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So, a Navy CO resigned his command.
http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140908/NEWS/309080036/Hueneme-CO-quits-halfway-through-tour
What I find interesting is the article's sense of outrage on the part of many that he simply resigned (following procedures that apparently exist for that) and wasn't "Detached For Cause" (i.e. "Fired."). There seems to be an overt sense of "You can't quit, you can only be fired."
Two things about this stand out to me:
1. This attitude seems to fly in the face of integrity. We should EXPECT an Officer who realizes that he is not measuring up, and does not believe he can do so, to step aside. That is foundational character.
2. The level of reflexive vindictiveness. Numerous people in the article expressed that it was fine for him to resign, and that it was maybe the right thing to do, but he should be PUNISHED as well - because it's "just not done." (that was pretty close to a quote from the article) This despite no investigations into his performance.
There is always more than meets the eye, or shows in the first story, that said - you can't have it both ways. If you demand integrity, you can't get all bent when someone has the nerve to act with integrity.
I salute Cpt. Espe's courage and integrity. (and, yes, it will affect the rest of his career, which I expect will be very short.)
http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140908/NEWS/309080036/Hueneme-CO-quits-halfway-through-tour
What I find interesting is the article's sense of outrage on the part of many that he simply resigned (following procedures that apparently exist for that) and wasn't "Detached For Cause" (i.e. "Fired."). There seems to be an overt sense of "You can't quit, you can only be fired."
Two things about this stand out to me:
1. This attitude seems to fly in the face of integrity. We should EXPECT an Officer who realizes that he is not measuring up, and does not believe he can do so, to step aside. That is foundational character.
2. The level of reflexive vindictiveness. Numerous people in the article expressed that it was fine for him to resign, and that it was maybe the right thing to do, but he should be PUNISHED as well - because it's "just not done." (that was pretty close to a quote from the article) This despite no investigations into his performance.
There is always more than meets the eye, or shows in the first story, that said - you can't have it both ways. If you demand integrity, you can't get all bent when someone has the nerve to act with integrity.
I salute Cpt. Espe's courage and integrity. (and, yes, it will affect the rest of his career, which I expect will be very short.)
Command
Leadership
Integrity
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I think it showed an amazing amount of Integrity to step up and step out knowing the disapprobation that was going to be heaped upon him.
I also think it's reprehensible that one would think additional punishment is required, unless the commander was stepping down to avoid some kind of possible charge for malfeasance.
And the reason this is so unheard of is that it probably is Career Suicide, although probably many with less integrity have let their commands suffer or just thrown band-aids until they could leave. I think it's great that he was able to see that he was the wrong man in the wrong job and did the best thing for his command by seeking relief for both himself and his command.
Perhaps better screening for a good fit to the Command would have prevented this issue and possibly others where the commanders are simply booking their time and not doing the best thing for their situation by getting out of the way?
I also think it's reprehensible that one would think additional punishment is required, unless the commander was stepping down to avoid some kind of possible charge for malfeasance.
And the reason this is so unheard of is that it probably is Career Suicide, although probably many with less integrity have let their commands suffer or just thrown band-aids until they could leave. I think it's great that he was able to see that he was the wrong man in the wrong job and did the best thing for his command by seeking relief for both himself and his command.
Perhaps better screening for a good fit to the Command would have prevented this issue and possibly others where the commanders are simply booking their time and not doing the best thing for their situation by getting out of the way?
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I think attitude is rooted in a few cultural things that, IMHO, are not necessaily healthy:
1) The competitive up or out mentality. Unless you keep achieving and keep getting promoted you are a slug and don't deserve to be in uniform.
2) That being in command is the only way to show your worth in the military.
3) The zero defect mentality.
1) The competitive up or out mentality. Unless you keep achieving and keep getting promoted you are a slug and don't deserve to be in uniform.
2) That being in command is the only way to show your worth in the military.
3) The zero defect mentality.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
I totally agree. I know of very capable Os and NCOs that are great staffers/planners but don't have the interest of commanding. Should they be punished for it? I don't think so. they are great assets to the organization and should be kept ans advanced in the service. I believe there should be a different career path: command and staff tracks giving control to the service member on how he/she can better serve the organization. Just my opinion.
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Sir, very interesting article. Thank you for sharing as I would not have seen it otherwise. I agree that it is honorable for Captain Espe to have done this and his integrity and personal courage. I also agree though that he will have repercussions in his career with most likely not having another command. Not everyone is cut out to have a command or that particular command. Captain Espe might excel at another command, but unfortunately he may be stuck in staff positions until he chooses or is asked to retire.
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