Commander tried to fudge her tape test - How would you have handled this?

2015-07-08T20:18:10-04:00

An Army colonel fired from her job in April tried to intimidate subordinates to bend the rules after a tape test found her to be overweight, according to an Army investigation.

The investigation also found that Col. Glenda Lock, commander of McDonald Army Health Center, fostered a "toxic" work environment. Her own command sergeant major described her as a "dictator," according to the investigation obtained by Army Times through the Freedom of Information Act.

Though Lock did have some supporters, many of the dozens of witnesses in the report portrayed Lock as an authoritarian leader and sometimes-abusive "bully" who decimated morale, citing several specific examples including belittling of subordinates and retaliatory reassignments.

Army Times reached Lock by email, but she declined comment.

"I will again hold my comments for now. Thank you for the opportunity to provide my perspective on this action," Lock's email said.

The investigation was conducted in November with follow-up interviews conducted early this year. In Lock's Jan. 16 statement to investigators, she accepted responsibility for being overweight, but disputed allegations of undue influence and criticism of her leadership abilities.

"I am not a toxic leader. I have never been a toxic leader, and I will not become a toxic leader because I am not a toxic person," she said, according to the investigation.

'I cannot be in non-compliance'

Read more at:
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/08/glenda-lock-fired-mcdonald-army-health-center-investigatoin/29871027/

Investigation: Commander tried to fudge her tape test

An Army colonel fired from her job in April tried to intimidate subordinates to bend the rules after her height and weight measurements found her to

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-07-08T20:22:06-04:00

We don't need leaders like this. I have never seen a Toxic Leader admit that they are Toxic. If an investigation found proof of that then she is subject to disciplinary action. To say the very least her career just ended.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jul 8 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-07-08T20:22:46-04:00

You do the right thing. Report her to her superior. We had a "Toxic" CO who got a DWI and then tried to hide it. We, the Chief's Mess, turned him in to our ISIC. He was fired immediately.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 8 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-07-08T20:30:34-04:00

There's a reason we have the phrase "above reproach."

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 8:34 PM

2015-07-08T20:34:17-04:00

Good on the 1SG for doing is job in flagging the CO.

Assuming the information in the article is accurate, COL Lock displayed a reactive leadership style and a disregard for regulation. Despite how she may have managed the rest of her job, this sets a poor example and precedence for those around and influenced by her. At OCS examples were constantly brought up of CO's being dismissed for not being proactive and taking care of problems before they arise as well as for not respecting the regulations.

The military is given the trust of the people of the United States and as such we are held to a higher standard. Officers should be held to a higher standard still, and Commanders should be held to the highest standard. If someone is not ready to hold themselves to that standard they should be let go. I hate to seem too harsh but any time for leniency is well past at the rank of Colonel.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 8 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-07-08T20:39:12-04:00

If you live with pure intentions, it minimizes regrets.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 9:13 PM

2015-07-08T21:13:48-04:00

I don't believe it could have been handled any better. The 1SG in the room sought out guidance from the chain of command and was instructed to initiate the Flag. One of my old company commanders told us, "never do anything your rank and your paycheck can't handle." Now we have to wait for the outcome of the proceedings and see if she is forced to retire at her current rank or faces UCMJ action.

Response by MAJ Michele Bretz made Jul 8 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-07-08T21:14:29-04:00

I had a similar situation on active duty and ended up on the weight control program and subsequently didn't get selected for the next rank and lost any chance of getting any of my awards by .01%. On the other hand, the LTC that threatened her subordinates to pass her, ended up having a brain aneurysm. I say "Karma!"

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 8 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-07-08T21:19:11-04:00

I had a CO in Hawaii who, while within height/weight standards failed the PFA. She was out there working out with the other mandatory PT personnel even before she signed her Page 13. That was Leadership By Example.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 8 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-07-08T22:05:46-04:00

I had an XO like this one time. The Commander ordered the entire unit to take an official APFT. I had the unit in formation when the XO came out and asked why we were waiting in formation. I replied I was waiting for him to report. He informed me he wasn't taking the APFT. I then asked him where his profile was stating he didn't have to do it. He replied he wasn't getting a profile. I held the unit in formation a little longer when the CDR came out and asked why we were waiting. I explained I was waiting for the XO or his profile. The XO started to say something, but the CDR came back with, "Yes SFC Dawson is right you need a profile if not taking the test." To say the least the XO and I never really got along after that, but I made sure my ducks were in a row and by the book.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-07-08T22:39:43-04:00

