Chain of Command, or Chain of Demand?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 08:48:06 -0500

All too often we are reminded the importance of the Chain of Command. However, is this a valid assertion when individuals up in the chain fail to do their job when the direct chain is utilized? Should there be a Chain of Command if it is broken? Why not address the individual directly versus having a middleman that may not have all the information needed? Thoughts? Open Door Policy fallacy?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 9 at 2017 9:07 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 09:07:45 -0500

I am a little confused by this question. Are you ask what should be done if someone along a service member's chain of command fails to act? If so, one answer is going to the next person. If a service member has a problem they should start at the lowest possible position and go up. Everyone has a boss so if they fail to act you go to their boss. At some point, someone within the chain of command will act.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 9 at 2017 11:42 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 11:42:02 -0500

Honestly, I'm slightly confused by your question. You ask if there should be a Chain of Command if the Chain of Command is broken? What exactly do you mean by that? The beautiful part of the Chain of Command is there is always someone higher on the Chain. So if someone in the Chain of Command is failing at their job, then you go to the next link in the Chain. It is highly unlikely that every single link in the Chain would fail in a single instance.

You ask why not address the individual directly instead of going through a middle man. Well that's the whole point of the Chain of Command. You address the individual directly. If that doesn't work, you go one rank higher. If that doesn't work, you go another rank higher, and so on and so forth.

I wouldn't exactly call an open door policy a fallacy, but typically it is understood that while people do have open door policies, you should be utilizing your Chain of Command before you walk through that door, because otherwise your Chain of Command will be getting a call asking why you're breaking the Chain.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Mar 9 at 2017 2:21 PM

LTC Joseph Gross — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 14:21:50 -0500

A crappy chain of command does not invalidate the idea of a chain of command. A good leadership team is always ready to handle problem by exception such as you suggest here but by no means should it be the standard. Likewise even when we are handling a problem directly, the chain of command should be informed of the situation so they understand what is going on. And we still solve all problems at the lowest level possible.

Response by 1SG Jorge Guzman made Mar 9 at 2017 2:43 PM

1SG Jorge Guzman — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 14:43:36 -0500

Nothing says you can't go to an individual directly to fix an issue. However, if you as a LT have a problem or issue that only the BN Cdr can fix, you better damn well make sure you company command team know that you went to see the big man/woman. One thing I hate is getting a phone call from higher asking if we were tracking an issue with someone in our company. Then that makes the 1SG and Cdr look like they can't handle business at their level first. I empower my NCOs to try their best to handle all Soldier issues at their level as best they can. If they cant, they they come to me. If all my Private E1s thru E4s came directly to me to solve their problems, they why would I need Platoon leaders and NCOs in my formation?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 9 at 2017 8:03 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 20:03:50 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Your question makes no sense, to me, as stated. I have been in the chain of command, and commanded any many levels....

It appears, you are not happy with how something in particular was handled... Tell me the rest of the story, and perhaps I can provide some better insight.

Because you don't agree with, like, or agree with the decision, does not mean the chain of command is not working.

The chain of command by design, is to pass orders and information. Orders by design are demands.

The open door is not a fallacy. I had them, and used them. When someone wanted to come see me, however, I (when feasible) wanted to know why, so I could be prepared and maximize their time and mine. I am in the civilian world now, at the bottom of the chain, and my boss has an open door policy, and uses it.

So, tell me more.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 9 at 2017 8:05 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 20:05:24 -0500

What would you replace it with?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 9 at 2017 11:00 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 23:00:03 -0500

If you feel your immediate superior or commanding officer is failing to properly address a request or situation impacting you, you are entitled under Article 138, UCMJ to request officers above those individuals in the chain to address your issue, but the first addressee must be your immediate superior. This allows your immediate superior the opportunity to ensure he has the complete facts as you perceive them and then to submit his/her actions taken to resolve the issue and make recommendations as to what action the next person in the chain should take. Your request must be forwarded in a timely fashion until it is either resolved, or addressed by the first General Officer Commander in the chain. If the request is being unduly delayed, in your opinion, you go to your immediate superior and request it be forwarded if he/she is delaying it, or if it is their superior, to request status from that officer. It is the responsibility of all in the chain to ensure prompt addressal of the problem, so you do not have to go above your superior, he/she is responsible to represent you in ensuring transmittal and timely addressing of the issue. If anyone up the chain refuses to forward your request, you then have the right to communicate directly with the command IG and present not only your original request, but to identify where it is being held.
Having your ducks all in line and your facts straight is absolutely necessary. By going through the chain, you are allowing the issue to be addressed at the lowest level practicable. If you elect to go the IG path, you are essentially placing whomever is delaying the request on report. Making the request is your right, but if you exercise the right, it must be based upon facts and regulation. I would recommend you contact the legal assistance office at your station for advice and assistance in preparing your 138 request.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2017 11:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:32:11 -0500

DEMAND !!