Posted on Apr 27, 2016
CPT Russell Pitre
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So this CSM from the the 8th MP BDE seems to be out of regulations. From the comments she has been corrected but she claims she is being harassed. I don't even understand how she got to be a CSM at a BDE. What COL out there is letting this happen? In one of the photos she is wearing stilettos in uniform. WTF? What kind of example is this. The worst is from a Facebook user that said:

"This one!!!! Holy **** she was in charge of us in Afghanistan!! I could go on and on about this toxic leader!! Trying to maintain professionalism but this one.....when a CSM so jacked up like this, she was laughing her ass off during our rehearsal of my brothers ceremony after he was killed in Afghanistan, she f***ing yelled at me because I "took too long saying my goodbye " as I'm f***ing crying kneeling in front of it. This post will probably get me in trouble, and ruin the rest of my army career as well as my day and my army experience."

What would you do if you were there? What if you were on command?

What should the Army do about this?

(Thanks to Army MP WTF Moments and it's followers for the photos.)

**************UPDATE************************
The 8th Theater Sustainment Command CSM will be travelling to the 8th MP BDE to have some one on one time with this CSM. It is amazing as leaders will do when they are being called out. He should have done that a long time ago.
Posted in these groups: Army usa or 09b.svg CSM583px ambrose burnside21 Grooming Standards
Edited 8 y ago
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Responses: 903
SGM Tim Watkins
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My last assignment was a Division G3 Ops SGM.....so I got to see it all. This one definitely is one of the top 5. The picture of w/her hair, lots of make up and a pix showing her wearing high heels in w/the dress blues. Out of compliance, no questions asked. Not sure how long this CSM was carrying on w/these shenanigans. but she got caught finally. Generally speaking my experience and what I have read on this matter is this was a senior NCO that promoted well past her leadership capabilities and the chain of command(s) failed many times to move her on into her civilian career. Surely, she lived by her motto of, "do as I say not as I do"!! Hopefully her CoC has relieved her and moved her to a place in like the Marshalls Atoll where she will not be in charge of anyone and handing basketballs at the gym.
Before anyone blasts me for my comments, I retired 10 years ago and my opinion is protected by the 1st amendment. I love the Army and miss the soldiers......well most of them minus the toxic ones and those promoted above their capabilities to lead in the army.
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SGM Joel Cook
SGM Joel Cook
8 y
SGM Tim Watkins, it looks like her TSG CSM spent a good part of the day talking with her, lots of photo ops showing she fixed her hair and make up. Public Affairs says 8 TSG considers the case closed. No further investigations pending on this CSM. From comments posted, this is now at least the third time since 2001 she has been let off the hook. I thought this should be like baseball, three strikes and you are out.
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SGM Tim Watkins
SGM Tim Watkins
8 y
Joel, unfortunately I have seen many senior NCO's even at her rank act like this. It's very sad, but a fact. I will say this, once the good CSM retires and moves out into the" real world" of the private sector it will be a rude awakening. Future employers can fire you for these actions its called "insubordination" or many employers have a clause in their offer letters that says "at will employment". Basically, they can fire you w/no notice and/or explanation. Yup, tough world out there and if you can't conform or be a productive team player your future after "Big Army" will be very bleak.
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LTC Ray B. (Ret)
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Additionally, I would not want an explanation from the CSM as much as I would definitely need an explanation from the BDE CDR who allowed his CSM to represent his command while not in compliance with 670-1
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SGM Joel Cook
SGM Joel Cook
8 y
MAJ Ray B, you are very right, she is a black eye on her BDE, BDE CDR, her higher HQ, and the NCO Corps.
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COL Charles Williams
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Rumor on the street is many units have placed gag orders on their Soldiers about this in the social media worlds... and that she has vowed to take action against anyone who spoke out against her...
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SFC Medical Platoon Sergeant
SFC (Join to see)
8 y
Directly from the 8th MP BDE FB.

