Posted on Mar 15, 2016
Should I report unprofessional behavior through the Chain of Command or an IG complaint?
111K
1.56K
468
33
33
0
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
Always start with the lowest form of resolution possible. An IG complaint would be jumping the gun a little bit. Don't blindside the entire command.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I've known a few officers and NCO's in my day who did the same thing. They immediately lost respect in the eyes of those around them, both above, equal to and below. Because they lost their military bearing, those in their immediate chain of command found them to be unable to properly lead. While not knowing the entire situation, I can surmise that this officer either had the ego of rank complex, was trying to address a negative situation without proper understanding of how to do so, or just has no idea of how to be a strong and effective leader.
There are many discipline and codes of conduct issues in our military and there always has been. A good leader uses tact and diplomacy to correct any given situation. To use bearing such as this is to show weakness and lack of respect for the individual they are addressing.
I would hope that in retrospect this officer realized that aggressive action is not always the most effective, especially when trying to lead by example.
There are many discipline and codes of conduct issues in our military and there always has been. A good leader uses tact and diplomacy to correct any given situation. To use bearing such as this is to show weakness and lack of respect for the individual they are addressing.
I would hope that in retrospect this officer realized that aggressive action is not always the most effective, especially when trying to lead by example.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Get the a tuall specifics. Maybe she was right, if not she EEDS to be counceld, possibly lose command if she has again if circumstances warrant ut atleast re-trained on how to and when repremand a SFC...... as they were probably older and in the Army yrs longer than the Captain. Nkt enough info to actually give full opinion, just a short summization of what should bappen. But FIRST more info.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
The Marines on this post are out there bad! Lol! Especially the navy guy... I always new there are clicks in upper level officer core that hate some folks! And would conspire to throw folks overboard! Just saying!
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
The Captain must be having personal issues. Some task may be so simple.. When confronted with an inability to professionally accomplish a simple task, when already upset, anyone would snap.
All that could happen, since there was not any physical violence, is a reprimand or a simple apology.
I want to know why he snapped!
Although, his reaction was unprofessional
All that could happen, since there was not any physical violence, is a reprimand or a simple apology.
I want to know why he snapped!
Although, his reaction was unprofessional
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
They have been teaching us to confront the person one on one and then if things escalate then you should use the CoC but with it being someone higher ranking than you I would personally talk to the CoC
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Forgive my presumption as a Junior Enlisted, but I've held rank in excess of my position and I just want to make the point that "behind closed doors anything goes." I've had nasty, epic, knock down, drag out conflicts with leadership before. We've gotten heated. Said F-'D up, nasty things to each other and still worked things out and come to a satisfactory conclusion but that's only possible when you separate the personal aspect of the confrontation/counseling from the professional development aspect. I mean... who cares how it's said the fact that "it" needs to be said indicates that there's room for improvement on one end at least that's what the focus should be, not petty, whiny butt-hurt.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Unfortunately this is where friendly fire comes from. Whether on the battle field or on the home front. You can't treat your subordinates like this and expect them to have your back
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
That capt was unprofessional as hell and lost respect of any witnessing this. It will get up the chain of command...always does
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
If this was done in front of the company with subordinates present especially lower enlisted that would be completely out of bounds unless that NCO just nearly got someone killed due to gross negligence and he's getting ripped out of anger ,but even still. Family members are off-limits though, that is inexcusable no officer should do that in any way shape or form. I think that there is a time and place for everything and if she was chewing him out behind closed doors that is one thing ,but chewing a senior NCO in front of everyone and mentioning family is simply unacceptable. That is something for the 1SG if you ask me and a good one will put the CPT in their place if they do something like that.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
You are a SSG. The CPT was speaking to a SFC. If the SFC is too weak to know her options, and how to utilize her NCO Support Channel, then she probably deserved to be tore up from the floor up. Keep a log of the incident, but stay clear of it, it's not your business, and a female SFC doesn't need a white knight.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
"...but included the family members."
Is this Captain actually a Company Commander? Because that's how you lose confidence in the commander's ability and fitness to command.
Chain of command, first. Without a doubt. Whatever led up to this meltdown has to be addressed, as well. Stuff like rarely happens in a vacuum.
I've taken and given some pretty intense counselling. Never, ever, ever did I ever insult a Soldier's family member. That is not a smart move, and I know many people who settled the issue and their career with an "Irish discussion." Striking an officer is against the UCMJ...no matter how well deserved it may be.
Is this Captain actually a Company Commander? Because that's how you lose confidence in the commander's ability and fitness to command.
Chain of command, first. Without a doubt. Whatever led up to this meltdown has to be addressed, as well. Stuff like rarely happens in a vacuum.
I've taken and given some pretty intense counselling. Never, ever, ever did I ever insult a Soldier's family member. That is not a smart move, and I know many people who settled the issue and their career with an "Irish discussion." Striking an officer is against the UCMJ...no matter how well deserved it may be.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
No Officer should act like that because it is unprofessional and unbecoming. If there was a personnel thing between the SFC and the CPT then she should have talked to him behind closed doors because she just lost the respect (if it was there in the first place) of all members who heard her, something she will have a hard time getting back. Even not knowing the full story or reason why the CPT acted like this, she should be reported regardless of her position simply because Officers do not act that why or shouldn't. Finally, if she was not reprimanded by the Command, the best option, though not a good one would be a transfer of either party because trouble will be brewing and eventually would boil over into a situation that would be an embarrassment to the Unit, the Command and the Service.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I have dealt with Officers (West Point grads) like this. I gave them enough rope to hang themselves, then kindly let them know they screwed up.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Totally unprofessional. Unless the circumstances warrant it, dressing down anyone, especially a Sr NCO in Public is not appropriate. Bringing an individual's family into the matter, is inappropriate in any circumstance. This just plain wrong.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Use the Chain of Command. The IG is the last resort when the normal channels fail.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I would definitely take it to higher chain of command and then if nothing was done I'd call IG but another option too is a good chaplain.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Well, when I was in, This was called conduct unbecoming of an officer (or an NCO) to go off like this on a lower rank. At the very least it would lead to a letter of reprimand for the senior individual in a one on one encounter and could be an article 15 in a situation where by the "chewing out" was done in from of Others.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
