54 PM

CPL T.A. Nelson — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 20:54:39 -0500

SGT Kelly is right but as he said heated conversation is not uncommon. I did and was reprimanded for it but in the end they knew they were wrong...

Response by SPC Gary Symons made Jan 8 at 2023 12:57 PM

SPC Gary Symons — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 12:57:09 -0500

I just completed my MOS in 1967 as a Medic at Fort Sam Houston. I had signed up to go Airborne and would go to the airport the next day with a dozen other idiots who also volunteered. I have little time to pack up my duffle bag and a suitcase with my civilian clothes.

A rather large NCO comes in my barracks and says he needs me to do some clean up. We were the only two in the barracks. I said I am getting ready to go to jump school. Can you get one of the new guys that just arrived???

He stood straight over me, looked down at me and said NO. As I recall he towered over me and was angry about something that had nothing to do with me.

I said the barracks looks clean, what do you want me to do? He said see the metal cans (red painted quart size cans with water in them attached to post throughout the barracks to put out cigarettes), empty them all, wash and clean them, rehang them and come get me to inspect them.

So I was trying to control my anger so I grabbed the first one over my head and yanked it off the nail it was attached to. It was full and I grabbed with a little too much force and and threw the contents on him by accident. I figured he was going to kick my ass but he stood there in complete control.

He said private (E2), I am taking your suitcase to HQ, you are confined to this barracks and you will hear more about your Article 14 on Monday. He than walked away with my suitcase.

I don’t know where he went but I did leave later to go eat in the mess hall. The next morning I could see a bus at the end of the barracks and the others guys I was going to jump school were out there waiting with their stuff. Another Sgt. started calling out names and I heard my name called. They were all loading that bus to go to the airport for Fort Benning, Georgia.

One last time I heard an angel summons me to that bus, actually Sgt. calling me one last time. I grabbed my duffle bag and sprinted to that bus. That would be the last time I would see that Sgt. and his final words were “no drinking alcohol on that (civilian) plane.

We went to the airport, loaded the plane and got put in First Class seats. A good looking young lady asked me if I wanted anything to drink? I said yes, a COLD beer. The other guys said what about what the Sgt. said? I said I don’t see him on this plane. The other eleven laughed and requested cold beers.

I would go complete jump school, go serve as infantry medic with Company C, 1/501st, 101st Airborne to Vietnam and get an honorable discharge the following year after completing my 24 months.

A month after I got out of the service, they sent my boxed suitcase to my Dads home.

Also when I got home from Vietnam early, they gave me another months leave. Besides my suitcase, I got a letter demanding I pay back that extra months pay, no joke. I wrote a letter back, over 50 years ago,, but I can remember writing “ when Secretary of Defense McNamara (who lost a ship and troops to North Korea, Google this) pays for that ship, I’ll pay you for my extra month. I never again heard back from the Army. True story

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2023 12:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:23:47 -0500

Not physically, but I have stood up to senior NCOs who were wrong and throwing temper tantrums because I pointed it out to them. (Always respectfully) I also have stood up to my Commander and 1SG when they tried to railroad one of my soldiers. I didn’t dispute the soldier was in the wrong, but if you’re going to discipline my Joes, you’re going to do it properly.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jan 10 at 2023 9:41 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 09:41:02 -0500

Our Military Services Are Specifically Designed DICTATORSHIPS,
Put Together To Defend A DEMOCRACY.!
.
~ wrap that around in your mind. ~

Response by LTC David Howard made Jan 12 at 2023 11:36 AM

LTC David Howard — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:36:07 -0500

Strongly worded discussion was as far as it ever got. But as an officer I was working in a different environment. When in Vietnam as a Captain, we had a Major in the headquarters who was a total loser who mostly hid in his hooch with his stack of Penthouse magazines. He was not my supervisor, but did outrank me. I came close to telling him what I really thought of him but the Battalion commander intervened, told me privately that he agreed with me, but asked me to exercise self control while he worked to get this Major out of our unit. A screaming match or physical altercation would have to be dealt with in the harshest terms. A military organization cannot tolerate that type of behavior for any reason. If I had ever had a junior enlisted react to an NCO with screaming or violence that enlisted man would be arrested and would face as a minimum a Special Courts Martial.

Response by MAJ Mike Middleton made Jan 26 at 2023 11:17 AM

MAJ Mike Middleton — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:17:25 -0500

A screming match will turn into one way conversation with UCMJ; disagreements wirh conversations are different ball game.

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Feb 8 at 2023 3:40 PM

PO1 Steven Siepp — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:40:29 -0500

In the Navy aboard ship a lot of "Discussions" were resolved in the Bos'n Locker, or the fan room. Two people walk in and whoever walked out was correct.

Response by CW2 William Melton made Feb 14 at 2023 2:23 PM

CW2 William Melton — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:23:05 -0500

reminds me of when i was in Panama. the alcoholic major we had for a unit commander was on my ass all the time about anything. he hated Warrants unless you went to the club with him after work and drank till he decided he was drunk enough to go home. i was not one of his boys. so my pissy ass platoon leader told me one day the major wanted to see me in his office so i went in. reported and then he jumped in my shit. well having a mouth i told him loud enough the whole orderly room heard. "I am tired of your bullshit" and he got so red faced and told me dismised so when i left found out a little later that day he went to JAG and saw the Col there and wanted to have me Court martialed for disrespect to a superior officer, cant do was told so he said ok article 15, nope was told so he was not in my rating scheme but he decided to put me in motor pool knowing we had an IG inspection coming up. I was a Huey Pilot and he also put me flying the OH58 who flew the Infantry Brigade commander . well we passed the IG inspection with flying colors and that pissed him off also. so he wrote my OER and the system had just gone from 100 to 200 on OER's well i got a hundred and a lot of BS on the OER. when i retired i was RA W-2 with 11yrs and 3 months in grade. needless to say he kept me from getting promoted no matter how good my OER'S were after that by several commanders i had . promote ahead of on almost all my OER'S after that but to no avail. Ring Knockers are a closed bunch. most are ok but some as jus plain Assholes. he was an asshole. period had been relieved of two commands prior to panama. one because of his son and one because of his drinking problem. i realize my mouth is what got me into trouble but it is ok all done and over. since i was RA pass over for reserve W-3 was 5 times and RA 3 times but i was 18 yrs and locked by last pass over so i retired RA W-2 and ask if i could Reserve W-3. . personnel laughed and said Not only no but hell no. life is fun. been retired now 41 years. it is great

Response by SPC Thomas Lansing made Feb 18 at 2023 2:06 PM

SPC Thomas Lansing — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 14:06:47 -0500

Although I never laid a hand on any of my Superiors, I did get into a screaming match once when I was being issued my original clothes during my time in Reception Station at Fort Dix, because the HR Section had misspelled my last name on everything! Those poor girls in the quartermaster's issuing point just didn't understand how something like this could happen! The same was for my SFC in the company dayroom. But he got things corrected. The next time was when my SDI ordered me to sit on a bush because of that same spelling issue. Except this time, I used a little psychology on him, and spoke with a very soft voice. That really pissed him off! And week before, that my whole platoon was told of a trainee who requested to go to Sick Call. Whoever in their infinite wisdom in that company's office, had handed the trainee his entire records package and sent him to Sick Call! That trainee was never seen again. He walked off base, with all of his HR Records, and from that point on, No one could even try to charge him with Desertion, because the Army didn't have any records of this trainee ever being enlisted or drafted! Shame on HR Section.

