Professional development scenario #2. Are you Sergeant Morales or Sergeant Audie Murphy material?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 11:13:00 -0400

To develop discussion as well as develop our future leaders, I would like to share some basic leadership scenarios that could help in the development of our current and future leaders, all are encouraged to participate - I appreciate everyone's participation to include past leaders, future leaders as well as current leaders....enjoy.

Let me share a scenario with you, beginning with the background story.

Your unit has barracks that are four floors high, the entrances to rooms are from the inside (hallway) of the building. There are three entrances to the building (one through the basement, two through the front on the building). In the past the unit used to have two sets of CQs and runners (four total Soldiers on duty per building) for each building but due to the high optempo of the unit, the unit had one front door and the basement door locked from the outside (you can still exit the building for fire escape purposes, just cannot enter those doors) so the unit can go to one CQ and one CQ Runner per building.

The barracks SOP includes a requirement for all Soldiers & visitors to sign in and sign out, which includes when they are visiting others within the building they live (there was a history of multiple sexual assaults in this area) - the sign in sheets have been used to prosecute as well as clear Soldiers in investigations.

On a barracks walk thru a Senior Leader found that a CQ had a visitor (a much older female named Ella) in his room while he was on duty, The NCO's room is on the third floor, the visitor stayed there for about 10 hours, the NCO said he was taking a 30 minutes break every three hours and spending the time with her then and that she was watching movies between the breaks. The visitor was signed in and there were no violations on the visitor policy at the time, odd situation but no problem.

Later the same evening, the same Senior Leader was on the way home (from a redeployment ceremony) and saw a half naked female running into the barracks through the front door (that is supposed to be locked (someone had taped a card over the locking mechanism as to allow the door to be open) so the Senior Leader calls the Staff Duty to come to the barracks with the set of master keys to the building, to ask the CQ what was going on with the door and to ensure he knew his building was not secure.

When the Senior Leader entered the building the CQ was gone, the runner initially tried to cover for him but eventually admitted that she did not know where he went, she finally admitted he left and that she thought he went to the Shopette to get coffee. A review of the visitor log indicated the visitor was still in the building (past visitation hours) so the Senior Leader and Staff Duty NCO goes up to the room and knocks on the door - no answer, the room is unlocked and there is nobody in the room. There is a noise from the end of the hallway and it is the CQ, wearing earrings while in uniform (unauthorized) and this time with a different female guest, carrying bags, pillows and a cat in a pet cage - looking like she was planning on staying for a while.

You have an NCO on duty with a mission of protecting all the Soldiers and the property as well as leading the subordinate Soldier. You are the Senior Leader, what would you do? Do you handle the situation on the spot, yourself?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 29 at 2015 11:29 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 11:29:04 -0400

This is one of the reasons I love being AF! We don't micromanage our folks in the dorms so this wouldn't even be an AF issue.

Having said that, if I was in that situation, the Folks on CQ would all get formal reprimand since there were multiple failures to follow directives and a poor attempt to cover it up.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 29 at 2015 12:22 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 12:22:09 -0400

Wow.

Alright first reaction(s).

Violation of General Orders. Let's see what we have here:

1) To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

The CQ Runner (Duty) is obviously not in charge of his Post.

2) To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing

Failure to identify the unsecured door during "rounds."

5) To quit my post only when properly relieved.

He left his Post for purposes other than those outlined.

7) To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

The frequent breaks to a personal visitor.

8) To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

Unsecured door. Unsecured Building. This qualifies as "Disorder."

So.. Here is what I would do.

I would relieve the CQ Runner/Duty of their Post, as they are incapable (as current) of performing the Duty. I would direct them to stay in their room or the Duty NCO Hut (as appropriate, essentially confined to Quarters until the following morning). I would get the name & contact information of the unauthorized visitors, and escort them out of the barracks.

I would then immediately contact the Supernumerary (if one exists) to have him relieve the Duty/CQ Runner/Me. Until they arrive, I would the post (as an extension of my own), contacting my own post, letting my own Assistant know where I could be located. If I am not officially on Duty, I take charge, and contact the next person up the chain of command, and inform them there has been "an incident which requires replacing the current duty, and I now have possession of the post. I will back-brief the command after change of post, once I am properly relieved, and can investigate the matter fully."

I would have the ADNCO (Runner Assistant) write up a report of the incident in their own words. Have them begin at the start of the post, and go to current. Tell them to estimate timelines, and provide detailed names. They are to maintain the PRIMARY guard position until I return.

I would do a security sweep of the Post, annotating and correcting deficiencies I find. If there is another Soldier about, still in a "Uniform Ready State" I may task them as an assistant/witness so that I have a second set of eyes. Once I am satisfied security is back to an appropriate level, I will begin writing up my own report of my findings.

At this point, I will head back to the Primary Duty location, and the new CQ Runner (Supernumerary) should be there (if one is going to be relieving me), and I will give him additional instructions as needed. I'll stand down (properly relieved) or gather the report from the ADNCO for my meeting with the Command at turnover.

