How do you handle a situation where a peer E-5 has failed in his duties?

2015-12-30T16:15:49-05:00

Here's my situation I had once and was wondering how others would have dealt with it.

On a Friday night receive a call from the Plt Sgt telling you to go to the barracks as he has been called by another Plt Sgt in your company stating that one of the soldiers in your platoon has an exceptionally dirty room and his roommate from the other platoon has finally gotten tire of cleaning up after him and called his leadership.

The reason the Plt Sgt has called you in you are the only NCO who lives on post and is the most reliable to answer his/her phone on a Friday night and willing to fix an issue right then and there.

You get to the barracks room to find the SPC from another platoon standing by waiting with his leadership, but the private in your platoon who created the mess has popped smoke and ran off into town as soon as he heard his roommate call his leadership.

The common area of the room is a complete mess with bags of trash from the PVT's room, and there is a horrible smell coming from the PVT's room. you open the PVT's door to his room and find dirty clothes and half empty food containers littering the room.

Take note the PVT's first line a SGT in your platoon had supposedly inspected the room earlier and had told the platoon sergeant that the room was clean.

What do you do and how do you proceed after taking photos of the situation for evidence?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 30 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-12-30T16:22:27-05:00

You should not be in this mess due to the failure of a peer E-5, but due report what you have seen.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-12-30T16:27:08-05:00

I would have them BOTH standing tall in front of me to explain themselves (if I were the squad leader of these 2).
1) Asking the PVT why he lives in such filth and think that this is okay?
2) Asking the SGT to explain how, when the room is in the state that it is in, how each "weekly" he performed resulted in "PASS" ratings?
3) Counsel them both, respectively, in the areas that they are CLEARLY deficient in.
4) Perform inspections, personally, with the PVT AND the SGT, 3 times a week until I am confident that standards will be maintained.
5) Have the local Preventive Medicine give the BOTH Soldiers a briefing on sanitation standards and cleanliness and the ramifications of not maintaining good sanitation.

If I were not the Squad Leader of these two, then these would be the recommendations I would give to their Squad Leader.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-12-30T16:33:37-05:00

First, I would call that Soldier's NCO and explain the situation. That NCO deserves an opportunity to fix himself and his Soldier. I would be very clear that I still intend to report the situation back to the PLT SGT since he/she tasked me. In a perfect world, that NCO would make contact with the Soldier and begin to rectify the situation (counseling, cleaning, etc).

If that NCO doesn't step up, I ensure CQ understands they are to contact me on the Soldiers' return. I'd be waiting with that Soldiers counseling statement and corrective action. The PSG would be briefed on the plan of action. That NCO and I would be having some words next time we meet face to face too!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-12-30T16:44:30-05:00

Wweeelllll! Sounds like some lack of Integrity is going on to say the least! Or, maybe just from what I am reading! Could this be a soft PSG? Could there be some NCOs and soldiers who plays their PSG as a chump?!!! Just wondering! Just my two cents and thoughts!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 30 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-12-30T16:54:49-05:00

First, there was no reason to get involved. After all, it was another SqdLdr's soldier, right? However, it sounds like there might be one, maybe two, Blue Falcons in the platoon. There are two basic issues here:
1.) Failure of the soldier to maintain an orderly room; and
2.) Failure of the (other) SqdLdr to accurately inspect and/or report status of the inspection.
The first is a leadership problem. The latter may be an integrity problem. Either way, this is now a issue for the Platoon Sgt. You've done your due diligence. Now, bow out. At this point, the Platoon Sgt should set the course.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Dec 30 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-12-30T17:01:32-05:00

Explain to the Pvt and his NCO that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. You will recommend to the Plt Sgt that for the next 21 days, the room, and the two soldiers will be inspected by an NCO in the Plt daily. The messy room became both of their failure, and so both will correct the behavior that led to the original complaint.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 30 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-12-30T17:56:07-05:00

First off "Don't overthink the Problem."

It doesn't matter what the problem was in the past. That's irrelevant. You now have a problem in the present. Deal with that. And correct the problem for the future.

Deal with the problem in front of you.

Problem #1 - The Room.

The other Troop called you in. He needs "Help" because a situation has escalated to a point that he cannot deal with it. What is the simplest way to deal with this problem?

Assess the damage. Verify that soldier's side of the room is "inspection ready" first, and point out any obvious discrepancies. Set the CORRECT STANDARD, and ASSIST them.

