How should I handle a situation where my team leader is potentially violating an equal opportunity policy?

2018-05-18T20:07:38-04:00

Hello everyone, my question relates to EO. I am active duty and have 3 years in service. My company is very small, less than 10 soldiers including the commander. Recently, 2 new soldiers came to the unit and one of them became an acting first sergeant, the one is the team leader. Recently my team leader stopped giving me the same opportunities as to other soldiers, and it is very clear to everyone else in the unit. Talking to this person doesnt do any good and only gets me more trouble. Currently, I am not able to take any leave before an unpcoming mission, but everyone else were permitted to take leave. I completed all tasks my team leader asked of me, however no change. This isnt the only situation thats going on. My team leader is consistently disrepectful towards me, demeaning, and I am starting to feel an emotional abuse. I cant go to the acting first sergeant or to the company commander. I certainly cant go higher above them because it will come down to being solved on a company level. If anyone can give an advice on how to properly proceed to get out of this situation?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-05-18T20:15:23-04:00

Reading your post, you stated that the other soldier is a “team leader”. Is she/he an NCO? Do you happen to have a Platoon Sergeant or a Squad Leader to bring up the said issue? If not then, go ahead and use the open door policy to soeak to your “acting 1SG”. If the issue is not resolved feom there, then go see EO or IG

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:29 PM

2018-05-18T20:29:29-04:00

This is not an EO issue but definitely an IG issue. Never heard of a Soldier who couldn’t use the chain of command to resolve issues. Remember, everyone has a boss at every level to answer to and your Army Value of Personal Courage states having the ability to face adversity. Also, read AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, because knowledge not leverage is power in holding your leadership accountable. Stay Army Strong!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:34 PM

2018-05-18T20:34:39-04:00

Did you fill out a DA31? If so, was it submitted to the commander? The Commander is the only one who can deny that, your team leader cannot.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-05-18T20:45:39-04:00

Team leader is a she. Her and first sergeant agree on everything. She is e5 and he is an e5. My commander is new to the army and only listens to what ncos advise to him. Using an open door policy will bring only trouble to me. My company is very small.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:46 PM

2018-05-18T20:46:39-04:00

Two of them went to AIT together, they are long time friends.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2019 11:27 AM

2019-01-26T11:27:05-05:00

The issue of the leave form is just an example of the on-going harassment. I strongly suggest you utilize the open door policy and talk with the 1SG. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with him by yourself, take a battle buddy with you. If this is still not an option, find out who the EEO Rep is within your BN or BDE. Based upon the size of the unit you’ve described the EEO Rep may not be local. If the preception of how you are being treated is different than how others are treated, for you it’s harassment and no one should have to be subject to that kind of treatment. When you talk to an EEO Rep they can determine if it’s harassment, if not they can point you in the right direction in getting some assistance with your issues and concerns. If it is affecting you mentality and well-being, I highly encourage you to talk with an Chaplain and/or Behavior Health, they definitely should be able to assist and point you in the right direction. If there is no unit, BN, BDE EEO Rep, then utilize the Installation EEO office. I hope this helps.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Jun 4 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-06-04T20:44:59-04:00

Go talk to your EO rep and if for some reason you dont wanna talk to the one at your unit, go to your BDE.