Posted on Aug 31, 2020
What can be done about a soldier who makes at least 2 appointments a week, non-medical related (i.e. chaplain, etc.)?
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Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 6
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Context is needed. From the outside looking 2 appointments a week isn't that detrimental considering we have no idea what the appointments are for. You say non-medical and list Chaplain and etc. So that means you really don't know. It could be medical. It could be chaplain. It could be something else you don't know about. As long as the chain of command is tracking this and aware so they can make appropriate arrangements when needed you don't need to be back briefed on it. When I was running a full shop of Marines I had folks who needed to step out to handle things. Weather it was legal, medical, spiritual, training or logistical it was handled and the other folks in the shop weren't always privy to all the details. That is part of leadership and management. If the Solider is just disappearing and nobody is aware that is different altogether and should be reported but that is probably not the case.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
CPL (Join to see) - I would check with your Plt Sgt and check that the SM is cleared for their appointments. Like I said before it may be approved already and you are just not being back briefed on it. If they are cleared than that is one thing but if they are just disappearing without approval that is something else. I would take it easy with the "I do not believe the SM needs to see anyone". That could get you into hot water. Especially if they are asking for regularly provided services. You can also work with your Plt. Sgt to get your concerns raised to the Chaplain's office if you feel something fishy is going on so they are aware. Using the Chaps office as an escape hatch isn't anything new. But going to the Chap is still within anybodies ability so be careful making statements
like you don't think they need services. That could get your hand smacked.
like you don't think they need services. That could get your hand smacked.
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CPL (Join to see)
SSgt Christophe Murphy hand smacked is what I'm trying to avoid, by asking questions. I appreciate your advice. Thank you.
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CPT (Join to see)
It's highly likely since you feel the soldier doesn't need to see anyone is the very reason they justify going above you. As a commander I would certainly be fine with that. There's still a Platoon SGT, 1SG, and Platoon Leader between you and the commander. So somewhere along that chain of command someone knows what is what, and if the soldier makes the legit set up appointment at the very least the counselor, chaplain, doctor, etc... will know exactly what is going on.
Trust me, the less you know about certain things so long as you are the pathway to the soldier getting help they request the better off you personally are.
Part of your responsibility as a leader is to be the path way for your subordinates to get the help they need, not determine if they need help or not. If you get in the way of that you are putting the bullseye right on your forehead.
Trust me, the less you know about certain things so long as you are the pathway to the soldier getting help they request the better off you personally are.
Part of your responsibility as a leader is to be the path way for your subordinates to get the help they need, not determine if they need help or not. If you get in the way of that you are putting the bullseye right on your forehead.
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CPL (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) I've been trying to sir, but he's been jumping the chain without even recognizing first line leadership. I understand the situation better and how to get it resolved, thanks sir ill take your advice.
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The platoon sergeant can emphasize the importance of assigned duties and inform the Soldier that appts can be set for 0800 or 1500, or they can be expected to work past last formation to make up the missed time.
This usually solves the problem of Soldiers making multiple appts to get away from work.
If the appts are addressing legitimate BH issues, the commander can direct the Soldier to a fitness for duty evaluation to determine if the issue can be resolved or if they need to be discharged.
Meanwhile, you reported to Campbell 2.5 years ago, surely you are not still a PVT.
This usually solves the problem of Soldiers making multiple appts to get away from work.
If the appts are addressing legitimate BH issues, the commander can direct the Soldier to a fitness for duty evaluation to determine if the issue can be resolved or if they need to be discharged.
Meanwhile, you reported to Campbell 2.5 years ago, surely you are not still a PVT.
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CPL (Join to see)
I haven't been on the app for a while, i have it updated, thank you. I will take your advice, despite the SM not communicating with direct/first line leadership and trying to go levels higher, I comminicate consistently and do not believe they need additional counsel, etc. I am trying to become an effective leader, i always take the welfare of soldiers into consideration. I just want to find the appropriate answers.
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SGM (Join to see)
CPL (Join to see) - Well, like SCPO (Join to see) says, talk to the Soldier or talk to someone that he has been willing to talk to, to see if you can determine what the problem is, and get with your leadership to determine if that problem can be resolved in the Army, or if he needs to go.
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As a leader, you have to ask yourself if you know the Soldier well enough to determine whether they're trying to get out of work, or legitimately looking for support for something they're dealing with.
My thoughts on the matter are simple. If they're making lots of appointments, are they also behind on their quals? Are they short on friends in the FT, SQD, or Platoon? Are they dealing with something outside on the homefront?
In the Navy, we deal with the concept of "intrusive leadership", and what that means is to fully make or pass judgement on a situation, you have to have a clear picture of what's going on in their lives.
If you're concerned for someone's actions and feel that they're skipping out of work or missing quals because they're constant at appointments, one of the very best ways to show them concern is to tell them that you're concerned. You can ask them if they need any help and reach out the proverbial "Olive Branch" to help get them on the right track.
My thoughts on the matter are simple. If they're making lots of appointments, are they also behind on their quals? Are they short on friends in the FT, SQD, or Platoon? Are they dealing with something outside on the homefront?
In the Navy, we deal with the concept of "intrusive leadership", and what that means is to fully make or pass judgement on a situation, you have to have a clear picture of what's going on in their lives.
If you're concerned for someone's actions and feel that they're skipping out of work or missing quals because they're constant at appointments, one of the very best ways to show them concern is to tell them that you're concerned. You can ask them if they need any help and reach out the proverbial "Olive Branch" to help get them on the right track.
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