Have them sit down, and document the events that led them to calling in "help" (you), while you "declusterfy" the other side. Slowly and methodically begin cleaning the NON-COMMON AREAS of the room, bringing it up to the CORRECT STANDARD.

Segregate items into obvious Garbage, Laundry, Contraband, etc piles. Anything that can be thrown away, throw away. Anything that can be washed, wash (assuming onsite Laundry facilities), anything else, retain. Cleaned laundry can be displayed on the rack (Junk on the bunk style).

After the Troop has finished documenting the events, you can have him begin working on the COMMON AREAS, with the understanding that you will be ASSISTING him. This will be a JOINT endeavor. Same plan as the roommates area, and any of the roommates belongings will be shifted to his area for YOU to deal with.

Once the room is brought to CORRECT STANDARD (Inspection Ready), thank him for his assistance and remind him that when situations are getting "appear to be getting out of control," that is exactly what leadership is for. Calling for help allows us to allocate additional resources including manpower and time to correct situations just like this before they get out of control (just like this). You'll touch base with his immediate supervisor, his roommate, and his CoC to make sure this situation does not happen again.

*** This corrects the problem in front of you ***

Problem #2

The Roommate and the other NCO. As NCO's we always have the ability to IMMEDIATELY correct a troop in front of us. However "retroactive" correction gets really tricky when the troop does not belong to us. For this we need to go Peer-to-Peer. Unfortunately, this Peer-to-Peer issue is significantly more complex (See Problem #3).

Normally, I would suggest grabbing Sgt X, and saying Pvt Z is a slob AND is causing his roommate heartache. This allows Sgt X to correct the problem (#2). Unfortunately Sgt X is enabling Pvt Z's behavior, and has now made it my problem.

Problem #3

Sgt X is not only enabling Pvt Z, but this incident calls into question whether he is inspecting any of his troops rooms. This questions a peers Integrity, and Professionalism, and forces your hand into the "PSG needs to know" realm, because he has to be back-briefed on the events. Regardless of anything else, because you were assigned the task of correcting the problem at the barracks by the PSG, he has to know what the situation was there. That means knowing the full details.

This means that You & PSG have a meeting. It may turn into a You & PSG plus other NCO fact finding mission, and escalate up from there.

However, this does not address the Pvt with bad room standards. I would suggest "taking charge" after back-briefing the PSG as to the Sgt's "deficiencies" and "personally volunteering" to retrain the Pvt on what the CORRECT STANDARD for a room is. Especially since you spent several hours fixing the room previously, and have a vested interest in it staying that way. That may expand to the entire section/squad... because the reward for hard work is more hard work.

*** End of Problems ***

Now as for photos. You can take them. And evidence is always "nice" but honestly unnecessary. If a troop popped red smoke to call the PSG, there's a problem. If you tell the PSG the troop was correct to call him, then the problem was real. You don't "need" pictures. Your statement is enough.

Just my 2 cents.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-12-30T20:19:39-05:00

Call that PVT and his team leader have them clean wright it down on paper. Make a plan of action to keep this from happening and move on.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Dec 31 at 2015 12:02 AM

2015-12-31T00:02:31-05:00

I'd say first line is to get the SGT to tell you to your face that he actually did inspect the room and that it was in good shape. There are people in the world, even in the service, that will set someone up because they don't like them. I have met people that are not above trashing a room when they know the person will be away in order to get them in trouble. Refusing to honor wake-up requests and other like things are also done for the same purpose.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 2:58 AM

2015-12-31T02:58:09-05:00

I think I would personally displace every article in the Private's room to the grass outside, and post the "inspecting" Sergeant to guard his stuff until the pigpen weasel tried to slink back into the barracks from wherever he is out carousing. At which point, there would be some reindeer games whilst I figure out WTF happened to standards, integrity, and downright decency.
Depending on the answers and how salty I got (more than likely in proportion to how long Private McNasty stayed out in town), there'd be more formal action in the morning.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 31 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-12-31T15:04:22-05:00

So if I get gist right, there were 2 squad leaders involved and one lied and the other just didn't show up until the plt sgt was called, And both Plt Sgts were negligent. Is that about right?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jan 1 at 2016 8:42 AM

