Posted on Aug 1, 2014
Addressed as “ACTING” serving in a leadership role
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Where did the word acting come from as it pertains to covering down for a leader? If someone’s serving in a role that does not warrant their current rank why would they be considered “acting” anything? For ex. If a Lieutenant is serving as a Unit Commander while that CPT is TDY or leave that Lieutenant has the same authority as any other Unit commander. Same as if that E-7 covers down for that E-8 his word and authority is just as valid as if that E-8 was putting it out himself. There is no such thing as an “ACTING” Platoon Sergeant, 1SG, CSM, or Commander.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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MSG Martinis Butler - in my case, if the Bn Cdr goes on leave, he puts the XO on orders to be the Cdr - he's not the "acting", he performs as the Cdr.
I personally don't like using the term "acting" as it connotes someone that "is not" or is "pretending" - if you are placed in a position of leadership (temporarily, filling in, etc), you need to carry yourself as that leader. You should be given the authority/responsibility (with modest left/right limits) to execute as such.
I have done that with SFCs in 1SG positions - I refer to them as 1SG as that is the position they are holding and expect for them to execute within that scope of responsibility.
I personally don't like using the term "acting" as it connotes someone that "is not" or is "pretending" - if you are placed in a position of leadership (temporarily, filling in, etc), you need to carry yourself as that leader. You should be given the authority/responsibility (with modest left/right limits) to execute as such.
I have done that with SFCs in 1SG positions - I refer to them as 1SG as that is the position they are holding and expect for them to execute within that scope of responsibility.
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MSG Martinis Butler
CSM Mike Maynard that was well said and I strongly agree with that concept. Thanks for your input.
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CSM (Join to see)
HOOAH Battle, you don't act like a Soldier, you are a Soldier.
I use the term "interim." FIGHT ON!
I use the term "interim." FIGHT ON!
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There is a few things here:
Commander/1SG/CSM: slotted by UMR and selected by higher with either assumption of command or have an appointment memorandum by Commander
Interim: Covering down until another can be appointed or they have been appointed by for some reason cannot take command or responsibility yet due to deployment, PCS, etc. They have full authority of that position by UCMJ, etc.
Acting: Covering down temporary. It could be as short as a meeting (XO covering down on formation while CDR briefs the BC) or as long as leave, etc. It could also be for different parties (advon, main body, trail) where the CDR and XO are separated. They do not have the fully authority of this position and the CDR will have to deal with the issues of reduction/advancements, etc. that are required. For some issues though they can sign if given authorization in written formation to have signature authority for some actions. Notice some as there are some forms that are required that the commander must sign such as a strength and feeder report.
Commander/1SG/CSM: slotted by UMR and selected by higher with either assumption of command or have an appointment memorandum by Commander
Interim: Covering down until another can be appointed or they have been appointed by for some reason cannot take command or responsibility yet due to deployment, PCS, etc. They have full authority of that position by UCMJ, etc.
Acting: Covering down temporary. It could be as short as a meeting (XO covering down on formation while CDR briefs the BC) or as long as leave, etc. It could also be for different parties (advon, main body, trail) where the CDR and XO are separated. They do not have the fully authority of this position and the CDR will have to deal with the issues of reduction/advancements, etc. that are required. For some issues though they can sign if given authorization in written formation to have signature authority for some actions. Notice some as there are some forms that are required that the commander must sign such as a strength and feeder report.
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MSG Martinis Butler
Well broken down Sir, but my thing is to many people are using this "ACTING" term a little to loosely. If my 1SG was to take leave or was hospitalized for a few months and I stepped up into that position I would be serving in that 1SG position. Granted not to say you should call me 1SG or Top but let it be known I am serving as that 1SG and expect to be treated as such. If I come to a meeting I still should be considered and called by my current rank but I should not be referred to as the "ACTING 1SG" when I'm doing what is expected of me as the 1SG. That's all im saying.
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LTC (Join to see)
Agreed. The person in the position should have the respect of the position even if just acting at the period of time.
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LTC (Join to see)
Exactly MSG Carl Cunningham . I was told in ROTC that you can tell within the first five minutes of who is in charge regardless of ranks, etc. based on their actions.
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It's a simple matter of semantics. "Acting" is valid when serving temporarily in a position. If, for example, the XO is filling in for the Commander while he/she is on leave, the XO IS the acting Commander (serving AS the Commander with full authority) but is not slotted as the Commander. In no way is this term meant to mean acting, as in pretending to be. I see no reason to change, as it's an accurate description you just have to apply the correct definition:
act - ing
adjective
serving temporarily, especially as a substitute during another's absence; not permanent; temporary: the acting mayor.
act - ing
adjective
serving temporarily, especially as a substitute during another's absence; not permanent; temporary: the acting mayor.
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MSG Martinis Butler
MSG that would work with many things but when it comes to leading especially when taking care of Soldiers there's no acting in this matter. Either your in charge or not. Temporarily slotted or not your in charge. In time of war and that leader goes down and I'm next in command there's no acting in how I plan to conduct business. I'm in charge and there I will be giving commands and leading because i'm in charge, not a temp, not a substitute, not as a filler but as that individual currently serving in that position. Trust me I wont be ACTING either.
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MSG Wade Huffman
MSG Martinis Butler , I believe we are talking about apples and oranges here. Acting Commander, Acting 1SG, etc. are REAL and has nothing to do with acting in the sense that you are speaking of.. and yes, if you are in an acting position you ARE expected to perform the duties of the position which inherently include leadership responsibilities. I don't believe you are using the correct definition of the term.
Your issue seems to be with the word acting, and I believe that where the confusion may be. Just apply the correct definition.
Naturally, in a combat situation you aren't going to have orders as an acting commander etc. completely different situation and one that isn't pertinent to the original topic; you are now talking about succession of command (or succession of leadership), rather than filling in for a temporary absence from which the incumbent will return.
Your issue seems to be with the word acting, and I believe that where the confusion may be. Just apply the correct definition.
Naturally, in a combat situation you aren't going to have orders as an acting commander etc. completely different situation and one that isn't pertinent to the original topic; you are now talking about succession of command (or succession of leadership), rather than filling in for a temporary absence from which the incumbent will return.
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MSG Martinis Butler
I believe we are MSG Huffman the whole point behind it was how people use it or how it could come off to someone actually covering down, filling in, or serving in that position for someone else. When I receive the word acting its comes off not with any concrete substance behind it. I have seen where people use it as if your being talked down to by other leadership simply because they know you wont be there in that position long or they are to hesitant to believe the temp.
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CSM (Join to see)
Acting or not, the term is silly... if you're playing the role --which is what the term implies-- your still responsible for it and everything thing else that comes with it, to include all the decisions, right or wrong while "acting". So does it even matter? I think not. The term is used to slight the guy who got a temporary bump from his peers... or from bosses who are unwilling to trust a new idea from an unproven leader in that position. I ran into a lot of this when I took over the 306 EN CO as an E-7. "P" or not, no one cares, and I had to use the CSM's (who picked me for this job) name in vain constantly at first to get people moving or fence a Company plan at Battalion -- but once the guys see your effective, and the Soldiers band behind you -- the 'acting' fades away -- and as a proven leader, even your semi-peer E7s in the company, start calling you "Top" -- and that's the end of it.
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