Posted on May 21, 2018
What can I do if I feel like my unit leadership is setting me up for failure?
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I feel like my unit constantly belittles me and sets me up for failure. What can I do?
Posted in these groups: 
Toxic Leadership
Toxic Leadership
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
Depending on the details, it could be real or it may be perceived. For example as a PV2 I sometimes felt the same way - that people are talking down my peers and I because of our age, rank, time in service etc. What I came to find out is that they weren't always talking down to me but they did talk to me like I lacked experience because the reality was that I did. It can be frustrating but it will go away as you learn more about how the Army works.
Are you willing to provide us with some examples?
Are you willing to provide us with some examples?
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SSG Carlos Madden
The saying "There's only two things you can do when someone says you're not good enough: You can prove them right, or you can prove them wrong" may apply here. Sometimes it's better to put your pride aside and prove people wrong even when they throw hurdles in your path.
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PV2 (Join to see)
I wasn’t always the best runner but I managed to pass all the way until I got to my duty station. I ended up taking 3 PT test in the first month I was there. I of course passed but then they were giving them to just because so far I have taken over 10 and I have barely been in my unit a year. I ended up injured (right ankle) and was flagged some paperwork got messed up so they said my first flag didn’t count and that I had a brand new flag and a second chance. I got my ankle checked out and ended up going to pediatry. My unit knows this so I get off work and they tell me I have a pt test the next day I say ok and I show up then they tell me it’s a record pt test. It’s detrimental to me because I’m still flagged and I have another failed record pt test on me
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SSG Carlos Madden
PV2 (Join to see) - If you haven't already, make sure you have copies of the doctors note and that they see them. Good leadership should give you a heads up about a record PT test so you can prepare yourself. However, as a soldier you should be able to pass it at anytime so they don't have to tell you in advance. I'd stick it out because this all sounds like growing pains of getting to a new unit and not anything specific to you. "Some paperwork got messed" is a red flag. A unit should not be having messed up paperwork issues. Thats on them, not you.
Do the best you can, build a good working, professional relationship with your team leader and squad leader, and have a good attitude despite this bump in the road. It'll work itself out as long as you keep doing what you're supposed to. Don't take any of this personally.. The last thing you want as a new PV2 is to be perceived as a problem. If they like you as a soldier they will help you figure it out. If they don't, next time that flag comes up someone might use it as an excuse to chapter you out which shouldn't happen for someone in your situation.
Do the best you can, build a good working, professional relationship with your team leader and squad leader, and have a good attitude despite this bump in the road. It'll work itself out as long as you keep doing what you're supposed to. Don't take any of this personally.. The last thing you want as a new PV2 is to be perceived as a problem. If they like you as a soldier they will help you figure it out. If they don't, next time that flag comes up someone might use it as an excuse to chapter you out which shouldn't happen for someone in your situation.
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PV2 (Join to see)
That’s exactly what they are trying to do at this point they are using this flag to bar me for reenlistment and now they are going for separation. Plus I was told 30 days into the 90 day notice that they are going to do this.SSG Carlos Madden
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The best advice I can give you is to prove them wrong. This won’t be an easy task, because you will have to be on top of your game at all times.
Here are a few pointers;
• Master your job.
• Be punctual.
• Be squared away (neat uniform, always have writing material handy, and always have the necessary gear when required).
• Volunteer to go to schools or training when opportunity presents itself.
• Be motivated.
When I was a Private, I gained respect from soldiers in my unit by following those pointers mentioned above. Also, I made sure I had the highest marksmanship and AFPT score in my unit. Follow these tips and you’ll be fine!
Here are a few pointers;
• Master your job.
• Be punctual.
• Be squared away (neat uniform, always have writing material handy, and always have the necessary gear when required).
• Volunteer to go to schools or training when opportunity presents itself.
• Be motivated.
When I was a Private, I gained respect from soldiers in my unit by following those pointers mentioned above. Also, I made sure I had the highest marksmanship and AFPT score in my unit. Follow these tips and you’ll be fine!
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I remember having listened to my orders and feeling it was suicide but never without expressing to the person issuing that order I was glad they were "leading us". :D
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