Depending on my initial contact with the CoC, I may owe the 1SG/CSM a phone call, which I will provide at this point (behind closed doors) with a "quick" run down of the situation, and what I have done so far. At the very minimum, I they will get a call letting them know something happened, and that they will be fully briefed first thing in the morning. This way they are not blind sided by the CO.

In other words, I take immediate action to correct the situation, inform that there is a problem, then investigate, then back-brief. The following morning I'm sure there will be further questions, and based on my own rank, experiences, and familiarity with the Soldier in question, possible recommendations about how to proceed. However... the Soldier in question is going to have a rough week.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 1:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 13:34:24 -0400

TSgt Hunter Logan, is right that it is clearly an immediate action scenario. The only aspect I disagree with is it being a "notify the MPs" scenario. Being an MP, often times people confuse the responsibilities we have. In a law enforcement commitment, our duty is primarily driven by criminal actions, not administrative. This scenario is a great example of an administrative violation. While the MPs could, and would, respond if called, the actions on scene would most likely end with doing what should have already been done: Notifying the 1SG and PSG if necessary.

My actions would be to:

- Immediately get the information of the visitor in the barracks and ask whom she was visiting (to clarify that it was indeed the CQ personnel).

- Escort the individual out of the barracks if a civilian, and if a servicemember or dependent notify the ones responsible for that individual such as sponsor or unit.

- Contact the first line supervisor for both CQ personnel, as well as PSG/1SG. Minor violations could have been rectified by on the spot correction, but multiple serious violations, such as taping the lock, dereliction of duty, etc would lead me to contact the complete NCO Support Channel. 1SG would more likely than not notify the CoC.

- Both CQ personnel would be relieved without question, and replacements would be found and notified. Until their arrival, I would most likely assume CQ duties.

- When the replacement personnel arrived, I would conduct a complete walkthrough with the NCO ensuring compliance with visitor policy and building security. I would then remain in the area with the two original CQ personnel until their leadership arrived and were briefed.

- I would recommend an Article 15 for dereliction of duty or most likely Failure to Obey a Regulation - Art 92 for the NCO. In addition, I would counsel both Soldiers on the incident, and the NCO would be removed from the leadership role for not only disobeying the policy, but also manipulating the junior Soldier into covering for his actions. Furthermore, he was blatantly defying AR 670-1 wearing unauthorized jewelry. Multiple examples of an inability to lead or mentor Soldiers.

- The last thing I'd do is retrain on the unit standards to my section or platoon, ensuring that there was a complete understanding of unit policies.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 29 at 2015 2:20 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:20:13 -0400

CSM Michael J. Uhlig, this one's tougher than the last one! I've not yet accustomed myself to thinking like a Senior Leader.
I think that TSgt Hunter Logan has the right idea.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 2:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:48:44 -0400

Great question CSM. I would say that the SL needs to take charge of the situation get some facts and call the 1SG with those facts. wait for that soldiers 1SG. Let that CQ's leadership handle him and the situation. That is not a situation that can be left for first formation. That CQ has failed at his job and the SL did a great job by getting staff duty to go with him. No one should be allowed to leave until there unit leadership gets there and that CQ should not be allowed to finish his shift. If anything starts to get out of hand were that SL can not stop the situation with his words then the MP's may be needed. But I would wonder what other violations are going on with that CQ that the SL did not see. That CQ's leadership needs to look into this and they need to do that now.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 4:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:23:10 -0400

Immediate action. ... being an officer I would notify CoC. I would discuss the situation with Senior NCO asking him to enforce standard. I would develop the situation to gain full situational awareness.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 1:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:54:59 -0400

I honestly believe that if you are the CQ, then at the moment, you should not have any visitors. It is his job to maintain the security of the barracks and he failed. If anything, he deserted his post. As to his personal affairs, I don't really care, but after catching the CQ with another female and all the possessions to move in, I would have to address the situation at that direct moment. Wouldn't want to get her all settled in just to tell her she has to move out. I am actually doing her the favor. As for the CQ, I would make him escort her out, give him the verbal, make him get back to the front of the barracks and instruct him not to leave the front unless it is to make his rounds or to go to the latrine.

I would definitely write him up the next day. I might've even stayed at the barracks to ensure he was doing what he was supposed to do. A little surprise inspection.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 5:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 05:17:08 -0400

CSM,
First and foremost I would ask the young lady to set down her things. Then I would excuse myself and the CQ NCO. I would move away from the young lady (not so far that she would be out of sight but far enough that she couldn't hear me). Also, I'm assuming the SDNCO is present to stand with her; per the story. I would tell the CQ NCO in accordance with AR 670-1 it is unauthorized to wear earrings while in uniform. "Take them out now". After the CQ NCO remove his earrings I would ask him for his first line supervisor his phone number, his PSG and his phone number, and his 1SG name and company. (I would assume per the story that we are in the same unit and the barracks were ours) Upon receiving this information, I would ask the soldier, "what's your first General order that you learned as a basic trainee?" I would expect to hear "I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relived." This would prompt me to say, "how well do you think your guarding your post at this time?" I would expect an answer along the lines of: "I'm not." After this short brief conversation I would then instruct the soldier and his companion to come with the SDNCO and myself down to the CQ desk as there is no NCO currently at the desk.

