What do you do when an E6 tasks people who aren't in his platoon, and you (an E4) suffer for their incomplete tasking?

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 01:21:56 -0400

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:24 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 01:24:03 -0400

You need to talk to your first line supervisor. In the Army I wouldn't allow another E6 to just start tasking out my Soldiers without first consulting me. However, at the end of the day you need to do what you're told until you can rectify the situation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 01:24:54 -0400

1. Go to that person's boss.
2. Explain to your boss what happened.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 1:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 01:56:49 -0400

It depends on the current situation and if you are already tasked out. Either way you should obey then tactfully and respectfully direct him to your supervisor. NCOs tend to pull SMs who do not appear to be gainfully employed and task them to details. You don't have to be in that NCO's element to follow his orders; this is general authority.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Aug 3 at 2016 2:51 AM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 02:51:00 -0400

You need to notify your first line supervisor NCO of what is happening. If they are attentive, they may already be aware. As long as the tasking (order)is not illegal, you need to complete the task to the best of your ability and allow your chain of command the opportunity to act and rectify the situation without putting yourself in jeopardy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 7:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 07:12:55 -0400

Talk with your First line leader and then your squad, section chief to square away the situation.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 7:59 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 07:59:15 -0400

I think you are talking tasking as in P & E for project correct? If you are talking P & E I would talk to your PLT commander and in turn he should go to the company 3C and talk to him.I would also assume that they are from another company like Bravo and Alpha and that is hard the Chief in charge of P & E the 3C needs to know that your not getting it done correctly.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 8:41 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 08:41:05 -0400

Not really much you can do. You're still on the lower portion of the totem pole (as they say). I would still carry out the tasks. If anything to cover your 6:00, monitor the other personnel who are assigned it so that you can take over if things aren't done right.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 8:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 08:41:57 -0400

This happened when 3 of my soldiers and myself were medical support for a BWC. We had lanes to run and someone came over a tasked my soldiers with "move this over there and that over here" type of nonsense because he wanted to be done faster. They completed the tasks but then came and found me. I spoke with the other NCO and stated that IF we had down time from our tasks, I would send support to him to help out, however at the moment we were tasked with our own mission and to please speak with me prior so that I may maintain accountability of my guys at all times. I do like to maintain that level of respect, but I also will not let my soldiers be taken advantage of. If he were to try and discipline them, however that would be another story. Unless you are their first sergeant, commander, or platoon daddy than I want to know what they are being disciplined for and I want to be present when said conversation takes place.

Response by SFC William Trent made Aug 3 at 2016 10:09 AM

SFC William Trent — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 10:09:45 -0400

Did this NCO Recive a task from someone ? Maybe he was told to grab soldier / sailors that are not doing anything to help with the Task. The 1sg or PSG. Well fix this. But like everyone else has said. Complete the task then go to your chain of Command. Let us know what the outcome is.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 3 at 2016 11:25 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:25:11 -0400

What you need to do first is make sure the task is accomplished. With or without help. Get it done.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 3 at 2016 11:40 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:40:11 -0400

Did you speak with your LPO, or whatever you may call your first line leader in the SeaBees?

Response by PO1 Robert Closson made Aug 3 at 2016 1:23 PM

PO1 Robert Closson — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:23:58 -0400

First of all you should be using terms like work center, division and department a term like e-4 or e-6 is a pay grade not a rank. if a petty officer who is higher in rank then you gives you a order that is in the scope of his authority you should follow it and if you disagree with it complete the order and talk to your immediate supervisor to send your grievance up the chain of command. under no circumstances should a first class petty officer be giving work task to personnel who are not in the scope of his or hers authority.

Response by PO1 Eric Justice made Aug 3 at 2016 1:31 PM

PO1 Eric Justice — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:31:23 -0400

We need more specifics with this question. Are you apart of a working party, a tiger team or did he/she grab you in the P-Way? As a First Class, if I needed to grab someone out of the P-Way, for a tasking, I would call his/her LPO and say, "Hey, I needed to borrow so-in-so for a couple minutes." If you were assigned to either of the two former, then do what you were assigned to do. While that E6 is accountable for the overall task, he/she delegated the responsibility of accomplishing said task to you, which is why you "suffered."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 2:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:18:53 -0400

I know as a squad and acting platoon sgt at Ft. Hood, I would be pissed if someone tasked my guys out without coming to me first.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Aug 3 at 2016 5:37 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:37:54 -0400

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member Without know the exact details this seems to be a big NO-NO on the part of the PO1. Esp being a SeaBee s/he should know this. As others have said, after you have followed the order, go to yr PltSgt or supervisor of equivalent rank and put the person 'on report' in no uncertain terms. Yr supervisor should immediately come to your aid by speaking privately with his/her peer to never pull such a stunt again unless the sky is falling. No way of know to what extent the rogue E6 is doing the same thing with other people and getting away with it. Need to nip it in the bud.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Aug 3 at 2016 6:17 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:17:40 -0400

