Study: 99% Of Lieutenants In Abusive Relationship With Platoon Sergeants

Duffel Blog strikes again :)

Seriously though, I have to say that my experiences as a new ensign were positive (if appropriately terrifying at times). About a week after reporting to NAS Pensacola, I had my first experience with a SNCO not directly involved in candidate officer training. I had to report to the base and get my training/medical schedule, etc. Being a SNFO with bad vision, and wanting to look "cool" like the rest of the SNAVs, I went without wearing my glasses. As I approached the building, I saw this gent in khaki, looked to be about seven feet tall and easily mid-40s. Silver shown from both collars and his cover...but I couldn't for the life of me tell if I was looking at a CDR, a Captain or hell...a two-star admiral. At six paces, I shot a ramrod straight salute and barked, "Good morning Sir!"

The Master Chief returned the salute, got one pace past me, then said, "Hey Sir...come here a minute".

I got a nice crash course in Navy rank insignia supplanted with hand movements while I stood at attention...then he asked, "Don't they teach this stuff to you anymore?" Withered and sweating like a drunk on Sunday, I said, "I wear glasses Master Chief." He shook his head then said, "Here's a tip...check to see if there's one piece of bling or two on the cover first; you might look less clueless." I thanked him, he walked away, then turned and said, "By the way...good morning to you too Sir."

My first Division Chief was a younger man; probably mid-30s from Texas. Our backgrounds were remarkably similar, and I think he sort of took it upon himself to make sure I didn't fail. His procedure was to meet with me immediately after O-Call and together, we'd work out what the division's schedule would be that day. At quarters, he fell the men in, and I related the tasks, plus a few "words"...mostly that he had helped me devise. It worked great because he gave me the time beforehand to ask questions, and pass along the CO's expectations, and clearly related to me what his expectations were. We never started the day's work on a different page...though obviously, sometimes those pages had to get re-written. If the Dept. Head was on a "roll", I took the heat...then Chief and I figured out how to make it work. If "Boss" got upset...I made sure it was "my" idea, and when things went well, Chief made sure it was "my" idea. On the few occasions Master Chief actually spoke to me, and asked how things were in my division...I never failed to praise Chief.

Sure, there were less "nice" stories, and yes...I made plenty of butter bar mistakes. However, I have to say that I never felt like my rank was "meaningless" or that at any time it mattered to my own development...I wasn't afforded the opportunity to learn to lead.

I cannot disput this gentleman’s assertions. I can say that of my 31 year career I never experienced this tho treatmentvwithin anhyborganization I was assigned to. It is a fact that many NCOs do not know how to relate to and work for a LT. As the LT is new in their role so (generally) is the SFC. Company Commanders and 1SGs coach and mentor each, and if they are good at their job, the cross mentor and coach, 1SG to LT and CO to SFC. Additionally, the majority of LTs become COs. I find it extremely hard to believe that (if) that 99 % or even 5 % having had the asserted experience would allow it to continue when they have total control of an organization. This is just one guy speaking, while I will not dispute the assertion of this LT, I will call BS on the percentage and the study itself. Thank you LT for coming forward and I am sorry that you had a horrible experience with an NCO. You were in the position of authority and withstood the rigors of West Point, there had to be deeper issues if you allowed this piss Poor NCO to Harris’s you. Thank you for your service and I hope you got the support you needed.

What is wrong with the 1%?