Response by SGT Beth Day made Mar 10 at 2023 2:35 PM

SGT Beth Day — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:35:08 -0500

Not in my chain of command, but ...
Back in the day, in an unnamed NCO club in an unnamed town in Germany, there was a company of Special Forces guys in there waiting to fly back to CONUS.
I (then a PFC) went to the restroom, in the back of the bar. I came out, one of them grabbed me from the back, tried to reach down my shirt. I swung around and hit him in the face, breaking his nose -- blood everywhere. This isn't as much of a mis-match as you might think. I was pretty big and strong for a female soldier, had learned some self-defense as a civilian, he was totally plastered and I was totally sober. But I sure thought I was in trouble!
This was Saturday; on Monday an SF light colonel came in with the SSG in tow. Racoon eyes, busted nose, sheepish look. He apologized. Then the colonel asked what I would like him to do to the guy (he was PISSED!)? Basically, I said "nothing" if he paid for my shirt, which was bloody. I figured he was humiliated enough.
Later, a few guys from my unit came up and told me I probably saved the guy's career.
Some may say he didn't deserve that (the save). But this was when women were first entering into the "regular" Army. The WACS were just a year or so gone. To me, it was a case of "let the punishment fit the crime" and I was ever so thankful I wasn't the one being punished for hitting an NCO!
Not sure how that would have worked out in today's army, but I felt it worked well then.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2023 9:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 09:26:32 -0400

I can never have an argument with someone who is senior to me. Especially in front of the troops. That was driven into me in the 80's Army Armor Corp. We can have a spirited discussion. But once it is said and done you follow orders/directions.
Now what happens in the turret stayes on the turret.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Apr 1 at 2023 5:55 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:55:06 -0400

You've Lost

Response by MAJ Janice Campbell. BSN, RN, CNOR made May 14 at 2023 9:49 PM

MAJ Janice Campbell. BSN, RN, CNOR — Sun, 14 May 2023 21:49:41 -0400

Thank you offering your educational expertise. Honestly!
Sadly, politics seems to infiltrate virtually every aspect of our lives. I am prior enlisted, then received my commission. An interesting conundrum, the enlisted people resented me and the officers said I didn't transition as an officer. I did, of course, but never lost sight of all the wonderful lessons learn as an NCO and became (I believe) a well-respected Officer. I treat all fairly and equitably, with dignity and respect regardless of rank, ethnicity or religious preference. My parents were my role models and the military only added to that journey. I will always be respectful, but that does not suggest that I always respect those in leadership position, there is a difference. One lesson learned is I do not have to "prove" to anyone the flaws of leadership, it is always in full display; let them sink their own career. Trust me, they will.

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made May 22 at 2023 3:57 AM

LCpl Sidney Green — Mon, 22 May 2023 03:57:46 -0400

Never had a shouting match at any job in the service or out. I have, however, had a lot of altercations and people scream at me though. Boot camp drill instructor screaming excepted, mostly in the civilian sectors, so I have lots of stories. In every case, I left soon after. Since I never raise my voice, that's one thing I will never tolerate. That goes double from a female.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made May 27 at 2023 12:56 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:56:45 -0400

No, but I did threaten to shoot a LtCol.

Response by CPO Melvin Miller made Jun 24 at 2023 3:34 PM

CPO Melvin Miller — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 15:34:35 -0400

It use to help by gong through the Red Cross. Your family could contact them and they would contact your command and help get flights etc if needed. First thing I learned never ever lay hands on anyone. Chain of command. If your superiors allready authorized the absence the I would ahve gone over his head.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2023 3:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 15:14:39 -0400

There I was.....knee deep in SF-86's for Iraqi local nationals (no shit, such an insightful cultural experience!) I was an E-5, my dipshit 1SG didn't plan effectively, so the HQ platoon (which I was in at the time) had been placed on this whacktarded rotating guard shift schedule, where between whatever other missions MNCF-I came up with we had twelve hours off between 6 hour shifts then another 6 hour shift. Completely fucked up our sleep schedules with no way to get them normalized. We were doing missions and getting mortared every other night and this fucking idiot couldn't draft a DA-6. We even pointed out that by making a couple of schedule swaps, we could all get 48 hours of planned regularity (explosions and shit notwithstanding). He refused to make the change. The straw on the gamal's back was when right after coming off shift, I was told the HQ platoon had to clean out a bunch of hooches he hadn't inspected before a unit left. I made my opinions known and the fucker hit me with a broom head. Another E-5 jumped in-between us before I could swing on him. Nothing happened to him that I know of, but I got an apology from the BDE CSM and I got sent to the TOC for 4 months before going back out for missions. Moral to the story: You will always have morons for "leadership" at some point or another. Do the legal thing in the face of bullshit and you'll be okay (eventually).

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2023 8:32 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 08:32:00 -0400

Unfortunately yes. The end of last year. After Christmas lock leave, I rolled into the New Year with an Article 15. I am a 40 year old woman with 4 kids, AD husband and was a cop for a long ass time before I got to Active Duty Recruiting. I know how to act and what the consequences are. The individual in question got caught lying. Naturally , I interrogated him. The Captain, didn’t much appreciate being interrogated by an E5. I got Article 89, Disrespect to a Superior Officer. Now, the interrogation ended in a full on “You lying Son of a B…” amongst other things… Once the AR 15 made its way to Brigade, it got squashed. I was not charged with anything. Recruiting sucks, career ender. Don’t volunteer unless your going for retirement.

