Posted on Sep 19, 2022
SSG Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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I am in the Army Reserve and this past weekend my unit and I went to the range. While at the range, I was told that one of my AGR E5 NCOs was being very disrespectful and unprofessional towards other NCOs and Officers while he was a range safety. Afterwards, my SFC supply sergeant asked him if he cleaned his weapon and he stated that he was not going to clean his MFing weapon. The SFC brought this to my attention and I said I would handle it. Later on, when I saw him again, I has him put away some items he was carrying and instructed him to bring his weapon while we walked to a secluded area. I had my LT platoon leader come with me. While I was doing this and trying to talk to him, he continuously interrupted me and was not treating me like his senior. I put him at the position of attention then told him to get in the front leaning rest position and he said he wasn't going to effing do that. I said great, let's go see the CSM. The CSM sided with him and said I escalated things too quickly (he said this with my E5 right there). He then said that he hold his AGR Soldiers at a higher standard than just a regular reservist. My brain was boiling... Doesn't take any consideration to my prior active time, my deployment, my rank, my leadership history.

I understand I might have escalated quickly but don't demean me in front my my Soldiers. I was going to have him in the front leaning rest while I calmly talk to him. I just wanted him to be uncomfortable while I explain what professionalism is and what the NCO Creed stands for and that I won't tolerate one of my NCOs disrespecting other NCOs or Officers.

Was I wrong in what I was doing? Am I too old school for today's Army? How could I have handled things differently? Now he probably thinks he is untouchable...

Update: So that individual got promoted and is awaiting transfer. He and I talked about what happened and he apologized for how he reacted. I just left it at that. I understand where I went wrong and if something like that happens again, I will be more prepared with having paperwork ready to escalate.

To give a little more insight on my unit, we are essentially the command part of a larger unit which we oversee. Similar to an HQ or HHC. It's hospital unit and we're the hospital center. Those of you who've been in a hospital unit, you probably understand the unique dynamic. With that being said, my position is basically the 1SG but with a squad sized element. My next higher up is the CSM, which is why I went to him instead of a 1SG.
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 173
SSG Brian Pyle
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I get it, I was in a unit 1 drill, the next drill they told me I was amazing, and I was being named 1SG as an SSG and all of my PSGs were SFC (AGR) they didn't want any more responsibility and to be fair they had their own jobs to deal with. It's a very weird dynamic. I guess I should have been less amazing while I in-processed :) ......... Your situation... the SFC that brought it to your attention is garbage for not handling it right then and there, shame on him. Your CSM telling you in front of the E5 that you escalated to quickly, just makes me sick to my stomach. Drive on SSG! Keep up the good work!!
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SGT Air Defense Radar Repairer
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Let me tell you what I see. You have an E-5 as range safety. You have NCO's and officers complaining probably because the E-5 was running a tight no nonsense range which the complainers were unaccustomed and this is something I've experienced first hand. As things were heating up in the sandbox our company went through all of its soldier skills. I had the NBC station. I flunked 99.9% of the company because they could not meet the standard. Everyone that outranked me went to TOP's office and complained. I got called in and asked to explain myself. I told TOP they can fail to meet standard in garrison and not get injured or die but on the battlefield, failure to make standard can cause them injury or death. So that is why I was very strict. I will say this though the biggest crybabies I've ever seen have been E-7's and E-8's.

My guess is there was a lot of retaliation against the E-5 for running a squared away range.
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Cpl George Matousek
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Totally wrong of the CSM, this soldier disobeyed your orders, he should be written up and discplined. Semper Fi
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SPC Phillip Jackson
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Yeah, you were wrong for not taking that punk to the nearest treeline. This is not my Army anymore.
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SCPO Lonny Randolph
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Ah the subtle joys of the old Navy, where there is always a secluded fan room and a dogging wrench available for attitude adjustment. Alternately there is always the possibility of assignment to duties one would find less than attractive but completely legal; for example, assign the young lad the opportunity to inspect and clean ALL of the weapons from the range... just sayin... nuttin but love and attention to detail...
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SPC Daniel Brown
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Being disrespectful of a senior is completely wrong and the CSM should have backed you in front of the E5 then dismiss him and talk to you and LT platoon leader together and explain what he expects from both of you in the future.
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SGT Jim Giffin
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And this E-5 is the guy that will be responsible for his troops when the lead flies. Wouldn't trust him at all. He is an insubordinate POG that needs to be out.
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SGT Karen Emanuelson
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I feel for you 100% & have been in that situation. A couple of things though: An NCO can put troops in parade rest. Attention is for officers & boards until told "at ease." Another thing: I was a drill & we did "physical punishments" which was squat thrusts--no more than 50, but this was to a bunch of private E1s (former prisoners--so a few had been E5s & E6s, yes, but all lost their rank in their court martials). So, having another NCO drop into the front leaning rest position? Probably not a great idea. The CSM chewing you out in front of the E5? Not cool. You probably should have gone to an officer & then did a write up. Oh well...hindsight 20/20 etc. Good luck going forward.
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SSG William Hommel
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This described situation was why I left the reserves. After 11 active, I couldn't stomach the disorganization and lack of standards and professionalism I encountered (at two different USAR units.)
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SGT Automated Logistical Specialist
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It doesn’t matter what a person’s rank or position is, standards are standards, to which NCO’s, by nature of being an NCO, are usually held to a slightly higher than normal standard so as to set an example to Jr Enlisted. I spent 21yrs in the Army Reserve, and noticed that the standards during Drill Weekend are typically lower by nature of being Reservists. The AGR’s, being Active Duty, should help lead the standards during Drill Weekend. For that AGR NCO to not lead the standard, they were in the wrong. You took them to a secluded area, following the “code” of “praise in public, criticize in private”
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