What do you say as Leaders? What action(s) would you take?

SFC A.M. Drake — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:14:13 -0400

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20141020/NEWS02/310200029/Paper-Files-allege-misconduct-within-Alaska-Guard

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 20 at 2014 6:34 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:34:51 -0400

It sure took long enough to come to light! Alaska is on top of the wrld in the middle of nowhere. Those troops were in the middle of no where even by Alaskan standards. Drink and hunt...hunt and drink. Everything revolved around that. These troops would have to travel for days to get to Fort Wainwright to have a mental health appointment. It involves more than they are reporting I am sad to say. We took reports and complaints and submitted them to the appropriate levels again and again. I left in May of 2012. No names...no details...but thank God it is visible for everyone to see.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 6:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:38:17 -0400

Surprised that they cannot file criminal charges in the guard...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 2:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 14:34:29 -0400

I would have to say that for anyone who is a leader in today's military (no matter the branch), the saying "do as I expect not as I do" is a better statement to say and could sum it all up.

If you look on any social media website or the news, you can see how many different individuals at all levels within the different military have violated this guideline or standard. These are the leaders that are setting one standard but enforce a totally different standard.

That is why the Inspector General in all branches of the military are so busy and are constantly having to determine who is right and wrong. So I think a better question to ask is, why do we have leaders, at all levels, setting standards when they don't even follow the standards themselves. Should these "leaders" be removed and never be allowed to fulfill such positions again especially if there is documentation stating a violation of regulations and policies has occurred?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 3:03 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:03:05 -0400

That is brutal. All of it. I hope the result of the investigations - if the allegations are substantiated - will be fast, severe, and just. However, it doesn't seem that will be the case, at least based on the way they handled LTC Lawendowski's "punishment."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 3:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:54:39 -0400

Regardless of the actions taken in punishment I would consider retiring the unit colors. The history of that unit is now degraded by this. Any involved remaining in service after the matters are settled should be transfered, the colors cased, and if needed a new unit stood up there with all new people. Being that this is a guard unit this is very hard to do, but a new unit with a new face and people is what is needed to make this stain fade faster with time.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Oct 21 at 2014 4:11 PM

1SG Harold Piet — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:11:00 -0400

If the Guard will not or cannot punish them than the soldiers should be able to file criminal charges through the civilian sector. I hope the guilty are exposed and punished severely. I have no mercy for the perps. As far as the unit, They need to continue to march and bring honor to the dishonored flag. I do not claim to know the legal system in the ANG, But brought to me in my unit active duty, I would have probably gone to jail for hurting some Commissioned A-Hole

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 4:26 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:26:29 -0400

Being a member of the National Guard, I am appalled by this. I question to as why the article says no charges can be filed. When I worked at a recruiter for the National Guard, I was full time, and as such was subject to UMCJ at all times. The Army and the Alaska Army National Guard need to do the right thing here and punish those involved for their actions.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 8:17 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 20:17:48 -0400

Indeed, I am appalled by this clear and abhorrent violation of the seven guiding values that are integral to the United States Army.

As an incoming and learning leader in the United States Army Reserve, sexual abuse, general misconduct, and staining the tradition of excellence and professionalism that our uniform upholds is absolutely unacceptable. Sexual assault and harassment is a severe problem that is ailing our nation's armed forces, and this incident clearly illustrates that more work needs to be done to intervene and act upon sexual harassment and misconduct.

I would assist to have those charged individuals punished accordingly for their actions and consequences, and would dedicate my efforts towards reinvigorating a climate of mutual trust, compassion, and mentorship.

After such an incident, the sense of trust and respect that may have been previously held within that unit is now gone.

One phrase that stood out to me in the article was, "The top recruiting official, Lt. Col. Joseph Lawendowski, was a friend and neighbor of Katkus, “creating a perception that this commander was invulnerable,” the report said" (The Associated Press, 2014).

That phrase speaks to me, because I firmly believe that whether or not you are serving in the United States military, or holding a civilian position of responsibility, you are always being assessed and judged by your peers and subordinates. I feel that no-one is invulnerable, as even the tallest and most robust giants are prone to fall from the smallest, and seemingly insignificant vine. As a result, I am learning to guide my professional and personal live in such a way as to inspire trust and confidence in myself, where I strive to do the right and honest thing, wherever I may be.