Response by SPC Josh Dionio made Jun 27 at 2023 7:37 PM

SPC Josh Dionio — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:37:11 -0400

We were at North Fort Lewis getting ready to go to Kuwait but we weren't aware of it. We were given a weekend pass to go home. One of my NCOs decided to play a trick on me by saying I was gonna be stuck doing CQ watch while everyone else got to go. He then walked away, leaving me to soak in my anger and start to unpack. One NCO who was my ride home asked me what's wrong and I told him, getting angrier. The original NCO came back and said it was a joke and I went ape on him, yelling my lungs out and crying. My senior NCO pulled us into his sideroom and calmed me down but I was still pissed. Don't pull a joke like that and just walk away for several minutes on a young troop.

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Jul 20 at 2023 8:16 PM

SPC Randy Torgerson — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:16:39 -0400

Oh my, how military has changed since the 1980's........ I can't even imagine being in a screaming match with a superior. I have no advice because in my day, that never happened. A difference of opinion or even an unclear order certainly a conversation [short conversation] can be had tactfully, but never a screaming or even a laud tone would have been tolerated.

Response by SPC Michael Budzinski made Sep 13 at 2023 4:31 AM

SPC Michael Budzinski — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:31:13 -0400

All the time. Most with stupid lifers, all know the type. Told my CAPT to F off in front of his peers. On reforger and asked us in an 88, a PC and a deuce to stay put. After 2 1/2 days we moved on asking other units on the way were could be. Had to bum fuel, drive unescorted on the autobahn finding 70 miles away. When arrived had sent out a search team because forgot location. Not a single word in the officer’s tent when chewed him out either. Real stories from the highway patrol

Response by Cpl Andy Krueger made Oct 1 at 2023 6:26 PM

Cpl Andy Krueger — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 18:26:50 -0400

Sounds lime a real garbage NCO that shouldnt have their authority as its comete obvious this person is way to immature and spiteful to use their position to harm you due to ego and feelings. Your "leader" if I was in charge wouldnt have anything left on its collar

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Oct 4 at 2023 7:07 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:07:20 -0400

Sadly Yes,
There was a couple of times I believed I was justified, getting in a screaming match with my Superiors.

I was Wrong every time!,
the 1st time was over what I Believed was a Safety Violations, putting Military Personal at unnecessarily Risk of being Seriously Injured or Killed.
I was correct about my Concerns, but learned Yelling at my Superiors was not the correct way to handle this situation.
my Chief was correct, screaming at anyone is the wrong approach in most cases

the Second time happen with a E-7 that I had a Personality Conflict With , from the day I reported on Board , I even asked him why he hated me so much, or what did I do to make him hate me? found out it was not hate.

but control, he felt he could not control or Intimidate me, because I did not fear him, weird Right?

I did my job and what I was Told to do,
yet it was never good enough for him, so I stopped worrying or caring about his concerns, I just did my Job and this angered him even more.

we got into a big screaming match after I had fell 30ft & while I was on what I thought was medical
Leave.

while I was on Leave, on a hunting Trip, I fell 30 plus feet and Broke my back in Multiple areas, I shattered my (L-1,) (L-2) (T-11) (T-12) ALONG WITH (C-1) (C-2) & others, I had no feeling from my waist down, could not walk for the 1st 6 weeks, after the Swelling went down I was able to start walking again I am in Constant Pain from my fall
after I had contacted my Station , I Thought I was put on medical Leave.

I made the Mistake of believing this E-7 would do his job, and take me off of leave & put me on medical Leave after I had called him & the Red Cross, as per his orders.

I was also ordered to call & informed the command of the seriousness of my injuries, and to call him at least once a day

as I was Recovering from my Injuries, I called him and the XO Daily to keep them informed of my situation.
My E-7 Keep demanding I Leave the Hospital & return to my duty station , every time I called.

he never asked me how I was doing during my recovery,
he just wanted me back on watch,
I informed him I could not walk, he demanded to speak to the doctor, I informed him the doctor was not with me, but I would ask him to call him , this E-7 just slammed the phone down.

I called him the next day as per his orders, he told me he knew I could walk,
this was news to me, because at that time I could

this E-7 then told me that I was not hurt and was faking this injury, I was left speechless,

after he yelled at me to speak, and to explain myself to him
to defend myself,
I took a few sec & told him you give me to much credit, Chief
so I am in a hospital, and you are telling me the Doctor, nurse, Surgeon & the Hospital staff the CEO of the Hospital were all working with me to just to fool you and the Military , so I can stiff them with t a high medical bill

just so I could take time off, from my Leave!

I Said Chie, f why would I fake a injury so serious and Easley disproven, with a simple X-Ray?
Why would I fake a injury while on leave?
mind you up until this accident I had only missed one day of work due to the Flu in 10 years of military service.

after 6 mo of being in the hospital and Physical Therapy , I was able to travel back to my duty Station, I was happy to get home, I though I was still on Medical leave , the Anger in this E-7 Face when he seen that I was seriously Injured & still in a body cast, was just Astonishing,

the E-7 never Once asked how I was doing?
how was the recovery going?
it was all anger and hate , his First question was can you stand a watch ?
the CO was with him, and Looked at the E-7 & told him I could not return to duty due to the fact I was still in a body cast.

she stated this as I was standing in front of them in a body cast from the waste up ,
I just stood there not knowing what to say, before you ask, no he was not kidding .
I picked up my mail, looked at my paper work and flew into a rage , remember I am still heavily medicated for the pain ,

when I seen that this E-7 did not put me on Medical leave, that he was still charging me Reg Leave, that he had went though my 60 days of saved leave, and put me in the hole for 120 days

I went straight to anger and started yelling at him, sadly I was not Thinking I was allowing my emotions to control me, this was the straw that broke my back, see what I Did there,
due to all the bullshit he had put me though, since before I was injured, and during my injure I was Screaming & yelling at him in front of everyone.

let me be clear, this was the wrong way for me to handle this situation.

but I was not thinking, I was angry, and making bad decisions

all because I was allowing my anger to control me.
Sadly how I reacted in front of the command was not the right thing to do
How was the CO going to be able to hold him accountable for his purposeful Evil actions, with me yelling at him in front of the CO, the Crew & God he was smiling as I was freaking out and yelling.