"Ma'am with all due respect- you're overweight, let's go to the gym"

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-07-08T23:16:58-04:00

The Army's way of measuring body fat is one of the most inaccurate methods of them all in obtaining a correct percentage of body fat. I have personally seen a Soldier measure in at 14% BF using the caliper method and 22% using the tape test. That difference is unacceptable. However...it is what it is. It seems to me that it may have been her toxic leadership that led to her downfall, because if she was a well liked and respected leader, there is no doubt that a subordinate would have "helped her out" without her even asking.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 8 at 2015 11:45 PM

2015-07-08T23:45:55-04:00

Does she have more than 20 years in the Army? If so, good bye.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-07-09T00:09:06-04:00

I was stationed at Eustis and always wondered why the hospital seemed to run less efficient than other installation hospitals that I've been to in the past and now I know why. If your senior leader creates a toxic work atmosphere full of distrust, low moral and fear, your organization will not survive.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 9 at 2015 12:25 AM

2015-07-09T00:25:15-04:00

Aside from the he said she said stuff here...she should have been within regs to begin with. Her failure to do so is unacceptable. Esp at that pay grade.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 9 at 2015 4:15 AM

2015-07-09T04:15:47-04:00

I was on a shore command where our CO was fired. I'm glad we work in a place where people are held accountable for their actions.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 9 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-07-09T11:25:33-04:00

I would love to see a leader who is accused of being a "toxic leader" come out and say "Yes, I'm a toxic leader, I did all that stuff!" Yet, I do not think that day will ever come. The one thing she can not hide is her failure to hide the fact that she is outside the standard of AR 600-20. Reminds me of that line recited by every NCO in the Army, "I will not use my grade or position to obtain pleasure, profit or personal safety". Using one's rank to obtain or get out of something only harms the command and impacts the combat readiness of the unit.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-07-09T11:41:01-04:00

Something that jumps out at me about this officer and her "command" style is the all-too-frequent stories we read in The Army Times, The Navy Times, et al, about COs, XOs, even Flags who are like this woman. Then, one day, something innocuous occurs, and all Hell breaks loose with an investigation into a "hostile" working environment. And the results are usually the same: fired!!! How do these people advance through the ranks and these defects in leadership not get noticed? Do these individuals just wake up one day and say, "It's time to turn into a Toxic Bitch." I hardly think so. In all seriousness, it tragically reminds me of the Army's refusal (by all rights, specific CoC higher-ups) to acknowledge the ever-increasing personality and leadership defects in one Major Nidal Hassan. We all know the results. Was this colonel a result of the same hands-off treatment because she is a she AND she is black? In the military and in my civilian career, law enforcement, I saw that occur more times than I can count. And the end results were the same: fired!!! A lengthy waste of time, money, and morale.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 10 at 2015 10:26 AM

2015-07-10T10:26:15-04:00

I look forward to her run for public office. Sounds like she has everything down already.

Told she was a toxic leader. "I am not a toxic leader. I have never been a toxic leader, and I will not become a toxic leader because I am not a toxic person," You failed the tape test? 'I cannot be in non-compliance' All this while holding her comments.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 10 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-07-10T11:08:16-04:00

She lacks integrity and is in denial.

Response by SSG Dr. Roy Coble made Jul 10 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-07-10T12:30:47-04:00

Oh yes, witnessed this a few times over the years. Most commanders I served with wouldn't ever do PT with the unit, especially an APFT. I had one Company CO who would almost pass out while trying to suck in and hold his breath while being taped (not legal). I made sure I took a little longer as his face turned red and was forced to exhale. Good times!

Response by MG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-07-10T12:38:40-04:00

Toxic leaders rarely possess the introspection to see how their behavior impacts others. When leaders identify them, we owe it to our Soldiers to remove the toxic leaders from our ranks.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Jul 10 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-07-10T12:48:51-04:00

I blame whoever let her get this far. If what is said is true, she did not all of a sudden become a "toxic" leader, this has been going on for a while

Response by SSgt William Norvell made Jul 10 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-07-10T12:57:32-04:00

She should have been removed long before this. The way she looks she has been out of regs for some time.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jul 10 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-07-10T14:17:31-04:00

- If true, a good example of a leader compromising their integrity.
- Once integrity is compromised then the superior of this leader has no choice but to fire the leader. Competence and expertise are worth nothing if a person can not be trusted.
- Rules and regulations apply to everyone or they apply to no one. A commander should know, understand, and apply this.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-07-10T14:50:03-04:00

Not to sound racist, but I hope she didn't use "I am black" card in this one.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Jul 10 at 2015 3:56 PM

2015-07-10T15:56:16-04:00

I think it really depends on the position I held. Everyone will tell the story on a professional website about how they would be bold and do the right thing. Sometimes you just have to find an alternate route and outsmart the individual such as by getting her to go to a nutritionist and get a caliper test instead of the tape test.

