Paying quarterly dues?

2019-03-08T14:03:18-05:00

Our new OIC is asking for quarterly dues or else we’ll do push ups whenever he sees us. I don’t mind doing the push ups but I don’t believe he can force us to pay. Am I wrong to be stingy because that’s $40 a year.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 8 at 2019 2:15 PM

2019-03-08T14:15:25-05:00

Quarterly dues for WHAT? Nothing in the Army has quarterly dues that I am aware of. This sounds like a serious ethical violation, if not criminal.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 8 at 2019 3:06 PM

2019-03-08T15:06:22-05:00

WTF quarterly dues for what?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 3:14 PM

2019-03-08T15:14:19-05:00

Huh? Not only ‘no’, but ‘f*ck no’. Respectfully decline both dues and pushups for not paying. And if that’s going to be an issue, take it up with Commander/CSM at the next ecehelon.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Mar 8 at 2019 3:24 PM

2019-03-08T15:24:50-05:00

you have to explain a bit further SGT. I know that Companies and such have "flower funds" and "hail and farewells" but that is usually senior NCO's and above who contribute to it.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 3:54 PM

2019-03-08T15:54:41-05:00

I'm with everyone else. What in the hell is quarterly dues....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 5:06 PM

2019-03-08T17:06:46-05:00

The email he sent out only said it was time for quarterly dues but I got the chance to ask him. It’s money for “farewell” cards and plaques. Now that I know what it’s for I don’t mind paying it but I don’t wan’t our lower enlisted having to pay. I will talk to him about it, sorry his email was vague and I was dumbfounded by it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 6:19 PM

2019-03-08T18:19:09-05:00

I'm glad I read the responses before I posted mine. Cuz my first instinct was to tell you that your OIC is smoking a HUGE crackpipe. Of course, your OIC is still smoking a little something if they make you do push-ups for not DONATING to a fund you are NOT REQUIRED to donate to.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 1:14 AM

2019-03-09T01:14:06-05:00

Ask for the memoranda, policy, or other documents related to this quarterly dies, so you can better understand it, and become a better participant.
The OIC may be treading on uneven ground.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 12:32 PM

2019-03-09T12:32:14-05:00

If he is asking for "Cup and Flower" funds or something else? usually the suggested donation in every unit I have ever been in was $1 per grade with Officers usually dropping in about $10. Also Seniors nd Officers would chip in Extra when larger gifts were given out. The preson responsible for the collecting can not use coercion or force to gain a donation, even said jokingly it sends the wrong message. Also a by name register needs to be kept as to who donates. That also being said it was also implied that if you don't donate don't expect a plaque when "you" leave.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-03-09T13:41:55-05:00

In hindsight.
I would normally recommend raising this with the COC, after first raising the issue with the individual. However, after further thought, I suggest you consider raising the issue with the IG. Although engaging the individual, or the COC may stop the practice, raising it with the IG will give you protection from retaliation (for retaliation based on a protected communication). Any officer with the audacity to demand push ups--a corrective action--for not participating in a voluntary fund (assuming the money is used for gifts/plaques for departing members, or flower fund) would, in my experience, retaliate. Additionally, things like this "normally" don't go unnoticed by the NCOSC or COC, which is another reason I would consider the IG.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2019 1:48 PM

2019-03-10T13:48:15-04:00

OIC is a crook.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Mar 11 at 2019 9:16 AM

2019-03-11T09:16:26-04:00

That's called extortion and it's a criminal offense.