What would you do for a family friend getting picked on in another chain of command?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 18:06:59 -0400

You have a family friend that is new to the Army and it so happened he is stationed at your base. He came to you one day for some help. His team leader is picking on him, he even we as far as having him break his profile. Sometime even smoking him, the Soldier went to his 1SG and nothing is being done. You are a senior NCO he came to you for help what would you do?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 6:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 18:32:33 -0400

Talk to the equivalent level NCO in that unit that you are to see what the real truth is. I once heard this saying about arguments in marriage "There is always three sides to a story. His, hers, and the truth." The military is like that too and we need to ensure we do not blindly trust and make an a-- of yourself by not knowing the whole picture such as well he did not have a real profile in the system or it was expired. The same rank/position helps avoid feeling like pressuring from outside unit and creating a big stink over it. Though that may happen anyway. Always go in with an open mind and do not accuse.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 11:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 11:22:17 -0400

Determine what specific article of the UCMJ or portion of any policy or directive is being violated (been out over 15 years, so my recall of the specific article of the UCMJ). Essentially, abusing a subordinate.
Educate him on what you find, and have him use the open door policy to notify the commander and ask to prefer charges. He needs to know what specific resolution he seeks. Commander has the latitude to do something or do nothing.
If he isn't satisfied with the results, and it persists, he can elevate to the open door at the next level, or the IG.
I wouldn't suggest you inject yourself for a number of reasons. Foremost, he is a Soldier and needs to learn to take up for himself. If he doesn't now, he'll not be able to take care of his Soldiers when he becomes a leader.
Second reason I wouldn't suggest you inject yourself is if the 1SG is aware, your complaint goes nowhere, and it only gets worse for your friend.