I put the CO in a bad spot, she could not hold him accountable for his actions without holding me accountable for my actions, do not misunderstand the XO Fixed the E-7 purposeful EVIL Act! I had all my leave restored.

sadly to my Knowledge this E-7 that should not have been a E-7 was not held accountable, to the best of my Knowledge,

this does not mean the E-7 was not held accountable, the command might have held him accountable behind close doors, I will never know.

when the CO did a Investigation on his actions, she found out he had been charging every junior personal reg leave when it should have been medical leave .
How evil is this E-7, to charge junior personal reg Leave when it a medical situation , and should be charged as medical leave!

most of my Superiors always gave me a 2nd Chance, they Mentor & worked with me, and I thank them for it.

do not mis-understand, I never made the same mistake twice, yet when I did screw up, for some reason My senior Enlisted and Command must have seen something worth saving in me.

I thank them for there kindness and leadership everyday.

during my early years in the Military, I was a Angry young man, hard working but hot headed, My Senior leadership , seen this & took it upon themselves to mentor me & help me grow up.
taught me how to control my emotions, not to let my Emotions control me.

My Chiefs Taught & showed me how every single person, over 99.7% of the time will make a bad Choice or Decision when Angry or Upset.
(FYI) I made this 99.7% number up,) do not use it as fact! Yet I believe it is awfully close to being correct.

MY Senior Leadership Taught and showed me how almost every one will make a bad choices or Decisions when they are upset, angry or Frustrated, very few will make the right Choice or Decision when upset or angry .

this is why it is best to take a few sec,
take a few deep Breaths,
to count to ten before you speak,
allow yourself a sec to get all the information,
get your thoughts together before you speak or make a decision.

Sadly & speaking only for myself, I believe me and so many others are not taught this as a child,

I have Often Wondered if my father had lived would he have taken the time to mentor and teach me these basic life skills ? this I will never know. I do know so many young men are raised by single mothers, just as I was, when we need both a Mother and father to love, teach and mentor there children

any way
every Future Military Leader should be taught that no one likes to be yelled at, or screamed at, every single person will turn there ears off, ie: not listen
no one is Listening or Hearing anything that is being said, when they are being yelled at.
Good leaders very Rarely Raise there voices let alone, Scream at someone.

do not mis understand, yelling and screaming is a leadership tool, that should not be used unless Absolutely Necessary!
yet so many leaders feel this is the first tool out of the tool box
that this is how they should lead,
they would be wrong,

a good leader listens, talks calmly & thinks, before he or she Speaks or acts
they ask questions especially if his or her personal is not acting normally, they will Takes a Few Sec before he or she speaks, ask or finds out what is going on at home or work,
it is best not to allow there emotion's to effect there Choices or Decisions .

this was what my Chiefs mess taught me, when they were mentoring & Leading me
they pushed me to become better Sailor, Shipmate, and leader, not allow my anger or emotions to take me down a bad path.

I was very Lucky that I had outstanding Chief and Chiefs mess to Mentor and teach me on how to become a better Leader & person.

I learned the best Leaders, were taught to follow, before they became the leaders that they were today.
no one is a natural born leader, we are taught by are superiors , we watch listen and put certain leadership skills and Styles in are tool box, we also learn what type of leadership skills and tools not to keep or use

we take the leadership styles & Tools we like and make them ours in order to become a better leaders, we also learn on what type of leadership tools & Styles not to use or make are own.

I do not want anyone to think I was not held accountable, I was held accountable for my actions just not on paper, you would not find my Sins or punishments in my personal jacket. this was done for Those Junior Personal, the Chiefs mess and CO believed was worth saving.

I remember after I Had agreed to the after hours work, for the Chiefs , instead of a captains mast, wondering if I made a mistake, LOL.

Looking back , I do not regret allowing the senior enlisted personal handle my punishment' I truly know they helped me Become a better person and Leader.

Response by SFC James High made Oct 5 at 2023 9:56 AM

SFC James High — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:56:41 -0400

I had a situation back in 2006 when I was AGR with the ARNG. On a Thursday my Wife told me that at her OBGYN appt. the Dr. told her that due to health issues our baby had to taken by cesarian procedure the next day at 1300. My unit had drill that weekend and we were going to the qualification range at Ft Jackson. I was the unit Supply SGT and Armorer and my senior NCO (a MSG) told me I had to be at drill, that's wen the screaming match started. I told him to go ahead and draw up the papers for an Article 15 because I would instead request a court martial and he could explain to a military court how he wanted to force a Soldier to be away from his wife and newborn son when there were other personnel who were quite capable of issuing the weapons to the unit.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Oct 5 at 2023 11:35 AM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:35:13 -0400

Yup

Response by MSG Bob S made Oct 5 at 2023 1:24 PM

MSG Bob S — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:24:48 -0400

I never understood the screaming matches during my Army career. Name calling (my personal fave was telling me that I was the load my mom should have swallowed) was fine if dumb-assery was abound, but out right screaming always seemed like there were two insecure individuals trying toi have a discussion.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Oct 6 at 2023 5:03 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:03:54 -0400

LONG Story SHORTENED As Much As Possible, But Funny, None The Less.
In Basic At Lackland, I Made The Mistake Of Going After The Assistant T.I...A 3 Striper
2 Guys Grabbed Me Before I Reached Him, Thanks To The Gods; He'd Probably Have Killed Me.
He Stepped Up, Looked Me Straight In The Face And Screamed "AIRMAN, YOU GOT A PROBLEM"?...
...3 Years Pass By & I'm Exiting The Air Craft At KIMPO AFB, South Korea, On My Way To OSAN AFB.. Still On The Stairway...Coming Down, And I Hear This Familiar Voice, From About 10 - 15 Yards Away... "HOLY SH*T, DeVaney, Is That YOU"?.
Of The 100's Or 1,000's Of Others He'd Trained, He Actually Identified Me & Called Me By Name.
We Had A Lot Of Great Laughs For Around An Hour Or So, Then We Both Had To Go Our Own Ways.
And Damned If I Know WHY, I Forgot To As For His Address....
But I've NEVER Forgotten The Incidence, Or Him.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Oct 6 at 2023 11:47 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:47:29 -0400

