Have you been involved in a situation where you had to confront a superior about their conduct?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:09:12 -0500

As of late, there have been numerous questions involving subordinates asking for how to deal with a superior who has done something incorrectly or acting in a manner that seems wrong. In order to provide the best examples to emulate, have you experienced a situation in which you had to confront a superior in one of these kinds of situations that ended well for the subordinate? If so, how did you/they go about it in order to get to a satisfactory conclusion that? Were there any adverse effects after the closing of the issue?

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Mar 7 at 2018 8:17 PM

LTC Greg Henning — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:17:28 -0500

SGT Joseph Gunderson Yes, I had a good relationship with my commander and approached him about something that I was concerned about that I observed. Done in the correct fashion it can be a powerful tool. Now, these situations can vary, if the activity is illegal a different set of rules kick in.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 7 at 2018 9:09 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:09:40 -0500

We're adults in a hierarchical system. If you have an issue, talk to the person. They either explain why it isn't an issue (to your satisfaction, resolving said situation), correct the issue (resolving said issue), or ignore you (or some variation, which allows you to escalate the issue to the next leader in the chain of command).

Retaliation for seeking guidance on a situation (as per above) is unethical and unprofessional, and one of reason we have Request Mast (and the other Service equivalents).

Just like we have a duty to investigate issues with our juniors, we have the same issue to investigate with our seniors. Communication and Tact is how we do that, since the relationship is inverted.

Something as simple as "I'm not tracking the logic on this decision. Can you help me out so I can make similar ones (according to your Command Intent/Command Guidance) in the future?" Keep in mind that most of our seniors have more experience at the next tier up, which changes the context of their decisions.

What may seem odd or detrimental to us, may actually be beneficial in the longer term either to morale or mission.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 7 at 2018 9:30 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:30:24 -0500

You will have your good leaders and your shitty ones. The hardass ones were my biggest pain because they were trying to teach a hardheaded ass (me) what needs to be done, either by doing it to me, or forcing my hand when dealing with others. If I could do it again, I wouldn't have changed anything. My good leaders were just that....mentored you, encouraged you, and they are something you get to take for granted after awhile. You KNOW they're good. But the dickhead leaders are usually the ones you remember especially when you look back and wonder were they dickheads due to personality issues, or were they dickheads trying to use hard love to teach you a hard lesson now, that you can use as a tool later? Looking at mine, I had both, but the hard love leaders who pissed me off daily, who counseled me using "choice words" and "exercise with louder choice words", threatened me with Art15 (co and field), and took me down a peg, were the ones I wanted to remember later. I'd buy them all a shot of whatever they'd want if I could now. I see who was at fault, and it wasn't always them. Know yourself and seek self improvement. The first check starts with you before you go to them.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Mar 7 at 2018 9:31 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:31:19 -0500

Ah confronting a superior, been there done that got the T-Shirt and the favorable actions blockade. The biggest problem with confronting a senior Officer or NCO is the delivery in some way that also translates the other way when you talk to peers and subordinates. Keeping in mind this is me talking and I can only offer my opinion, the biggest issue is checking and double checking to see if your observation is right or without context. If I had a nickel for every time I was approached and given the 50 question and personal opinion about the way I performed my duties or lead I would be a rich retired old fart. With the advent of the internet and social media many find it easier to blast accusations and unit business out there like a mini gun with an infinity belt. A good leader that you approach correctly will listen, evaluate your observations and make adjustments if needed and you have no fear of repercussions a bad leader AKA a TOXIC leader will stop you mid sentence lose their temper and either outright threaten you or blind side you in evaluations promotions or a transfer regardless if you are right or wrong.
*********EVERYTHING BELOW THIS IS JUST RAMBLING DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME********
I became very confrontational when I hit SSG the first time, I lacked tact, proportional response and people skills. I would say I had about a 10% success rate then. But I think it had to do with the leaders I was dealing with an not my asshole ways. Later in life and service and closer to retirement, I developed people skills,a modicum of tact and minimal proportional response but I was still an asshole but my success rate at discussing alleged inappropriate behavior or actions shot up to 70%. I once developed a non stop campaign to stop a COL from destroying a unit in which I was assigned. His toxicity was worthy of Superfund status and I approached him daily offering advice, examples and recruiting CSM's and other SNCO's in a major attempt to get him on track before he destroyed the unit. I was respectful, I offered sound advice that was easy to verify and the constant barrage of great leaders in the unit caused him to do a hold my beer moment and conduct a HELMET INSPECTION (YOUTUBE VIDEO) of which I had ZERO to do with other than being in it, which in the end caused him to retire.

