Who was the worst superior you have had?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:17:44 -0500

Most people have had that one boss that stood out as the worst. Who (mostly position) was your worst boss?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 7 at 2017 8:20 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:20:05 -0500

A C O, by the name of Capt Graham, he was totally clueless.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 7 at 2017 8:35 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:35:17 -0500

Yes, my first two company commanders as a young lieutenant. Both were very toxic leaders who thought grinding people down and demeaning them (which, in their opinion, was to "make them stronger") was "good leadership".

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Dec 7 at 2017 9:24 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:24:35 -0500

A company commander on my first deployment! dude was clue less. knew reg but has no clue how to lead soldiers. Then there is another that I can't speak of at the moment.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 7 at 2017 9:28 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:28:36 -0500

In the Army, the worst I had was a PL--who had been a SSG prior to commissioning, and should have known better--who:
1. Micromanaged everything all the way down to squad level. Interfered with squad leaders, and left our PSG with nothing to do.
2. Was tactically scary. During training, he intentionally drove his vehicle by itself as others hung back without direction, into a notional ambush. Thank God it wasn't real combat!
3. Got one of those career retarding "nasty-grams" in his file for participating in a hazing incident that was recorded on a cell phone.
4. Tried to get the Joes in his platoon to "invest" in a videogame themed theme park he was building in Arizona by hustling these guys with the idea they were getting in on the ground floor for only $500, when the normal buy-in was $20,000!

What a gem that guy was!

*Understand this is not an exhaustive list, just some of his Greatest Hits!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 7 at 2017 9:31 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:31:11 -0500

One time had a Bn CDR, who was a toxic leader, basking in his owl glory, giving field grade ART15's to anyone walking on his HQ grass, (Pvt-NCO and O's). a Company mortar plt took care of him on a live fire by walking the round in reverse up to his OP, wounding him. Div transferred him to leg land.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Dec 7 at 2017 9:34 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:34:00 -0500

The SIO of USS Boxer (2001-2002), LCDR "Cheeseburger". The epitome of toxic leadership. One LCPO mysteriously transferred early, one LCPO fired, both JOs reprimanded. Some of my junior sailors would cry when he entered our work space and some talked suicide (one went UA). With both of my LCPOs gone, I requested advice from a senior enlisted member of our community (ISCM) concerning situation. That got the ball rolling to help our sailors, but I was next on the chopping block. Luckily the OPs LCPO and CMC provided some cover, but I can't help but think was the final nail in my CPO hopes coffin. Besides being technically incompetent, he was just a despicable person.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 7 at 2017 9:37 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:37:46 -0500

A SGT, Squad Leader, who I will not name in case he's dead and he has family on our site. He was the antithesis of the NCO creed, Army Values, Leadership traits and any other description of what rite looks like.
I damn near lost a finger on a table saw because of his antics and get to see the scars daily as a reminder of who I never wanted to be like when I got the chance to be a leader. To say I dislike him to this day is probably an understatement.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Dec 7 at 2017 10:19 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 10:19:44 -0500

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member: I had a First Sergeant; who I think hated me.
GOOD MORNING, ENSIGN SHADOW; AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!
-Most Sincerely, Margaret

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Dec 7 at 2017 10:48 AM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 10:48:02 -0500

As a Platoon Sergeant i had a 2LT Platoon Leader who would use a red pen to correct notes I wrote to myself.....While they were laying on my desk.....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 11:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:00:42 -0500

In 2007 we got a new Battalion CO who was the most toxic person I have ever had the displeasure to meet. We lost a lot of good people before higher HQ replaced him.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Dec 7 at 2017 11:05 AM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:05:16 -0500

An MI Captain, with a Degree in Forestry, that thought that he knew more about running a complex National Level SIGINT maintenance facility than a CW3 with more than 20 years experience doing so!!!!!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Dec 7 at 2017 11:24 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:24:27 -0500

I would suggest that you think about your question. Asking people to name their worst bosses, in an open forum, is probably not the best thing to do. I know that is not your intent, but always remember there are unintended consequences. Better question would be: What are some of the qualities that characterized your worse bosses?

