Posted on Mar 15, 2016
Should I report unprofessional behavior through the Chain of Command or an IG complaint?
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NOTE: Member wished to be disassociated from this subject so it has been reposted here with the original comments.
Thank you,
-RP Staff
Recently was involved in an one way exchange with a CPT in which she directed towards a Senior NCO (SFC) in a derogatory, belittling and denigrating expressing her personal feelings toward such SFC. Since this is to get get a general consensus of what should be done, I would like to leave out names and places out but can include that the CPT's comments towards the SFC included: "you are a sorry a$$ excuse of an NCO", " you are the biggest piece of $hit I know" and continued to go on not just about such Senior NCO but included the family members.
Considering that if this was a lower to an NCO doing this, the Soldier would be crucified. If this was an NCO to an officer?, someone would be out of a job.
I heard one day that the moment you lose your bearing you lost the argument. So the SFC did the right thing by keeping professionally quiet and bringing up to the supervisor. Situation is now: such CPT has gone around telling Soldiers how "she ripped in to this SFC with a grin"...
What would be some appropriate ways to handle this situation?
Thank you,
-RP Staff
Recently was involved in an one way exchange with a CPT in which she directed towards a Senior NCO (SFC) in a derogatory, belittling and denigrating expressing her personal feelings toward such SFC. Since this is to get get a general consensus of what should be done, I would like to leave out names and places out but can include that the CPT's comments towards the SFC included: "you are a sorry a$$ excuse of an NCO", " you are the biggest piece of $hit I know" and continued to go on not just about such Senior NCO but included the family members.
Considering that if this was a lower to an NCO doing this, the Soldier would be crucified. If this was an NCO to an officer?, someone would be out of a job.
I heard one day that the moment you lose your bearing you lost the argument. So the SFC did the right thing by keeping professionally quiet and bringing up to the supervisor. Situation is now: such CPT has gone around telling Soldiers how "she ripped in to this SFC with a grin"...
What would be some appropriate ways to handle this situation?
Chain of Command
JAG
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 258
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Having experienced similar situations in the past, I believe the best route to go is to use the CofC. If I were the SFC, I would start by having a conversation with my SGM/CSM. Bring out all the points and ask that the SGM/CSM discuss this with the CPT's relevant SGM/CSM if the CPT is in another unit. If same unit, I would let the SGM/CSM discuss with the Commander and let the Commander deal with the CPT. Nothing gets an obnoxious, self indulgent Captains attention like an 06 who will scorch them. Totally uncalled for!
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Wouldn't that depend upon whom you are complaining against? If the situation involves a person who is within your immediate unit structure, I say that requires a direct chain of command inquiry and resolution. If it, say, involves a high ranking officer and the issue is very volatile or has a detrimental impact to the operational integrity of a much greater expanse of personnel, a ship's entire crew or a brigade, for example, might need to navigate that complaint to an outside entity designed specifically to handle that kind of situation, the Office of the Inspector General. My vote, anyway.
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Thanks Carlos, What a great example of RP's value to SMs. SSG Carlos Madden That is a major breakthrough and should be promogulated throughout the RP and service community!
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It's unfortunate that these situations happen, yet are becoming far too common. The best action for the SFC to take is to bring this behavior up to the 1SG and the CSM and get them involved. While I have seen a CPT or two attempt to go off on a CSM, usually the Battalion Commander is near by and he/she tends to nip this behavior. If this action fails, the SFC would be in his right to bring charges against in the CPT in a formal complaint due to her inflammatory comments that sound as though they are being stated in front of Junior Enlisted. While the IG can get involved, I believe the above courses of action are better suited to this scenario for faster resolution.
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SSG Carlos Madden I agree, "the moment you lose your bearing you lost the argument". The SFC did the right thing. How to handle the subsequent comments by the CPT are debatable. What she said cannot be unheard and it undermines the authority of the NCO within the unit. I think the SFC could make a reasonable argument the CPT's actions are detrimental to the good conduct and morale of the unit. Go to IG Just my two cents.
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My thought was a good response to such is to simply say. "Thank you. I do my best to go where my leaders show I should go."
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You are pretty well stuck with the COC and the CAPT knows it. The COC might give you lukewarm mouth-service but investigate? who knows. Were there any witnesses? Your First Sgt will certainly love taking this to the CO. The CO will/may try to assuage your feelings, rationalize the misbehavior or recommend you avoid the offender for awhile. If the incident is later brought to the CAPT's attention informally ("heads up so & so is bad mouthing you") she will be embarrassed and make it a point be more careful the next time she chews out someone, and to get back at you in any way she can in the future. As COL Jean (John) F. Burleson says if you go to the IG or such they will only buck it back to your brigade-type commander(05 or 06), who will also be embarrassed and made to look bad, to handle. Pls let RP know what you decide to do and how this works out for future reference..
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Always utilize the Chain of Command and NCO Support Channel.
If these statements we made in the presence of other Soldiers that is unacceptable.
Do not retaliate verbally or physically. This will nullify any complaint you have to whomever you make it to.
Documentation! From hence forth, make a log of situations in which similar statements are made to you or others. Just like counseling a Soldier, if there is no paper trail, the actions will not be considered without the documentation.
Do not provoke the CPT in question. Make it a point to steer clear and go about your business with as little interaction as possible.
Hope these suggestions help.
If these statements we made in the presence of other Soldiers that is unacceptable.
Do not retaliate verbally or physically. This will nullify any complaint you have to whomever you make it to.
Documentation! From hence forth, make a log of situations in which similar statements are made to you or others. Just like counseling a Soldier, if there is no paper trail, the actions will not be considered without the documentation.
Do not provoke the CPT in question. Make it a point to steer clear and go about your business with as little interaction as possible.
Hope these suggestions help.
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