What can be done about a soldier who makes at least 2 appointments a week, non-medical related (i.e. chaplain, etc.)?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:35:01 -0400

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 8:57 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:57:54 -0400

The platoon sergeant can emphasize the importance of assigned duties and inform the Soldier that appts can be set for 0800 or 1500, or they can be expected to work past last formation to make up the missed time.
This usually solves the problem of Soldiers making multiple appts to get away from work.

If the appts are addressing legitimate BH issues, the commander can direct the Soldier to a fitness for duty evaluation to determine if the issue can be resolved or if they need to be discharged.

Meanwhile, you reported to Campbell 2.5 years ago, surely you are not still a PVT.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 9:01 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 09:01:54 -0400

As a leader, you have to ask yourself if you know the Soldier well enough to determine whether they're trying to get out of work, or legitimately looking for support for something they're dealing with.
My thoughts on the matter are simple. If they're making lots of appointments, are they also behind on their quals? Are they short on friends in the FT, SQD, or Platoon? Are they dealing with something outside on the homefront?

In the Navy, we deal with the concept of "intrusive leadership", and what that means is to fully make or pass judgement on a situation, you have to have a clear picture of what's going on in their lives.

If you're concerned for someone's actions and feel that they're skipping out of work or missing quals because they're constant at appointments, one of the very best ways to show them concern is to tell them that you're concerned. You can ask them if they need any help and reach out the proverbial "Olive Branch" to help get them on the right track.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 31 at 2020 10:44 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:44:24 -0400

Context is needed. From the outside looking 2 appointments a week isn't that detrimental considering we have no idea what the appointments are for. You say non-medical and list Chaplain and etc. So that means you really don't know. It could be medical. It could be chaplain. It could be something else you don't know about. As long as the chain of command is tracking this and aware so they can make appropriate arrangements when needed you don't need to be back briefed on it. When I was running a full shop of Marines I had folks who needed to step out to handle things. Weather it was legal, medical, spiritual, training or logistical it was handled and the other folks in the shop weren't always privy to all the details. That is part of leadership and management. If the Solider is just disappearing and nobody is aware that is different altogether and should be reported but that is probably not the case.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 12:29 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:29:31 -0400

If they are legitimate appointments, then there is nothing you can do except assist your Soldier as best you can. As a Leader, you should know your Soldiers and know if these appointments are legitimate or bunk. What I would recommend is to sit down with the Soldier and find out if these appointments can be spread out instead of bunched up like they are. Mission needs to happen, but if the appointments can't be spread out, then it is what it is.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 31 at 2020 10:19 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 22:19:00 -0400

You don't do anything, but no one carries their weight. Let them go to their appointment, if they are gone two hours, they put those two hours in after the rest of the unit secures for the day.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 2 at 2020 11:43 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 11:43:24 -0400

As long as the appointments are valid you need to allow the time away from work. There may be more to it than you know. Mention it to your boss to ensure they know about it. That may help clear up the "why".
With that being said, ask your front line leader if you can hold the SM accountable for the time away from work by staying over after normal duty hours or on weekends. This is especially important if others are being forced to work extra to make up for his/her absences. If he/she is playing the system to avoid work, take that off of the table by establishing firm expectations that any time spent away from their normal duties will have to be made up.
I guarantee the other members of your team are watching to see how you react. Be firm but fair. Have empathy, but do not coddle. Make sure you have clear direction from above so you don't over-extend your authority.
Good luck