We are aware of your concerns about the 8th Military Police Brigade leadership. Social Media is not the appropriate venue to voice concerns. There are reporting mechanisms within the brigade and above the brigade for such concerns. This page is meant to share accomplishments and operations of the Soldiers with family members and the public. As comments have been
overwhelmingly disrespectful, degrading and unprofessional we will block and delete anyone in violation of the DoD social media policy that can be found in the about section of this page under general information.
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CW3 Richard Gomez
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Edited 8 y ago
This is the NCO Corp at it's best!! Going right down the toilet because of senior NCO leaders like this!!!
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CPT Russell Pitre
CPT Russell Pitre
8 y
You nailed it
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1SG Kenton Allen
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Edited 8 y ago
I am no fan of CSM Flournoy, having served under her as a 1SG, but airing comments about her on social media is not the answer. Regardless of her violations of not upholding the standards and regulations based on her rank, she is still a CSM and the rank itself needs to be respected. This is a now senior leadership issue that needs to be addressed at the highest level. NCO's need to check their subordinates on proper respect to senior enlisted and officers and be the standard bearers of this Army regulations. Yes, she has failed and the "Lead by Example" model she is portraying on not what we want our Soldiers to follow,but letting our Soldiers make defamatory comments needs to stop immediately. Now it's out for everyone to comment on and I foresee a lot of Soldiers and NCOs being disciplined for defamatory comments towards a Senior NCO on social media. Not a good position for the Army because now damage control needs to be done.
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MSG Clifton Stillwell
MSG Clifton Stillwell
8 y
1SG Kenton Allen - I'm sure it did... now they look as bad as she does.
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MSG Clifton Stillwell
MSG Clifton Stillwell
8 y
SFC (Join to see) - Funny... at least I had stories to tell...lol
I'm doing fine.. being lazy and fat trying to enjoy retirement.
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SFC Detachment Sergeant
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8 y
Yes!! Thank you!! I expressed the same concern on a different thread regarding the same topic and was told by a SgtMaj (Marine) that my opinion didn't count because I didn't have rank enough to be knowledgeable on the subject of standards in regards to a CSM....
However, my concern also lies with the Soldiers who feel it appropriate to create derogatory memes and make disgusting comments about this Brigade CSM.
That is a serious problem we have as a society (not just military). People are quick to tear each other down and pull each other apart behind the "anonymity" of a keyboard, but then we want to be concerned about depression and veteran's suicide in the very next breath.
This CSM was wrong and I in no way defend her actions; However I think what is much more detrimental and should be the larger part of the discussion are the actions that were allowed to occur after the fact, which, if continued, could be much more harmful to each other than a 670-1 violation.
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SGT Squad Leader
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8 y
Dunk him in a clean Latrine. These assholes: I swear.
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MSG Lisa Sullivan
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I would be happy to light her up, with respect of course.
1SG Sullivan
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LTC Loyd G.
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Counsel them in writing, ordering them to correct the deficiency, and if necessary relief of duty.
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SFC Personnel  Sergeant
SFC (Join to see)
8 y
My exact feeling s counsel, corrections of deficiency, as well as relief from CMD. I think the later should have been done immediately. She can No longer be effective in the MPU.
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LTC Mark Beattie
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Edited >1 y ago
Bottom line, this CSM has to go. And if the Brigade Commander allowed her to remain knowing her performance and behavior, then he or she should also go. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines all deserve the absolute best leadership. Short of doing something illegal, immoral, or unethical, it doesn't get any worse in my opinion. Every person in this organization should be reporting this through multiple means, to include: 1) Chain of Command, 2) Inspector General, 3) Equal Opportunity, 4) Letter to a Member of Congress. If you make enough noise, something will likely stick. You can't worry about being Politically Correct because the CSM is female. Male or female, there is no room for a bad leader in any branch of service!!
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CPT Russell Pitre
CPT Russell Pitre
8 y
I agree
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MAJ Stephen Barnard
MAJ Stephen Barnard
8 y
I'm all for holding people accountable but to propose firing a Brigade Commander for failures down among the Senior NCOs is patently ridiculous - although, OK, the US Armed Forces seem to like to do that, especially in public. Identify the chain of command and the appropriate point at which the responsibility lies, and deal with it at that level. Or, of course, fire every single person in the chain of command from CSM to Bde Cdr...(?)
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LTC Mark Beattie
LTC Mark Beattie
8 y
The CSM works for and answers directly to the Brigade Commander. Thus, it's incumbent on the commander to take action. Failure to take action in this instance is a failure of leadership. Each person is privileged to have his or her own opinion. My opinion is it's the commander's responsibility to resolve the CSM problem immediately. There is NO room for poor leadership at this level, and the time for fixing this NCO was years ago. Now, she simply needs to go!! Don't attack me, attack the problem. If you're unwilling to do that, then you're part of the problem.