It's all a throw of the dice, if you are lucky you will get a good leader who will listen and thank you for your views. If you get a bad one then you may find a bumpy road ahead if not a short enlistment.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 7 at 2018 9:43 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:43:34 -0500

SGT Joeseph Gunderson, this is one of the best posts in a LONG wile. Keep em up. It's what we need. We need to get back together as one team.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 9:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:55:32 -0500

It really all depends on if you get along with that individual. If they are a deuche and are hot headed, it may be vest to pick my battle and let them drown in their unproffesionalism. I'll call out a subordinate any day of the week, though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 10:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 22:05:00 -0500

Keep up the great questions SGT Joseph Gunderson. Shit man, seems like on Rallypoint more than any other social media outlet lately.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 7 at 2018 10:16 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 22:16:29 -0500

The question anyone about their actions think you have to ask two questions:
Was it illegal?
Was it immoral according to Army values.

If you can say no to both the move on because it's not worth it.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 7 at 2018 11:26 PM

SSG Keith Amacher — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 23:26:55 -0500

I had a Army Captain Intel that I was under but not my boss tell me that if we went to war when I was at Ft. Hood and doing POMCUS and he said he would go the other way to Canada, he was only in for the Education benefits. He knew I was ex Special Forces besides Intel. I told him you don't have to worry about the enemy I will shoot you in the back and I was serious...

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 8 at 2018 12:50 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:50:31 -0500

Yes...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Mar 8 at 2018 1:55 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 01:55:57 -0500

That's actually a quite interesting question, fortuitously, in my case, no, though I did find it of genuine interest....

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 8 at 2018 2:58 AM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 02:58:41 -0500

Yup. Had the SES 4 commander of my scif try to enter once without his badge. I didn't know him by sight. I arm barred him when he tried to enter, and politely told him I needed to see a badge. He went off on me. I stood my ground. He went and got his badge.

Response by SGT Carl Blas made Mar 8 at 2018 5:03 AM

SGT Carl Blas — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 05:03:56 -0500

"TOP" always took care of it.

Response by CPO James Laskowski made Mar 8 at 2018 6:42 AM

CPO James Laskowski — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 06:42:27 -0500

I read the question and most of the responses. What mystifies me is that our military has devolved to the point to where a subordinate can or is encouraged to challenge a senior. What happened to following orders and doing what you are told? When did it become okay to question authority? Like many of you, I have had my share of less than stellar leaders but as the subordinate, it wasn't my place to "correct" them. That is the responsibility of their senior. In my opinion, our military was much stronger when rank really was "everything." In the Navy, a Chief Petty Officer trains junior Officers and that is a matter of tradition. An E-6 (or below) challenging a Chief or above, will and should get shut down real damn quick. Stay in your paygrade, Shipmate!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 8:30 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 08:30:16 -0500

Yes. Obviously no one's going to want to go into too many specifics, but I have had at least two instances where a senior crossed a line, either professionally or ethically...and I had to intervene. In both cases, I did not experience repercussions, and the seniors involved self-corrected. Frankly, I've had a subordinate correct me before "unwise" became "unbecoming"...they were right, I was wrong, and similarly, not only did I not take action against them, but thanked them for their adherence to values.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 8 at 2018 9:11 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 09:11:56 -0500

Happens to O's too. I was a flying squadron commander and my group commander planned to take a mission trip with one of my crews, just happened the destination was DC where his family lived. As we approached the mission date, I asked him if he had submitted the leave paperwork (twice) and he shut me down, twice. Then as he stepped to the jet I asked him again, and he said, "I told you not to worry about it!" Only he didn't file leave paperwork, didn't get leave in conjunction with TDY approved, took my crew's rental vehicle to visit his family, and then attempted to charge it all on the travel voucher. Once the crew returned and I got the debrief and the vouchers, I took them to the Vice Wing CC. He called in the PACAF JAG, swore me in, and the formal process started. In the end, he was relieved of command and transferred, my record was protected, and everyone in that Ops Group was a little better off.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 8 at 2018 9:55 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 09:55:43 -0500