Report it to your chain of command.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 6:43 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:43:19 -0400

BU3 Please accept my Mentor request, I am a Retired 2013 SWC, and was a Charlie 3 for several years. I may be able to guide you in the right way.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 9:53 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:53:05 -0400

I'm Going to say do what you are told, if an E6 tasks you more than likely your superiors have been informed

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 3 at 2016 9:58 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:58:19 -0400

Were you keeping them busy? Idle hands become problems! PO2 Private RallyPoint Member

Response by PO1 Mile Oconnell made Aug 4 at 2016 9:38 AM

PO1 Mile Oconnell — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 09:38:21 -0400

Follow lat given order,then complain to your Supervisor unless ina dire situation, then that speaks for itself.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 10:23 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 10:23:23 -0400

I would most certainly notify your LPO of what is going on enroute to conducting the referenced tasking. If you can't find him/her, carry out the orders as you were told and brief your LPO at next opportunity. Doing it this way will help to keep you out of trouble. If I was your LPO and I found out that you told the other LPO or had an attitude, I'd make you do it anyway because that's not how business is handled...BUT, if I'm notified either after the fact or as the task is being carried out, it will be handled with the most swift boot kick to the other LPO

Response by CPO Byron Sargent made Aug 4 at 2016 3:55 PM

CPO Byron Sargent — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 15:55:04 -0400

Petty Officer Yates, I believe that the regulations state that you should complete the task and then go to your own E-6 and explain the situation. He may be able to work it out with the E-6 from the other platoon. Are you Fleet Marine Force by any chance? Judging by the phrasing of your question. Or CB's I would assume.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2016 1:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 01:40:59 -0400

Totally different Army from back in the day where you just "do as you're told". Also although we all wear this Green, everyone doesn't handle leadership roles as a "team".

There could be a back story as to why someone not in your line is tasking you out. You need the specifics, just as we do, before you jump t conclusions. We only know ONE side of the story, and you yourself may not have ANY of the story-only the task.

Ask your supervisors what's going on, but ask in a way that still let's the team know you're here for mission success but wanted your supervisor to be aware, in case anything happened.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 12:03 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 00:03:17 -0400

I'd clear it with my E-6 before doing anything. As an E-5 I used to tell my sailors oi someone not in your direct CoC i.e. Me or my A-watch tells you to do something do the exact opposite and use my name. Pissed a few senior section leaders off on my ship.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 9:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 09:33:49 -0400

Do what you are told, and notify your first line supervisor. Let your first line fight that fight.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2016 3:41 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 15:41:00 -0400

Well you tell him to fuck off. Been there done that.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 11:48 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:48:01 -0400

First you have to ask why is he tasking people who ate not directly under him, are there staffing issues, is the job not on schedule? Things that may cause someone to look for outside help. Then you should look at why the task want completed,maybe it wasn't your fault,but a job is a job and is got to get done one way or the other, step up into the leadership position of the working party and show that you are part of the solution

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 10 at 2016 12:24 AM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 00:24:48 -0400

SSDD. In the Navy, once outside your shop, ANYONE above you can give you orders. BUT, when it comes to reprimands or extra duty because someone else failed there's, you go up/down the chain of command. That E6 would need to go to your superior.

Response by CPO Jeffrey Bohemier made Aug 10 at 2016 6:55 AM

CPO Jeffrey Bohemier — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 06:55:58 -0400

First off, it depends on what that tasking is. If it has to do with general military rules and etiquette, you follow what he says. However, if its a specific task to you related to your daily work assignment, then you respectfully tell that E6 the name of your supervisor and that you've already been tasked by him (if that's the case). You then proceed on the task assigned by your direct chain of command (your immediate supervisor). You then report what took place to your immediate supervisor at the first opportunity. If he or she fails to take proper corrective action with the interfering E6, then you start working your way up the chain of command until you get results. Just make sure to document everything you do along the way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 10:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 10:40:52 -0400

There are times when any E6 can task any soldier, but first its important to understand the task(Order) process. There are 3 types of tasks and one other type of authority. (1) Direct tasks, (2) Specified tasks, (3) Implied tasks. Your First Line leader through their rank and authority direct these types of orders. BUT there is another tasking authority in play.

General Military Authority is necessary to maintain the overall discipline of the fighting force and to maintain order and authority amongst all Soldiers. So, if you are not tasked but an E6 outside of your platoon tasks you. Assume that is under this general military authority unless its a specified task assigned to another leadership change.

