Have you ever been told that you follow/enforce the AFIs (Regulations, OPNAVs, ARs etc.) too strictly by a superior?

2016-11-01T14:55:07-04:00

For example: it appears some individuals from all ranks interpret the regulations as "suggestions" and guidelines. There is legal terminology at the beginning of most Air Force Instruction (AFI) that specifically identifies the meaning of words such as "should", "must", and "will". Simply put it states that if it says you should do it, then, you will do it! And if for some reason you cannot do it, you will notify up the chain of command the reason and request a waiver or sorts. People say this is not the true intention of AFIs, they state they are "instructions" but meant only as guideline to assist one in carrying out the mission.

I for one disagree adamantly. If we only loosely follow the instructions authored and signed by our superiors (often times General), how can we expect our subordinates to follow us?

If the AFI says jump, you should read a few more lines to see how high. And if it's unsafe, immoral, or just plain wrong... then you need to follow it to the best of your abilities within safety and moral/legal guidelines and then immediately route of the chain the issue through the channels provided and get it fixed!

The top brass don't know the system is broken because no one wants to tell them! If we follow the regulations to a "t" and things don't work out then we can prove what's wrong and recommend a way to fix it.

Anyone agree or disagree?

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Nov 1 at 2016 3:09 PM

2016-11-01T15:09:00-04:00

To an extent, I do agree. But Black and white leaves the grey area and that is what is interpreted, The grey area.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Nov 1 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-11-01T18:01:15-04:00

Airman Raphael, If you learn one important lesson on this site, it's that "All regulations/instructions can be waived". You just have to go high enough in the chain of command to do it! A regulation/instruction tells you how things should be done under ordinary circumstances. When a situation falls outside the "ordinary", you raise it up the chain for further guidance, do what you are told/ordered to do, then document what you were ordered to do and who gave the order.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 10:06 PM

2016-11-01T22:06:42-04:00

I was in a Command and Staff meeting (commonly called the "Demand and Laugh"), when the Captain suggested the command cadre back off of enforcing Coast Guard regs (COMDTINST). We were floored - and then my blood ran cold when a Lieutenant Commander (O-4) agreed, saying, "This is going to free up SO much time!"

As the only person that could get away with it (since I was an E-9), I just said the following: "This is great. I was looking to get laid this afternoon, and there's that new Third Class Petty Officer that works in Admin that's caught my eye. I figure I could just ask her into my office, walk up and mushroom tap her on the forehead and take her there, whether she's willing or not."

Jaws hit the damned table, and I heard the Finance and Supply Warrant (Female), say, "That's rape," under her breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

I smiled and asked, "If that isn't acceptable, can I get a full list of which Instructions are voided and which are to be enforced in full? Is there any wiggle room in murder? AWOL? Stealing tools and selling them on e-Bay? If you won't give us a list, then I suggest we enforce everything as written unless we all want to be relieved for cause for violating the lawful orders of the Commandant and the entire UCMJ."

The CO smiled and said that he was glad that SOMEONE actually wanted to enforce the rules. That LCDR just melted in his seat. I don't know why he retired that next fall...

Response by PO2 Sybil "TT" I. made Nov 3 at 2016 3:40 AM

2016-11-03T03:40:45-04:00

An Admiral told one of my supervisors, who he worked for that the regs and manuals were only guidelines, when I once questioned him on a choice he made. Probably, within the same six months, I was told by a few sailors that by the time you make E5 you should know when to break the rules. That took alot of reflection on my part, because by nature I'm a by-the-book kind of gal. Still am, however, there are times when gaps and loop-holes make alot of sense, and can save your butt.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2016 6:25 AM

2016-11-03T06:25:45-04:00

SrA you will learn how to handle this through your years but I guarantee one thing...if you take everything as black and white you will NOT be an effective leader...you'll make one hell of a manager but no one wants to work for one of those. There is the rule and there is the intent of the rule. I always compare it to sports...basketball for example. The three second rule...if any portion of the players foot is on or between the lines of the lane, it is 3 seconds right...seems pretty black and white. However, as an official are you going to call it on a kid with half of one foot in the lane that is just standing there opposite the playing action not trying to gain position? Of course not...because the intent of the rule is to remove unfair advantage and if the player isn't working to gain advantage then why call it? It is the same in our Air Force. Rules (AFIs) are there to maintain good order and discipline. You as a leader have to make the decision when a violation is disrupting that good order...that is when you jump on it. It is ok at times however to let things slide a little...again...it comes with experience. When I was a SrA I let things slide without knowing the possible second and third order effects that I can see now where I am in my career...just keep working at it and relax a touch.