Posted on Jan 18, 2017
How do you deal with the soldiers/NCO's who hate Officers?
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Officers
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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!
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
The military is similar to a team sport (think High School football) but with much more responsibility to one another with more serious consequences on the line. As indicated by SSG(P) (Join to see) & SMSgt Lawrence McCarter above, these fine folks will self select/identify and give you more reason to have that established relationship with the remaining team. People are people, they will either come around when they realize you operate as a values based professional or are so stubborn that they will not appreciate you until they no longer have you as their leader and unknown to you, they will talk you up without your knowledge...I've seen this many, many times!
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PV2 Daniel Sullivan
CSM Michael J. Uhlig - I could not agree more. Rank is given by the military, respect is earned by the individual, and in a perfect world the individual holding higher rank would also hold the admiration of those both above and below. Though I can't speak much in regard to holding high rank (admin flag due to PT issues due to injuries), I did have the rare opportunity to be a leader without the leadership positions. Even years later in the reserves, there would be soldiers who would let a bit of rank go to their head, but the ones who were taken seriously, myself included were those (usually privates) who did not cry out "take care of the soldier" to their superiors, but rather led by example, had the respect, followed the mission to the end, and not only took care of those of equal and lessor rank, but those who also made sure their superiors were taken care of as well. There was many a SGT, SSG, SFC, etc, who were pleasantly surprised that I didn't expect anything that was not needed, and made sure that their needs were put before my own. I had everything that I needed to perform at my best, so it was my opportunity to give back as a way to ensure they could do what they needed as well.
There are plenty of people who are self absorbed, and only interested in what is best in their self interests, and the military is no exception. There were some that I didn't have to worry if things were getting done, that I didn't have to babysit, or God forbid blow the place up if I let them pump their own fuel. When I was on active duty, I was the only Petroleum Supply Specialist for my unit for 9 months. Both of the sargeants that were supposed to train me were cut orders for Korea within 2 weeks of me arriving at my unit. I did not have a replacement POL sargeant during that time, and although the supply sargeant was an amazing woman, she was not familiar with my MOS. I was very luck that the Motor Sargeant was familiar with most of it, and that he had a very good friend in an adjacent unit who was a SFC and was willing to take me under his wing to teach me the hands on part of the MOS. AIT gives a basic understanding, but the expectation is that the unit will conduct unit specific training. That usually works well, when military flukes don't happen! It wasn't perfect, but it was the perfect opportunity to gain extensive expertise in my field that I may not of otherwise had the opportunity to gain at that point. Apologies for the long reply, but I felt that this would also help others who may also encounter similar rough situations, and although it didn't seem like it at the time, it was most definitely the opportunity of a lifetime simply because I became good enough (even as a Pv2 that I was able to help teach others outside of my unit and help other units as well. All politics aside, as comes with any kind of Govt work, it was great duty, a great way to learn new skills, and I haven't found a skill yet that hasn't come in handy even now, almost 7 years after my ETS.
There are plenty of people who are self absorbed, and only interested in what is best in their self interests, and the military is no exception. There were some that I didn't have to worry if things were getting done, that I didn't have to babysit, or God forbid blow the place up if I let them pump their own fuel. When I was on active duty, I was the only Petroleum Supply Specialist for my unit for 9 months. Both of the sargeants that were supposed to train me were cut orders for Korea within 2 weeks of me arriving at my unit. I did not have a replacement POL sargeant during that time, and although the supply sargeant was an amazing woman, she was not familiar with my MOS. I was very luck that the Motor Sargeant was familiar with most of it, and that he had a very good friend in an adjacent unit who was a SFC and was willing to take me under his wing to teach me the hands on part of the MOS. AIT gives a basic understanding, but the expectation is that the unit will conduct unit specific training. That usually works well, when military flukes don't happen! It wasn't perfect, but it was the perfect opportunity to gain extensive expertise in my field that I may not of otherwise had the opportunity to gain at that point. Apologies for the long reply, but I felt that this would also help others who may also encounter similar rough situations, and although it didn't seem like it at the time, it was most definitely the opportunity of a lifetime simply because I became good enough (even as a Pv2 that I was able to help teach others outside of my unit and help other units as well. All politics aside, as comes with any kind of Govt work, it was great duty, a great way to learn new skills, and I haven't found a skill yet that hasn't come in handy even now, almost 7 years after my ETS.
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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.
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CPT (Join to see)
Sir,
I was enlisted before I came on board. I'm still learning to approach all situations in a the best way but I felt like this guy was really disgruntled with the way previous leadership was. Being called a butterbar according to my instructor insinuates that i'll melt as an LT and the context of his side of the conversation was not of flattery nor did it seem like training or counseling. Engagement sounds like the best plan of action.
I was enlisted before I came on board. I'm still learning to approach all situations in a the best way but I felt like this guy was really disgruntled with the way previous leadership was. Being called a butterbar according to my instructor insinuates that i'll melt as an LT and the context of his side of the conversation was not of flattery nor did it seem like training or counseling. Engagement sounds like the best plan of action.
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CPT Tom Monahan
Also use your Senior Cheif as a guide through this mine field. The NCO in question may have a history and be on short leash from above. CPT (Join to see) -
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CPT Tom Monahan
Just read your profile and saw you are Army vs Air Force. Sit down with your 1SG and get his/her thoughts. CPT Tom Monahan -
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Be the best leader you can be. Treat your men and women with respect and you will receive respect in return.
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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
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
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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PV2 Daniel Sullivan
Appreciative Inquiry management style is very helpful for this as well. There are tons of excellent information on this topic as well as Servant Leadership. Both are applicable to the military and civilian life equally. If a person can master the concepts presented within each, and adapt them to their leadership style (even those being groomed for leadership), they will become very successful in both career and personal life.
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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!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
I still Owe my Last DIVO a Swift Kick in the Ass for going Freelance, Off Script during a GQ Drill and getting me in Dodo with the XO but He always had My Back. One of My DIVOs is now a "Contractor" and a Recognized Professor in Electronic and Information Warfare, When it Came to Communications I was his Tutor and He was a Great Guy. My First DIVO was a Co/Ghost Writer for Body of Secrets and a Book about Amelia Earhart. Those that were My Officers even the Bastard that was my Mustanger, 2nd officer on the Cali and my DIVO Marine Officer in Adak that had to constantly cover for his Less than Marine Division even when he and Senior Chief that was Busting My Chops were still the Best and Most Qualified. Even Mr Jenik that the Skipper treated like Road Kill. Very Smart Man (Skipper would go on to become the Adm in Charge of Ship Engineering).
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