I was very lucky, we either didn't see or know about any such problems, or they were good enough leaders to not do anything stupid.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 8 at 2018 10:46 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 10:46:57 -0500

Yes, the key is in presentation and if it's a matter of actions that could lead to a poor perception of the leader or illegal/ immoral behavior. Fortunately with the exception of one squad leader I had, the issues I dealt with were leaders actions that could cause them to be perceived poorly.

In all but two instances a private sideline conversation with the leader pointing out what was observed in a respectful but straight forward manner got good results. That's not to say things didn't get interesting and the info received in a happy coom- by- ah manner,(even the best of us, if honest, doesn't like to be told they are being an ass) but folks respect the truth and the worst they could do is fire me. As far as blow back to the troops goes, once shit was handled it was handled and a dead issue.

The one instance that the message wasn't delivered in a cordial manner, but still away from the troops, I was ready and more than willing to fall on the sword over as the individual had single handedly caused an absolute goat fuck that endangered the whole company. It was by the grace of god that we didn't loose anyone. I won't go deeper than that because they turned around and became a good leader and we get along well to this day.

The other instance where the actions pointed out, having not been corrected resulted in the loss of a great guy, another maimed and a couple folks going on to later commit suicide. Because an individual had too much pride to act on sound counsel. That individual was relieved and the incident is what led me to the you can fix it or you can fire me attitude. My battle buddy and I got medals for our actions before and after the incident but that doesn't bring back the dead.

If you see something that appears wrong bring it to folks attention, be polite , be professional, fix it . You'll sleep better at night.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 12:02 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:02:10 -0500

My first assignment as a Navy Chaplain was at a training center. We were at a military ball one year and in opening the ceremonies the MC asked all the designated drivers to stand. I watched my CO and XO stand up while both had bottles of beer sitting in front of them. I kept an eye on them the remainder of the night and that was the only drink that either of them had and we left 4 hours later, so I didn't say anything that night. I did however go to the XO on Monday morning and tell him what I had seen and pointed out that the command table was surrounded by student tables. Most of these students were under 21 and we hammered them all the time about not drinking underage and responsible drinking once you were of age. He hung his said and said, "Oh my gosh, I didn't even think of that. You're absolutely right Chaps. We have to set the example. I'll talk the to Skipper." Turned out well. The key is to approach it with humility and tact, and not to lord it over the superior even if you feel they are in the wrong.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 1:56 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:56:50 -0500

Majority of the time, the superior was unaware of their deficiency. In those instances, (happening to myself included) a, “Thank you so much for letting me know! I don’t want to appear like a soup sandwich (or add other terminology).” For myself, I begin to think of how many superiors, peers and subordinates I had spoken too who DIDN’T say something. This is also a big problem with males correcting females and vice versus. Majority of the time people are focused on completing whatever mission they are currently doing and are not “inspecting” everyone’s uniform they come across. BUT in those instances where it is noticeable, most are unaware.

Now for those special few…we have all met them…besides wounded pride (on both sides) those who are on the side of policies will always win. I refuse to argue or let others upset me anymore. Anymore being the key word. Once addressed, if they respond disrespectfully or blow me off then I will find someone who will make them care. I work predominately with officers and am not afraid to utilize these resources when involving fellow officers. Sometimes, being respectful and right means more than being right and disrespectful. Carrying oneself with class will always ensure you land on the right side of things.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 8 at 2018 2:19 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:19:58 -0500

Several times.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 9:59 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 21:59:07 -0500

Yes and I didn't care what he thought about it because we had photos of him doing the low crawl from the O-Club bar to the parking lot. That was many moons ago when I really thought I was something special. I am no where nearly that "cocky" any longer.

