DA Civilians and Active Military in the Workplace

This is a very interesting topic. When I was a 1SG, my Company was comprised of Military, DACs, and Contractors. There were a few instances where there were instances like the one you describe. The best COA that I have seen through experience is (1) have the NCOIC ask the DAC to complete the task assigned. If the DAC refuses, the NCOIC should (2) document the incident and take it to the DACs Rater. Everyone has a boss. If you cannot get the job done by using cordial methods, then it needs to be elevated. I have seen things get resolved both ways.

It is important to remember that there are duty descriptions for DACs similar to work contracts for Contractors which is similar to Duties and Scope for a NCO. The task given to the DAC should be within the duty description of the DAC.

Having been in this position in 2 of my last duty positions, it can get pretty "hairy" when a circumstance arises like that which the OP stated. I was the NCOIC of the Tank Driver Simulation Center at Ft. Knox, we conducted the driver's training of all new Army and Marine Corps tankers and I had a crew of 21 DAC instructors and 6-10 "green suiters". I was the BOSS, I rated all the civilians and any and all issues were handled at my level unless higher intervention was required. As I never had a union grievance filed against me in the 2-years I was Chief, I suppose that it worked out pretty good for all concerned. When I was stationed in Kuwait I served as the Operations NCOIC for ASG-KU, I had a couple of DACs that worked for us in the CBRNE and Range Control Operations as well as the Assistant S-3 was a DAC GS-11 I believe. Only ever had one incident with one of the individuals, do not know if it was just a "bad day" for him and me, but it got heated a bit and required the S-3 and AS-3 both to intervene and settle things down. Like the previous posts have stated, request that he individual perform the task and document any/all instances of failure to perform or insubordination and hand it off to that persons rater be it a Soldier or higher grade DAC for them to square away.

And I do understand that, as with most instances, situation will always dictate what course of action is the best. Depending on what needs to be done, and why the DAC is in that specific position, they very well could be the SME and will be calling the shots.

Both very good answers. I love the knowledge that is given out here.