2016-01-01T08:42:45-05:00

Wow. Sometimes discussions come up on FP and other such forums that smack me in the face with the realization that I might in fact be a COF (Confirmed Old Fart) who belongs in the past.
My first impression is that it is not only the "peer E-5" that has failed in his duties. Bear with me on the terms I will use being primarily USMC. I'll trust you can translate into other service structure.
Where is the unit Commanding Officer to start with? One of the responsibilities of command is proper care of facilities. Another is providing the best possible environment for those in the unit to work and live. Are the standards for care of living quarters not published in unit and base orders. Who is responsible for supervising the failing E-5? The E-5 is the first failed level, but the next person up the chain is responsible for the E-5's performance. Let's assume it's an E-6 who lives in married quarters. The fact he does not live in the barracks doesn't relieve him of his responsibility to the people in his platoon or section. If the E-6 doesn't know about the situation, shame on him. He has failed. If the unit SgtMaj doesn't make frequent visits to the barracks and make himself available to hear of the situation from other persons living in the barracks, he has failed. If the XO and CO don't know, shame on them. Maintaining an "informal" disciplinary system to ensure standards are maintained are the responsibility of NCOs and SNCOs, and if they can't do it, you move on to the section officers and finally to the CO level where you have nonjudicial punishment and ultimately Courts Martial to enforce regulations.
I could carry the idea further, but hopefully it would be redundant. The unit organization is not only to address operational situations; in fact, the majority of a unit commander's responsibility is not assaulting an objective. The unit commander takes care of his people to ensure they are able to concentrate on their billet responsibilities. If there are weak sisters in the organization, the commander is obligated to discover them and correct the situation; and that responsibility extends to every part of his peoples' lives, on base, or off.
How do you correct the original circumstance? You move up the chain until you reach the individual who takes his responsibility as an NCO, SNCO or commissioned officer seriously. As a peer of a non performer, you also have your own assigned responsibilities and, to ensure you can address those, the efforts and time you expend to correct the other E-5 should be minimal. That's what the chain is there to do.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Jan 3 at 2016 3:53 PM

2016-01-03T15:53:05-05:00

SGT Myles Taylor, who is the lady in the picture?

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Jan 6 at 2016 8:22 AM

2016-01-06T08:22:58-05:00

My first question to you is, Are you that soldiers Squad Leader? Are you the first line leader of that SGT who said he passed prior inspection? If not, I would asking the PLT SGT why he did not call the Squad Leader? It is great that others knows you are dependable and outstanding NCO, that they can count on. However, this does not fix the real issue of the leadership problems. When the other soldiers leadership is there waiting there, (also seems this is not the first time either) the PLT SGT should been there at this point, not you. It seems your unit has a big leadership problems that goes up to the PLT SGT for not doing his duties. If I was the 1SG, I would conduct my investigation of talking to you, the other soldier and his leaders. I would then call the PLT SGT in and have him/her explain to me. If I felt his/her actions were poor, retraining and put on probation as a PLT SGT . Every soldier deserves great leadership.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-01-06T12:29:43-05:00

Call the PVT in and order him to clean his room. Take the pictures and report to the PSG that the other NCO falsified a document. He contacted you in good faith and confidence that you would handle the situation accordingly. So first, square the PVT away, then report your findings back to the PSG. It seems like a Blue Falcon way to go, but first and foremost, all involved have to be held accountable for their actions, or lack thereof, as the case may be.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jan 6 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-01-06T13:56:06-05:00

Dig into the root cause if the filth. It may stem from a mental health issue like Depression, or substance abuse. Once those are ruled out as a leader find out what their motivation is for maintaining the room in an unsat condition. A couple of questions come to mind.
Did the NCO actually inspect the room? Was their report honest? Many times I have seen things like that where all the mess was shoved in a wall locker locked during inspection. If the NCO was truthful what happened? If the NCO was dishonest violating integrity, why? What would motivate them to do that? While bizarre, this may be a symptom, and not the problem. Wrapping your head around the problem will take close work with both involved. Reach up to seniors if needed to get to the bottom of things.

Response by Sgt Dean Kutz Sr. made Jan 7 at 2016 5:55 AM

2016-01-07T05:55:23-05:00

First find out why a platoon sergeant past the room on inspection . Then discipline the private that left the mess when he gets back from town .

