My squad leader has given me a directive to no longer allow one of my soldiers to eat anymore sugary foods. Am I even allowed to do that?

2020-03-31T16:56:32-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2020 4:59 PM

2020-03-31T16:59:22-04:00

So your Squad Leader is ordering one of the troops to have a better diet and to stay away from the fat pills? I fail to see the problem. I fail to see this as an illegal/immoral/unethical order.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 31 at 2020 5:17 PM

2020-03-31T17:17:02-04:00

I don't think this is necessarily illegal, per se, however, I don't think it is the best idea. The better option would be for your squad leader to direct him to a medical professional for a consult to a nutritionist to work on the soldiers overall diet, and perhaps an exercise physiologist to work on a routine that will get them under a specific weight. From a medical standpoint, completely eliminating certain foods from a diet (even junk food) can have serious negative consequences in the long run, so setting a plan with moderation under certain guidance would be a better idea. Just my two cents.

Response by SFC Brian Chambers made Mar 31 at 2020 6:03 PM

2020-03-31T18:03:45-04:00

Hey Folks,
I can honestly say that in the letter of a command, Yes, will it be over turned, will is his squad fit! If so, I think the platoon sergeant is going to have to overturn it!
Got to be a reason this has come to light and based on the little information that is provided, sounds like everybody going to be ratting less sweets!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2020 6:40 PM

2020-03-31T18:40:26-04:00

Obviously you can’t be with the soldier to ensure this 24/7 I’m assuming your squad leaders intent is to increase The soldiers PT score or pass height and weight. Some soldiers are more understanding of this and thus, more compliant. Unfortunately others are not understanding of this and take the “I’m a fully grown adult and I make my own decision” role.
The advice I would give is to give your soldier a counseling on the issue and come up together with a maintainable plan of action. Tell your soldier what your responsibilities will be during the established time period and why you will be taking these responsibilities. Showing them that your doing it for their benefit Because you care goes along way. Long story short just because your SL has told you not to allow this does not mean it won’t still happen. The soldier will reap the benefits of improving themself or face the consequences of continuing to fail H/W or the APFT. Good luck!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2020 7:15 PM

2020-03-31T19:15:04-04:00

No, SL is quite wrong. They may not dictate what a soldier may or may not eat. They may however enforce the Soldier making an appt with the BDE nutritionist/dietitian who can in consult with the CO and/or PA/DR.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Mar 31 at 2020 10:57 PM

2020-03-31T22:57:08-04:00

Good question. Most he likely can, but I think as a Corporal you're looking at this in a wrong-headed manner.
YOU ought to be taking him out with you every afternoon and running with him. You can make it an order and you will need to counsel him before hand, during and afterwards verbally.
The SGT is stepping in because you did not step up, thus preventing him from having you give you that directive or another like it. Being a Non-Commissioned Officer isn't about your seniors or yourself, but about your troops and your responsibility (to them and and your commander).
I do not know your soldier nor you. In my opinion you need to prepare your soldier (and your other soldiers) to meet the physical stress needed for the job as soldiers.
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I had a 'fat buy' in my scout section in Panama many years ago. In garrison, we ran together in the morning with the company and then ran together at the end of each day. He never did get 'to weight' for his 5'6' height but I trusted him to hang in the mountains and heat that was in our AO. He put Army's poster children to shame when it came to him carrying his load.
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If your soldier is a stellar performer in all other areas, then you need to stand up for him. If he isn't then its on you to fix the problem (old drinking buddy or not) or turn him over to someone (dietitian, chaplain etc) who can do the job.
Good Luck with all that and show him this post - I don't mind and it might open his eyes to what you're trying to do for him.
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By-the-by - its almost impossible to keep sugary foods out of your diet on things made in the USA. They even advertise Honey-covered Hamburgers now.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2020 4:18 PM

2020-04-01T16:18:13-04:00

You are not allowed to restrict the Soldier’s diet. But if you have gotten to the point where you are contemplating spending your time monitoring an individual’s food intake (assuming to ensure they meet standards), it’s time to start taking a hard look if this person should be allowed to continue serving.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2020 12:37 PM

2020-04-06T12:37:38-04:00

In sum, you can counsel a Soldier about damn near everything, and can prohibit the same. Doesn't make it right, or smart.

Is the purpose of the SL's desire to restrict the diet of this Soldier based on the failure of the Soldier to meet a specific standard?
Can you do the following?
The standard, define "sugary food," and state how "sugary foods" are keeping Soldier from meeting the standard. Also, what is the planned course of action, and how will success be measured? If you can't answer those questions, the counseling doesn't serve much of a purpose.
How about saving your SL, your self, and your Soldier some time and have the commander refer the Soldier for an evaluation of whatever the condition your SL believes is being caused by the sugary foods. If the Soldier is in the weight control program, then that should have occurred.
I doubt a commander is going to go forward with an ART 15 for a candy bar, so figure out the real issue, then work on a plan.