Has anyone ever received any flak for using this forum to air grievances? Like, "My NCO is a POS and what do I do about it"?

2016-07-28T18:54:19-04:00

Response by SSG Steven O'Connor made Jul 28 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-07-28T18:56:03-04:00

Just to clarify, I've been out for 10+ years. But if this social media platform had been available 15-17 years ago when I was a young junior enlisted soldier, I wouldn't post some of these questions I see every day unless I could do so anonymously.

Response by SFC Giancarlo Rici made Jul 28 at 2016 7:02 PM

2016-07-28T19:02:39-04:00

There is better ways to handle a POS NCO then coming online to bash! Regardless if it's warranted or not! Some of the things the military is /has taught is to address things directly not out and around. You have an issue fix it! Work to make it better and use that chain of command. Is it easy? Fuck no! Social justice isn't justice... It's a cowards way out! We have lost sight on how to deal with issues directly and correctly!

Response by SPC Dave Elzinga made Jul 28 at 2016 7:07 PM

2016-07-28T19:07:05-04:00

By now you should know how to properly adress a problem like this and how stupid it can be

Response by SFC Ocie Conner made Jul 28 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-07-28T19:12:32-04:00

The correct way would be to use your 1SG's open door policy as well as contact a mentor and seek professional guidance ways on how to deal with the situation. Ensure you keep it professional and make sure both the good and bad are give. For all involved.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 28 at 2016 7:21 PM

2016-07-28T19:21:05-04:00

I have seen a number of such questions asked in one way or another. It depends on how the question is put; a question like you pose would result in a lot of tough-love 'suck it up' 'grow up' type responses. Questions posed in a more professional manner almost always get valid and often intuitive responses on how to handle a sensitive issue like that. In yr case SFC Ocie Conner provided a straight up answer. Misuse of social media including RP can get a trooper in trouble.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2016 7:21 PM

2016-07-28T19:21:41-04:00

You are not going to solve any issues like this in an online forum. It must be addressed locally. Lowest level possible. Just remember, maintain your bearing and keep it professional. Calling him a POS is not going to win you any points. Even if your 1SG/PSG agrees with you personally, he can't/won't professionally.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-07-28T19:38:26-04:00

The fact that you are a NCO and above all a "Leader..." - you should be able to assess the situation and move forward professionally. Moreover, try to narrow down issue(s) and be specific. I can totally understand frustration, but being able to look at this from multiple perspectives may give you some insight on the variables that may be causing your less than favorable interaction with your NCO- especially if this is isolated or experienced by others in your section/platoon.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Jul 28 at 2016 7:51 PM

2016-07-28T19:51:09-04:00

While it is never a good move to air a complaint about someone using disrespectful language online, there are a number of avenues to address your problems. The best way is to take care of an issue at the lowest level, if that doesn't work you work your way up. All the while you maintain your military bearing. Recently there was this one case where a CSM failed to follow regulations, was told by her subordinates and did nothing. It would seem her peers or commanders either ignored the issue and looked the other way or just didn't care. Then some folks took it online and she was rained in by a peer and corrected her failures to maintain the standard. If you exhaust all the PROPER venues to fix a problem then you have what is called a suicide run which may fix the issue but end your career or at the very least get you blackballed. Two types of Leaders do a nuke on the way out the door, those that have fought the good fight and were worn down by the system and phonies that think they will look like leaders for throwing a frag after they discharge and can't be touched.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2016 7:53 PM

2016-07-28T19:53:12-04:00

It's best not to air your dirty laundry.

Response by SSG Steven O'Connor made Jul 28 at 2016 7:59 PM

2016-07-28T19:59:27-04:00

I am NOT currently a SM with these problems. I'm just wondering how SM's with their identified names are willing to call out their current leadership while on active duty, assuming their leadership isn't also reading this thread. Like "Hey, My Sergeant is never around. He's a loser. What should I do about it?" In my day, I would be destroyed for asking that question. But now people can ask that question online, and I'm surprised they're willing to do it with their name attached to the question. And so, I'm asking if anyone has regretted using RP to air grievances which were normally reserved for other avenues back in the day.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Jul 28 at 2016 9:17 PM

2016-07-28T21:17:08-04:00

This ain't FB....take it there please

Response by SSG Steven O'Connor made Jul 28 at 2016 10:54 PM

2016-07-28T22:54:03-04:00

Again, I'm not asking this question on my own behalf. I SEE questions like this posted on here, and I'm just wondering if those posters have gotten in trouble for posting them.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jul 28 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-07-28T23:26:32-04:00

SSG Steven O'Connor This forum is a professional networking site for the military, not a virtual smoke pit to whine in. If the SM's "grievance airing" can be done in a professionally developing way that reflects credit on him/her and the Army in seeking to professionally better him/herself and other soldiers, let fly. If not, a permanent public professional military forum is probably not the right venue.

We all should post in such a way that we would be happy to have our CO and our junior SMs read what we wrote.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 2:04 AM

2016-07-29T02:04:49-04:00

This site is good to use for guidance and suggestions, but... strongly suggest using tact when phrasing a RFI on how to handle toxic leadership. There are plenty of words that you can use that won't turn others off from answering your question, and focus it into a counseling on how to be tactful when seeking advice. So if you can phrase your question and provide an example, without names or disrespect, then by all means, ask your question. Also by asking it here, you will hopefully get truthful unbiased feedback.

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Aug 18 at 2016 7:11 PM

2016-08-18T19:11:08-04:00

To me it sounds like someone who is wanting attention. It LOOKS like an integrity issue with the CoC if they are doing that. (Looks, not necessarily means it is.)