Do Soldiers no longer matter when they leave your formation?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 06:21:31 -0400

As a leader, our responsibility is to take care of Soldiers. But let's say the Soldier leaves and did not receive their award for PCS or retirement because it was lost or not maintained? Fast forward six months to a year, and your supervisor says your job is take care of Soldiers, when they really mean "take care of the ones that are here right now." Do Soldiers no longer in your formation not matter?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 6:41 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 06:41:13 -0400

I still get calls, texts, and messages from Soldiers that I supervised 15 years ago. Why do you think that is? As a leader all Soldiers matter and you should always try to make yourself available to help them. The award you speak of should continue to be a priority, how the Soldier was allowed to leave the unit/service without an award amazes me.

I just got done messaging with a PFC here on RP asking a question about a school. I have never even met the Soldier but I tried to help him as much as I could. If you don't make time for your Soldiers and truly all Soldiers are yours, you are not much of a leader in my book.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 9:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 09:56:36 -0400

My previous Soldiers absolutely matter to me. I have often received calls for advice and support many years after I was gone. It is my honor and very humbling that they think highly enough of me to reach back for assistance.

Recently, I have been dealing with my own challenges. Out of the woodwork, I have been hearing from Soldiers I hadn't seen in years with messages of support and gratitude for things I did for them all those years ago. It was a kind of "George Bailey" moment, and meant a lot when things were looking bleak.

You never know how your words or deeds impact a Soldier in ways you might never realize. We focus on metrics and training, but many times that stuff that matters are within the human element.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 10:06 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:06:47 -0400

In my experience thus far, you should still check up on your soldiers whether they're in your formation or not. I still keep in contact with soldiers from my last unit because I care about their success. My leadership in that unit failed me and others multiple times. I had to ask for my PCS award which is the wrong answer. They should track that. The creed of the NCO emphasizes taking care of your soldiers and placing their needs above your own so why can't leaders live by that?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 10:16 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:16:04 -0400

Soldiers will always matter no matter whether they are still in my formation or not. I have a Soldier or two that still keep in contact with me to ask advice. Hell, there are some Soldiers that I know that have never stood in my formation that I have helped out and have provided advice to.

Response by SFC Phillip Wiley made Apr 17 at 2015 12:05 PM

SFC Phillip Wiley — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:05:52 -0400

It is the way of the new Army Leadership. If you are not the squeaky wheel or in their face everyday it does not matter what you are doing good or bad.

I just went through this exact thing and I am so glad to be out and moving on in a positive direction now. My final couple of years was all I could do to carry on with the lack of leadership and the "don't give a shit" attitude of leadership. I did my best for my guys and will continue to always be here for them, but the leadership I had needs an overhaul. I do not mean a promote up and move on but removed and replaced.

Continue to do what you can as it seems you are being a good leader, but try not to make promises as seems your leadership may not assist you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 17 at 2015 12:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:37:31 -0400

You already know the answer. Your words should be gold.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Aug 17 at 2015 9:55 AM

SFC Mark Bailey — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 09:55:23 -0400

Your Soldiers ALWAYS matter, and even after PCS or even retirement they should not EVER be forgotten. If you treat them the way you want to be treated, hopefully this will mean that you will be treated in the same manner. Even if you aren't, you still did the right thing.