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 7:00 AM

2016-01-07T07:00:46-05:00

Move the solder out who was cleaning up out of the room if you can. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to move in this case. Have the nasty one stay in the room. Secure his liberty and have him field all weekend. Every morning before pt, have someone check his room. If it fails, an NCO that lives in the barracks checks his room every hour after work until it's fixed. It happens again after that, paperwork.

Response by CSM Kevin Nolan made Jan 7 at 2016 10:41 AM

2016-01-07T10:41:39-05:00

The Soldier's supervisor cleans the room to standard, if you have explained the standard to him and he inspected the room then obviously the room meets that NCO's standard, perhaps not the established one. I would have the PFC watch the NCO clean the room to the established standard and inspected then by the Squad leader to ensure everyone is aware of what right looks like. Will never happen again

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Jan 7 at 2016 11:12 AM

2016-01-07T11:12:12-05:00

Back when I was in the Army we had an old custom - "GI Party." If the room wasn't ready for inspection at 0800 (when I usually did my walk-through after PT and recovery) we'd try it again at 2000, and then again at 2200, if necessary. And if that didn't work we'd try it Saturday.

I know the situation was complicated by the fact the douchebag wasn't in your direct chain, but if you are in the same platoon and you are the ranking NCO present, he does (at least for the time being) become your responsibility. I already spoke above about dealing with the chain issue so wont go into it again.

When I first became a Field Artillery gun section chief back in the early 80s I was given a brand-new Sergeant, E-5 as a gunner. I would have my gunner go through the troops' rooms for a pre-inspection before I walked through (you don't expect what you don't inspect - even if sometimes you don't let the troops know you are looking over their shoulders; taking a private's word for something is a sure way to become a private again yourself). I thought an E-5 should require less direct supervision, boy was I wrong. My troops' rooms were straight but his (he lived in the barracks) was a wreck.

His roommate (another young E-5) came to me about it and I about hit the ceiling when I walked in and saw empty pizza boxes and beer cans strewn over the place. It was counseling time. How could he have the nerve to correct his men's deficiencies if he wasn't straight? It was up to him as a sergeant to set an example. I realized that by trusting him too much I had failed to mentor him and set about correcting the issue. He had proven deficient in several areas, failing to satisfactorily complete even some of the simplest tasks I assigned him. Butt-chewings weren't doing the job. I started formally (in writing) counseling him - for his own good and with an eye to (last resort) perhaps busting him for inefficiency if his performance didn't improve. Sometimes troops are promoted too soon and are not ready for the new responsibilities of leadership.

He turned around and had a fairly successful career. I really believe if I'd been forced to bust him it would have been a failure on my part. Sometimes we forget we are responsible for mentoring ALL our subordinates - even those in leadership.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Jan 7 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-01-07T11:37:38-05:00

The first thing I'd want to know is why this anal retentive had to call me on Friday night with this nonsense and not wait until a reasonable time. The world isn't going to fall apart over a dirty room.

Response by SSgt Stephen Lindsey made Jan 7 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-01-07T12:06:32-05:00

Clearly some counseling is in order and I hope it would entail reviewing the Army's Core Values, what they mean and how they would apply to this situation. The NCO also needs to be reminded of his responsibility to be an exemplary leader. If an NCO shirks his duties and responsibilities then so shall the troops below him which could result in command and control issues later. Just say'n.

Response by SGT Chris McDaniel made Jan 7 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-01-07T12:31:00-05:00

I was infantry that didn't happen like that in my world. Odds are in my world the offending Joe would've spent an hour doing PT til his team leader arrived and a few hours after doing pt for his TL. We tended to handle stuff at the lowest level possible.

Though the closest thing to it that happened to me the Joe never came back until we were deployed. On the one hand whoops. On the other we were all better for it

Response by SFC Donald York made Jan 7 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-01-07T12:38:05-05:00

Call on Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey (ret.).

Response by SSG Andy Hemmersbach made Jan 7 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-01-07T16:03:37-05:00

First of all, the pltsgt should be called in since the other soldiers chain is there too. Just to back up the E5 SGT! Then get the soldiers crap packed up and put in front of the barracks. Sure he needs to be counseled but he would feel some pain!

Response by SSG Michael Patton made Jan 7 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-01-07T16:05:32-05:00

My first question would be why two members of different platoons were sharing a room. In most units, rooms are assigned by platoon, if not squad. In your case, there were two different chain of commands over the same living quarters. This setup is an accountability issue waiting to happen.