Kinda, yeah. I don't believe that I've told this story before. I was deployed to Iraq at the time. I was a SGT who had survived Rawah and the rest of the wild west north of the Euphrates (my leadership sent me out there on my own in hopes that I would die and not come back). The enlisted leader of the RADAR crew for artillery was a SSG and he kept ignoring the instructions from the TOC to exercise radio professionalism at all times, submit reports in a timely manner, conduct maintenance on their dish and let the TOC know the start and stop times, etc. Really basic stuff, right? Well, the Battle Captain caught them screwing off on the radio and had me go over there to tell them to cut the bullcrap out. The SSG gets up and says, "I'll do whatever the h--- I want, how and when I want to! Tell your f--kface Battle Captain he can ---- my ----!" I responded with, "you sure you don't wanna tell him that yourself? You seem kinda testicularly engorged right now." I guess he didn't understand what I meant because his next response was, "WTF DID YOU JUST SAY, SGT?!?" I translated it for him and he shouted, "GTFO out my MF AO before I kick your ---!" I replied, "You ain't kickin' ----." I only had a few moments to get my rain jacket off before he was in my reach and about to punch me. I dodged and throat-chopped him as he missed his punch. After he regained himself, I asked if he wanted another one. That ain't sit too well with him because he lunged for me, I backed up, and he fell on his face in the mud. I said, "this is starting to get embarassing. Let's stop here." He ain't like that, either. So he scrambled up and rushed me, trying to take me down. I tried my best to crack the back of his head like a coconut with my elbow, but all that did was knock him out and make him drop me. I then looked at his troops and said, "Battle Captain wants you guys to remain professional out here and not do dumb stuff like your NCO here." I picked up my rain jacket and went back to shift. When I got back, the Battle Captain was like, "What took you so long?" I explained what happened and he said, "SGT Blue, I didn't send you over there to try and be diplomatic. I sent you over there to teach that JA a lesson." We both had a laugh about that one over some coffee.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2023 12:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:05:56 -0400

When I was at Fort Hood this was an almost weekly occurrence do to the E6's hating eachother and arguing infront of soldiers, having disagreements or just flat out calling eachother slurs, derogatory names so on and so fourth. No one seemed to mind until the Joe's started to question the leadership and their authority. After a few months of that going on us Joe's started acting out. And they tried to counsel us, give us article 15s, give us article 10s and such. And we flat out said "nope" and "I'm not signing that yall want to bicker amongst yall selves but when we do it, it's insubordination don't lead us with the mentality of 'do as we say not as we do'" shit never changed so I decided to move to the HHC I was a 12B back then.

Response by 1st Lt James Lipski made Oct 8 at 2023 6:19 PM

1st Lt James Lipski — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:19:54 -0400

As a Butter Bars in a new Security police squadron I got called in to my Captains office. This Captain told me I had a female airman in my flight who she thought was not handling the stress of her job very well. In fact the Captain was worried this airman was on the verge of harming herself. My Captain ordered me to pay extra attention to this airman. I respectfully asked, "won't that look like favoritism and create animosity?" She told me to just follow orders. So I did. Every shift I spent at least 15 minutes talking with this airman. A few weeks later I got notified by a trusted NCO in the squadron I was being investigated for sexual harassment of one of my airman. I was shocked. At the end of one of my shifts I got called into my Captain's office again. She went on a rant so loud anyone within earshot could hear it. I could not understand what I did wrong and lost control and screamed back, "I was just following YOUR orders!" I tried to say more but she told me to shut up as she continued accusing me of sexual harassment of the airman. I don't know how many minutes went by before I was dismissed from her office. I went straight to the office of our Major and asked for a private conversation. I told him everything that happened and the orders the Captain had given me a few weeks before. He ordered an investigation and found no evidence of any harassment. Bad judgement on my part yes.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2023 11:10 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:10:27 -0400

In BCT, we were playing crab soccer and I was being very rough with my opponents, I played college football so I’m not small. My Drill Sargent started kicking me in the ribs whirl I was in the crab position. I swung my leg sweeping his leg and knocking him to the ground. I then had three drills kicking me in the ribs. But it wasn’t really hard enough to cause any damage.

After that, there was nothing more said about it. I assumed I was going to be disciplined in some manner, but nothing..

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Oct 16 at 2023 12:03 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:03:17 -0400

Yes, I have. Once in Vietnam a brand new 2LT decided to give my squad a rifle inspection, he told me my rifle was rusty, I told him the M16 doesn't rust it discolors, we ended up yelling at each other, my squad was laughing their butts off, finally he agreed with me and told me to get rid of the discoloring. My 1stSgt. told me to color it with a pencil which worked fine. Semper
Fi

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Oct 23 at 2023 9:48 AM

1SG Steven Malkowski — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:48:27 -0400

I had over 30 years in the Army (AD/NG/USAR) with 10 years commissioned sandwiched between two periods of enlisted service. I was at my last Annual Training, August 2010, before I was to retire. I was the HHC First Sergeant. We had a brand new CSM who wanted to flex his muscle. Up until now I hadn't had any problems with him. We were in an administrative training posture, preparing soldiers for deployment to Afghanistan. Long story short, he was in my ass from day one. One nitpicky thing after another. Like I said, we were in a training posture, not tactical, but we were in the field in tents at Ft. Drum. The last straw came when he called me on the BN net (monitored by BDE) and chewed my ass on air for an "improper police call". It took me less than 3 minutes to make my way to his location in the BN TOC. I'm sorry to say, I lost my shit and we ended up toe to toe MF'ing each other in front of the whole BN staff. I wasn't about to take his crap, condescending BS without a fight. This was about 5 days before the end of the AT and I was retired a week later.

Response by SPC Justin Burd made Dec 7 at 2023 3:34 PM

SPC Justin Burd — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:34:19 -0500

