How is an Open Door Policy supposed to be used?

2019-07-30T16:06:09-04:00

So essentially, my chain of command seems to be retaliating against me because of a section I was attached to for the first half of my deployment. I can't go to my first or second line, and I am positive the company commander and 1SG are where the issues stemmed from because I mistakenly put some identifying sentences in my 'anonymous' survey (it was my first one, I messed it up terribly, I know). But, it has gotten to the point that my 1st and 2nd line don't want me hanging out with my battles in that section on or off duty, and they don't want me stopping in their ready room. I honestly don't know who to go to about this issue and the only thing I can think of is an Open door policy before going to JAG (if that is even an option). It is just really taking a toll on me mentally I think because I do not want to use an Open Door policy and have things get worse. It has gotten to the point that I walk into our TOC and everyone will greet me/respond to me, and my OIC and NCOIC will just ignore me as I walk by.

I guess my real question is, do I have to go through them to use an open-door policy? And are there any other steps I can take before that. I tried talking to my OIC and NCOIC but it seemed like they didn't even care. If anyone can give me some pointers, I am trying not to destroy any part of my career here.

I appreciate it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2019 4:11 PM

2019-07-30T16:11:37-04:00

You can utilize the open door policy at any time you want. You can tell your current leadership you are using it or you don't have to tell your leadership you are using it. It is regulations that ALL Commanders will have an open door policy. No one can stop you using the policy. So, you can take your issues up to your BN Command (or what ever level you have after your immediate unit) if you feel no resolution can be achieved with your immediate command. If nothing is resolved with BN level, then go up to Brigade. If that fails....you can take it up past your Brigade, file an IG complaint (if it fits within that realm) or file a congressional complaint.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 30 at 2019 4:37 PM

2019-07-30T16:37:02-04:00

Regs have likely changed since my time but there is a reality piece. I always had my SEL screen ENL and XO screen OFF sides. They both knew no retaliation, no harm no foul, etc. They'd figure out the CoC dynamics so we'd get a picture of the issue and how it was being properly or improperly handled. I also required the SEL and XO to make an effort to solve at the lowest level. If I was going to still get it, then they'd fill me in. If the SM demanded they only see me, fine. But I never bit off on the meeting. You always hear a story; usually someone is picking on me or life is unfair. I take it in and let them know I'd get back in a few days. During that time, I'd activate the XO or SEL as appropriate to run the issue to ground, let me know the but fors, what fors, etc. and I'd have the SM back in. I look at the open door as being the last safety valve before JAG, IG, Hotline, or whatever. Advice to any Skipper; don't gaff it off. Even doing things right will still result in the few mortar rounds being launched upline. First reaction from upline is did the Skipper do their job right. Be prepared to show you did. Upline hates getting your messes on their desk, so make sure you resolve. My track record? About 1/3rd something worthwhile to deal with and 2/3rds life is not fair, make a stay in or get out decision. BTW, never hold a Come to Jesus Meeting against anybody. Just deal with the aftermath and encourage positive change and growth. Track record on the 2/3rds? About 50-50 but the decision they made was quick and the result was quick too.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2019 5:45 PM

2019-07-30T17:45:15-04:00

The commander's Open Door Policy should be written and posted with other mandatory policies. Since you're deployed, that may be unlikely.
Inform your first line supervisor that you request to see the commander under the Open Door Policy.
Before you do, consider writing down (1) what you believe the issue is, and (2) what outcome you seek.
With regard to the "anonymous" survey that you "outed" yourself on: consider what you wrote, and whether it was legitimate, whining, etc.
I'm not suggesting that it matters whether what you wrote on the survey was legitimate, or not, but you need to consider the perception of you that it generated.
Whether the survey was considered a "protected communication," depends on who administered it (e.g., IG, EEOA).
In general, communications with the IG, EEOA, or Member of Congress are considered "protected communications" and retaliation is prohibited.
So, unless it was a protected communication, it likely won't be considered retaliation. Retaliation for protected communications is prohibited.
Prohibited doesn't mean it won't happen, or that someone who retaliates will be punished. It only means it shouldn't happen.
If, in hindsight, you believe what you said was untrue, irresponsible, or a misunderstanding, own it.
If you alienated others it, doesn't mean it's retaliation. It could simply be you self-identified as someone who, based on what you wrote and how you wrote it, others now want to avoid you.
I'm not downing you. I'm trying to be realistic.
Whatever conclusion you reach, address it when you speak with the commander.
If you messed up, own it, and continue to march. You'll have to earn a different reputation.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 30 at 2019 6:03 PM

