I'm new to my DFAC in Fort Drum and my leadership is terrible. Should I talk to my chain of command to try and switch DFACs or what?

2018-04-10T18:56:06-04:00

Response by SGT Zak Baker made Apr 10 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-04-10T19:03:15-04:00

Honestly bossman, you aren't giving us enough information here. How long have you been in the unit, what specific examples can you give of your leadership being terrible, ect. Is it a specific leader? A few? The whole dang chain? The mafia wants to help but the mafia needs more info. Look forward to hearing back from you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 7:31 PM

2018-04-10T19:31:44-04:00

How many units have you been in? What do you mean by "toxic" leadership? Is your chain of command doing anything unlawful? Is it one or many of your leaders who is toxic? As a young private, listen more than you speak and do your job to the best of your ability. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it if you change units.

Response by SFC Rick Robinson made Apr 10 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-04-10T20:52:53-04:00

Suck it up buttercup!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 9:26 PM

2018-04-10T21:26:06-04:00

I don’t see any commander moving you because you don’t like your leadership. Unless there are other circumstances to move you I don’t see it happening. But hey, if you don’t ask you don’t get.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Apr 10 at 2018 9:39 PM

2018-04-10T21:39:54-04:00

You do NOT want to be moved. If you want to even finish your initial enlistment, asking to move on sketchy reasons will only "endear" you to your next units NCO's. Like stated below, handle it at the lowest level possible. Has your initial/reception and integration counseling been done? Your NCO should've outlined exactly what is expected of you professionally and personally. At 2.5 months there, you should've long had that in hand. Counseling's are to be done quarterly. You should also be coming up on one. That is a good time to lay it all out respectfully to your NCO verbally and if warranted, on paper with your rebuttal. That only protects you, and makes it seem you have a vested interest in your and the units success. IF and I stress IF the situation is that bad where you cannot take it, then you should use the units open door policy. It's there to be used, but man PLEASE be SURE you're in the right, you've tried EVERYTHING at the lowest level to get it fixed, even ask to be counseled again to reinforce what was said, and take it up your NCO support chain. Once it makes it to your PSG or 1SG, someone will listen, but if you aren't right, all hell is coming your way, and you will see and experience new levels of pain not seen before.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 11 at 2018 11:33 AM

2018-04-11T11:33:33-04:00

I am a bit honest and older than the rest of my peers so bare with me a little to understand the situation. I have been there and seen that. I have had dozens of Soldiers who were in your shoes. I have not had a situation yet that wasn't workable. You need to face your first line supervisor. Just have a conversation. Request to make it informal so you both can sit down and figure what needs to be done to make the environment tolerable. I totally want to make my Soldiers environment tolerable for them while making mission at the same time as the mission is of the most importance.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 10:22 PM

2018-04-14T22:22:07-04:00

Good luck

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-04-15T20:28:00-04:00

You should do your best until it’s time to pcs

Response by SGT Kevin Unruh made Apr 25 at 2018 8:22 AM

2018-04-25T08:22:56-04:00

Off of what is presented, I would say just drive on young troop. The life of a 92G10 frankly does suck. Working the grill constantly? Cleaning the chicken that rations never seems to get thawed all the way? Scrubbing the kitchen just to have the first cook find this tiny thing and do it all over? Yeah, thats the part the recruiter never mentions.
NOW, if a specific NCO keeps singling you out for what ever not professional reason, you have a legitimate issue like family situation ( THAT YOU ADDRESSED) that you are not being allowed handle, or are witnessing things that are truly illegal then bring it up. You are HIGHLY suggested to work lowest level ( the specific person you have issue with) and then go up. Open door policies are your right to use, but first question will be "did you talk to ( whoever) first?" If not, the next words out of your mouth had better be damn good. frankly i've seen ope door used countless times, but only not bite Joe in the fourth point of contact ( as in a good outcome) twice over two decades.

Final observation, if you get moved as a PVT, PV2, or PFC the new NCOs will wonder whats wrong with you. Nobody really PCSs, even within Bn, until they are a SPC normally so a move as a Private would put the spotlight right back on you.

For better advice and not just a go clean the grill Private, we need more input on the situation

Response by SFC Harley Depue made May 2 at 2018 6:24 AM

2018-05-02T06:24:56-04:00

Leadership begins with one's self! You must be able to lead yourself, then confidence will come! All good leaders, are great followers! As a retired 92G of 40 years, I can tell you that you are not ready to lead as of yet! You are an E-2 you need to act like a E-4 to get that E-3, do you understand? The 92G is the Mother of the Army! Your Primary job is Moral of the troops! You can make them or brake them, with food! Good enough is for the Artillery, cooking is spot on! You must be better than the ones your leading! If not, someone else will step up! This comes from one that went from E-1 to E-5 in 2 years! In 1974 and 5. You can do it, if you want it! Your Leaders are only a reflection of your self!

Response by SFC David Priest made May 21 at 2018 8:42 PM

2018-05-21T20:42:00-04:00

Dont do it bud. Your leadership has been with your COC for a while and you can rest assured they drink coffee together. You will make it worse. I was stuck in a unit at Ft Riley for 18 months of them cocksuckers comin at me for any rhing they could. Id have been fucked had it not been for this pfc clerk who was a regs natzi. Learn your shit and keep your ducks in a row. You can learn great things from great leDers and from shit bags. Even they have something to be offered. Think before you act and make calculated choices even if its choosing the right peopele to hang with. Learn then lead. Soldiers life aint for all, but its owed a chance by all.

SFC (Ret) out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 7:34 PM

2018-05-25T19:34:03-04:00

Any issues use the chain of command, solve it at the lowest level.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 11:09 PM

2018-06-01T23:09:01-04:00

Which dfac are you in with what brigade?