How can I set the record straight without being considered a brown nose or looking like I was threatened into it?

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 13:11:26 -0400

Recently a few disgruntled Cadets decided to send up emails to the brigade commander and Cadet Command about our Professor of Military Science. Long story short these emails told straight up lies and caused some (optional) training that was helping a lot of cadets get better cancelled. I want to know if I have options to set the record straight without causing our PMS further trouble.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2017 1:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 13:50:18 -0400

I would say you can do one of two things...

1) Type up a Memo For Record and write out the facts as you know them
or
2) Wait until the Investigating Officer calls you in to fill out a Sworn Statement, where you will write out the facts as you know them.

I would say to stand by for #2 as this one is more likely to happen.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2017 2:02 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 14:02:16 -0400

That would depend on what position you hold in the department. If that position places you as authorized to "set" that record, by all means do so. I find it shocking that we have cadets in your program that already don't live up to our Army Values. Perfect time to espouse those during the discussion.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 17 at 2017 2:42 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 14:42:53 -0400

I cannot speak to what you can or cannot do, should or should not do; but there's something about your post that is bothersome to me as both a soldier and an NCO. Understand first, it's not about you.

Obviously there is more than one side to any story, but all I or anyone else can do is take you at your word, so I will. So when taking you at your word-and assuming you are absolutely, and factually correct--I am bothered by the idea that future military officers would conspire together, hurt others, and all to further their own interests. Whatever those interests may be.

I get that cadets are going to be young, semi-mature people (generally speaking), but if they are capable of, as you claim, lying about others and sabotaging training opportunities as a consequence, these kids need to step away from the uniform. If true, I damn sure don't want such scum in command positions. There are more than enough self-centered, toxic leadership out there. Let's not add more.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 1:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:03:00 -0400

I think that there is a lot wrong with this situation, which SGT Dave Tracy does a fine job expanding on, so I will second that.
I will say this: people griping at requirements and "highly encouraged" taskers is not something new. But there is an old saying in the Army - bitches go up, never down. Future leaders need to learn that lateral griping, while human nature, have a deleterious effect on unit morale and readiness. The Cadet Commander should be well-versed on how to handle situations like this, and if he is on his game, he should be asking some pointed questions. Should he come asking you, fill him in with the situation as you know it, then let deciders decide.

Response by MSG James Hughs made Apr 21 at 2017 12:03 PM

MSG James Hughs — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 12:03:25 -0400

as a student.....I do not think there is anything you can do legally that would benefit the PMS..... and could even harm your status.... It is not the PMS's first time at the circus..... the best you can do is privately.....give him your support and encouragement.....and be a good student.
The higher command has or will conduct an investigation.... whatever the conclusion.....nothing you say will have much impact..... While teach ROTC I tried to warn my PMS there were serious problems.....he accused me of being "crazy"......sent me to a shrink.....ultimately I chose to retire early to avoid the chaos I knew was coming.... later the PMS was forced to retire....the major was re-assigned....and the captain got a court martial...... and I was a senior NCO.....think how powerless a student is..... sometimes all you can do is maintain your honor....your integrity..... your honesty and do the best job, most professional job you are allowed to do.....

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Apr 24 at 2017 2:06 PM

PVT Andrew Burd — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:06:00 -0400

I'm not sure if I'm alone in this... but why is the guy in front holding his weapon while everyone else has theirs shouldered...

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Apr 24 at 2017 4:22 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 16:22:44 -0400

If this is an serious situation for your professor, an investigation will be conducted. Depending on whether this professor is accused of a crime or an infraction, you may be required to wrote a sworn statement to CID or CoC. Be completely honest and don't go beyond the facts. Don't make statements regarding anything that you haven't personally witnessed. Also, take this as a learning experience for you about how military justice. As an officer you're going to have to deal with UCMJ regarding your soldiers. Pay attention to how the leadership deals with this and use it to help formulate a strategy for dealing with similar problems when you're leading a platoon, company, or even a battalion.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 6:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 18:52:25 -0400

Use the Army Values as a guide! L.D.R.S.H.I.P

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 6:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 18:54:22 -0400

Integrity, Honesty, Personal Courage, Loyalty

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 6:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 18:55:08 -0400

Taking a hard right is better than making an easy left!

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Apr 24 at 2017 7:07 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 19:07:31 -0400

Leon: I saw that you told LTC Johnson that you are a second year Cadet; so are you a Sophomore? Next, are you on scholarship and or under an Army contract? If yes you are duty bound to report what you know.

Start with the Cadet Chain of Command. This is where peer pressure can be applied best. If this doesn't or won't add value, use the Cadre Chain of Command. You may want to talk with your ROTC class room instructor if you fear retaliation.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2017 12:24 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 00:24:27 -0400

Personally, I would seriously like to know why the black soldier in the photograph DOES NOT have his weapon slung on his left shoulder like everyone else?