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Mar 9 at 2018 1:02 AM

CW3 Jeff Held — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 01:02:27 -0500

Did not “have” to but yes. Sometimes they drink too much goofy juice for breakfast and get arrogant. In a CS meeting the BN CDR said something and I added to it. He jumped up yelled (and I mean Yelled) for me to follow him to his office. Got in his office & he slammed the door and yelled even louder - for the benefit of the guys still in the conference room.

I told him to pull his head out of his ass and that he better never yell at me again. Next day the BDE CDR came down and found me in my office at the Motor Pool. He left his entourage outside and closed the door to my office. He used to be my BN XO and this guy was a shit-hot Officer. He looks at me and asks if I really told the BN CDR to pull his head out of his ass and to never ‘raise his voice at me again’. Of course I said ‘Yes Sir’. Guy laughed so hard I thought we was gonna wet his pants.

After he wiped the water from his eyes and his laughters subsided he asked what the BN CDR was up too. I gave him my take. I’m sure he had gotten wind of things from other officers in the BN.

BN CDR rarely spoke to me and could never look me in the eye after that. OER’s were proper (BDE CDR was my reviewer) and never heard another thing about it.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Mar 9 at 2018 6:50 AM

1SG Klayton W. Hayes — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 06:50:00 -0500

Yes, Second Lieutenants, they had a habit of shitting in my soup. But then again that was their job as Company Commanders in Training.

Response by SSgt Rae Ann Panther made Mar 11 at 2018 5:26 PM

SSgt Rae Ann Panther — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:26:04 -0400

Yes, 1980, USAF First Shirt "name calling" me in front of other airmen. Told Ops Officer and we both went to Social Actions about it. Got "half hearted" apology.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Mar 21 at 2018 10:04 AM

CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 10:04:34 -0400

I once had an officer that was part of my work group that was making general derogatory statements about foreigners. Many of the enlisted soldiers in our group were married to foreign born wives, i.e German, Korean. I took him aside and let him know that this is not appropriate and that the solders felt too intimidated by his rank to say anything. Evidently this did not have the intended consequences because he recommenced his rude inappropriate behavior. At that point I went to my boss, a GS13 and reported the problem. She called us both in her office and told us to both go for a walk and work it out. At that point I told him that if he didn't change his attitude and behavior, I would have no choice than to go to the Colonel and let the chips fall where the may.
In the end, you have to be able to respect yourself and do what is right, for all involved.

Response by MSgt Raymond Stettner made Mar 27 at 2018 4:11 PM

MSgt Raymond Stettner — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:11:57 -0400

When I was a young airman my then girlfriend, who was also an airman, was assaulted by our Hospital Commander, who was drunk at the time. Now remember, this was the middle 70's. My girlfriend was put through hell proving the crime. It resulted in no disclipine for the commander and a broken airman who up till then was an outstanding airman. Hoping to make the Air Force a career she seperated after only 4 years. As we just got married this incident followed me to my next assignment in the ROK. As I progressed up the promotion ladder I vowed that no female airman would have to go through the personal hell my wife went through.

Response by SN Kristi Kalis made Apr 9 at 2018 7:06 PM

SN Kristi Kalis — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 19:06:11 -0400

Absolutely! I confronted a superior officer when he propositioned me on duty. I later told him (off duty) in no uncertain terms that his career was on the line, not to do it again, and that I had told 2 others about it to protect myself from retribution. He stammered and was extremely uncomfortable, which was awesome. He had a history of doing this, but I never heard of anyone else ever having a problem with him after my incident.

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Apr 10 at 2018 4:27 PM

CWO2 James Mathews — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 16:27:56 -0400

