Do you think town halls are a good idea for input and suggestions from soldiers within a unit?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 00:00:04 -0400

My unit is a relatively small company. Our command team utilize a town hall forum were any soldier regardless of rank can put in suggestions, criticism, or give a solution to a problem. Do you think it's a good idea? I think it's excellent because everyone can participate and you can remain anonymous while still giving your input.

Response by MAJ Monique Salinas made Nov 4 at 2017 8:11 AM

MAJ Monique Salinas — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 08:11:35 -0400

It’s a great idea! Leaders don’t know what they don’t know. I would tell my Soldiers “if your problem isn’t resolved within two weeks, that means I haven’t heard about it and you need to let me know.” I understand there is a chain of command but some of my NCOs didn’t understand that they were not the final approving authority. An issue needs to follow a process whether or not someone in the chain disapproves. Everyone can disapprove until it gets to me but I might approve it and that’s the final decision. My leaders needed a lot of mentorship

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 4 at 2017 10:42 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 10:42:31 -0400

Attended several Town Hall meetings as an Army Civilian. They varied in quality quite a bit based on the personality of the Command Team. They worked best when the purpose was to inform the Civilian (90% of unit) and military members of upcoming changes, new policies, presentation of awards. The Q&A sometimes yielded silence. At other times, some "brave" civilian or junior enlisted would ask a question. Some of the Commanders (O-8), CSMs, and staff directors (O-6s and GS15s) were better at answering than others. To their credit, the senior officials always tried to answer the question and actually admitted when they would have to get back to the questioner. These "get back" responses were normally sent in an e-mail to all command employees. Overall Town Halls are a good idea IMO.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Nov 4 at 2017 10:44 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 10:44:18 -0400

I believe good can come out town hall meetings as long as it stays orderly, and whatever problems is brought to the table have a solution to go along with it.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 4 at 2017 11:36 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 11:36:46 -0400

AS long as it doesn't turn into a "gripe-session," then yes, these are good, because if one person asks a question, it'll probably answer others' questions too. Plus, I think town meetings should not go over an hour.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 5:07 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 17:07:30 -0400

No. It is a "touchy feely" way to bitch at your leadership in public without any consequences.