Response by Cpl Toby Dodd made Jul 10 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-07-10T16:34:15-04:00

type of leadership is a whole different issue. being at that rank - and being a fat body - shows you lack discipline, will power, dedication....and by no means should you be allowed a leadership and/or position of authority. boot her ass out like every other one.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 10 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-07-10T16:43:55-04:00

The tape test is the headline, but that's a distraction. This woman isn't a leader, she's a vile terror. There are lots of them out there. The classic in the Navy of course was "Ming the Merciless" (ADM Ming Chang). For some reason, lots of senior officers think that screaming and degrading is better than working with people, teaching them and helping them to grow...

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jul 10 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-07-10T17:40:27-04:00

Conduct unbecoming an officer, reduction in force in progress... ba bye!

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 10 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-07-10T17:50:38-04:00

When I was an HHC BCT 1SG I had a MAJ that taped over and my CDR said he had to talk to the BDE XO before he would do anything. When they were discussing this issue, I told them that if this MAJ was not flagged I would pull all enlisted flags for 600-9 failures and not flag anyone for 600-9 while I was the 1SG. Needless to say the MAJ got flagged and then lost the weight.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jul 10 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-07-10T18:02:51-04:00

She looks overweight to me in that photo plus we don't need "toxic attitudes" in our Senior NCO's or Senior Officers. OUT she goes, intimidation is not going to get her back in. It's up to her, she can lose weight and re-enlist!

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Jul 10 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-07-10T18:46:16-04:00

Morale is a direct reflection of leadership. I have seen hospitals that had crap morale, with senior leaders that absolutely abhorred engaging their 1SG/CDR or above. Those commands are often too entrenched in their own prideful habits to allow a change in their day to day actions. Many senior leaders feel that any retrospection (introspection?) or change in leadership habits would be a sign of weakness or incompetence. I feel that such changes from time to time demonstrate the ability to adjust leadership style to the current environment and a desire for self improvement.

Thankfully, my current hospital assignment has what I feel are very good leaders who are receptive to new ideas while resistant to BS from sandbaggers.

Response by MSgt Steve Hansen made Jul 10 at 2015 8:08 PM

2015-07-10T20:08:38-04:00

She looks a little thick in her uniform. Would of loved to have her intimidate me while I was taping her.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 11 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-07-11T00:59:57-04:00

SGM Matthew Quick I think she should have been fired. I am glad the Soldiers took the harder right over the easier wrong. But, as you know, all too often many senior leaders (officers mostly) are fat asses and no one does or says a thing. Heck, we have several at FLW... We have one who was Brigade Commander and is coming back to be assistant commandant... and he was fat since he was commissioned... That does not go away with age... I don't get it, and leaders seem to continue to turn their cheeks. I paid a attention to my weight and always tried to max the APFT - never got below a 290 - but I know many don't, and many are allowed to slide. I am glad her Soldiers did the right thing. You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. But, it appears she was fired for giving Soldiers a hard time... not for being a fat ass... Sorry... and her awards all make mine seem cheaper...

I still have to watch my weight.

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Jul 11 at 2015 10:05 AM

2015-07-11T10:05:59-04:00

Wow.....I would never have presumed to tell a Col. what to do unless I was viaing for his/her dismissal.....She must have been such a piss poor leader, that everyone was jumping at the gun.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-07-11T13:31:31-04:00

I have also seen the 2 mile run shortened by over a quarter mile so everyone would pass the run.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Jul 11 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-07-11T14:10:29-04:00

Depends on my rank, but initiating an investigation via a letter to my local Congressional rep usually gets everyone's attention and gets the problem resolved quickly.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 11 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-07-11T14:33:12-04:00

Col. Glenda Lock, with all due respect, ma'am, if I were you: I would take a serious inventory of my Leadership talents; and my Leadership qualities that aren't so Leadership-like. After all, you did work in a Health Center. Is it possible that you could at least listen to what others have said about you; and take it into account?
Thanks for listening, Colonel.

