How do you deal with being bullied in your unit?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 02:01:01 -0400

When I recently got to my new unit everything was well until I became the butt of jokes. At first like everything else I took it with a grain of salt and thought it's just comrodery. Over time it starts getting worse and worse to a personal level. At that point I tell them to stop and leave me alone, but they don't. It has gotten so bad vicious rumors spread about me and I end up in Top and commanders office to clarify what's going on. It's so bad I'm unhappy, I'm trying to stay positive grin through it and push on. I try to fight back, but they twist it to where I'm in the wrong. I can only take so much, I'm only human. I don't know what to do. I don't know how long I can hold on.

Response by SFC Michael Seiber made Oct 4 at 2015 2:05 AM

SFC Michael Seiber — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 02:05:35 -0400

I'd talk to a therapist. I've seen this first hand and this avenue seemed to work the best. If it gets worse, go higher.

Response by MSgt Niclas Svensson made Oct 4 at 2015 2:06 AM

MSgt Niclas Svensson — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 02:06:34 -0400

My only advise is to continue up the Chain until you get resolution. (I emphasize using the chain of command...not doing so can get you into hot water). Eventually you will reach a level where you get some resolution.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 4 at 2015 2:57 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 02:57:56 -0400

Stand up, let them know it is out of hand. Use your chain of command. Good natured fun is one thing. Driving someone to problems is quite another, and hurting your brothers and sisters by mentally berating them and causing real issues is unprofessional and immature.
Stay positive and use that chain of command. Make sure that you are kicking ass at your job, so that proficiency is not an issue that focuses attention away from where it needs to be.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 4 at 2015 3:19 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 03:19:32 -0400

speak with your CSM. You should not be subjected to any form of harassment.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 4 at 2015 3:22 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 03:22:07 -0400

You can always try going through the Chaplin's office as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 3:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 03:35:08 -0400

PFC, I suggest that you bring this issue up to your chain of command, if they don't do anything take it higher. There are also other agencies that can help, EO for example, go talk to the Chaplain or BH. Don't just sit there and take the abuse, your time in the military will be miserable.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 4 at 2015 6:09 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 06:09:17 -0400

What about being bullied in Boot Camp or Advanced Infantry Training by your DIs??? Some claim they are being bullied when in fact they are being pushed to perform ...

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Oct 4 at 2015 9:27 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 09:27:15 -0400

I once thought I was being bullied when I was a young private but I looked at who was doing the bullying; it was fat and out of shape Soldiers. I beat them in PT and berated them in from of other Soldiers. I stood up for myself. Maybe that's not the best option for you but before you take it outside of your company, stand up to these fools. Also take a note on which leaders failed to act when you were being bullied by other Soldiers. They will come under fire when the CoC wants to CYA.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 4 at 2015 10:06 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 10:06:02 -0400

This should be handled at your squad or platoon level. Does not say much for your chain of command if it is reaching Top's office. If you have a problem going up the chain, then go talk to the chaplain. The chaplain is a great source of help in the military community that is often over looked.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Oct 4 at 2015 10:32 AM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 10:32:51 -0400

Have you spoken to your NCO about this in detail? If so and they have not done anything then take it up the chain till moved to another section or file an Equal opportunity complaint on the grounds of a "hostile work environment". You would be surprised to see how much pull an EO has! Back in my day, I would just have the two Marines fight it out with boxing gloves but now that would be considered hazing!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 12:42 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 12:42:33 -0400

Effective counter-battery fire.
You have been judged a soft target by some immature Soldiers in your unit. They will continue to attack you until you quit or stand up for yourself.
Your Chain-of-Command is part of the solution, but it starts with you.
Don't let them win. You are a Soldier.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 2:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:58:04 -0400

1) Notify your Chain of Command first before you do anything else. Let them know the issues you are facing and the problems other Soldiers are creating. Let them work the system for you. DO NOT GET PHYSICAL with anyone. That will just make matters worse for you.
OR
2) If your Chain of Command HAS been notified and nothing has been done to correct these problems, file an IG complaint.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Oct 4 at 2015 3:24 PM

PV2 Scott Goodpasture — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 15:24:38 -0400

Just don't go all Full Metal Jacket. People that bully are usually cowards trying to look all brave. Maybe you should just pick one out and ask him why he's such a scared little soldier anyway.

Response by SPC Michael Pellegrino made Oct 16 at 2019 9:01 PM

SPC Michael Pellegrino — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 21:01:13 -0400

I would spend time talking to the bullies and find out what their issue is with me otherwise they can kiss my ass...this about being a man not about being a soldier.....you give respect you should receive respect AMEN!!!!