How a SFC got screwed by the BN. Thoughts?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:09:40 -0400

So how does a SFC get screwed on two NCOERs and a PCS award cause the BN CSM and BC does not like that SFC. The CSM makes the rater change what that SFC deserves to a not so good rating. The CSM is not even in the rating chain at all. This SFC did over 5 years in the BN and two combat tours and gets a ARCOM as a PCS award. The BC said no SFC gets a MSM. He made the PL change block 10 on the front of the DA Form 638 from MSM to ARCOM. Then another SFC from another company that is PCSing the same time gets a MSM. You can't tell me what a E5 gets a SFC should get the same thing after doing so much for that BN, Company, and Platoon. It is so unfair how that SFC was done. I might be wrong but I think you give that leader what is deserved. Amazing how some leaders are done. Just another example how the army is broken.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Oct 15 at 2015 8:11 PM

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:11:06 -0400

There's usually more to the story.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 9:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:47:47 -0400

Hope this SFC has IG on speed dial. Sounds like they have a good case for a complaint to be filed

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 10:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:48:10 -0400

By the by, has the SFC been counseled at least quarterly like they should have? Because I would truly love to see the documentation (if it even exists) that backs up the not so good rating.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 10:57 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:57:42 -0400

Well. First off. The CSM should only "advise" on the eval. In gross incidents of "non quantification" sure. But it is ultimately up to that rater. Same with awards. If higher makes a decision to downgrade, got it. But allow you Soldiers to exercise their decisions with guidance not directives.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 15 at 2015 11:23 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 23:23:04 -0400

What is the reason for the dislike of this SFC by the BC and CSM? In my years, it was rare that something like happened without there being a cause (justified or not). There could be things going on that no one else outside of leadership knows about. Next, did someone witness the CSM directing a change to the NCOER? I would assume that the PL is the rater and Company Commander is the senior rater. What did the company commander say about this? As far as the award goes, that does seem unfair but I would go back to my first question. Now if the PL was told to change the award recommendation, that is a different story but is the PL willing to make a statement to the IG about that? It is a tricky situation and in both military and civilian jobs, people do make decisions sometimes based on emotions. Those can affect the lives of others. Finally, I would say he should start with his NCOER counselings. Where those completed by the PL and where is the documentation? If that was done properly, he may not have a cause. If it was not done, this would strengthen his case. I do think his hope would rest on the PL and others in the chain of command backing up his claims.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 4:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 04:57:34 -0400

No one has any authority to “make” a rater change a rating; that is completely on the rater. Sure, higher HQs can suggest adjustments and changes, but at the end of the day this is on the rater for the rater portion and the senior rater for the senior rater portion. A platoon sergeant’s rater is usually the PL, and the senior rater is usually the CO, so BN has very little to say about ratings. Once the NCOERs go on to EES, this sort of thing will cease to be a problem, as EES will only allow raters and senior raters access to an evaluation, and folks like 1SGs and CSMs and others outside the rating chain, who usually tend to exert undue influence like what you describe, simply won’t have the ability to be involved.
No one has any authority to “make” someone change an award recommendation to a lower award; that’s what the approve/disapprove/upgrade/downgrade boxes are for on the award recommendation form.
As many others have pointed out, there’s usually more to the story. Based on what you’ve presented, quite frankly, this sounds like a case of the officers in the SFC's chain-of-command (ie, PL, CO) not having much backbone or understanding of the authority they’ve been granted by the Army, and the CSM and BN CDR believing they have more authority than the Army actually grants them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 18 at 2015 3:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:40:31 -0400

I served with the Alabama NG for two years. They told me to write my own award, and I replied I don't need a damn award. I was at the WTU and retired without a damn award. I am not trying to demean anyone, just telling you my point of view, but I was not going to get butt hurt by the lack of awards. The ultimate honor is to serve with soldiers and guide organizations. I hope that SFC is not so bitter he can't see ahead of him.