When leadership doesn't support their people; where do you turn?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:18:36 -0400

You have engaged your chain of command over and over about a hostile work environment. The issue is brushed off over and over. Abuse keeps getting worse. All chains have been exhausted. Morale is at an all time low. Where do you turn when leadership doesn't care?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 5:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:19:46 -0400

When leadership doesn't support* their people

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 5:22 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:22:55 -0400

EO Rep is for this very purpose, and I is the next level when all the previous have been exhausted.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 5:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:24:00 -0400

Turn to the Chaplin, and/or the mental health clinic and explain how it is mentally and physically effecting your work and personal life. They can help you personnelly and should be able to help you seek other resources to file a formal complaint against those creating the hostile environment.

Response by 1SG Michael Johnson made Jul 8 at 2015 5:24 PM

1SG Michael Johnson — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:24:24 -0400

Two questions: How far "up the chain" had the individual climbed and have all avenues been utilized, (i.e. IG and EO)? If all avenues have been taken, the next step is the next higher level. Keep going until the situation is resolved or someone finally listens.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 8 at 2015 5:26 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:26:47 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member On the Army side of the house we have the Inspector General and I believe you have the same thing in the Air Force. You can turn to them for help. The Chain of Command should never ignore complaints about a hostile work environment; they should be all over it performing the necessary investigation based on the complaint that has been brought forward. The Chaplain can be another source to speak with if this individual is having a difficult time getting anyone to listen to his or her request for help. The next step above the current Chain of Command should have an Open Door Policy as well. Hope this helps and standby for additional information from other RP Members. There are some really sharp and smart individuals out here in RP Land

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 5:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:50:34 -0400

Oh Deja Vu,
Well, I want to tell you that the Chaplain has more power than we think they do. He/She works for the Command. SSgt Private RallyPoint Member there is power in numbers. If we all felt the same about the same thing why couldn't we be part of change? Their is each Airmen's Congress person who WILL be willing to listen to Military issues.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jul 8 at 2015 5:54 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 17:54:27 -0400

If you have used the proper chain of command and it has not solved the problem then you request to see the IG bet that will get someones attention quick.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 6:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 18:50:02 -0400

Note it on any command climate survey, or feedback form. Try reporting it to and command that you trust or IG (Inspector General) for the Army, the AIR Force equal.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 7:10 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:10:42 -0400

IG. If Wing level won't help, then you better believe MAJCOM level will. They are right there at Randolph.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 8:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:21:47 -0400

SSgt Danielle Recoder, good morning. In the Army we have in addition to your Chain of Command, your NCO Support Channel and the "Outsiders" like: IG, JAG, Chaplain, SHARP/SARC at BN, BDE and Division, etc. etc. If all of these fail, then you can contact your Politicians (Congress, Senators, etc.) Hope this help, but don't lose focus and keep pressure on the subject. As a last resort request assistance from Law Enforcement Personnel

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 8:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:25:58 -0400

Have you file a formal "HAZING" complain with your Equal Opportunity (EO) or SHARP Rep?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 9 at 2015 8:35 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:35:32 -0400

First place I would go to is the CSM.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 3:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:04:06 -0400

She mentioned that all levels have been exhausted gentlemen.

Response by TSgt David Blakley made Jul 15 at 2015 4:24 PM

TSgt David Blakley — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:24:53 -0400

Danielle, this is a make/break decision for your AF Career on how you proceed, but your only option at this point is a tactical email to your Wing IG with strict confidence. I only filed 1 IG complaint in 26 years of service and the problem that I reported was handled (not completely solved, but got better with time) within about 2 months. You must consider what it will accomplish for you if you plan to make the Air Force your lifetime career.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:33 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:33:34 -0400

I'm not sure what it is in the Air Force but in the Marine Corps we have what is called request mast. What this does is it takes it up your chain of command ie your Company level leadership both enlisted and officer, then to you battalion, and so on until you feel a solution has been reached and implemented. If you feel that they are not addressing your problem you can take it as high as you want. The immediate chain of command will usually act swiftly to solves these types of problems because it doesn't look good to higher ups. Also there can be no reprisals over your requesting mast.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 15 at 2015 5:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:51:55 -0400

Really think things through as folks in leaderships can be assholes.