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Jul 11 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-07-11T17:04:35-04:00

I stole this from another site, while not specific for the subject it is still applicable.Legendary WWII Gen. Carl Spaatz offered great advice to military leaders — and it still rings true today
When one considers those pioneers whose command of air power strategy led to an independent U.S. Air Force after WWII, General Carl A. Spaatz is usually among those names. Spaatz would come to command the overall Army Air Forces in Europe, design the strategy for bringing down Hitler’s Luftwaffe, and cripple Nazi war production. Dwight Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander remarked Spaatz (along with Omar Bradley) was one of two men who contributed most to the victory in Europe.
So when it comes to how he views the people who serve in the military, you might be apt to consider his advice.
After V-E Day, Spaatz held a victory party at a chateau near Paris. The guest list included a who’s who of who would come to found the modern Air Force such as Hoyt Vandenberg and James Doolittle. It also included one Major: triple ace Robin Olds (pre-mustache). Spaatz was a friend of the Olds family, and he invited Robin to his party after he learned Maj. Olds would stay in the Army after the war.
Olds recounted the advice he received from Spaatz in his memoirs, Fighter Pilot, more than sixty years later:
” … In the military, they mostly divide themselves into four major categories. There are the ‘Me-Firsters,’ the ‘Me-Tooers,’ the ‘Deadwood,’ and the ‘Dedicated.’ You are among the minority, the Dedicated. Stick with them, search them out, and work hard to be worthy of their company. You won’t be popular with a lot of your bosses who act dedicated but really aren’t and that can make life difficult at times. Beware of the Deadwood. Most of them mean well and, in their own way, try hard, are loyal, and are even useful. But too often they’ll botch things up and get you and your outfit in trouble.”
“Watch out for the Me-Tooers. These guys will tell you whatever they think you want to hear. They borrow thoughts and ideas from others and present them to you as though they were their own. They are the opportunists who look for every avenue to advance themselves without sticking their own necks out. They ride someone’s coattails and try to make themselves indispensable to the boss. Believe me, they are not to be trusted. You don’t want yes-men around you, but you can’t always avoid them.”
Spaatz went on to warn: “The worst and most dangerous are the Me-Firsters. Most of them are intelligent and totally ruthless. They use the service for their own gain and will not hesitate to stick a knife in your back at the slightest indication you might stand in their way. They seem arrogant, but don’t be fooled. They are really completely lacking in true self-confidence.”
By Blake Stillwell
Together We Served's photo.

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Jul 11 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-07-11T17:28:05-04:00

What she did was NOT ok, in any possible way. By looking at the picture, one can see that she probably has the body type that will end up needing to be taped. I had a similar situation, was taped monthly, passed (it's amazing how long you can hold in your stomach when REALLY motivated!), kept my weight down to a point where I knew I would pass tape (the most critical part of taping!). I was taped by a different team every time, results were the same, and was able to continue to get my job done. It may be annoying, aggravating, but it is a NECESSARY part of your job, whether in a garrison environment or down range. COL, you were wrong, plain & simple, and you knew better!

Response by SGT Michael Moore made Jul 12 at 2015 12:38 AM

2015-07-12T00:38:16-04:00

Fudge the tape test = cheating ... Means one thing: Just remove her under formal UCMJ action and be done with it...
Authoritarian Leadership: ????

Response by SP5 Mark Daniels made Jul 12 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-07-12T18:09:30-04:00

The army has standards that apply to everyone. If you can not pass the tape in "x" time period you must depart.

Response by MSgt Kimberly Stowe Green made Jul 12 at 2015 9:13 PM

2015-07-12T21:13:16-04:00

At least her teeth look good

Response by SFC Humberto Martinez made Jul 12 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-07-12T22:45:17-04:00

UCMJ Bust her and show the rest of the army that it will not tolerate this kind of BS

Response by PO3 Ronnie Armstead made Jul 13 at 2015 7:30 AM

2015-07-13T07:30:55-04:00

Power power ..miss use ..

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-07-13T13:47:06-04:00

Fire her! What a disgrace! Lead from the top.

Response by TSgt Phil Textor made Jul 13 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-07-13T16:08:18-04:00

She needed to be fired and given article 15. I had a Lt. Col that was so toxic another lt. col decided not to transfer to the unit because of this one individual. It's amazing how abuse can be attributed to "leadership style."