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Jan 7 at 2016 7:50 PM

2016-01-07T19:50:46-05:00

I had it happen. I called the Chief (E-7) and let him know what was going on. He came in and was pissed! End result.....The dirtbag and E-5 got written up. He not only got to clean his space but ALL the common areas. under the direct supervision of the E-5 for the next 30 days. Then it was inspected by the Senior NCO with the duty.

Response by SSG Herbert Gofigan made Jan 7 at 2016 7:59 PM

2016-01-07T19:59:18-05:00

Simple... Nowadays, every dirt bag has a cellphone in his or her pocket to call home. You simply take pictures of his mess and forward them to both the PSG and the PVT! Let the PSG do his freakin job and start letting loose on both the PVT's Sqd Ldr, Tm Ldr and PVT!!! In the meantime, gather personnel from the platoon to clean-up the Common Area. This would create some steam through his peers and that is what we all know as Peer Pressure. Back in the day, that meathead would be pitching a tent up on a hill where the everyone who eats at the Dining Facility would see him. I call it the Hill of Shame! Not sure if this is allowed in today's Army on One?

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made Jan 7 at 2016 8:04 PM

2016-01-07T20:04:03-05:00

Take pictures, call the Sgt, forward the pics to the Sgt and have the Sgt Coke to the barracks

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Jan 8 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-01-08T12:30:47-05:00

First you are now in a situation where its not your soldier but it is your problem. So the private popped somke. No problem. Does he have a shelter half and is weather compliant with sleeping outside? Why I am asking similar situation happened to me. Corrective action was immediate get the room clean its not right for someone else to suffer . Get some of his squad to GI room. That gives the squad personal interest into this privates housekeeping. Second corrective action because of creating the situation make private sleep in shelter half and his sleeping bag weather permitting. If its not since the squad cleaned his room he can clean the squad members rooms all of them. Germany Standards should be adequate. Then when he'sdone with that strip wax buff squad hallway

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Jan 8 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-01-08T12:42:32-05:00

As far as E5 and above ignoring the cell phone that's a ccommand problem . You can only control your actions continue to do the right thing and be reliable.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jan 8 at 2016 7:01 PM

2016-01-08T19:01:39-05:00

I had a similar situation at my last duty station except for the SRA had deployed to the desert and left his TV on with a porno running on the DVD player. He also had delivery boxes stacked up in the center of the room which had rats using them as a home. And finally dirty clothes piled all over. Oh and almost forgot 4 bags of trash in the corner. His piss mate had called our first sergeant and he had myself and 3 A1C's clean up the room which was later condemned by base bio.

In your case I would call the unit first sergeant and email him//her the photos with the information that the PVT decided to go down town instead of attending the mandatory formation.

Response by Sgt Ronnie Mack made Jan 8 at 2016 10:01 PM

2016-01-08T22:01:45-05:00

Can't read this anymore. Bottom line is. You are a NCO, get your head out your ass. Senior NCO, lead from the front. Square the indivisual away even if it takes patience (and it wil) or even more, jumping in that ass!!!

Response by SGT Randolph Carlton made Apr 24 at 2016 9:50 PM

2016-04-24T21:50:45-04:00

You go to the Captain in charged of the barracks and tell him this shit isn't right. Who the hell is he to be a lackey and not pickup after himself, it would be different if he was injured or rushed to the hospital and there was going to be a GI Inspection but that was not the case so that's pure laziness and bullshit.. He deserves to be writing up.. And if your company commander does not support you then you go to the POST COMMANDER... That's what I'd do...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-04-25T19:18:12-04:00

I have almost the same kind of issue.....but a little different. My soldier decides that he wants to live a slob life in the barracks and uses the excuse "It's not dirty it's lived in" to which I always reply, if CSM walked in would this pass inspection. He cleans it up and now I do random (7 days a week) room inspections and never fails every time it is dirty. Now I grew up in a time where we could make said soldier take everything out of his/her room and put it outside then clean said room and then move everything back. I have proposed that to my PSG and he tells me that I must speak with JAG/Legal first to make sure I am not violating some rule or law.
Long story short if it is not your Soldier only thing you can do is let his squad leader or PSG know (which appears they already know) and if that doesn't work then move on to 1sg then CO then CSM the BN CO.....you get the picture