This is a pretty old post, but I’m going to answer it anyway. Back in late ’05 to early ‘06, I had just got home from Iraq, so I was pretty sure I was a bad motherfucker. SAW gunner, spent every single mission in the turret and had seen some shit. It was also the time that the Army was reorganizing into BCT’s. The unit that I served with, and was under the impression that I re-enlisted to stay with for the next 6 years was disbanded and sent to another part of the state, and very few of us were invited to join them. I spent the next year being assigned to, and then reassigned to 4 different units. In one year. I’m not going to name the unit I was in nor the NCO that I ended up having a problem with, but it all came to a head one day when I was waiting in supply for my new ACU’s. I spent exactly one hour waiting for the uniforms that were not there, so I headed back to our office to spend the rest of drill doing whatever.
Now this particular NCO had never done anything with his career other than graduating from BCT and AIT. Never deployed, never went to any schools, nothing. Just kicked back and slacked off for the previous ten years but somehow got promoted to SSG. How, I will never know because the only thing he was good at was PT and being an asshole. I say again- dude never did shit in his entire life. Meanwhile, I went through jump school, after OSUT at Ft Benning and 2 more reclassifications so I could deploy with whatever unit would take me. I had my EIB, CAB and combat patch after only 4 years in. The only reason I wasn’t an NCO is because of being shuffled around from unit to unit after getting home from Iraq. I was points promotable and had plenty of leadership experience after being a fireteam leader in Iraq.
So I get back to the office after waiting for the uniforms that never came, and douchebag SSG decided he was going to ego flex on me and show me who was in charge of his little clusterfuck. He immediately lit into me about being gone so long and not checking in with him. After being gone for an entire hour. This shitbag is the same shitbag who would take 4 hour lunches with someone who was definitely NOT his wife, go home early from every day of drill, come in the next morning reeking of alcohol, and then repeat the process, every drill weekend. So by this time I’d had enough of his bullshit and quite frankly lost my cool and told him that if he didn’t like the way I soldiered, he could eat a giant bag of dicks and get the hell out of my face or I will seriously fuck his shit up. He looked at me like I slapped him in the face and said “Excuse me? Who in the hell do you think you are?” And so, I told him. I told him that every soldier in his squad was ten times the soldier he could ever hope to be. I reminded him about his taking 4 hour lunches with his girlfriend, not his wife. I reminded him that he leaves work early every single day, when we’re still here working until late in the evening, sometimes until midnight. I told him he reeked of alcohol, right now, at 3:00 o clock in the afternoon. I told him in no uncertain terms that if he didn’t get the hell out of my face immediately, that I was going to take very sick pleasure in beating him into a coma. I then suggested that he go down to the CO’s office and inform the Captain that SPC Burd was being insubordinate and threatening him with great bodily harm, because from that point forward I wasn’t taking another order from him.
I was pretty good friends with everyone else in the squad, and they all either had shit eating grins or were completely astounded at how I was able to put that utter shitbag in his place.
Probably needless to say, I got out of the army shortly afterwards. My whole attitude was- if this is how the army treats their combat veterans, and this is the type of leadership I have to endure after spending a year getting shot at, mortared and dodging monster IED’s then I will spend the rest of my life being a private fucking civilian and coming home to my wife everyday instead of taking orders from people I don’t respect. I actually got several letters and calls from soldiers I served with asking me to come back into the fold, but my wife and I decided that we’re better off. The only thing I regret about getting out of the army is not doing a tour in Afghanistan. The unit I served with in Iraq got activated for a tour in Afghanistan in 2012, but by then the army wasn’t accepting prior service so I couldn’t get back in in time to go with them. I miss terribly the men and women who I served with in Iraq, still try to keep in touch with them and consider many of them as my brothers and sisters. I miss the commraderie of serving in a combat none and how close we all got. But I do not miss being in garrison and the army in general.

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made Dec 21 at 2023 11:12 AM

SFC Kevin Childers — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:12:00 -0500

A few, but the last one ended with us both pissed that the other didn't know what they were talking about. The B-Team NCOIC (and acting deployment lead as we had no offices with us). Came back a day later calling the entire unit on site together. He apologized say I had been right and if there were further questions on the subject to see me.

I'd deploy any where from heaven to hell with him. He was an outstanding NCO and I'm certain all of us who served with him will say the same.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Dec 24 at 2023 12:29 PM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:29:02 -0500

I have never been in a shouting match with anyone either superior or lesser in grade. If you must shout to get your folks to follow, then you're a p poor leader. The only time you'll ever hear me or my Chiefs ever shout is when someone is about to get their heads struck by flying pullies or an occasional rough sea running across the deck, or an occasional poop bombing by a sea gull.

Response by SPC Jon Parniawski made Dec 26 at 2023 4:40 PM

SPC Jon Parniawski — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 16:40:39 -0500

I saw it all the time back in the old school army. We called it 'wall to wall counseling'.

Response by SSG Douglas Shaffer made Dec 27 at 2023 2:26 AM

SSG Douglas Shaffer — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 02:26:07 -0500

Oh, I have and I have to say it was ugly.
My ex-wife was coming in country (Germany) and we were allowed four days off to settle them in and such. Meanwhile we were heading to the field the following Monday. I was the Platoon RTO, I had all of the squad leader sign hand receipts for their commo equipment and my team leader told me that he will make sure that they get their equipment they signed for, "Just go take care of your wife, I got this for ya."
Monday comes we go to the field and none of the squads have their commo equipment! We were in a mech unit so there was no field phones, no commo wire, no nothing and the Platoon Sergent was pissed. He ran my ass off running from track to track passing on stupid messages. Berating me all the while. Oh, I took it and none of the squad leaders said anything nor did my team leader, who by the way signed for some of this commo equipment that isn't there now!
Oh, I took it alright! As soon as we got back, I showed the Platoon Sergent the hand receipts, then asked him where is all of my equipment that they don't have and left the room. Oh, the screaming began, and this time it wasn't at me.
Not only was he pissed that they didn't have the equipment that they had sign for but they as NCOs allowed him to run the dog crap out of and said nothing to him that they had sign for the equipment. My team leader to whom I had entrusted to carry out what he said was sweating bullets.
Then all of the Squad leaders and my team leader came to me and asked where all of the equipment is, "I don't know, you all signed for them." and the screaming match was on!
I made them all sweat the Platoon Sergent too for a week.
Finally, he called me into the Platoon CP asked me to take a seat and I did then he in a nice and quiet voice asked me where the equipment was, for he was about to make all four NCO's pay for the missing equipment and he showed me the paperwork that he was getting ready to file for them to pay with their signatures on the paperwork. I got up and pointed to the locked footlocker I was sitting on that was in the CP the whole time.
You have no idea how much I wanted to just knock the crap out of my team leader for having me jumping through hoops while he just kept his mouth shut.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2023 8:53 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 08:53:34 -0500

Yep, I was a high-speed PFC/E3 in the Army and we just spent 3 weeks in the field for a VALEX/FTX. Most of us were sleep-deprived and starving. But you know how it goes... as soon as you get to the motor pool, you have to start day zero recovery that usually takes about 6 hours.

We were all in the motor pooling busting our as$es, but our Squad Leader (Buck Sergeant) was nowhere to be found. As time went on, everyone was asking where the F he was. Then we found out that he went home, took a shower and got McDonalds (probably got la!d too) while we were working.

I was so angry and fatigued that I was running on pure adrenaline... when he finally showed up, I got in his face and cocked my arm back to take a swing at him... before I could make contact with his face, my Platoon Sergeant practically tackled me and said "C'mon, let's go take a smoke break". He was able to calm me down and afterwards got back to work. My PLT SGT definitely did me a favor by stopping me from hitting him... I almost definitely would have received an Article 15.

