Prior Service
Prior Service
Posted on Oct 20, 2017
What is your best example of a leader doing "the right thing" on deployment, even if it might have put their career at risk?
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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.
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.
Leadership
Marines
Prior Service
Infantry
03XX Foundation
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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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
Teddy Roosevelt
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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
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SPC (Join to see)
You saw a situation and acted, your guys came out ok which if I ever end up in charge of some guys is all I could ever hope for. I don't know if the Marines have something similar but the Army NCO Creed has a line in it, "I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders". I think that fits.
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You made a decision right or wrong that could not be assessed by the normal chain of command at that point
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