How long do you allow your chain of command to work an issue before you go over their head?

2014-04-08T00:44:03-04:00

As a leader I am curious how long do you allow the chain of command to work an issue before you can go over their head? Does it vary on your rank and position? Does it matter if you are a leader or if you are just a member of a squad?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 3:38 AM

2014-04-08T03:38:25-04:00

It depends on the situation of the Servicemember, but at least you give your Chain of Command the courtesy to be aware of the situation. I seen many situations when they try to retaliate against the Servicemember and labeled a "troublemaker".

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Apr 8 at 2014 12:10 PM

2014-04-08T12:10:35-04:00

Like SSG Fleming said, it truly depends on the situation. If I had a Soldier unexpectedly get a NPD on his LES, I just inform the CoC of the situation and took the Soldier directly to Finance, because that is what I would do if my pay was messed up. If it is something simple that isn't an "emergency" then we did the paperwork and sent it up the chain. It allows the system to do its job and also shows the Soldier that the system does work of taking care of business but I truly believe it depends on the situation.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 20 at 2014 3:53 PM

2014-08-20T15:53:58-04:00

This one had too many variables for a simple answer, some issues can take quite a while to resolve. I would say that as long as the CoC is giving feedback on the progress (which they should do) let them continue to work it. If you get no feedback (and have asked for feedback) then I think it's time to take another route.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 2:19 AM

2014-09-10T02:19:51-04:00

It depends on the situation and the urgency of the matter. If it is a real urgent matter that is above the authority in the first step in the chain which a bunch of personnel issues are, then I tell the guy above me that as a courtesy that I have an issue x that I need to talk to the G-series orders commander about.

I usually try to give the commander a few days to address my issue higher if it is necessary. If it looks like no action is being taken due to his time constraints, then I will tell him I am taking it to the next level.

In some cases it is out of the first commander's authority and has to be signed off by the next echelon or two. Usually the only time I have run into this is getting orders approved that required a group or wing commanders endorsement/approval. If the orders need to go through in a day or two I try to stay on top of it. Usually a good commander will give you his response immediately whether he approves or disapproves the issue.

Usually minor issues that need higher attention I will wait a week or so. There is no magical time on any one issue. This is where judgement comes in, when routing things up. In any case never go above his/her head without letting them know. Usually the first question asked in the next level in the chain is if you talked to you immediate CO first about the issue. They will usually tell you to start there first. Exceptions are if you are reporting on a matter about the commander such as a criminal act or if there is an issue with the command climate where an IG is getting involved, and there might be retribution involved in reporting.