2019-07-30T18:03:31-04:00

Normally yes. In some instances, particularly when the leader is the problem you can get into see the next level. Make sure you are correct. You can check with JAG or the chaplain for guidance. Thank you for your service.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 30 at 2019 6:04 PM

2019-07-30T18:04:56-04:00

Good responses below SPC Private RallyPoint Member , 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made a good point to be prepared when talking to the Commander. However, I would look to your NCO Support Channel first prior to going to the Commander. (1SG/CSM)
If your direct leadership (section leader) are unable or unwilling to help you resolve the issue, take it to the 1SG and then the CSM, especially for personnel issues. The CSM helps guide the 1SGs in the BN in personnel matters.
I always advise using language like: "I am asking for your guidance with a concern of mine that is hampering my ability to perform at my highest level", i.e. seek to be lead, not to hold others accountable for behavior you perceive as an injustice.
Without knowing the content of the conversation you had with your direct leaders and their response to it, I would not be comfortable telling you to utilize the open door policy. Too often, when a Soldier comes to me under the open door policy, I speak with the first-line leader and they are completely unaware of the problem and are more than willing to correct any issues. Usually, when I follow up with the Soldier, all is well.

Response by SFC Tim Mosher made Jul 30 at 2019 6:14 PM

2019-07-30T18:14:17-04:00

4187, request a transfer. Then when they ask why, explain it.
Truthfully, I never cared for anonymous crap. If it's true, own it.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 30 at 2019 10:02 PM

2019-07-30T22:02:04-04:00

Basically it is open door, come anytime policy from your company on up that a SM can utilize if they have a valid concern that they feel is not being handled in a timely or progressive manner. There is no appointment or permission necessary to utilize this despite what some may claim. However better results can and have been achieved by making an appointment.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 31 at 2019 4:26 PM

2019-07-31T16:26:23-04:00

There's lots of good advice in this string on the open door policy. CAPT Kevin B. provided good insight on how commanders use open door policies.

My concern is with the possible retaliation against you by your supervisors for an answer you put in what appears to be a Command Climate Survey. My experience with the Army shows commanders and CSMs take these surveys very seriously. They also take keeping the responses anonymous seriously. Some survey results and comments have a way of becoming top-down guidance to "fix the problem." If your supervisors somehow determined you made statements in the survey that required them to make changes, then it is likely they are violating Army policy or regulation by retaliating against you. This type of retaliation is often grounds for an IG complaint. You may report their behavior to the IG, but you must be sure it is in fact retaliatory behavior and that you can prove it. First, look at your own job performance and attitude before you file an IG complaint. If you supervisor's behavior is possibly the result of you being difficult to supervise or underperforming, then you're the one who may need to change. Your supervisors aren't required to like you or socialize with you. Their job is to accomplish the mission and train Soldiers. Also, an IG investigation will be painful for your supervisors and everybody in your chain. It may not improve your situation, but it may improve the unit and Army in the long run. For you, transfer is a good option.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2019 12:35 AM

2019-08-02T00:35:05-04:00

So I went to my chain of command to request the Open Door Policy. My SFC told me that if I went and used it, it could effect my loyalty to the section and that when I am brought up for awards and promotions, he would have to consider the fact that I am not worthy of being a team leader/etc because of not being loyal.

Like, can he do that? Cause now I’m not sure if I should use the Open door policy or not. Especially if it will hurt my future.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2023 9:28 PM

2023-01-11T21:28:07-05:00

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