Posted on May 18, 2015
Rules we all think are true, but not written anywhere?
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From the IG Desk: Awards & Decorations (A&D) have and will always be a sore contention throughout our entire military family (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard). Understand that "Regulations" are more 'guidelines' than law and each and every situation is different, regardless of what opinion others may offer. Yes, there are problems associated with how and why any particular effort is recognized while opinion and politics often do enter into the picture (IE: I don't have one so you aren't going to get one, or the so-called 'Rank' list construction). During my own 30 year career I've witnessed all of the machinations mentioned but was helpless to do anything about it. My advice? If you are in ANY leadership position, take care of those you lead. Period. Regardless of any accolade you may or may not have, your DUTY is to ensure you FAIRLY recognize the efforts of those who trust YOU to "always do the right thing." And for the record, RANK has nothing whatsoever to do with the weight of any military accolade on the books. It's the EFFORT and what it ACCOMPLISHED that matters and the writer MUST ensure that effort and accomplishment is properly documented and supported. During a Korean assignment, a unit under our command submitted numerous award forms. I refused to accept them due to an abundance of 'white space' (lack of support). I mentored the individual tasked to complete them. He accepted that advice, started over, and was successful in obtaining the required support necessary to substantiate each of the submitted accolades. There were no questions about the awards presented as the 'process' was correctly followed.
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My favorite was, "The Service Cap is not authorized for wear by junior enlisted." I think that is the case, now. But, when I was in (the Service Greens), the Service Cap was authorized for wear as long as you were not in a formation (unless everyone had one and it was the prescribed uniform). It was a pain to keep up with. But, it looked good.
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How about the first rule of Military service ? We already know its not written down but in many cases worth paying attention to, " Never Volunteer for anything !"
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TSgt James Carson
More often than not politics are a key reason for awards and decks. Get a thicker skin or walk away. It happens much more often than you think. remember the person who worked their butts off to improve something or complete a project when the powers that be sat hopelessly on their butts wishing the job got done? Remember some one who wasn't even near these tasks standing before all being awarded for something they didn't do? If you and others didn't stand up to correct this injustice, then don't say a word.
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If I learned anything in the Army, it is this: If you ever consider doing something unacceptable, against regulation, or unlawful, do not consider using "Everyone else is doing it" as an excuse or a defense.
I cannot believe that it is written anywhere, but my much beloved platoon sergeant in Vietnam told me, "Adams, a good mortarman don't need no earplugs." He liked me and wanted me to know how to be manly and professional. Sadly, when I told him, "A good deaf man don't need no earplugs neither," he asked me to repeat what I just said to him.
I do not remember if a foxhole is supposed to be a particular depth or if it is dependent upon the height or leg length of the troop or troops who are going to occupy it. As I was digging one I looked up and asked CPT (perhaps MAJ by then?) Bill Carpenter if mine was deep enough. Looking extremely "strak," West Point like, and All-America End like (all of which he was, including being the original "Lonesome End"), he replied something like, "Dig that hole a little deeper, troop." I do not remember whether or not he had already received his DSC, but he later had four stars in addition to the DSC and innumerable other medals he earned. Sometimes I think I never stopped digging that hole a little deeper! :)) At least I never said, "Everyone else is doing it."
I cannot believe that it is written anywhere, but my much beloved platoon sergeant in Vietnam told me, "Adams, a good mortarman don't need no earplugs." He liked me and wanted me to know how to be manly and professional. Sadly, when I told him, "A good deaf man don't need no earplugs neither," he asked me to repeat what I just said to him.
I do not remember if a foxhole is supposed to be a particular depth or if it is dependent upon the height or leg length of the troop or troops who are going to occupy it. As I was digging one I looked up and asked CPT (perhaps MAJ by then?) Bill Carpenter if mine was deep enough. Looking extremely "strak," West Point like, and All-America End like (all of which he was, including being the original "Lonesome End"), he replied something like, "Dig that hole a little deeper, troop." I do not remember whether or not he had already received his DSC, but he later had four stars in addition to the DSC and innumerable other medals he earned. Sometimes I think I never stopped digging that hole a little deeper! :)) At least I never said, "Everyone else is doing it."
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The whole concept of "deployed in place". Cheezy way for some REMF's to make themselves feel good about doing their jobs.
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CAPT (Join to see)
"Deployed in Place"? Explain it to the Navy guy...What the hell does that even mean?
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Lt Col David Nadeau
We have some AF career fields that don't deploy (i.e., ICBM ops). Leadership thought it would be good to give them credit by calling them "deployed in place". One of the reasons we have an Air and Space Campaign Medal but that's another discussion altogether...
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Probably never explicitly stated anywhere, however, your senior's authority and power is only limited by your personal belief in what its limitations are...
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If the enemy is in range, so are you.
http://www.megazone.org/Random/murphy.shtml
http://www.megazone.org/Random/murphy.shtml
Over theyears I saved a few odds and ends and stuff a number of them into myFTP site. Now I bring a few choice members to my web site.
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You must have a Red Cross message to go emergency leave.
You must take a ht/wt to count as a record APFT,
You must take your ht/wt within x days of PT test
You can take a diagnostic ht/wt. learned that one the hard way.
You must take a ht/wt to count as a record APFT,
You must take your ht/wt within x days of PT test
You can take a diagnostic ht/wt. learned that one the hard way.
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SCPO (Join to see)
To use actual emergency leave, which involves the gov flying from oconus to conus while deployed, 100% requires an amcross.
Most ppl assume any leave involving a death in the family is emergency, when really they are taking normal leave.
Most ppl assume any leave involving a death in the family is emergency, when really they are taking normal leave.
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SSG (Join to see)
SCPO (Join to see) - I can't speak for how the Navy does things, although I assume the same rules would apply. No government organization (US Armed Forces) is going to require a nongovernmental (Red Cross) action to permit anything to happen. But since that won't be good enough for most people, here is the actual quote from the reg AR 600-8-10: 6–1. Rules to request emergency leave
a. Soldiers may request emergency leave with or without American Red Cross verification. Most Soldiers are mature and responsible individuals whose emergency leave needs can be considered on their merits.
a. Soldiers may request emergency leave with or without American Red Cross verification. Most Soldiers are mature and responsible individuals whose emergency leave needs can be considered on their merits.
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SSG (Join to see)
SCPO (Join to see) - you can tell I'm bored. Per MILPERSMAN 1050-130
EMERGENCY LEAVE: Navy policy does not require the use of the American Red Cross to verify all emergency leave situations; however, when the leave-granting authority is uncertain of the validity of an emergency situation, verification assistance should be requested.
This is a little dated 2002, but I doubt it's changed.
EMERGENCY LEAVE: Navy policy does not require the use of the American Red Cross to verify all emergency leave situations; however, when the leave-granting authority is uncertain of the validity of an emergency situation, verification assistance should be requested.
This is a little dated 2002, but I doubt it's changed.
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