How do you deal with the soldiers/NCO's who hate Officers?

2017-01-18T04:30:36-05:00

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jan 18 at 2017 4:43 AM

2017-01-18T04:43:38-05:00

As a general rule, Soldiers/NCOs do not hate Officers however, they often learn to mistrust/dislike them and are often left believing the Officer (especial young Officer) makes hasty, ill-advised, decision in a vacuum without consulting the enlisted leader within the team....As a young Officer, do not underestimate the knowledge of those junior Soldiers and NCOs, most times they've gained their knowledge thru experience, hard earned, tough lessons.....you have to find a balance of being the leader - making decisions with the advice of your trusted enlisted counterpart (PSG/1SG/SGM/CSM) and always, ALWAYS, have time to talk with your troops - NOT TO THEM! You are the leader however, they are part of the team and it is your responsibility to continue building on the bond and strength of that team.....Soldiers & NCOs do not hate Officers as a rule however, they can learn to dislike/mistrust them. Take every opportunity to share hardships, be there when the mission is most dangerous, go to them on the perimeter, or while they are on duty, take an interest in your team and you will never see these ghost haters!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 18 at 2017 5:16 AM

2017-01-18T05:16:40-05:00

Huh What? I've dealt with some that needed to grow into their shoes but "Hate". Never met many of those. I had plenty of wonderful officers and some gave me an Awful Big Head. I was Honored to serve under the Finest Engineers and even some Scientist and Experts in the fields of Space, Computers and Telecommunications Technology. Did we Butt Heads Occasionally, Yep but I would never give up the Experience!

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Jan 18 at 2017 6:35 AM

2017-01-18T06:35:25-05:00

Hate is over used by your age group. The key for the new officer is to earn respect. Part of that is recognizing you Senior NCOs are your trainers as much as they are for other soldiers. They are also your counselors while you are in the decision making process. Your junior NCOs are sometimes as green as you. Engage them in the planing and decision making processes. Lastly, get your hand dirty and walk a mile in their shoes. Learn to wrench, do basic soldier skills and eat with them in the mess hall for breakfast and lunch. They are people just like you.

Response by CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. made Jan 18 at 2017 6:42 AM

2017-01-18T06:42:33-05:00

Promote them.

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Jan 18 at 2017 7:54 AM

2017-01-18T07:54:43-05:00

Cadet, enlisted personnel don't hate officers (from my experience in the Air Force). What we grow to hate is our input being put down, ignored or dismissed out of hand because the new Lt thinks he/she knows everything because they went to college and got their commission. You may get a little flak for making an unpopular decision, but if you have all the facts/information available when you make your decision (don't waffle) then you will gain the respect of your men, which is what you should strive for as opposed to be liked. Your troops may not like the decisions you make, but they will respect them. Like others here have said, talk to your senior NCOs (not the ones who have gone ROAD) for they have helped other young officers; and your junior NCOs because they are the ones where the rubber meets the road and lead your non-coms. You will have some that don't like your orders/decisions no matter what you decide, but don't worry about it. One last thing, not everything you do will be right, you may have to change your orders when new information comes along, and that is okay too. Be true to your men, they will be true to you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 9:55 AM

2017-01-18T09:55:29-05:00

It's not that we hate Officers. What we dislike is being asked for our input and then being told we're wrong. Or when an inexperienced Officer blatantly disregards our experienced input. We dislike some Officers treating us as inferior.

But to answer your question, I would tell my Soldiers and NCO's to suck up their thoughts and get the job done as directed by the Officer to the best of their abilities.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Jan 18 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-01-18T10:04:34-05:00

The way to deal with your perception that the Soldiers you work with hate Officers can be easily changed.
Each morning repeat the following mantra -

Today I listen for none of us are smarter than all of us.
You cannot bullshit the troops.

Then practice these and you will become an effective leader. Works for leaders in civilian life as well.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 18 at 2017 10:36 AM

2017-01-18T10:36:40-05:00

Understand that a lot of the "hate" isn't real, and when it is, it's more a function of the individual officer than the officer corps. I myself will poke good natured fun at officers in the Army as I would poke fun at other branches of the military--and expect as much in return; it's only fair--but it's never intended to be any form of real disrespect, criticism or hate; these days comedy is an endanger and often misunderstood species.

For the most part, I have liked and/or respected the officers I dealt with, but regardless of if I like them or not, I follow the lawful orders given me. I have only had to deal with two officers who I didn't "like" or respect. One, a former NCO (unfortunately), was actually fairly incompetent, but was our PL; I wouldn't want to deploy with him, but didn't "hate" him. The other, a 1LT, showed up at our Reserve unit one day and engendered in our unit so much hate (yep, I'll use the word here) in just that 1 day, that our company commander suggested he wasn't a good fit and not join our unit. Still, I'd follow their orders as I respect their ranks.