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Dec 7 at 2017 12:56 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 12:56:40 -0500

Brand new pinned Comms Chief in Japan. Severe lack of leadership and technical competence. Came in and immediately changed things just to change. Assigned people to supervisory positions who weren't qualified or who had demonstrated repeated technical incompetence, including cryptographic insecurities. Anyhow after a 7 month reign of terror the Dept Chief and Dept Head reassigned the Chief to MWR. I could go into many other details, but i'll leave it at that.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Dec 7 at 2017 4:01 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:01:42 -0500

A certain nameless 2nd lieutenant replacement that unfortunately could not read a map,call in artillery etc ,luckily the battalion commander noticed his failings and removed from the field before any harm was done,I don't blame the young LT the Army was scrambling for leaders at the time and he just didn't have it,nice kid but should not have been thrown into a combat situation with men's lives at stake.

Response by Sgt Rob Landers made Dec 7 at 2017 5:06 PM

Sgt Rob Landers — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 17:06:37 -0500

The Sergeant Major of my unit, right before I EAS'd, was absolutely the worst boss I have ever had. He was a huge factor in my decision to leave the Corps. He was crude, petty, vindictive, and took great pleasure in ruining the careers of young Marines with NJP's and page 11's over even the most inconsequential infractions. He "led" via fear and intimidation. Additionally, he was a liar and would not hesitate to berate or belittle anyone at any time, regardless of the setting. His ability to rise to, and maintain, the rank of E-9 made me question everything I thought I knew about the Corps and leadership in general. He was the opposite of everything Marines are taught about leadership. From that point forward, I made myself a solemn vow that I would never again work for an @$$hole. I had no choice at the time. But as a civilian, now I always have that choice and will not associate with the kind of trash which that man represents.

Response by PO1 Ralph Hernandez made Dec 7 at 2017 5:56 PM

PO1 Ralph Hernandez — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 17:56:26 -0500

I had a division senior chief who just wanted to make life difficult because he could. The only lesson I learned from this man was how not be a leader. He was a big do as I say and not as I do kind of man. I did get some satisfaction when he was attempting to assist a fellow technician to troubleshoot a radar and got knocked on his ass from 20,000 volts. Yes he survived but had to wear a uniform at least once a week with two holes from the electricity entering and exiting his body.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 7 at 2017 6:55 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 18:55:46 -0500

When I was a fresh faced hard charger, I had someone who liked to throw their rank around just to put you in your place. I remember one day when I was hard at work, this individual walked by multiple hole punchers, put a piece of paper in my face and said I need you to hole punch this for me.

I knew from that moment the kind of leader I wanted to be and I would never task my Junior Marines with useless work just to show they were beneath me.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Dec 7 at 2017 10:12 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 22:12:23 -0500

One I have right now....

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Dec 7 at 2017 10:40 PM

SPC Robert Coventry — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 22:40:34 -0500

I have a problem calling anyone superior other that God Almighty but I have had a couple of bad bosses. One would sneak vodka in their V8 can and miss the can and you would go in their office and see vodka on the top of the can. An he would have a nap at 1030 because he was wasted. I never respected him he could not lead at all

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 7 at 2017 10:51 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 22:51:38 -0500

I will not name names.
__For a year, at every unit function, I was sent TAD and my wife was my wife was specifically NOT invited to unit functions. She is not the obnoxious make a scene type of woman. Always the same reasoning, there is not enough room. Even though every other spouse was there and quite often guest who were not part of the unit.

__At every opportunity to put bad paper, with the worst possible CO's endorsement's in my ORB, he did so. I have been ranked number 1 or 2 in every ranking of my peers in every command that I iun which I served. All of my Fitness reports were flat-lined at the lowest possible marks that could be given, that did not allow me to attach a response.

