Posted on Apr 21, 2020
Has your unit been taking advantage of the COVID situation, i.e. the complete state of disarray, in order to screw over soldiers?
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Just seeing where everyone else is at with this
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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SSG, you are at the apex of Being a First line Supervisor, if there is an issue “Man Up” and take your concerns to the COC not us. Commands have an awesome responsibility on a normal day, keeping Soldiers Fit, trained and ready for combat didn’t go away with this crisis, in fact it amplifies. Figuring out the balance of readiness includes Family care as well. There will be mistakes and oversights, that’s is what you get paid to do, lead up, speak out, be professional and be heard. Don’t operate in fear and woe-is-me. So be the leader you expect them to be, or be part of the problem.
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SSG (Join to see)
CSM, I've addressed the COC. I'm aware that physical fitness must be taken into account, however, pt is on the individual. If this covid crap is to be taken serious, even our "groups of 4" should not be done. There was a study recently released and published about the slipstream and how, even when talking and breathing, those water molecules spread back in a formation, as well as hang about in the air. This virus stays alive, while airborne, anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. The cloth coverings the DOD has us wearing have been advised against numerous times because those small droplets get caught in the fabric and you directly breathe those in.
I apologize for that rabbit hole. Fact is, I addressed these issues with the COC and I do not think it should be necessary to go past my troop level when it is a troop matter. The commander has the right to use his discretion, but I believe there should be more care taken when the clinics refuse to provide medical care.
I am trying to be the leader I've always wanted, but my leadership coming up, like most of the leadership I've had, don't have an actual interest in helping soldiers beyond making themselves look good.
Soldiers are told to take care of themselves and then are demonized when they finally do.
This is why our retainability is so low in some units.
I apologize for that rabbit hole. Fact is, I addressed these issues with the COC and I do not think it should be necessary to go past my troop level when it is a troop matter. The commander has the right to use his discretion, but I believe there should be more care taken when the clinics refuse to provide medical care.
I am trying to be the leader I've always wanted, but my leadership coming up, like most of the leadership I've had, don't have an actual interest in helping soldiers beyond making themselves look good.
Soldiers are told to take care of themselves and then are demonized when they finally do.
This is why our retainability is so low in some units.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
SSG Logan, great retort. You answered in a way that did not come across in your initial post. Since the Troop leadership is not listening, I would address the CSM specifically-provide point and counter point in writing. Example, require 4 Soldier to conduct PT together-the CDC guidance is. You did it in your response to me. Take a chill pill, write your points clearly and articulately. After each make a recommendation as to what you would do to achieve the same outcome for each area in question.
For the Soldiers and the medical piece, thoroughly review the guidelines and look at the organizational resources.
What would help bring this home to the Senior COC would be if you had several like minded peers. Go in together. The concern is the welfare of the Soldiers, the safety of their Families and the accomplishment of the mission. My peers and I did this for a very serious unit issue, we actually got the CSM and LTC into their seats in the confeeence room, selected the best speaker and all had a role. Anyway you get the picture. You got this. Be professional. SSG (Join to see)
For the Soldiers and the medical piece, thoroughly review the guidelines and look at the organizational resources.
What would help bring this home to the Senior COC would be if you had several like minded peers. Go in together. The concern is the welfare of the Soldiers, the safety of their Families and the accomplishment of the mission. My peers and I did this for a very serious unit issue, we actually got the CSM and LTC into their seats in the confeeence room, selected the best speaker and all had a role. Anyway you get the picture. You got this. Be professional. SSG (Join to see)
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SSG (Join to see)
CSM Darieus ZaGara ah. Now that is a good idea. Our SCO and RCO do seem very receptive, and I know our CSM is a quiet man, but seems to have a good head on his shoulders.
Honestly, after the current SCO and CSM came to our squadron, things got better to an extent. Unfortunately, it wasn't reflected moving downward.
I'll work on writing a formal letter addressing concerns. My education and upbringing allow for me to articulate my words well. However, when I am passionate about something, I have a hard time holding my tongue or being respectful when it is not reciprocated, or I feel basic common sense or decency is ignored. Ironically, you can thank the army for that personality trait.
