Posted on Apr 27, 2016
SPC Saw Gunner
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I'm am a specialist assigned to a infantry unit, in my squad we have two team leaders who are also specialist. I respect that they are team leaders. But lately they have been giving corrective training for not going to parade rest or by not addressing them as specialist when I myself am a specialist. Is there an army regulation or anything supporting there actions?
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Responses: 137
CPT Mark Gonzalez
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Edited >1 y ago
Don't confuse your rank with their position. I just left command of a 420 person company where I had numerous LTC's and COL's, but as the commander I outranked every single one of them by position. I didn't need to throw my position around, but ultimately my orders were lawful. Wherever there is a lack of manpower or overly competent personnel (every unit) you are going to have people in positions above their pay grade. Your situation is the exact same thing.
By virtue of position those specialist can give you lawful orders. Calling them a specialist and their last name rather by name only is an appropriate courtesy. Standing at parade rest if they tell you to, is also appropriate. Ultimately they are issuing lawful orders to you and you know the position they hold. If you disobey them, you would be punished and your defense wouldn't cut it. I do believe your company should get to work and make some of these SPC's into CPL's. However, it is a good test for them to develop as leaders and if you don't like it, get yourself in position to be promoted and you will have your own team. Not everything is in an Army Regulation, but trust me on this one. You don't want to find out you were wrong upon visiting trial defense services prior to your article 15.
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SGT Christopher Till
SGT Christopher Till
3 y
SGT Gary Stemen that would make sense given he would still be with specialist in his unit he was in charge of, e-5's and above can only be demoted to e-4 if I remember correctly
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MAJ Michael Cummings
MAJ Michael Cummings
3 y
CPT Mark Gonzalez I was a HQ CDR once myself and while you have "Command Authority" over the senior officers with the exception of your commander, you are effectively and administrative clerk herding sheep who is responsible for making sure all of the administrative tasks of that element are completed. They still "outranked" you.
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CPT Earl George
CPT Earl George
3 y
I had a SP4 Platoon Sergeant in my 4.2" mortar platoon in Germany in 1973. I had no E-5 or above NCO's and 9 SP'4 personnel.
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TSgt Carl Johnson
TSgt Carl Johnson
>1 y
CPT Mark Gonzalez - As an NCO I often called my subordinates sir or ma'am. Respect goes two ways. I had an airman tell me that I didn't have to call him sir. I told him I didn't have to, I did it because I wanted to, he deserved it based on performance and attitude, and that I hoped he could feel the same way about me.
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Capt Mark Strobl
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Edited >1 y ago
SPC (Join to see) - Your post reminded me of this little riddle:
Q.) What you call a Captain-select?
A.) Lieutenant
Keep in mind that they hold a billet. So, both learn from them... and teach them how to be better SPC's. Sounds like they're trying to establish some ground rules for their soldiers. Sure, it might be annoying that you're the same rank. But, extend that professional courtesy. You'll be a better leader for it --especially when you assume their billet.
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SFC Don Ward
SFC Don Ward
>1 y
SSG Stephen Wondercheck - Today that is referred to as toxic leadership - proving that BS and chickenshit has gone on since the early days of the army. That does nothing for discipline and a lot for causing unneeded friction.
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SSG Stephen Wondercheck
SSG Stephen Wondercheck
3 y
SFC Don Ward - You can call it whatever you would like to call it... but if you look at all the bad leaders we have now and how no so disciplined the military is in all branches.. I feel that our military is weaker now... there is too much drama in the units and all of BS of being politically correct who cares its about getting the mission done and everyone coming home from deployments alive.. . that's just my two cents in the topic... thanks
oh ya and by the way I have had some very toxic leadership my own PLT SGT was f**cking his own soldier... so that just goes to show how not disciplined the military is and how they dont follow their own values!
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MSG Computer Operator 5
MSG (Join to see)
3 y
This is exactly why I could never have done AD. I would just tell him to get bent and do whatever "corrective action" the NCOs dealt out later. My authority has never come from the square on my chest, but that's just me.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
CSM Darieus ZaGara
3 y
Great response Sir.
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SSG Retention and Transition NCO (USAR)
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Specialist Richardson,
B.L.U.F
Stand at parade rest because its position over rank. However, if you want some insight continue reading. As an infantryman this is standard practice. This is an opportunity for both yourself and that team leader regardless of rank to develop both tact and resilency. There are going to be situations that you as the Soldier may or may not agree with, but you will execute them. They'll be giving these orders in their own name but remember they do come from higher. If outside of work you both carry a cordial relationship use the time outside of work to help mentor and mold if the opportunity should come up. If all else fail then simply put it in perspective and reverse the roles what would you do? Also taking into account who your peers and subordinates are then trying to ID the correct leadership style.
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