How do I change battalions?

2019-02-28T09:55:18-05:00

How do I change battalions?
I work in the S-1 shop, so I am part of HHC of my battalion. My leadership at the company (1SG and CDR) and my leadership at the BN (OIC) are all extremely toxic.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2019 10:12 AM

2019-02-28T10:12:33-05:00

Questions: How is your leadership extremely toxic? What is your basis for this statement?

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 28 at 2019 11:20 AM

2019-02-28T11:20:02-05:00

If you want meaningful answers, you'll need to provide meaningful details.

-Is your assessment that the leadership is toxic, widely held throughout the unit? And, has it been held for a long time? Or is this the result of one incident, involving a very few individuals?

I already have some "red flags" that make me suspect.
-As a PV2 in the S-1 shop how and why are you in such close contact with your Company CO and your Company 1stSgt that you can determine their leadership is toxic? Where is the entire chain of command (Officer and SNCO) between you and them.
-Asking a question like this in a public forum, without making it a "hypothetical" indicates that you have a judgment problem most likely the result of being young, inexperienced, and possibly entitled. (I'm not saying this to be mean. You need to understand that because you don't like a leaders style, that doesn't make it toxic. It has been my experience that many young Marines that were having difficulty adjusting to military life suffered under the delusion that the chain of command was supposed to make sure they were all comfy cozy.)

This is the real world, not the sheltered world that mom and dad provided. Hitting the reset button and starting over is rarely possible. Unless, your toxic chain of command is doing something illegal, immoral, unethical or is so bad that it is harming readiness... you probably need to suck it up and resign yourself to making this better within the limits of your authority and your sphere of influence.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2019 12:10 PM

2019-02-28T12:10:42-05:00

You don't. Your leadership decides when to move you, that's why it's called an assignment.
If you legitimately believe your leadership is toxic, utilize the open door policy of the next higher command. If your leaders are toxic, it's your duty to report it and help put an end to it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-02-28T13:05:43-05:00

Seeing as there's no explanation on how exactly the leadership is toxic, I definitely have some reservations as well. First off, you need to take a long hard inventory of the points that you believe makes your leadership climate legitimately toxic. Here are some examples. Favoritism due to gender, orientation, race. Sexual assault/harassment issues getting swept under the rug. Fraud,waste, and abuse. Physical hazing. Of course there are many more. If, after you take that inventory(I recommend pen and paper), you decide that it constitutes "toxic leadership", you need to address it at the lowest possible level. Meaning, if it's the Company CO, utilize the open door policy to speak to him/her about the issue. WITH TACT AND RESPECT. I can't stress that enough. And keep your first line leadership in the loop, most importantly. If the issue doesn't get addressed and/or solved, keep climbing the ladder. But on the other hand...if it turns out that it's not a toxic leadership climate issue, and you simply don't like it where you're at? Then you need to straight toughen up. Not gonna sugar coat it. The Army is the oldest branch in the military, NOT just some other job you can use to pad a future resume while wearing a kick-ass uniform. I know you've heard the saying "embrace the suck". As to possibly switching units? Try searching for(AKO) and talking to your branch manager. Bring good reasons to the table when you do. Best of luck.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 28 at 2019 1:12 PM

2019-02-28T13:12:36-05:00

Maybe just ask them...they'll understand. I mean they're there for you right? Just fill out this form.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2019 4:08 PM

2019-02-28T16:08:57-05:00

If your Command reads this you may get to cut your own orders, to a truly toxic place. So, be careful what you ask for and where you ask for it. Otherwise adapt and change what is within your realm of influence. Do your part to decrease the toxicity. Good luck.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 28 at 2019 6:12 PM

2019-02-28T18:12:26-05:00

If your leaders are toxic is it just to you or everyone. You need to search this out and find out what has them so negative. If it is a relationship issue such as you are a Pvt and your close contact in the company area with officers can breed complacency and unintentional disrespect, even when you meant no harm. Go talk to your squad leader or Sergeant and use your Chain of Command. It may be an issue that has festered for a long time before you arrived.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2019 7:17 PM

2019-02-28T19:17:56-05:00

As stated by a couple of individuals, as a PV2 you are not likely to be transferred to another BN. You can make the request through your chain of command, but it is not likely to occur. There has to be a good reason for you to be transferred. Units don't like to give up Soldiers, and they are not obligated to transfer you, because you don't like the unit. If you believe that you are suffering from toxic leadership, then bring it up with your chain of command. Without being specific about what you believe to be toxic, you will not get very good advice. If there are legitimate concerns, and they are not being address by the chain of command. Speaking to the IG could be a next step. As SGT Miller mentions, you should watch your tact and cussing on the internet. Insulting other service members is not very professional, and potentially can cause issues for you down the road. It is not really hard for anyone on here to reach out to your chain of command at the 10th MTN DIV if they were so inclined.