I've had soldiers with so much potential almost get kicked out until I came along. I was able to respond with my current LTC about one of them. He is about to become a NCO very soon, top of his class in BLC and great pt score. Knowledgeable in his field as well as passionate about helping his peers and subordinates. I won't state his past, but let's just say all it took was someone to believe and care, as my NCOs did for me back in the day.
Anyways, sorry if I seemed rude before. I've been irritated and I'd honestly rather not post here, as it can cause detrimental effects on one's career. But, I'm in this for my soldiers so it's worth it. Thank you so much for the advice.
Honestly, after the current SCO and CSM came to our squadron, things got better to an extent. Unfortunately, it wasn't reflected moving downward.
I'll work on writing a formal letter addressing concerns. My education and upbringing allow for me to articulate my words well. However, when I am passionate about something, I have a hard time holding my tongue or being respectful when it is not reciprocated, or I feel basic common sense or decency is ignored. Ironically, you can thank the army for that personality trait.
I've had soldiers with so much potential almost get kicked out until I came along. I was able to respond with my current LTC about one of them. He is about to become a NCO very soon, top of his class in BLC and great pt score. Knowledgeable in his field as well as passionate about helping his peers and subordinates. I won't state his past, but let's just say all it took was someone to believe and care, as my NCOs did for me back in the day.
Anyways, sorry if I seemed rude before. I've been irritated and I'd honestly rather not post here, as it can cause detrimental effects on one's career. But, I'm in this for my soldiers so it's worth it. Thank you so much for the advice.
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While I applaud your concerns about your Soldiers, I expect better from Staff Sergeant. Have you taken your concerns up the NCO Support Chain or is lashing out on Social Media your solution here?
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SSG (Join to see)
Already went up the chain, unfortunately. Squadron seems to be overkill for this situation. But that's why I posted here. I figured maybe the glorious leaders on this application had maybe experienced these situations themselves maybe.
Put it like this, if your knee was blown out and sitting off to the side, but no profile yet, would you be willing to do pt or go on a run? I think not. "but he doesn't have a profile". Good job, Tonto, but use common sense. You've got a soldier that hobbles even if no one is looking. Still does his job daily, the best he can, but is unable to obtain a profile due to the failure of a medical team. Do you A) exacerbate the possible injury? Or B) use a little logic and understanding, lay off a bit, and at least gain morale and loyalty?
Obviously don't let him get away with everything, make him do shit that doesn't exacerbate the injury.
We as leaders are suppose to put our soldiers before us, but more often than not, we treat grown MEN and WOMEN as children. Treat them like kids, they will act like kids. Treat them as adults who might know how their own body should feel, and hold them accountable, and you might just have a viable soldier on your hands.
Remember, just because you were treated like dog shit doesn't mean that's the answer for every soldier.
Put it like this, if your knee was blown out and sitting off to the side, but no profile yet, would you be willing to do pt or go on a run? I think not. "but he doesn't have a profile". Good job, Tonto, but use common sense. You've got a soldier that hobbles even if no one is looking. Still does his job daily, the best he can, but is unable to obtain a profile due to the failure of a medical team. Do you A) exacerbate the possible injury? Or B) use a little logic and understanding, lay off a bit, and at least gain morale and loyalty?
Obviously don't let him get away with everything, make him do shit that doesn't exacerbate the injury.
We as leaders are suppose to put our soldiers before us, but more often than not, we treat grown MEN and WOMEN as children. Treat them like kids, they will act like kids. Treat them as adults who might know how their own body should feel, and hold them accountable, and you might just have a viable soldier on your hands.
Remember, just because you were treated like dog shit doesn't mean that's the answer for every soldier.
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I've actually seen the opposite. I've seen a lot of innovation come out of the pandemic. The USAF is taking this as an opportunity to ask, "Why not!" and the boldly change antiquated processes that should have changed years ago. These changes seem to be giving Airmen back time and flexibility, allowing them to take better care of themselves and their families.
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CW3 (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - Sir, that's because you're in the Air Force. The Army isn't known for innovating for the benefit of the Soldier.
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