The military shouldn't be a popularity contest. Officers will get their SMs to follow their orders, but while there is NO requirement for officers, NCOs and lower enlisted to "like" one another, if someone in authority wants more than the bare minimum with low motivation, then they should work to establish mutual respect and understanding. Personally, I think mutual respect and understanding is not only more important than being liked or hated, but produces better results when trying to accomplish the mission.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 11:03 AM

2017-01-18T11:03:19-05:00

I would say that currently from my Naval experience (enlisted/LDO), there is never hate between the enlisted towards officer ranks, often times what seems to be any form of disdain or strong dislike is truly just a difference of understanding of purpose and reason. As an officer in any branch, the most important trait of leading (in my opinion) is listening to your people and building a rapport with them. I break this down into three simple philosophies: technical, policy, reality, and never have any of these led me astray:

1. Reality. Understand that long before you arrived at the current position and long after you will leave your current position, that position has been filled, meaning that you are not expected to come in and change everything or know everything. The reality is that you don't know what you don't know, those who work with (I say with because truly even the most junior enlisted person does not work for you, he/she works with you) do know everything about their job, and they take great pride in that fact.

2. Technical. Understand that you are not expected to be the technical master within your job, that should (and needs to be) left to the experts, but you need to learn a little bit of the technical side of each facet of the job so that you can speak intelligently, no better way to learn then to observe, watch, and see how the junior enlisted do what they do best.

3. Policy. "The Officer makes/sets policy, the senior enlisted enforce policy, the junior enlisted live policy", I believe this to be the most important part of an Officer's job, and this is what builds the team framework. Your division/department is a team, treat it as such. Take input from all, understanding that you may not always be able to incorporate it into the plan. There is almost never a decision that has to be made "split second", take the time to talk to the senior enlisted and get their wisdom and experience, before making a decision.

If all else fails, remember that even if things go wrong, people don't like your decisions, or there is a perception of disdain, you are the Officer, you truly do set the tone for a division, just ensure that the tone is in line with the senior enlisted leadership.

V/r
LT Christopher Kus

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 18 at 2017 12:27 PM

2017-01-18T12:27:33-05:00

Sounds to me like you're already biased against them, and think you're better or something. You're not, and if I'm right and you commission with that sort of attitude, you're going to have a LOT of problems. I hope to be wrong, in this case.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 1:00 PM

2017-01-18T13:00:40-05:00

No one really hates someone without cause. Soldiers do not hate superiors, however there is often lack of trust and respect. Trust and respect have to be earned. And there have been many new officers that have walked in to units with a 'I'm in charge' attitude without a background in the military - those Officers (butter bars) have given a bad name to all newly commissioned officers. It is your choice and actions that determine how Soldiers are going to view you.
As to how to deal with it - be a good leader, respect everyone, and take into consideration the advice of subordinates. If you have a difficult Soldier pair him/her with a strong NCO that could provide guidance.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Jan 18 at 2017 1:38 PM

2017-01-18T13:38:28-05:00

Be the best leader you can be. Treat your men and women with respect and you will receive respect in return.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 2:26 PM

2017-01-18T14:26:46-05:00

Cadet, listen to your NCO and you'll be fine. Make sure he or she has been in for awhile. That way you can receive the correct information and be successful. Ask any officer when you arrive at your unit, what did another officer teach him or her (nothing). Good luck

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 18 at 2017 2:30 PM

2017-01-18T14:30:54-05:00

If I were in your position, very carefully.

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 18 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-01-18T20:48:28-05:00

the word Hate as applied in the aspect is either a Loss of respect BY the NCO for the Officer or the Officer has done some thing to lose His credibility and thus respect of the NCO...

The Only Hatred I ever saw, was towards a Pompous arrogant, fast tracking, Ring knocking Lt. Col. on His way to the top, by walking on the backs of every officer and NCO who served Under Him...
But eventually with little or no help will self destruct... :-)

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jan 19 at 2017 4:50 AM

2017-01-19T04:50:07-05:00

I believe the "hate" is more disapproval than anything else. But keep this in mind as all Soldiers know this: mission accomplishment supersedes all else. Those same troops will follow their hated officers through thick and thin and hairiest of circumstances!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 20 at 2017 7:10 AM

2017-01-20T07:10:03-05:00

Not much you can do. It is part of the territory. Just do your best, focus our your mission and your troops, and demonstrate your abilities and character by your actions; actions not words. The military, our military, the most powerful military in this world has been working well for 241 years with enlisted troops, noncommissioned officers and officers. Read the senerity prayer. Focus on things you can control.

http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/god_grant_me_the_serenity.html

Serenity Prayer - God Grant Me The Serenity - Full Version

'God Grant Me The Serenity' (The Serenity Prayer). The full words, meaning & history behind this beautiful prayer. Also featuring the prayer in song & as a reading.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 20 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-01-20T13:13:03-05:00

Never came across that on Active Duty or in the National Guard.....honestly.