Yes. My Department Head and I were on liberty in a port city in Washington State. We had not gone together but were drinking at the same bar. A shipmate informed me that my Dept. Head was fighting in the parking lot with a Senior CPO. I rushed out and sure enough, they were fighting. Finally, I got between them, and said to each, "Stop Fighting or I will do you both in with this heavy stick I picked up on the way." Just then the police arrived in a police car and demanded that all of us get in, over my objections. I thought about this until both men started fighting in the car, which I again stopped. Sitting in the police station both men again started to fight which I stopped and directed the guarding officer to separate them which he did, finally believing my ideas. When the Magistrate arrived we were all required to be immediately taken back to the ship, and return the following day. I directed the police driver to put the Commander in the front seat of the van and the senior chief in the back with me and handcuff the chief to the door so he could not reach me. The police did so and we drove to the ship. The police asked me if I had any further ideas. I told them to release the Commander and escort him to the gangway. Then release the Chief and do the same for him. Finally, let me go to the gangway. These ideas were carried out. When I got on board I went to the Commander's stateroom, and found him asleep and then locked his door so, he could not leave. The next morning I took the Commander's place at the XO's briefing, unlocked the Commander's door, and left for the police station. At the appointed hour all were present, and each man, in turn, was fined, and let go. In my case, the police explained about my assistance and the fact that I was not engaged in the fight but tried to stop it. The magistrate gave me a note with his approval, and I returned to the ship. By the time I got there the Chief had been spoken to by the Captain and restricted for two weeks. The Commander and I went in to see the Captain. The Captain asked me what had happened and the Commander interrupted and answered for me, praising my actions and relieving me of any part in the fight. Then he admitted that he was totally responsible and sorry. I was excused and no further comment, verbal or written was ever made. I was very relieved to not have to testify against my immediate superior because basically he was a good man and well respected on the ship.

Response by SPC James Gromley made Apr 11 at 2018 5:50 PM

SPC James Gromley — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:50:00 -0400

First year at Ft. Eustis, Va. I came back from a evening run and found that all but one of the 4 barracks doors where chain and padlocked. If it was not for my platoon leader being on CQ that night I would have had heck of a time just going to my room. You see being a cook the only time I was seen by other members of my company was at meal times, and they tend to be think about their meal and not who was serving it. So being a volunteer Firefighter I knew that to lock all but one was a violation of Fire code for the barracks. I went to first Sargent to let him know about it think he had no idea it was being done, well it turned out it was his idea to do it. Simple put I told him with all due respect if I was to have same problem the next night I would go to post fire company. All it took was one trip the ran a fire drill during day when I was at work in mess hall, they question him as to why there where chains and locks hanging on the doors, he told them same thing he told me. Their response did not make him happy, the chains and locks where removed that day. I never heard another thing and he was transferred out within 6 mouths.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Apr 28 at 2018 11:20 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 23:20:35 -0400

Not quite, but once I did tell the Bn CO that he ought to attach the Hqs Tank Section to one of the line companies at least in garrison because the HHC CO "didn't know a damn thing about tanks, didn't want to know a damn thing about tanks, and never would know a damn thing about tanks." It just happened that the HHC CO was standing with us during that conversation. I was transferred to a line company that next day. The Hqs tank section stayed in HHC, but the HHC CO was transferred out of the battalion by the end of the week -- it only took a few days for the Bn CO to figure out that I was correct about the HHC CO even if I had expressed the problem poorly.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2018 6:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 May 2018 18:59:03 -0400

Yes I've dealt with it. More than once. Retaliation seems to be something you could set a clock to.

The military is a go along to get along place. I think anyone, with some time in, could say that it's not making for a better military.

Response by COL John Hudson made May 6 at 2018 8:03 PM

COL John Hudson — Sun, 06 May 2018 20:03:04 -0400

FROM THE IG DESK: As a Lieutenant Colonel, I held the second position of "Deputy Inspector General" for our 3-State Regional Support Command. Our O-6 Colonel "Detailed IG" was relieved of his position due to allegations of sexual harassment... absolutely stunning to all concerned. Our office files are highly confidential and protected in equal measure to any attorney-client privilege and I was instructed by our two-star not permit him entry into our office while the investigation was in process. You guessed it...he came strolling in the following morning as if nothing had happened. The proverbial pin was waiting to drop and dead silence gripped the entire office staff with hard tension as I stood at the gates to confront him. For an instant, I was frozen; faced with the realization I had to challenge my superior under the locked gaze of half a dozen office staff staggered to mute staring. Girding myself with as much tact as I could muster, I politely informed him I could not permit him to enter the office as, "Major General...... " was clear in his instruction and if you have any question I must ask that you please see him for edification." He muttered a profanity under his breath and left, to the relief of all staff present. The allegations against him were substantiated, he received a "Relief For Cause" OER under AR 623-3, removed from his position and fired. I was promoted into the position of "Detailed IG" as a result. I want everyone out there to understand this is NOT the way I would ever have chosen for personal advancement. Allow me a moment to share with all our military Readers the following: I graduated from the Inspector General Academy in Washington, D.C.. During the course of that instruction, a great deal of historical statistics were shared. The largest categories of Command failure across the entire military board of all services were "Sex" and "Money." Those two reasons ruined more careers than any other statistical event documented. Be advised. JCH