__Once I figured out he was unhappy with my performance, (less than a month into his command), I asked for performance counseling. I always received the same response. "Let me think about what I want to say to you." he never, in an entire year counseled me once.

__Even the obligatory counseling sessions that go with fitness reports consisted of "Just sign it. It is self-explanatory." It was not.

__Two weeks before a CG he did a pre-inspection of all officers' inspectable collateral duties. He found no errors or flaws in my areas of responsibility. I was sent TAD with a return date four days prior to the CG. My collateral duties had been re-assigned. Each of my new collateral duties was in horrible shape, and the assignment letters were post-dated five months. I worked 21 hour days and had message traffic that identified and covered every flaw in my new duties, Fortunately, the CG inspection team caught on questioned NCO's and reported the hijinks to the CG. It was the beginning of the end for the bad CO. He left the command in disgrace and the reviewing officer attached counter endorsements with explanation to all of my bad paper.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2017 8:46 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 08:46:08 -0500

My “interim” task force commander who bridged the gap until the new commander could deploy out to Afghanistan. Numerous issues on mission blamed on the headquarters command team even though we were never allowed to have anything to do with mission, just beans and bullets. Through open door policy, my NCOs wanted to make a toxic leader complaint, so I facilitated it with JAG. She found out about it and accused me of conspiring against her. Got to the point where I just shut up and did everything she told us to do just waiting out her redeployment date. The best part of the deal was when she was put up for a bronze star and IJC downgraded her to an ARCOM. She sent me to Kabul to find out why she was downgraded and try to convince them to issue her that award. I kept thinking while I was on the convoy that it would be very crappy to die in an ambush or IED while convoying to Kabul to convince a Colonel I respected to sign off on a bronze star for my horrible boss. Her redeployment was a day of celebration.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2017 10:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 10:47:51 -0500

I have two, who I will call 1 and 1A. Both were battalion commanders.
1 was a bully and a blowhard who felt it was his constant state of affairs to belittle his Soldiers or talk behind their back. He had a penchant for fabricating tales of his time in Iraq - when anyone who had been there or was in the know knew damned well that he did nothing of the sort. His tale of stabbing an insurgent with a K-Bar was particularly laughable. Bar-none, the worst leader I have ever had the displeasure of working with. I have many, many anecdotes of just how lousy and toxic he was (and is, no doubt), but he is still serving so I will leave it at that.
1A was a cat I knew way back from his days as a company commander. He was damn near relieved while there for using his unit's equipment to fight local flooding without authorization. When he went to Afghanistan, he was generally viewed as a coward who would find any reason to not go out and operate. Later, as a BC he was more than a little bit paranoid and acted... strangely to say the least. He found himself in hot water several times for his outbursts of innuendo and non-sequiturs, but what really made him a crummy leader was his penchant for not taking any risk and being paranoid kept him from making decisions, even when what should be done was abundantly clear to anyone. His regime was marked by more incidents of indiscipline (including some doozys) than any other commander I have ever seen. Yet, when people behaved badly, his default was to sweep it under the rug so that it would not come to the attention of higher and (rightly) invite scrutiny of his leadership.

Up to then, 1A would have won the booby prize hand's down. But 1 was so god-awful, he takes the cake.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 8 at 2017 1:16 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 13:16:52 -0500

When I was O-2/3, I had an O-6 boss who was a 5 martini at lunch narcissist. Very painful tour.

Response by LCDR Greg DeMarco made Dec 9 at 2017 12:12 PM

LCDR Greg DeMarco — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 12:12:51 -0500

XO aboard USS Petrel. He would tell me who he was going to torpedo next then ride him till the poor sailor imploded. The XO was early retired due to poor decisions.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Jan 19 at 2019 2:27 AM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 02:27:02 -0500

A detachment commander and my last CO and 1st SGT if they had been st one of my first 3 units I would have not stayed in. They did not have a clue they were to busy to talk to their troops they would demean their NCOs and Jr officers they were really messed up a lot of good soliders ETS thanks to them.