Response by MSgt Marshall Schiller made Jan 20 at 2017 4:28 PM

2017-01-20T16:28:19-05:00

I never ran into that in my career. Military SNCOs and Officers know when and how to talk out issues within the command.

One of my proudest times was a bunch of years after I retired, when I learned that a young Lieutenant that I had the privilege to mentor in his first leadership position, had been appointed to Lieutenant General in our Corps. I wrote him a letter of congratulations, with no expectation that he would remember me from so long ago. Boy, was I wrong!!! The letter I received back from him covered, in detail, the times that he felt I had shown him what a Marine SNCO should be like!!

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jan 21 at 2017 1:20 AM

2017-01-21T01:20:42-05:00

I only 'hate' the ones who've earned it, there's a lot that I like ( mostly mustangs)

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jan 22 at 2017 2:02 PM

2017-01-22T14:02:17-05:00

For that (thankfully small) minority who stereotype and openly express disdain for officers, my approach has always been to focus on doing my duty as professionally as practical.

If some poor sod still insists on bragging about how he considers all officers to be ____, then I would quietly take him aside and explain that I expect him to demonstrate proper military etiquette regarding my rank -- with an explicit caveat that I would hope, sometime in the next few weeks or months, he would have reason to acknowledge that his stereotype may not be as true as he seems to think it is.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Jan 24 at 2017 7:45 AM

2017-01-24T07:45:08-05:00

Remember to show NO disrespect and suck it up. There are idiots in all ranks, they wear their rank on their skivees.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jan 24 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-01-24T11:28:14-05:00

NCO's did not get their rank by hating officers. Soldiers who hate officers usually also hate NCO's. As a young officer, rely upon the advice of experience. Team work essential decisions build trust and respect. By all means, do not become a good old boy.

Response by CPT Jenn Dory made Jan 24 at 2017 6:04 PM

2017-01-24T18:04:37-05:00

I never encountered an NCO/soldier who truly hated officers -- as much as I did encounter officers who assumed that they would be respected and admired by their soldiers just for being an officer. What you need to remember when you earn your commission is that you have the privilege of leading an amazing group of men (and women), and that they rely upon you to inspire, motivate, protect, advocate for, and hold them accountable for what they need to do to survive in combat. You don't get to assume they trust you enough to tell you everything you need to know to be successful -- you have to earn that, and sometimes that comes from hearing unpleasant and unpopular feedback, and having the integrity to humble yourself in front of your soldiers as a result. Ask trusted NCOs for their guidance when you're planning an event, or training, as sure as anything they've done a far sight more of it than you. Be AUTHENTIC in your leadership, which sometimes means enlisting the help of your soldiers beforehand to be sure you have it straight; admit when you don't know. Have a sense of humor. You won't always have the answer, but do your best to continue to learn and grow, and expect that from your soldiers and NCOs. Understand the perspective of your soldiers -- what they are concerned about, their life challenges, their struggles and joys (as they will be very different from yours most of the time), and be there for them in and through all of that, and then, and only then, will they move mountains for you.

My first 1SG was probably the most influential person in my career, and he helped me understand that NCOs truly are the most valuable asset in a unit (assuming you have good ones -- if you don't, performance manage them, and be patient. At some point either you or they will PCS. That goes for up the chain of command, too, and you'll learn from people in both directions).

You'll know you've succeeded when they call you "my LT".

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jan 25 at 2017 9:54 PM

2017-01-25T21:54:23-05:00

Well, if a soldier or NCO actually hates someone just because they hold a commissioned rank, then that person needs to leave the armed forces. Every single enlisted service member or NCO is under the command of an officer, from a Platoon Leader on up through a General. As a former enlisted soldier and NCO, I can understand why someone might dislike a particular individual officer. But any soldier or NCO who hates ANY officer just because of their rank, they need to leave.
Regards,
Hugh

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 13 at 2019 5:28 PM

2019-06-13T17:28:55-04:00

There are those NCO's who will say I won't salute 2LT's. As a WO I found that disheartening, one you are challenging that 2lt from jump street, you put them in a no win situation. Few 2lt's want to be the bad guy on day one because some NCO took upon themselves to write a new policy. I often use the Creed of the Non Commissioned Officer (Army Version) and ask the NCO to make me understand what part of their ideal is part of the Creed. When they can't I polite remind them that NCO's who were far better than either of us ever were came up with this as an Ideal we should strive for. Hopefully this is all that needs to be done. As a WO who walked in their shoes I can relate, but as a fellow officer, I have to give that young LT a chance. I made sure my soldiers saw me salute the 2lt when ever possible so they know if I am doing it, they better be doing it as well. Mostly this enough to put this to bed.