Posted on Dec 23, 2014
Forced Participation in Christmas celebrations: What would you do?
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From a group for NCOs and former NCOs....
I am currently on a tour in XXXXXX, a newly assigned squad leader to a group of disgruntled soldiers who have been here 7 months. To help morale and esprit de corps, the company has thrown a massive Christmas party, decked to the nines with stockings Christmas everything.
The problem is, two of my Soldiers are not Christian in faith, one is a devout Muslim who does not celebrate Christmas. She informed her previous leadership that she does not celebrate and they forced her to participate in writing her name on a stocking and attend every Christmas party. The command team has refused to call it a holiday party, and has written Christmas on everything from the schedule to the walls. I heard from another NCO that she could be contemplating an EO complaint from the issue.
I researched a little about the Muslim faith and found that I would be upset if I were in her shoes too. I want to talk to her, but I am not Muslim and do not want to offend her. I would refer her to a chaplain, but the camp does not have a Muslim chaplain.
I don't want the situation to escalate, but I don't want to disrespect my new Soldier, who probably has a real case. What should I do? She obviously doesn't want to come to me because she doesn't know me, but they will question me if this all comes to a boil
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I know what I would do, but I'm an EOL, and have been through the training. What would YOU do?
I am currently on a tour in XXXXXX, a newly assigned squad leader to a group of disgruntled soldiers who have been here 7 months. To help morale and esprit de corps, the company has thrown a massive Christmas party, decked to the nines with stockings Christmas everything.
The problem is, two of my Soldiers are not Christian in faith, one is a devout Muslim who does not celebrate Christmas. She informed her previous leadership that she does not celebrate and they forced her to participate in writing her name on a stocking and attend every Christmas party. The command team has refused to call it a holiday party, and has written Christmas on everything from the schedule to the walls. I heard from another NCO that she could be contemplating an EO complaint from the issue.
I researched a little about the Muslim faith and found that I would be upset if I were in her shoes too. I want to talk to her, but I am not Muslim and do not want to offend her. I would refer her to a chaplain, but the camp does not have a Muslim chaplain.
I don't want the situation to escalate, but I don't want to disrespect my new Soldier, who probably has a real case. What should I do? She obviously doesn't want to come to me because she doesn't know me, but they will question me if this all comes to a boil
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I know what I would do, but I'm an EOL, and have been through the training. What would YOU do?
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 25
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Great post CW3 (Join to see) ...now to the Group of NCOs. ...... Don't refer her to the chaplain, get off your ass and take her to the Chaplain. Regardless of the faith of your Bn Chaplain, he is responsible to provide help to Soldiers of EVERY faith assigned to your unit. You know you have a Soldier in need of assistance, don't wait for her to come to you.
I don't see where the issue is here anyway. IF you know she doesn't celebrate Christmas and you're her squad leader, excuse her from attending. IF there is any heat from the unit leadership, you make the complaint and take the burden off the Soldier in your squad.
You're in the position to make the easy left and let it pass or the hard right....stand up and do what's right. It's quite possible the test is being made on YOU, being the new squad leader to see how you will respond to a test of right vs wrong authority.
I don't see where the issue is here anyway. IF you know she doesn't celebrate Christmas and you're her squad leader, excuse her from attending. IF there is any heat from the unit leadership, you make the complaint and take the burden off the Soldier in your squad.
You're in the position to make the easy left and let it pass or the hard right....stand up and do what's right. It's quite possible the test is being made on YOU, being the new squad leader to see how you will respond to a test of right vs wrong authority.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) , You're in with an outstanding group like minded thinkers here on leadership, mentoring, counseling! If you're ever in need of assistance or just want to bounce some thoughts, ideas, or issues, throw it out here! Us old timers are anxious to continue to pass along advise, warnings, and support! It's just one of our ways to continue serving. We lurk here in the background ready to help in situations where you may not be getting it in your unit! Good Luck!
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you for your help in advance. As an old soldier because of my late enlistment. I really don't know a great deal regarding the Army since I'm prior Navy (1993-1997). So alot of soldiers look to me as if I have alot of answers and I really have none. I've been trolling this site for sometime getting help. But making connections to NCO's who know the stuff is priceless. Thanks again.
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I agree, she shouldn't be forced to do anything against her religion. This is the activity that upsets me as a Chriatian because if te roles were reversed and someone forced them to do Ramadan or something else from the Islamic religion they'd pitch the biggest fit. I live by the "treat others as I'd want to be treated" rule when it comes to stuff like this.
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Well - this is an issue that needs to be stopped immediately! There is no real, valid, legal reason for a command to insist on someone attend a party - even if it's not Christmas. I never liked, nor attended any "command attendance" functions - hell I never showed up to any of my medal ceremonies!
The first time I was counseled on failing to attend a "command function" I challenged it AND filed a grievance against the command. Long story short - I won. I never made a big deal of it - but every command I served under was aware and let it go.
These "command appearances" with religious regalia are total horseshit and need to stop. Don't try to tell me this is for unit cohesion cuz I'll throw out the Bullshit flag.
The first time I was counseled on failing to attend a "command function" I challenged it AND filed a grievance against the command. Long story short - I won. I never made a big deal of it - but every command I served under was aware and let it go.
These "command appearances" with religious regalia are total horseshit and need to stop. Don't try to tell me this is for unit cohesion cuz I'll throw out the Bullshit flag.
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CW3 (Join to see)
What I mean is what was the command function? With whom did you file the grievance? What did they do? What happened after that?
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PO1 (Join to see)
Long story short - there was an edict in writing, from the NSG Command there in Ft Meade, that stated all Navy personnel had to attend a dinner in honor of a retiring officer - in Full Dress Blues. Mandatory purchase of tickets (minimum of two at $50 each) and mandatory "voluntary" payment for a gift.
I filed the grievance with the CNO since no one within the command chain would touch the issue.
Local command started Article 36 proceedings after I refused an Article 15.
I filed the grievance with the CNO since no one within the command chain would touch the issue.
Local command started Article 36 proceedings after I refused an Article 15.
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