Posted on Jul 30, 2019
How is an Open Door Policy supposed to be used?
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So essentially, my chain of command seems to be retaliating against me because of a section I was attached to for the first half of my deployment. I can't go to my first or second line, and I am positive the company commander and 1SG are where the issues stemmed from because I mistakenly put some identifying sentences in my 'anonymous' survey (it was my first one, I messed it up terribly, I know). But, it has gotten to the point that my 1st and 2nd line don't want me hanging out with my battles in that section on or off duty, and they don't want me stopping in their ready room. I honestly don't know who to go to about this issue and the only thing I can think of is an Open door policy before going to JAG (if that is even an option). It is just really taking a toll on me mentally I think because I do not want to use an Open Door policy and have things get worse. It has gotten to the point that I walk into our TOC and everyone will greet me/respond to me, and my OIC and NCOIC will just ignore me as I walk by.
I guess my real question is, do I have to go through them to use an open-door policy? And are there any other steps I can take before that. I tried talking to my OIC and NCOIC but it seemed like they didn't even care. If anyone can give me some pointers, I am trying not to destroy any part of my career here.
I appreciate it.
I guess my real question is, do I have to go through them to use an open-door policy? And are there any other steps I can take before that. I tried talking to my OIC and NCOIC but it seemed like they didn't even care. If anyone can give me some pointers, I am trying not to destroy any part of my career here.
I appreciate it.
Chain of Command
JAG
Chaplain
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
You can utilize the open door policy at any time you want. You can tell your current leadership you are using it or you don't have to tell your leadership you are using it. It is regulations that ALL Commanders will have an open door policy. No one can stop you using the policy. So, you can take your issues up to your BN Command (or what ever level you have after your immediate unit) if you feel no resolution can be achieved with your immediate command. If nothing is resolved with BN level, then go up to Brigade. If that fails....you can take it up past your Brigade, file an IG complaint (if it fits within that realm) or file a congressional complaint.
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SPC (Join to see)
I just was not positive if that is the route I should go or not, because the Company Commander might be apart of this issue
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MSG (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - Then bypass the Company Commander and go straight to your Battalion Command level.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) - I would start with your CO. If no one comes and brings stuff like this to his/her attention, he may be completely unaware of what seems like some pretty petty stuff. What the hell did you say to piss everyone off? If they are supervisors in the Army, they should be used being evaluated good and bad, and be adult enough to look at the bad to see what needs to be done to fix it.
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Good responses below SPC (Join to see) , 1SG (Join to see) made a good point to be prepared when talking to the Commander. However, I would look to your NCO Support Channel first prior to going to the Commander. (1SG/CSM)
If your direct leadership (section leader) are unable or unwilling to help you resolve the issue, take it to the 1SG and then the CSM, especially for personnel issues. The CSM helps guide the 1SGs in the BN in personnel matters.
I always advise using language like: "I am asking for your guidance with a concern of mine that is hampering my ability to perform at my highest level", i.e. seek to be lead, not to hold others accountable for behavior you perceive as an injustice.
Without knowing the content of the conversation you had with your direct leaders and their response to it, I would not be comfortable telling you to utilize the open door policy. Too often, when a Soldier comes to me under the open door policy, I speak with the first-line leader and they are completely unaware of the problem and are more than willing to correct any issues. Usually, when I follow up with the Soldier, all is well.
If your direct leadership (section leader) are unable or unwilling to help you resolve the issue, take it to the 1SG and then the CSM, especially for personnel issues. The CSM helps guide the 1SGs in the BN in personnel matters.
I always advise using language like: "I am asking for your guidance with a concern of mine that is hampering my ability to perform at my highest level", i.e. seek to be lead, not to hold others accountable for behavior you perceive as an injustice.
Without knowing the content of the conversation you had with your direct leaders and their response to it, I would not be comfortable telling you to utilize the open door policy. Too often, when a Soldier comes to me under the open door policy, I speak with the first-line leader and they are completely unaware of the problem and are more than willing to correct any issues. Usually, when I follow up with the Soldier, all is well.
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1SG (Join to see)
CSM William Everroad understandable, but this wasn't burdensome. Admittedly, my perception was from my seat, not the Soldier's.
When I saw their form, it made perfect sense for using it for the commander's Open Door policy.
Other than identifying information, the Soldier had to complete two blocks:
1. Nature of the problem.
2. Desired outcome.
The Marine Corps
The "desired outcome" block, IMO, forced the Soldier to take the time to determine if the issue was truly an issue, and if their desired outcome was feasible (authorized, prohibited).
It served to document what happens real world when a Soldier requests these the open door policy: Ask your supervisor; see the 1SG after your supervisor/PSG speaks to the 1SG; 1SG briefs commander; see the commander if it isn't resolved at those levels.
Request Mast (their version if Open Door) form is online with their policy. They actually track the requests.
When I saw their form, it made perfect sense for using it for the commander's Open Door policy.
Other than identifying information, the Soldier had to complete two blocks:
1. Nature of the problem.
2. Desired outcome.
The Marine Corps
The "desired outcome" block, IMO, forced the Soldier to take the time to determine if the issue was truly an issue, and if their desired outcome was feasible (authorized, prohibited).
It served to document what happens real world when a Soldier requests these the open door policy: Ask your supervisor; see the 1SG after your supervisor/PSG speaks to the 1SG; 1SG briefs commander; see the commander if it isn't resolved at those levels.
Request Mast (their version if Open Door) form is online with their policy. They actually track the requests.
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CSM William Everroad
1SG (Join to see) The more you explain it, the more I like it. It definitely improves accountability at the Command level for issue resolution. I guess I am just used to personally handling issues and going right to the leadership for resolution. But, in hindsight, there may have been issues that ended up not being resolved because there was no real way for the Commander to track it to be able to follow up on them.
In this line of thought, I am only referring to those cases that should be elevated to Command intervention, not necessarily those that are easily handled or solved.
In this line of thought, I am only referring to those cases that should be elevated to Command intervention, not necessarily those that are easily handled or solved.
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SPC Keith Smith
I would suggest this route as well. It's the 1SG/CSM responsibility is the welfare of the troops. Speak to your 1SG/CSM, more than likely they will talk to the Command for you.
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4187, request a transfer. Then when they ask why, explain it.
Truthfully, I never cared for anonymous crap. If it's true, own it.
Truthfully, I never cared for anonymous crap. If it's true, own it.
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