If the commander asked for feedback would you give it to him/her?

If the commander asked for feedback, I'd give it to him (respectfully). That said, it also depends on his/her personality. What I mean by that is some shoot the messenger if the feedback does not confirm the answer the commander wants or thinks is correct (not all commanders are created equal). So, if your commander seems fair and open to dissent (which they should be) then fire away. Just my humble opinion having been a commander (squadron) and a commander of commanders (group level in the USAF).

I think it's important to let the commander know how Soldiers feel within the unit about any issue. Promotions are sometimes very important to the individual and they should have the opportunity to conduct the ceremony how they feel is appropriate. When presenting feedback to the commander, you have to be respectful, honest and sometimes behind closed doors. You don't want to bring certain issues into the open in front of the entire unit.

I have had the opportunity to work directly with my Company level commander and he was always asking me for advice and feedback regarding property books issues, since I am logistics, that is my job. What you did was what he wanted. Most officers want to fit in and work with the enlisted to even out the workload. If you provide no feedback, how is he to change anything? You gave him what he asked for, I say good job.

As both an enlisted troop and an ossifer, I tended to be pretty bluntly honest with my commanders, while still keeping it respectful, of course. Good on you for having the guts to do the same.

Without a doubt.

You did the right thing. NCO's are the back bone and you have to speak up for you and your troops

Yes give them feed back they may not like it but at least they know what there NCO'S opinions and concerns are it will make them better in the long run.

Absolutely. Since the feedback was solicited and you did it in a professional and respectful manner I see nothing wrong here. Additionally, you offered alternative solutions which most people seem incapable of doing. As an NCO and in my current position as a member of the command staff I have always seen it as inherent in my position to provide the commander information and feedback, especially if it is solicited.

You did nothing wrong and if you continue to operate in this manner you will go far, SrA Chiles. Good job.

If you commander has an open door policy and permits your leadership is on-board for anyone to VFR direct to the top, than it shouldn't be a problem. If that is your commander's intentions as far as a level rank structure in the unit, he or your leadership should let you know. When in doubt, always go through your leadership first to give them a heads up that you are going to send the CC an email directly because he asked for feedback. If it is for his eye's only, send it to him after you let your leadership know you are doing it. If you have a level rank structure and it is known, then proceed as you already noted. When I was on staff at HQ AFSOC, we had a level rank structure, I could go directly to the 3-star if I had the answer to something he was looking for. I feel that this type of structure, if everyone is professional about it, always works the best. It gets things done a lot faster and if it is a mission critical that you do not have time to go through all the red tape before you get your answer, it improves response time.
If I had an answer to something my CC asked about, I would let him know, no doubt about it. You did the right thing and I am sure your CC appreciated your feedback!

I NEVER had a problem letting people know my opinion, regardless of rank (just ask my old Chief, lol). IF my CO made the mistake of asking me for honest feedback about a policy/procedure/etc. that wasn't helpful/positive/high speed, I would tactfully address the subject. I've always found that starting the conversation by handing the superior a coffee and beginning with "Sir, you're probably not going to like this answer, but..." is the way to go.