What is your best example of a leader doing "the right thing" on deployment, even if it might have put their career at risk?

2017-10-20T18:37:34-04:00

My squad and I were tipped off to an IED cache in an abandoned compound. I was ordered to secure the cache, bring it to an open field nearby and destroy it per SOP. We attracted a large gathering of local nationals while we waited for EOD to arrive. At this point, if I followed orders, someone would get hurt. We would have damaged the vital relationships that we spilled blood to create. I detonated the cache in the walled in courtyard of the abandoned building and the blast was contained, protecting the local nationals. I disobeyed a direct order and nearly lost my job. But I have a clear conscience about the call I made and everything turned out fine.

As deployed service members, we LIVE in the gray area. There is no textbook that prepares you for every situation. Give me your best example.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 6:44 PM

2017-10-20T18:44:59-04:00

In the book band of brothers where all the senior NCO of easy company wrote a joint petition of no confidence in the company commander captain Sobel. It had to have been tough because they were essentially committing mutiny but their goal was the survival of the company for D DAY

Response by SGT Thomas Heinold made Oct 20 at 2017 6:55 PM

2017-10-20T18:55:14-04:00

You made a decision right or wrong that could not be assessed by the normal chain of command at that point

Response by Sgt Michael Penney made Oct 20 at 2017 7:31 PM

2017-10-20T19:31:29-04:00

May 24th 2011 our advisor team was in support of an artillery battery working patrols out of Kajaki. The Patrol received heavy and accurate small arms fire. As team leader, it was my duty to work in partnering the Afghans with our Marine units. The squad leader at the POS was open minded and worked well with the Afghans. When the shooting started he picked up fire utilizing joint assets; PKM, RPD, RPG. I'm a school trained DM, so was a member of my team. The team on the deck needed accurate precision fires, so instead of directing crew serves with our partnered squad leader (who was already doing a great job) my spotter and I jumped on the SASR and started taking out PID threats. It got me my ass chewed, which I took sole responsibility for, but every single member of that squad made it back safely. Because Semper fidelis - ALWAYS

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Oct 20 at 2017 8:09 PM

2017-10-20T20:09:02-04:00

You did the right thing, and don't let anyone tell you difference. First if they lacked confidence in you, you would not have the job. Slit second decisions must be made, and there is "mother may" bull. It's called ability to make a sound decision under pressure. I say you are a true leader and hero.

Response by Cpl Armando Mireles made Oct 20 at 2017 9:19 PM

2017-10-20T21:19:51-04:00

Making the right decision is the best thing you can do. Making the wrong decision is the second best thing you can do. Making no decision is the worst thing you can do.
Teddy Roosevelt

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2017 3:31 AM

2017-10-21T03:31:16-04:00

I personally believe you can't be good at something without bending a few rules. Weird for someone in my MOS to say I imagine but it is what it is. SOP says do this, you saw an alternative that saved lives and saved DOD some face on the 9 o'clock news. Sometimes people in charge only see little picture, military or civilian doesn't matter. They saw you didn't follow a rule, not that you adapted to the situation and overcame. Situations need to be judged by their merit and the circumstances surrounding them. If a rule was bent without malice, without personal gain, and with the intent to further the mission then it should be commended. They tell us we're not drones, that they want us to think and act. I say prove it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 9:54 PM

2017-10-24T21:54:53-04:00

The right thing would be giving priority to the safety of the lives if its within my abilities. That could be an example of selfless service. My admiration to those brave men and women that serve and endure.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Nov 26 at 2017 1:45 AM

2017-11-26T01:45:59-05:00

You probably saved lives, that should give you a clear conscience. Great job., it's what we should do. You made a decesion based on real time right now.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Nov 26 at 2017 10:25 AM

2017-11-26T10:25:40-05:00

This is why in the classic Prussian command arrangement theatre commanders and mission commanders had considerable leeway to fudge the details to deal with some new local developement. If you ask me reguardless of rank if something needs done and waiting for orders might effect your ability to do so then go ahead and make the decision. We're all on the same team here there should be no internal conflict because of this.