Response by SFC William Goodwin made Aug 23 at 2016 10:12 PM

2016-08-23T22:12:04-04:00

At the moment do nothing. The PVT is gone. Assure the SPC and his leadership that you will correct the problem as soon as the PVT returns. Instruct the roommate to say nothing to the PVT. Instruct the CQ to call you as soon as the PVT returns and to say nothing to the PVT. Contact the PVT's first line supervisor and instruct him to meet you in the orderly room at 0600 the following morning in fatigues. Since the PVT's supervisor is junior to me, this is a good time to teach him to be a leader. Show him the pictures and get his input on a plan to correct the situation. If the PVT has returned when I meet with his supervisor then after our meeting both of us go to the PVT's room, get him up and put him to work cleaning up the mess. Give him an hour to fix the mess. Inspect the room at the end of that hour. Offer praise where warranted but the room will not be satisfactory so have the private clean the room again and to report to his supervisor when finished. Repeat this process every hour until the room is up to the standards of the unit commander. As the platoon Sgt. you already know what those standards are so there is no need to involve the commander. When the room has passed inspection inform the PVT that the next time he will be brought before the First Sgt. for further disciplinary action.

Response by CPL David Thompson made Apr 28 at 2017 3:39 PM

2017-04-28T15:39:22-04:00

Force choke.

Response by SGT Kaye Fiorello made Apr 30 at 2017 12:45 PM

2017-04-30T12:45:58-04:00

I lock the PVT's door, and move him in with his SGT. LOL that's old school.
Seriously, I think I would have a one on one over coffee with the SGT, and discuss the position they put me in. And how it really sucked having to come in on my off time. Then maybe find out how much help and guidance this young SGT had in how to deal with the transition from SPC to SGT...my bet is it was a young SGT, still a buddy not a leader....

Response by SSG Michael Nantz made Jun 28 at 2017 12:41 PM

2017-06-28T12:41:17-04:00

First of all the PSG should have been there with the PVT'S SQUAD LEADER AND TEAM LEADER

Response by CPL Ralph Moschler made Jul 25 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-07-25T09:57:57-04:00

Do your best to build him and help him with his weakness don't do his job ,

Response by SGT David Petree made Aug 26 at 2017 11:03 PM

2017-08-26T23:03:58-04:00

This hole thing is wrong . Never herd of 2 different Platoons sharing the same room before !
The inspecting NCO would have a wright up Mon. morning , along with the Pvt. There would be a GI party Monday for that room , With all clothing Washed, folded & put up, With Inspection every day by the Plt .Sgt..

Response by Sgt John Acuna made Jun 10 at 2019 2:10 AM

2019-06-10T02:10:56-04:00

article 15 dereliction of duty

Response by CPT William Jones made Jul 21 at 2019 10:46 PM

2019-07-21T22:46:33-04:00

As an officer a long time ago(60’s-70’s) I never had this problem and we were dealing with a lot of draftees when I was a plt I walked all of my area every day. Barracks motor pool etc if I found deficiencies first time the proper nco’s were informed. Never had a second time when a company commander and Bn Xo I did the same thing only not as often but every area at least once a week. My NCO’s new I would be looking so they looked harder oftener. Once as CO new to company found unlocked foot lockers and wall lockers 2 each. Do I assumed the soldiers were proud of thei layout and inspected they were a mess especially after I finished checking. But being a good fair officer I set up another inspection for 2100 Friday. With layout. This time it was very good. NCO’s & troops got the message. No passes that night but I never had another problem of that nature. This was in Germany 1969

Response by SPC John Tacetta made Aug 29 at 2020 4:35 PM

2020-08-29T16:35:16-04:00

I don't understand how this could even be a thing. Sounds like an Article 15 and a whole lot of extra duty is in order!

Response by SGT John Ball made Mar 4 at 2022 7:47 PM

2022-03-04T19:47:48-05:00

We had a certified nasty ass in our barracks in Germany. Apparently, this douche was using his wall locker as a dumpster. It was when the barracks was smelling like death is when the First Sergeant conducted a surprise walk through to pinpoint the source. We came to the room because the smell was coming from there. We went in there and sure enough we found it. Soldier was ordered to open his wall locker and the smell made me and the First Sergeant vomit. All kinds of trash in that locker and it even had rotten meat in it and the refrigerator was filled with rotten food. That was the worst room I have ever seen. That Private spent all weekend cleaning that superfund of a room.