Once at the CQ desk I would direct the young lady "Please, Stand by here as we sort this out." I would then give the CQ NCO explicit instructions that he is to stay at the desk as I attempt to notify his NCO support channel. I would then ask the SDNCO to step aside with me (once again within eyesight but not audio of the others) and ask him when was the last time he did his checks? I would challenge his answer with the DA Form 1594 to check his integrity (if I didn't know him). Once verified that he was telling the truth I would step away from everyone and attempt to notify the CQ NCO's NCO Support channel. Note: The SDNCO would stand by at the desk with the civilian and the CQ runner. Assuming the Firstline and the PSG came down to the CQ desk, I would explain the situation to the both of them. I would let them handle the situation with there COC and at there level. Quite honestly, if I got the vibe that the first line and the PSG were going to "sweep this under the rug" I would inform the PSG that this will be annotated on the SDNCO's DA Form 1594 and the 1SG and commander of there company will be notified of the situation. If I felt that the PSG was going to handle the situation appropriately I would stand aside and allow him/her to do there job.

[Now, there is another issue that may arise. The civilian young lady says that she won't stay, listen, and is extremely disrespectful to myself and the SDNCO. I would inform here that's an option you my take but I will be forced to inform the MP's that there's an unauthorized Pearson in a military establishment after visiting hours. At that point if she doesn't comply I would be forced to notify the MP's.]

There was another issue that had arose during this situation that I haven't addressed yet. The naked girl that ran into the barracks in the first place, which trigger me to even go looking for the CQ. Assuming the "what if factor" wasn't a part of this; I assume that this girl disappeared into the barracks, out of sight, and I did not see where she went. Why I was looking for CQ and such. I would check the log book and see if there were any females signed in to a spacific room and a spacific soldier. If so the SDNCO and I would go to that room and handle it in the same manner as I did the CQ NCO.

If there was not and the barracks was Co-Ed i would request the presence of the female CQ Runner. The CQ Runner, the SDNCO and I would go floor by floor listening for anything that would resemble a party, a get together, drinking, suspicious activities, etc. If we came across a room that sounded like such a thing was happening, I would knock on the door (most likely if it's after hours for visitors it's after "lights out" or now-a-days known as quite time) and wait for someone to answer. Once the soldier (or whoever answered the door) I would ask who lives there. Regardless of what name is on the door, who answered the door. Once given the answer to PFC Doe and Spc Rae I would instruct them to come into the hall. I would handle this as I did with the CQ NCO. The purpose of having the female CQ Runner with me, is the unfortunate situation where we came accross the female that was naked. This presents a whole new world of possibilities and questions. That will have to be for another Q&A or I'll come back tomorrow and tackle that situation tomorrow, CSM.

Jonathan McMurtrey
SSG US Army Infantry
COBRA TEAM Operations Group, NTC

Response by SFC Joshua Murtha made Jan 7 at 2020 1:02 AM

SFC Joshua Murtha — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 01:02:18 -0500

Wow, some seriously long winded answers, but correct. I'd get all names and POCs, then for the soldiers, I'd immediately inform their COC of the situation and have them come to the unit to rectify the situation. As for notifying the 1SG, that goes without question. Once all that is taken care of i would then do a follow up to ensure all corrective actions were taken.

A good question would be, what would you do if both those soldiers were under your direct supervision? That's where it can become very interesting in how one would handle the situation.
You will have many things to consider in that moment. Yes, I know the rules are the rules and everyone should be held to the same exact standards, but let's be honest, we all have those soldiers that are a 10 of 10 and those that are not. To me that's where it can become difficult in the actions taken.
Be fore anyone skull drags me, I know there is one standard and a good or great soldier follows the standards set forth. But in the end, most leaders take how good of a soldier is and has been into consideration when making their final decision. I was inducted into the Audie Murphy Association in Dec 2006.

Response by MSgt David Winstead made Feb 25 at 2020 7:55 PM

MSgt David Winstead — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:55:26 -0500

I would assume the Senior Leader knew the occupants of that building, that being said, I would have the runner stand by the unsecured door to ensure no further entry was made, have the CQ go back to his post and send the female guest on her way to where she came from before entering the building, get a statement as to the CQ's whereabouts and why the CQ was not at his post with door not secured to include why the building was unsecured to the best of the CQ's knowledge. I would advise the CQ as to the dress code and the improper wearing of ear rings while on duty and that this incident would be turned over to his commanding officer to be dealt with at this commanding officers discretion. I would have the doors locked, and remind the CQ and the runner of their duties for the rest of the evening before I departed.