Navy CO quits?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 06:59:34 -0400

http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140908/NEWS/309080036/Hueneme-CO-quits-halfway-through-tour

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 9 at 2014 7:12 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:12:52 -0400

Interesting story. I see there have been several reported issues during his time in Command, but I can't help but to think there is more to this story than what was published. Seems highly unusual for a Commander to just quit his or her command. I guess time will tell whether or not there were other issues at play or if he will face repercussions as a result of his 'walking away'.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 7:13 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:13:29 -0400

Uncommon as it may be, I applaud his decision before things could've gotten more sour under his command. If more leaders above him, whom I shall keep anonymous would consider, the US might've been a better place. Bravo Zulu to him

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 10:20 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 10:20:20 -0400

Interesting. Unusual. There just aren't enough details in the story to understand the CO's decision. Ultimately it was his decision and he believes it is the right direction. At his level, I doubt this decision was made lightly. We don't know all the considerations that went into Capt Espe's conclusion that his command would be better off with another CO. Best of luck to Capt Espe in his future endeavors.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2014 5:31 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:31:07 -0400

I agree. Not enough details to conclude my comments but from what I read, I think that's what you call courage. That's not an easy decision to make especially in an officer community. Some officers take on a job but not fit to accomplish the job resulting to dysfunction in organization and mishaps. Best of luck to him. I know he can handle the pressure of people with the raised eyebrows.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 7:13 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 19:13:40 -0500

http://www.duffelblog.com/2014/02/air-force-change-of-command/

Could be worse.

Colonel Preemptively Fires Himself While Assuming Command

Command is a career-killer in the 21st century.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 9:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 21:44:17 -0500

I can't wait for these pricks to leave. It won't be pretty either.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 5:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 17:46:57 -0400

We are all human. Not everyone can do everything. I think it takes guts to realize you are not the person for the job. The article said there was no pressure for him to quit; there may have been subconscious cues, but regardless he realized it wasn't the job for him. Nothing wrong with that. I dont think the Navy should count it as a relief for cause. I'm sure it will be considered something lesser; however as a CAPT, he can always retire anyway.

I do think that the services can do a better job of trying to fit people into the the right places. Many combat leaders make lousy staff officers or even installation commanders and vice versa. A Patton type person would go crazy behind a as a G1 (admin/personnel) or G4 (logistics) A brilliant logisitician could be a lousy tactician. Yes, all positions would have a common denominator of good leadership/people/teamwork skills, but you still need a lot of specialized knowledge. I think it wrong to rotate officers to too many different types of positions; therefore becoming a jack of all trades but master of none.