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made May 6 at 2018 8:36 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Sun, 06 May 2018 20:36:13 -0400

As a Military Policeman I often found myself dealing with persons of superior rank. As long as I maintained a professional demeanor I never had an instance when their rank became an issue except for highly intoxicated individuals who had compromised their rank with their unprofessional and usually illegal behavior. I always attempted to do my job professionally and stayed away from belligerent and demeaning comments unless they continued in that vain. Most responded in kind and those that didn't set the tone of the exchange and were invariably humbled by the outcome.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 12:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 May 2018 00:41:00 -0400

Had a Captain strike up a relationship with a MSG in the same unit while in Iraq... after previously being involved with a SSG and before that an E-5. Guess he was trying to climb the rank ladder.
Anyway, his conduct was well known and the company commander did nothing about it.
One day I came back to the FOB from the COP I lived on and caught the MSG's roommate (a PFC, but quarters were tight for females) sitting outside at 2am. I just said hello at first, then I realized what was going on and decided to post up outside for the night and wait them out. They outlasted me though as I had to go to a meeting at 0800.
Later, I was in my secure shack late one night writing reports to post on the SIPR side, when I heard noises in the adjacent room. Irate, I pounded on the wall and got a threat from the other side. "No worries, sir. I'll come to you." and hustled to the other door. They hurried up and locked it, so I resolved to post up outside again... this time with nothing but time on my hands.
I spent the whole night throwing rocks at the side of their plywood walls - just to let them know I cared. Eventually I had to take a piss and they took the opportunity to slip away. But this time I'd had enough and found the commander to wake him up to fix this. He acted as though he had no idea, but I've been doing this CA thing for a minute and know deception when I see it. He got around to telling me that he'd heard "rumors" and told him to stop... but I rather doubt the truth of that too.
Making matters worse, the CO had recommended both CPT Fraternization and MSG Easy for MSMs, much to the consternation of those of us actually out in the field actually doing the work.
The peasants started to revolt.
At the end of the day, the CO did nothing and the two fraternizers got married later, all the while denying that they'd had a relationship.
They weren't that sneaky though, as one day the female (now a 1SG) got posted on the USACAPOC home page sporting her new last name...
I called up the officer involved, and just told him to log in.
"Nice OPSEC, sir."

Response by SGT Daniel Browning made May 12 at 2018 1:03 AM

SGT Daniel Browning — Sat, 12 May 2018 01:03:15 -0400

I had a similar issue with one of my superiors when I was with 1st CAV. I had returned from a deployment to Iraq and when I went to acquire my personal belongings that I thought had been put in storage, it was all gone, but for a few bags of clothing. After investigating I found out that over $10,000 of my belongings had been stolen by soldiers within my unit. I later found out that it was the BN 1SGT, that was responsible for letting it happen and even though he knew who was responsible he did nothing and opted to sweep it under the rug. I requested assistance from my company commander and 1SGT and they too decided to do nothing. I ended up losing nearly everything I owned because of their negligence.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made May 12 at 2018 1:18 AM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sat, 12 May 2018 01:18:05 -0400

many of times and it got resolved.

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made May 12 at 2018 10:21 AM

MSgt Don Dobbs — Sat, 12 May 2018 10:21:35 -0400

While stationed at Loring AFB Maine in 1986 my reporting official a 1st Lt was attempting to sell a MSgt in my office home made pornography. Videos and still photos. I was a TSgt at the time. I thought about what was happening and knew it was a violation of the UCMJ. I informed the Lt that she was in violation of the UCMJ and was under apprehension. I then instructed an A1C in the office to contact the Security Police and to call our Lt Col office chief immediately. The Lt told me I couldn't do this and I informed her that she would remain seated and await the arrival of the Col. and the SP's. The disposition, The Lt was court martialed and given a dishonorable discharge along with several other officers who were part of her porn ring.

