How do you handle a subordinate who is completely lazy and disrespectful to their superiors, peers, and subordinates?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:32:40 -0500

Im sure most of the leaders here have had that one subordinate that frequently questions authority, does not follow orders, and is disrespectful to those above, below, and laterally to them. What is your response to these individuals (levels of reprimand)?

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 30 at 2017 9:34 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:34:07 -0500

Turn your CPO on them. That generally solves things....

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Nov 30 at 2017 9:43 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:43:00 -0500

In the Army, I always began with a choice of physical training or paper trail. After the second or third occurrence there was no choice; I began a counseling paper trail. If the conduct persisted long enough for me to have written over three counseling statements for similar actions, I recommended UCMJ action to be taken. Usually that would make them change their ways. If not, look in the regs for a reason to give them the boot. The military doesn't need members who act that way.

Response by CWO3 Randy Weston made Nov 30 at 2017 9:45 AM

CWO3 Randy Weston — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:45:16 -0500

First and foremost, they must know the expectations of conduct in your Division. Sit him down with your Chief and explain it directly and specifically, adding the escalating consequences to unacceptable behavior. Document it. You can always administer things like special jobs for the individual, EMI, extra duty. But, they must know why they are receiving this special attention.
Then there is always the trip behind the boilers! (just kidding, old school)

Response by CW2 Tyson Parker made Nov 30 at 2017 9:50 AM

CW2 Tyson Parker — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:50:14 -0500

In todays military I have found this to be increasingly difficult. My most effective way was to have them write an essay and then present that to their felliw soldier's i.e. write a report about showing up on time and how that effects their fellow soldier's. I think the presentation is where it starts to sink in. If it doesn't work you put that worthless bum out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2017 10:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 10:09:07 -0500

Sometimes, the Non-commissioned Officers may Come to you for help. Case in point, when I was a 1LT there was a specialist who had some mental problems. He would talk to himself and he was a good soldier most of the time but he was often talking to himself. One morning at the California Army National Guard Armory at our MP Company, that specific Soldier came in wearing Sergeant rank. His first line leader asked him when did he get promoted? He said he got promoted recently. The Sergeant then asked him for his ID card and it showed E4, specialist. The Sergeant then came to me and said Siir, can you give him a lawful order and tell him to remove his rank? I then talked to the soldier in question and asked him when he was promoted. He said he was promoted last month. I asked him for his ID card and it had him as E4 specialist. I then gave him a lawful order to remove his rank and he refused. I then went to the company commander and explained what was going on. He was escorted to the VA hospital for psychological evaluation. I then did a sworn statement on him or he violated a lawful order to take off his rank. Not sure if this applies to your question but you can always have an officer give that Soldier a lawful order.If they don't comply, then they are in big trouble and it is now documented.UCMJ and further counseling can commence.

Response by PO3 Art Womer made Nov 30 at 2017 11:45 AM

PO3 Art Womer — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 11:45:46 -0500

I've had 2 like this in all my years as a PO & SSGT. Gave extra duty and written reprimand. 1st one (navy) got Capt's Mast after 3 write ups and demoted to E-1. 2nd (army res) got bounced. Both had a vast amount of growing up to do, but not in the military.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Nov 30 at 2017 12:19 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 12:19:13 -0500

Make them a civilian. Simple but effective.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Nov 30 at 2017 6:07 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 18:07:58 -0500

Frequently questions authority? does not follow orders? disrespectful? Once, maybe, provide counselling and suitable punishment, repeat performances see, UCMJ for guidance and direction.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Nov 30 at 2017 6:37 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 18:37:57 -0500

If your NCO's and Staff NCO's are not taking care of the problem that may be the first place to look. Insubordination, disrespect and laziness should be squashed by the NCO's. If you have someone that will not abide direct instruction from NCO's and Staff NCO's you have a real problem. We had one of those once. The pain we caused him was more than he could deal with after giving him ample opportunities to self correct and align. He left and never came back. problem solved.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Nov 30 at 2017 7:35 PM

TSgt David Holman — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 19:35:22 -0500

If someone is incapable of recognizing and respecting authority, then honestly they shoulnd't be allowed to continue to serve. I am pretty sure that the oath he took had the same "and follow the orders of the officers appointed over me" line.

If you have (or your NCOs have) had conversations about the issue, and haven't seen change, start the paperwork trail, and let the civilian side deal with it. This is one of those times where I hate to sound crass, but the last thing I need is someone in a firefight who won't listen to what they are told to do. It is dangerous for those around them (especially in my career field, a rogue medic not following directives/authority and practicing out of scope could be deadly) and to themselves. I would also make sure they understand on the way out, the civilian life has similar structures (though without legal backing) and it is much easier to loose a civilian position.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 1 at 2017 2:43 AM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 02:43:28 -0500

First stop should be LPO or LCPO. Not too many juniors are gonna get in the face of a Chief+. Those that do won't last long, and it won't be your problem. Honestly, at your level, you're there to learn how to lead. Let your SNCO's show you how. I really consider the loss of the days when taking a problem to the aft bosun's locker was a valid solution to be a monumental loss of tradition and discipline.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2017 11:48 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:48:58 -0500

Sir, this is why the military has NCOs.
Use yours.
Problem solved.
If not, you have a range of options to use, from a write up to UCMJ. Just make sure the corrective action fits the crime. In most cases, the joe is just testing you. Pass the test.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 1 at 2017 12:04 PM

SPC David Willis — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 12:04:59 -0500

Make his friends hate their life and they'll fix the problem for you. If a certain type of peer pressure wont fix it get his ass out nothing can save him.

Response by Capt Larry Brewer made Dec 2 at 2017 4:50 PM

Capt Larry Brewer — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 16:50:39 -0500

Must be handled swiftly and decisively. Explain your expectations, how they weren't met, and the consequences the next time. Verify that they fully understand. The next time, explain that they have expended all of their free passes. The third time, start the out processing. The military does not need nor WANT those types.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Dec 2 at 2017 6:01 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 18:01:04 -0500

Shoot them

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 6 at 2017 4:11 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:11:55 -0500

Was never in the Navy but one thing that PO'd me about the Army was some individuals were given chance after chance after chance.........that lowers morale of the good folks if you let it slide. So reprimand yes and keep detailed records so that when the time comes you can boot them out of the service entirely.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2019 3:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:25:15 -0400

counsel, document, rinse and repeat. If the behavior continues then you have the paperwork to back up your decision to give them the boot.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jul 8 at 2020 10:58 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 10:58:11 -0400

If they confront you yo shut that crap down immediately. If it is with others, you turn the CPO on them and they will handle it. If it gets worse and the CPO needs you to do paperwork he will advise you of such and then start the proceedings to change their rank to Civilian. You cannot let this type of cancer stand...it will spread like crazy and get out of control if it isn't nipped in the bud quickly.

Response by PO3 Jerome Wilson made Feb 10 at 2021 12:03 AM

PO3 Jerome Wilson — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:03:06 -0500

This is still a volunteer military? Because sometimes the shoe doesn’t fit and unless there is more than a contact dispute let them go.