For example, ANY leader can tell you to clean up the barracks. It does NOT have to be your FLL for you to follow that authority.

If you want to get into specifics I can speak to it further. Hope this helps.

Response by PO1 Roger Waddle made Aug 17 at 2016 11:41 AM

PO1 Roger Waddle — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:41:39 -0400

Do as you are told

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Aug 22 at 2016 3:33 PM

PO1 Scott Cottrell — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:33:55 -0400

Well, this depends on a few things, if you are currently tasked by your LPO, The E-6 needs to clear it through your LPO to take you off a tasked you are currently assigned. Someone outside of your Platoon may not know the schedule you are on with your current project. If you are not on a task, then perform the task asked and report it to your LPO, your LPO should handle the matter. If your LPO can't fix the problem then inform him/her and take it to your LCPO, It will get fixed by him/her.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 22 at 2016 8:41 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 20:41:04 -0400

Too open ended question. Why is this happening? What are the circumstances?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 9:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 21:59:49 -0400

Do as you are instructed and notify the first person in your chain of command so the proper individuals can address the issue if there is one. However, it is common and professional courtesy to seek out that Marines leader to ensure there are no pending tasks already assigned.

Response by PO2 Scott Harding made Aug 23 at 2016 7:33 PM

PO2 Scott Harding — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:33:49 -0400

I would go to my First Class and let him take care of the situation.

Response by PO2 Cindy Homann made Aug 24 at 2016 5:59 PM

PO2 Cindy Homann — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 17:59:54 -0400

Take the issue up with my immediate supervisor and if that doesn't give me satisfaction, request an interview with my Commanding Officer.

Response by PO1 James Giunta made Sep 1 at 2016 9:29 AM

PO1 James Giunta — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:29:24 -0400

Dylan, IMO, the junior NCO should not have to be held accountable for the Senior NCO's shortcomings. The Senior is ultimately held accountable for the task completion

Response by PO2 Anointed King made Sep 5 at 2016 10:16 AM

PO2 Anointed King — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 10:16:11 -0400

You report it to your superior

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Sep 13 at 2016 4:49 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:49:52 -0400

Before I am ordered to do something by some random SM who out ranks me I check their ID card to verify if they're on active duty or if their even in the military for one. Then they must fill out paper work and state a reason why they need me to do what ever in an essay APA format not more than 1000 words but no less than 900 words. If everything checks out the last task is to arm wrestle. If I win I don't do the task. If they win I do the task.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 2:13 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:13:14 -0400

Your a seabee you take the shit without complaining and next time do it at once

Response by CPO Dave Homan made Oct 27 at 2016 11:13 AM

CPO Dave Homan — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:13:40 -0400

Need to know task specifics and loss specifics before I can provide an intelligent reply.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 12:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 12:38:40 -0400

You do what you're told, it's that easy. You don't know whether the SSG was tasked by the 1SG. Just let your first line know. You're still in the same unit aren't you?

Response by CPO Charles Patterson made Apr 11 at 2017 10:52 AM

CPO Charles Patterson — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 10:52:00 -0400

Notify the senior giving the order who you work for and that you need to let them know what you are doing. If the senior does not allow that, you follow your last order given by the senior then report immediately to your supervisor afterwards.

Response by CPO Blain Meisterhans made Nov 19 at 2017 2:18 PM

CPO Blain Meisterhans — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:18:43 -0500

Not sure about the question. Be a little more specific.

Response by CPO Blain Meisterhans made Nov 19 at 2017 2:21 PM

CPO Blain Meisterhans — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:21:27 -0500

First of all he should not task anyone outside of his platoon without first talking to the other platoon leader. Their failing should not be your undoing. Plus you need to tell in a professional way if you want us to do a specific job a specific way then tell us. But don't keep secrets and then hammer us on the backside for you being an idiot.

Response by PO2 Dale Simpson made Jun 5 at 2018 11:09 PM

PO2 Dale Simpson — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 23:09:54 -0400

The only way I would "allow" this is if I had comms with mine and his superiors, especially if my squad is already engaged with something I tasked them to do.....

Response by CPO Christopher Wadman made Jan 25 at 2019 1:29 PM

CPO Christopher Wadman — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 13:29:44 -0500

After you perform as ordered you report the issue up your chain of command.

Response by PO2 John Drillock made May 11 at 2022 6:38 PM

PO2 John Drillock — Wed, 11 May 2022 18:38:32 -0400

Tell ‘em “Work Harder, Not Smarter”!!

Response by PO2 Joshua Kost made Dec 21 at 2022 9:52 PM

PO2 Joshua Kost — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:52:31 -0500

Weak leadership of the other platoon leadership, but as an E4 you need to suck it up and remember the moment when you become a leader