Response by MAJ Alan Montgomery made May 16 at 2018 11:56 AM

MAJ Alan Montgomery — Wed, 16 May 2018 11:56:55 -0400

Only once - as a Captain, & company commander, had to remind an moderately intoxicated LTC that his language was a might racy for the ladies attending a Bde social function. Following the event, and incident, we became staunch friends as much as a Bn LTC and a Captain can be. A little tact, some careful wording, and a few words of caution and the incident was rendered mute and no one was humiliated.

Response by SSG John Eroh made May 19 at 2018 2:15 PM

SSG John Eroh — Sat, 19 May 2018 14:15:19 -0400

I can think of it happening twice. The 1st was in Korea where we got a Bn CO who came from a tactical unit to our fixed station communications unit with a 24/7 mission. We were the last link in the system before leaving Korea to the states. He started having us do PT and Sat. morning inspections, etc. while we were working 12 hour shifts. It started taking a lot longer for circuit outages to get fixed then previously and phone calls of high ranking officers kept getting dropped. It didn't take long for Brigade to start looking into it and he was soon gone. He found out the hard way the difference between the missions of tactical & fixed station communications and the treatment of the soldiers performing them.

The other was a SSG Assistant Station Chief in Vietnam who was a real pain in the rear. His room was in our barracks but he had walls to the rafters rather than our 4' dividers. Several times someone would climb over the wall when he was gone and lock his door on the inside. The guy in the cubicle next to his room made a stereo cabinet out of a wooden shipping box with a locking door and over thee power plug. When the SSG had a day off, he put on the side of the album which was all Yoko Ono, left the record player arm up so it would keep repeating, locked the cabinet door and we took off with the site vehicle to the PX which was on another compound several miles away. After that he got the hint and was pretty decent.

Another time, an MP learned the hard way not to mess with personnel and commo guys when he "volunteered" for a remote place in Turkey. He was given a hint as he did his final out-processing at personnel. But he wasn't a superior rank, just let his badge go to his head.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made May 20 at 2018 1:59 PM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Sun, 20 May 2018 13:59:44 -0400

Yes. It's an amazing thing to see how a superior reacts when their actions or inaction are reported to their higher up! As long as you know and use the regulations, you are good.

Response by CSM John Cartwright made May 30 at 2018 10:19 AM

CSM John Cartwright — Wed, 30 May 2018 10:19:51 -0400

LEAD ,FOLLOW,OR GETTHE HELL OUT OF THE WAY! IF IT'S WRONG IT'S WRONG MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE,AND LIVE WITH THE RESULTS!

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jun 7 at 2018 9:57 AM

1SG Billye Jackson — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:57:15 -0400

While in Germany I had a HHB with a Fist Platoon that I had assigned to run the 50 cal range in Graf and I had gone to Check it out.. Well I had a Cpt. OIC ( his name was Jackson to) who was out of uniform, I called hem off to the side and asked hem to please remove the Article of Clothing he had On, that it was Hard enough to keep troops in Proper Uniform. he Informed me He was a Cpt and that I couldn't correct his Uniform, I Saluted hem did an about Face got in my Jeep, had my Driver take me to the other Range we were running , I Knew the Bn XO was there, I told hem what had Happened. Xo said Follow me and we went Back to 50 Cal range where he Jerked a Knot in his Ass (in front of everyone}and said it better NEVER Happen Again. I never had any other Problems with hem or another Officer in Battery.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 8 at 2018 2:56 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 14:56:00 -0400

Well, I had a nice and private talk to the BN Co once about his actions that I felt were both wrong and inappropriate involving how and when to chew out a subordinate (not me, btw) and it turned out well. He was at heart a good and caring officer and actually knew I was correct when I pointed it out. Didn't stop him from flying of the handle completely, but he tended to keep that behavior with the senior people after that conversation. OTOH, I butted heads with the S-3 over instructions from his office to one of my people that was both illegal and unethical and he wasn't about to change it for Cpt. Cable, so that conversation went in front of a different BN Commander. He really didn't have much of a choice but to support me, but I didn't walk away from that one feeling like I made any friends.