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Because this is social media I am posting this for a co-worker who is having issues with a new soldier in the Reserves.
I have a new junior enlisted soldier just finished AIT that seems to make an effort to disregard all rule and regulations when it comes to being a professional soldier. Some of the things the soldier has done include , addressing a E5 and O4 as bro, does not shave, fails to complete tasks, late to formation, frequently making inappropriate comments in front of females etc... I and others have tried talking to the soldier. I even spoke to my NCOIC about the issues but he appears to be avoiding confrontation when it comes to these issues. I am currently an E4 wondering what steps I can do to try and deal with this soldier. The Private and I have been told that I am his first line but he seems to not take my authority seriously.
I have a new junior enlisted soldier just finished AIT that seems to make an effort to disregard all rule and regulations when it comes to being a professional soldier. Some of the things the soldier has done include , addressing a E5 and O4 as bro, does not shave, fails to complete tasks, late to formation, frequently making inappropriate comments in front of females etc... I and others have tried talking to the soldier. I even spoke to my NCOIC about the issues but he appears to be avoiding confrontation when it comes to these issues. I am currently an E4 wondering what steps I can do to try and deal with this soldier. The Private and I have been told that I am his first line but he seems to not take my authority seriously.
Leadership
Disrespect
Professionalism
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 34
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You end up with one of two choices, the one you choose will indicate your level of leadership..
You can crush him and kick him out. Show him that this is not what the Army looks like it is willing to tolerate.
Or, you can show him what professional looks like and teach him. You're not wrong if you can't do the second one. I've helped kick out quite a few turd bags who might have had potential with the right leadership. I myself made some stupid choices as well. I once showed up to work after a massive rave with short, bleached blonde hair, back in the time of no hair dye and high and tights.
As for the inappropriate comments in front of females, chances are he was raised believing that was the right thing. You have to re-educate him. I find with re-education it helps if you change the frame of reference. For instance, take those comments and contact his mother and ask if she is aware of her son's comments. Ask him if he would be proud to have his parents hear those comments and then let them hear. Shame is a powerful social tool that can be used for good.
You can crush him and kick him out. Show him that this is not what the Army looks like it is willing to tolerate.
Or, you can show him what professional looks like and teach him. You're not wrong if you can't do the second one. I've helped kick out quite a few turd bags who might have had potential with the right leadership. I myself made some stupid choices as well. I once showed up to work after a massive rave with short, bleached blonde hair, back in the time of no hair dye and high and tights.
As for the inappropriate comments in front of females, chances are he was raised believing that was the right thing. You have to re-educate him. I find with re-education it helps if you change the frame of reference. For instance, take those comments and contact his mother and ask if she is aware of her son's comments. Ask him if he would be proud to have his parents hear those comments and then let them hear. Shame is a powerful social tool that can be used for good.
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SPC Stewart Smith
5 thumbs up for this one.
It's easy to command a difficult soldier to do something. It's easy to counsel him and force him out of the army if he doesn't comply.
It's more difficult to teach someone and help them grow, but, in my opinion, it's the right thing to do.
Not all soldiers will comply, but it doesn't hurt to give it your best and show them what a real leader does.
It's easy to command a difficult soldier to do something. It's easy to counsel him and force him out of the army if he doesn't comply.
It's more difficult to teach someone and help them grow, but, in my opinion, it's the right thing to do.
Not all soldiers will comply, but it doesn't hurt to give it your best and show them what a real leader does.
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SPC (Join to see)
Since he is the first line for the private he is going for a counseling. With his section chief not taking it serious him and another SPC have had several talks with him, since that didn't happen they are going to another NCO to teach him how to do a proper counseling statement. I think one problem here rests at Basic training where I feel they don't put enough emphasis on how a SPC can be a team leader and they should be treated as NCOs. Right now they are viewed as a Bro not a mentor.
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SFC Kenneth Withers
There was a time when wall to wall counseling worked well. Some individuals responded to it better than verbal!
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This starts with counseling and a discussion with the commander and the UA responsible for payroll. Two things you mention can result in a U for drill and no pay, with the possibility of ending in a discharge for unsat performance after three drills.
Not completing assigned tasks is unsat performance, and not shaving is not in compliance with AR 670-1, and for the reserve pay reg, the MDAY or TPU must be in uniform, in compliance with AR 670-1.
So counsel the Soldier on paper, so he understands this kind of failure will result in no pay, and unsat codes that can result in a discharge if he accumulates 9 Us in a 12 month period. And you talk to the CO and UA, because they are the ones that put that U on the payroll.
Also include the SHARP class in that counseling, and remind him that anyone within earshot of that comment can file the complaint, and that you will do that the next time you hear it.
If he continues to fail for three drills, follow up and kick him out.
Not completing assigned tasks is unsat performance, and not shaving is not in compliance with AR 670-1, and for the reserve pay reg, the MDAY or TPU must be in uniform, in compliance with AR 670-1.
So counsel the Soldier on paper, so he understands this kind of failure will result in no pay, and unsat codes that can result in a discharge if he accumulates 9 Us in a 12 month period. And you talk to the CO and UA, because they are the ones that put that U on the payroll.
Also include the SHARP class in that counseling, and remind him that anyone within earshot of that comment can file the complaint, and that you will do that the next time you hear it.
If he continues to fail for three drills, follow up and kick him out.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
SGM always knows. I know zilch about Reserves other than the fact they are a vital segment of our Total Force. This sounds like gradually giving more rope so he hangs himself.
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Cpl Phillip Brame
SGM with all due respect this well below your pay grade. This can and will be solved at the squad or section level.
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SGM (Join to see)
Cpl Phillip Brame - Ideally that is what fixes the problem.
But when it doesn't, (and the OP implies that it hasn't) that's when unit level action is required. And yes, it's well below my pay grade now, but I was once in the job that had to do that, and many in that job now are completely unaware of what their options are to administratively address unsat performance, up to and including separation.
But when it doesn't, (and the OP implies that it hasn't) that's when unit level action is required. And yes, it's well below my pay grade now, but I was once in the job that had to do that, and many in that job now are completely unaware of what their options are to administratively address unsat performance, up to and including separation.
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I guess wall to wall counseling is not longer PC. Then perhaps a long talk with some hardened combat vets on the importance of getting with the program. This youngster's unprofessional attitude can and will get folks killed when things get serious -- and I don't care what the MOS might be.
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SPC (Join to see)
When I enlisted back in 2010 I was afraid of wall to wall and the tree line that I toed the line
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