Should an officer be allowed to continue to serve on Active Duty after being relieved from command?

One of the worst commanders I ever had was relieved; however he was a technical genius. He had no people skills whatsoever. He went on to serve in a technical position the rest of his career and was a contributor to the Army. On the other hand, the absolute worst commander I ever had left his soldiers both mentally and physically on the battlefield. He was relieved and asked to leave the Army, but he went on to serve on the ARNG, I knew a few folks who served with him in the ARNG and he went on to be a complete and total turd. So, to answer the question. If an officer has something else to offer, they should be allowed to continue to serve, provided they are actively contributing in a positive manner. On the other hand, if you have nothing to give, you should go and never be allowed to serve in any capacity.

AATW Brother

Bring back SRB for all services

Having spent alot of time in my career as a staff officer I can tell you, some of the best and brightest planners make terrible commanders.

I don't think it is black or white. Depending on why they were relieved for, are they a true leader or just have rank and what was their track record before the incident. As Capt. Waddell said, some people get caught in a bad situation and it is no fault of their own where some people should never be put in a position of responsibility. I worked for a Capt. that thought you had to be working constantly, wether or not there was any thing to do, or he would be put in a bad light. No leadership ability whatsoever. Another was our company commander and the first time real pressure was put on him he resigned hi commission. On the other hand, had a chief that gave us time off for finishing stuff early. When I worked for this man we had won awards because we were treated so good which made us work harder and had a good time doing it.

Depends on the offense. Sometimes it is just a personalty clash. Sometimes it is political. Had an Empty Uniform LTC ... came from Pentagon for Command Time ... screwed up really bad [17 points on ARTEP] rotated back to Pentagon for fast track promotion. Some officers could have enough experience to remain on active service as an NCO. I know one who did that. Major hard working ... great attitude ... for the troops ... BN Commander denied him two weeks command time for promotion to LTC. He was demoted to SFC. Had a MP platoon leader [female] constantly on the carpet for screwing up [male officer would have been tossed-out for first mistake]. She screwed up - got a fourteen year old girl killed [cover-up]. Kept her job.

I have long been an advocate of getting rid of the up or out process we use. I worked with the German Army and they have a policy where a LT or Captain can refuse moving up and gets to stay at the company level. They make the best LT's and Captains I have ever worked with. They could teach us something about leadership.

"Up or Out" is an outdated philosophy that defies logic. Many other armies throughout the world have proven this. If someone is competent and wishes to be, for instance, a career captain or career E5, good on them. Frankly, the US has too many pay grades especially in the enlisted realm. We would probably be better served with a structure like the British with few grades but actual pay based on tenure in grade. Yeah, I said it. Sacrilege.......maybe........will we ever even consider it..........probably not........for such an inovative culture, we sure hate change. Especially to our systems.

If their previous supervisors had done their job when it came OER time..... This question would never need asking.

I don't see the issue here, this was a common practice during World War II. General Marshall fired generals left and right but he also reassigned them to duties where they could still be of use. Getting relieved during that period didn't automatically equate to being a bad officer nor was it a career killer. Marshall knew that there were generals and senior officers that weren't suited for command leadership roles so if one person couldn't cut it they'd be replaced. From the start of World War II until Korea generals policed themselves. Unfortunately this came to an end when MacArthur got canned by Truman.

Probably.

If they are incompetent to lead then there is no need for them. Anyone relieved of command should be separated at the same time.

Lead , follow or get the hell out of the way !

I don't know how it is in the other branches. But in Naval aviation unless you screen for command - you are a desk jockey and game over at 0-5. 0-4's do not command but are major department heads and compete with fellow 0-4's for the early promote ticket and a #1 or 2 fitrep from the CO - out of 5 LCDR's in the squadron. Once they make CDR 0-5, the real sweat starts to see if they will screen for operational command. (a squadron). IF they complete the squadron tour sucessfully and are the #1 or #2 out of all of the squadrons in the CAG (carrier air group) they promote to CAPT 0-6, and now again they sweat to see if they will screen for Major Command, a Carrier Air Wing job (CAG) or a deep draft ship (oiler etc) some may go straight to the Nuclear power command pipeline as a Carrier executive Officer. Now the competition for a star begins. 12 carriers - 12 CAPT's 0-6. Maybe 1 or 2 will get a star as a RADM. Non screen Commanders usually become Naval Air Station executive Officers . Non Major Command screen Captains become Naval Air Station Commanding Officers and or training command Commaning Officers.

You do not get relieved of command for minor things. If the DOD is feeling magnanimous, allow him to retire. If not at a minimum Article 15 him for the offence that got him relieved of duty and force him out.

NEVER......

The job of every officer is to command. It doesn’t matter what his assignment is, his first duty is command. If he is not fit to command he shouldn’t be an officer.

I think if the army implemented a plan for a new rank system after specialist not nudging a a solider to be an nco if he not a leader but still giving him the opportunity to rank up it would help the problem

So you mean like non leader NCO's and Officers like pilots, nurses and doctors? And any DIrect Input Limited Duty Officers. The Navy is clear on this you are a Line Officer or a Staff Officer. Staff officers can not take command of a ship. I am pretty sure Line officers that are releived of duty have no where to go. NCO's on the other hand probably retire. Never thought about it, or ran into it either.

I realize I am probably staying the obvious but if he or she should be allowed to serve and be paid until the investigation is complete and an outcome has been reached.