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MAJ Thomas Newman
MAJ Thomas Newman
>1 y
You are right on, Brother. The problem is the Commander's failure to set a tone of what is acceptable and what is not. I venture to say this unit has other significant leadership lapses as well. Many young soldiers are being poorly lead in this outfit.
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SFC Lynn Santosuosso
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I knew women like her in the Army, very unprofessional! She should have been taken care of when she was a Private.... her kind turn my stomach!
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CPL Wilfred Roberge
CPL Wilfred Roberge
8 y
My guess is most of her promotion points were earned via civillian education. They call it professional development BUT to me college credits does not equal military proficiency! I think this is an example of such!
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SFC Lynn Santosuosso
SFC Lynn Santosuosso
8 y
CPL Wilfred Roberge - Exactly! Book smart does not necessarily mean military and combat ready smart! As a CSM you have to know how to take care of your troops and lead by example! I have known civilians who cheated their way through a four-year college, so to say that this is reason to be promoted is absurd. Back in the middle ages when I was in the military, LOL, you're bearing and your adherence to Army regulations was front and center when you went in front of a board! And your ability in the field was even more so. A combat veteran knows that you have to be able to cover your buddies six no matter what!
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SPC Travis Hopkinson
SPC Travis Hopkinson
8 y
I was told by a Few That I was always great for combat but sucked at garrison.
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SFC Rollie Hubbard
5
5
0
This CSM needs to be put out of the Army for her actions and total disregard for the standards she is supposed to enforce.
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SFC Rollie Hubbard
SFC Rollie Hubbard
8 y
Is there any updates on this POS CSM?
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SFC Rollie Hubbard
SFC Rollie Hubbard
8 y
Looks like there is some kind of update. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/06/brigades-top-enlisted-soldier-regrets-uproar-being-out-of-regs.html?ESRC=dod_160506.nl
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- A command sergeant major whose out-of-regulation hairstyles, makeup and clothing sparked a firestorm of social media criticism is receiving counseling and has expressed "regret" for the distraction she has caused.
Photos of Command Sgt. Maj. Angelia Flournoy, who is with the 8th Military Police Brigade at Schofield Barracks, were posted to the Facebook page of the group US Army Military Police WTF Moments. Hundreds of comments were subsequently posted to the 8th MPB Facebook page, some of which have been deleted.
Photos show Flournoy's hair hanging over her collar, while others show her wearing high heels while in uniform.
Some online commenters, who claim first-hand experience with Flournoy, describe her as imperious, long ignoring so-called "spot corrections" made by fellow soldiers pointing out her out-of-regulation attire. Others related disparaging anecdotes and second-hand gossip, and commenters turned their ire on MPB command after Facebook posts were deleted and photos removed.
Late Wednesday, Flournoy posted a statement on the 8th MPB's Facebook page, saying: "I appreciate those who have corrected me and expressed their concern about my appearance not being fully in compliance with" regulations.
"You are right to insist standards be set and met by all soldiers," she wrote. "I sincerely regret how this has distracted from the great things the 8th Military Police soldiers are doing around the world."
The 8th MPB is responsible for military policing in the Pacific region.
Maj. Leslie Waddle, a spokesperson for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, said the entire affair had made Flournoy "very humble."
"Her hair was definitely out of regulation in some pictures," Waddle said. "There are shoes that are not definitely out of regulation, but definitely questionable.
"The command is definitely aware," she said. "The command has brought her in for counseling." She said the command at 8th TSC, which has oversight of the military police brigade, considers the matter resolved.
Waddle said TSC Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Binford met with Flournoy "immediately" after command became aware of the photos, many of which commenters have altered into memes, and has been counseling her.
"It's definitely gotten misconstrued on the internet, for sure," Waddle said. "He's definitely been mentoring her, and she's been very humble about it."
In a statement posted on the 8th TSC Facebook page Wednesday, Binford wrote that "a humble leader can selflessly accept criticism" and that when "that epiphany comes, and the decision to change is made, it is a moment worthy of respect."
"I believe CSM Flournoy has had that epiphany after our discussions about the important role we play as senior NCOs," he wrote. "This is a moment of extreme humility, but only from that moment can a leader truly improve. I would encourage all leaders across the TSC, enlisted and officer alike, to look at themselves, be receptive to criticism, and be willing to change."
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SFC Mark Riedel
SFC Mark Riedel
>1 y
So the way this reads to most I'm sure is we aren't doing anything. Apparently CSM Flournoy is just now understanding some leadership principals most people learn in boot camp. Go ahead and let it slide, so the rest of the organization now knows where you stand. Weakness breeds weakness.
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SFC James Asbill
SFC James Asbill
5 y
SFC Rollie Hubbard - Basically bullshit iw what I get from the article .. Its please shut up about this and let us forget the incidents...
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