Response by A1C Craig Gilje made Dec 29 at 2023 4:21 AM

A1C Craig Gilje — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 04:21:08 -0500

Protect your family, you are either married to the military, or loyal to your family members. Go with your family. From a Persian Gulf War veteran. Sincerely yours SSGT Craig l. Gilje, Veteran of both the Army and Air Force

Response by SP6 Richard Kellar made Jan 26 at 2024 8:12 AM

SP6 Richard Kellar — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:12:12 -0500

No, that would be cause for shit burn detail or career point man.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jan 26 at 2024 4:25 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:25:40 -0500

Yes, in Vietnam we had a new Lt. show up, he decided to have a rifle inspection of my squad, since I was the squad leader he checked my rifle first. He said it was rusty, I told him the M16 didn't rust it disclored. He kept on being upset finally we were yelling at each other. My squad was laughing their butts off. He finally agreed with me and told me to take care of it, I said yes sir. When I was telling the 1st Sgt. about, he said clore it with a pencil, it worked. Semper Fi

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2024 2:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 02:49:29 -0500

Ha! My CSM took his blouse off once and asked me to step outside to handle the issue.
I replied "Sergeant Major, all I want you to do is stop eating my (brown bag) lunches! I ride my bicycle many miles to work and eat food from home. You have a car and a salary eight times higher than mine."

Response by 1SG John Millan made Jan 27 at 2024 1:18 PM

1SG John Millan — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 13:18:07 -0500

As a 1SG, I got in several shouting matches with an unsat CSM in the Guard, draft dodger, overweight, tried to get me to falsify records. He was politically connected. Eventually went to prison for 17 years as a child molester.

Response by SPC Jason Halper made Jan 27 at 2024 2:30 PM

SPC Jason Halper — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 14:30:36 -0500

I don't condone bad leaders that need to insult and discredit team members to prove their "power". I had several times where shouting matches occurred over matters that the NCO would not look at the actual issue. I was serving as a 63D at Ft. Riley (SP artillery mechanic) and found damages on a vehicle that required extra parts. The "almighty" NCO (in his own mind, P. Sanford) came down on me for all sorts of issues, everything from insulting me in front of the team towards multiple article 15 threats. He called me a liar in front of everyone. Funny part, the battalion MT Officer verified that I was right about the damages and how I was doing the right thing by ordering extra parts. Simply, shouting matches are not needed yet weak leaders (such as P. Sanford, no resentments of course) that see the need for these actions need to grow up and realize their ranks does not make them special. Shouting matches only breakdown respect and trust amongst the team, a good leader will always listen twice and act once.

Response by SGT Jonathan Thrasher made Jan 28 at 2024 12:03 AM

SGT Jonathan Thrasher — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:03:36 -0500

As a young sgt, I got into it with my 1sgt in the last two weeks of our second deployment. He had always been an ass to me since I had gotten sent to his troop, not sure why. Had never talked to him before and did my job good. Any ways, we were working on leaving Iraq and I got put on night duty in the toc, and we had gotten a report of a possible ied, so I wrote it down, flagged it on the map and reported it. Beyond that the night was silent. When relief came in, I reported it to them and showed them the marker on the map. We leave, I shower and hit the sack only to be woken up two hours later by pounding on my door. I answered and the runner said we had to see top, so I got dressed and went back. Walked in and he was instantly in my face screaming about what a piece of shit I was and blah blah blah. I just stood there at parade rest and took it. Finally he shut the fuck up and let me speak, to which I told him I told them it was there and in the notes. As he started screaming the xo walked in, over hearing it all and butted in to tell top that I had indeed informed my relief of the possible ied, since he had been there. I swear tops face got even darker red and was foaming at the mouth more. I should have kept my mouth shut, but I didn't. I fucking told you so came flying out of my mouth before I could close it. Big mistake. Top and I found a secluded area and beat the shit out of each other. Can't say who won, I don't think either of us did. Needless to say, after that he never messed with me again, he actually got nicer after that. Guess he just needed someone brave enough, dumb enough or both, to stand up to him.

Response by SP5 Randall Bohn made Feb 26 at 2024 12:28 AM

SP5 Randall Bohn — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:28:08 -0500

My squad leader was an SSG, Vietnam vet, and he was always talking about his “combat “ experiences to the squad. According to a Vietnam vet in another platoon, he spent the entire war guarding a warehouse in Saigon. When I asked him where his CIB was, he changed the subject.
Anyway, he hated me after that, just like I thought he was a scumbag.
One Sunday he had CQ, and he was pissed off about having to drive into post on his day off, on a Sunday. So, he immediately walks to the barracks, and comes up to my room, walks in, gets about 2 inches from my face and starts screaming at me. First off, I was a CPL, not a private, and I wasn’t about to take sh*t from a jerk like that. Didn’t think, I just reacted. I jumped out of bed and knocked him out of my room. People separated us after that. They were going to article 15 me, but apparently because of the 30 second rule, they didn’t. They did take my arcom away (that arcom really pissed him off), because apparently he would have bitched too much if they didn’t do anything to me.
I just hope this “person” sees this and recognizes himself.

Response by PFC David Scott made Feb 29 at 2024 1:23 PM

PFC David Scott — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:23:39 -0500

I told a freshly hard striped E-5 that he was being a buddy-f$#%er over something petty. A guy, up until the next day was a friend. I received an article 15. After my restriction was supposed to be up I went to the CQ to double check that I could leave the barracks. I was told that I could. I went to the PX and ran into my XO and was told that I wasn't suppose to have left the barracks until the next day. I was then told that I would be up for another Article 15. This time 45 days. I went to my platoon leader and he went to check the CQ log. It was written by former friend that I was done that day not the next. This was a vey specific mistake on his part and that I had done nothing wrong which any reasonable person would have concluded. Although, the CO didn't see it this way. My PL told me to appeal to the Battalion Commander and be assigned to another company. My request was granted but I was still given the punishment. My PL was to become the new XO at the company I was assigned. This was were I found out how petty people can be. He told me that I was set up and that they wanted to make an example out of me. Apparently the CO was not fond of me for some reason. One of the reason's my PL was in my corner, plus he didn't think the CO was much of a leader. My biggest issue was that I was to be promoted the next week before the first punishment to an E-4 and then, possibly, PLDC. All that went out the door and my time in wasn't the same. Needless to say I was probably wrong for insinuating that his promotion was going to his head. It affected the next half-year of service. And, in hindsight, was the reason I didn't stay in longer. I was young and didn't understand a lot. But thankful for the better leadership and guidance I received after. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to want to stay.

Response by MSG Sean Francis made Mar 2 at 2024 11:54 AM

MSG Sean Francis — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 11:54:21 -0500

I had one when I was at joint with a Air Force MSgt. He thought we were equals. Nah bro I'm the MSG/NCOIC not you. You're equivalent to a SFC in the Army no disrespect. He yelled but I didn't. I left the room after the other Air Force MSgt asked to speak with him alone. He was new & thought he could come in, do whatever he wanted & I couldn't say anything to him. Let's just say he came & apologized afterwards because she knew who he was dealing with arguing with me but he didn't. Best advice don't raise or elevate your voice. Stay calm & collected. If anyone's hears, or witnesses, it'll be the other person who was yelling not you.

Response by CPT Earl George made Mar 3 at 2024 7:59 PM

CPT Earl George — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 19:59:52 -0500

I was a 1LT and the assistant Bde S-1 in 1974 in Germany. One of my primary jobs was to put a suspense on the individual Bn CO's when the BDE CO wanted an answer on the disposition of any particular case in the blotter he had a question. One particular Bn Commander was late as usual with his replies and I was sent to his office to get his response verbally. I reported to him and asked for his reply. I was told to get the F_ _ _ out of his office. I saluted, left immediately and reported back to my boss. At 7am the next morning, and every morning after that for one week, I had a LTC standing in front of my desk asking me if his unit had any responses outstanding. Needless to say, there was one LTC that got set straight by the Colonel.

Response by CW2 Donald Loughrey made Mar 4 at 2024 11:18 AM

CW2 Donald Loughrey — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:18:17 -0500

I've had poor leaders that thought screaming was part of leadership (outside of training environments meant to induce stress during performance.....when its acceptable and expected). As for getting in a screaming match with a superior....it was not done in my experience....at least it wasn't done twice. Good order and discipline call for that to be shut down immediately. Maybe things have changed...I've been retired for awhile but I certainly hope this is not the norm for today's Military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2024 9:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:17:13 -0500

Yes, just before leaving Afghanistan, I had it out with the Bn OPS SGM. I remember thinking in the moment how I couldn't believe I was talking to an SGM like that, but he truly earned and deserved it. It was just me and him, no witnesses. He never did press the issue.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Mar 6 at 2024 11:20 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:20:00 -0500

Difficult For Me To Say, As I Look Back Over They Years,
I Don't Recall There Being Anyone Superior To Me.
"Either Lead ~ Follow ~ Or Get The Hell OUT Of My Way"
"I AM Your Leader AND Your Superior".
"Don't Let My Rank Fool You"

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Mar 7 at 2024 11:04 AM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:04:43 -0500

I have actually gotten in fist fights and shouting matches with my leaders before. One leader pulled a pistol on me during an NCOER counseling session. It must not have hurt my career, since I retired as a MSG/E8.

Response by SSG Kenneth Weston made Mar 14 at 2024 2:29 PM

SSG Kenneth Weston — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:29:55 -0400

I confronted the loser after we are out and years later when are paths crossed. I won argument of course.

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Mar 30 at 2024 9:40 AM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 09:40:08 -0400

You did the right thing to go through your chain of command and they will do the right thing by you if they understand how to take care of their people. I was both an NCO and eventually a commissioned officer and one of the foundational principles we were taught in any leadership training was to take care of your troops. If they had pay, health or family problems, they couldn’t give their full attention to our mission, so I always endeavored to make sure I was as good and caring a steward is the personal that were placed in my care as I could be.

Response by SP5 Robert Kennedy made Mar 31 at 2024 3:23 PM

SP5 Robert Kennedy — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 15:23:01 -0400

Many. How I dealt with it was illegal, but very efficient. They backed down very quickly and were hopeful that they wouldn't meet harsher consequences... Very quick, quiet and final.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2024 10:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:37:31 -0400

How about a fabricated reltionship with a peer made up by "superiors" resulting in a breach of contract or illegal separation (take your pick). Said "relationship" was refuted by no less than 7 eyewitness statements through the entirety of the course.

Response by PO2 James Lusk made Apr 2 at 2024 5:38 PM

PO2 James Lusk — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:38:09 -0400

Alright 1972 Vietnam. SAR DevilDoc. I just cam off off a 96 hour op. Covered in gore only God knows what else, heading to showers first. Stopped by a spit and polish Ensign in whites. He proceeded to dress me down and all I could day was yes sir. Soon there was an audience, yup just great. To my delight he pushed me twice in my chest and I hit back 2x and then took a shower. Went to Mast got thrown out 1st day.

Response by PV2 Chester Shell made Apr 3 at 2024 5:01 AM

PV2 Chester Shell — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 05:01:25 -0400

It sounds like a really stupid millennial idea, there's NO scenerio in which it ends well for the crybaby. Suck it up and drive on.

Response by SPC Kenneth Maxon made Apr 3 at 2024 1:38 PM

SPC Kenneth Maxon — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:38:02 -0400

Yes. I was an SP4, drove jeep for the 1st SGT. We had a new LT who was soft spoken and didn't really give orders, more like suggestions. The uppers knew they had to get him up to speed quickly, so the CO and 1st SGT gave me word for word how to get into an argument with him to force his hand to give a direct order. The shouting match went on for longer than any of us expected until he finally said "Do it, that's an order". I said "yes, sir". He was flabbergasted and immediately knew he had been set up, I had violated no rules and gave in when he actually took charge. The CO and 1st SGT were watching the whole time and giving me cues to make sure I didn't push it too far. We all had a good laugh afterwards and he became a great officer.

Response by SPC David C. made Apr 13 at 2024 7:51 AM

SPC David C. — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:51:39 -0400

Shockingly, no. However...while on deployment to the med, a buddy of mine got into a fight with some navy dudes from the ship we were on, and absolutely destroyed them. All 03 Marines like to fight, this guy took it three steps beyond that. The next day my buddy was standing tall in front of the ship's Captain and a few of his officers in some kind of Captain's mast. No one from the Corps's side of the house was made aware of it until after things had already gotten started. Our platoon Sgt went absolutely ballistic! He walked into the meeting, interrupted the brass, dismissed my buddy, and started ripping into the room full of officers as my buddy was leaving. The rest of the float went off without any blowback, nothing happened to my buddy, and our platoon Sgt got orders to the drill field once we got back (the drill field is not considered a punishment by any means in the Marine Corps). Best platoon sgt I ever had. He was that rare combination of Marine that was experienced, knew his shit both tactically and administratively, and had the balls to do what was right regardless of who he was talking to or if his career was on the line. He taught us rule number 1 of leadership...Take care of your people, and your people will take care of you. Don't take care of your people, and your people will still "take care of you". Wherever this day finds you Gunny Watkins, SF.