How do you deal with an NCOIC that you know has put a target on your back?

2016-06-14T13:10:36-04:00

A SPC is having trouble with two NCOs in her direct chain and "cannot let them see her asking for advice."

NOTE: This question was requested to be posted anonymously on behalf of a member of RP. The SPC did not want to reveal her name due to the situation. We will update with any necessary information we receive from her.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 14 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-06-14T13:12:24-04:00

Great read and share,: use the NCO support channel, lastly use the chain of command to communicate.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-06-14T13:12:32-04:00

Do you know this for a fact?

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Jun 14 at 2016 1:16 PM

2016-06-14T13:16:41-04:00

Whatever the situation is, if it is creating a hostile work environment the Soldier can request that neutral party be present in all communication between her and the NCOs, she can also document any unwarranted issues, situations, or problems that have occurred. Most importantly, the two NCOs have a superior so she can address the issue with that person(s).

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-06-14T14:32:18-04:00

With out knowing details one can only say use the CoC. That's what it is there for.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 14 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-06-14T14:41:16-04:00

Really difficult to reply not enough information.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 2:46 PM

2016-06-14T14:46:02-04:00

Every people problem has at least two sides, some have more.

Here we say a problem with no sides posted. Pretty hard to form any opinion.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 14 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-06-14T14:51:57-04:00

Is it deserved?

Response by SSG Robert Smith made Jun 14 at 2016 2:55 PM

2016-06-14T14:55:46-04:00

First have her seek the information from those NCO's that she needs so that they can't say she bypassed them. Be sure to document that she requested the information from them. Next go up to next rank up.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 14 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-06-14T14:58:02-04:00

Speak to the SNCO. Go up the Chain. If the SNCO can't handle it, then go to your OIC. The biggest solution will be switching you to different units or different shifts. Without more details, that's the best advice you're going to get. Everyone likes to feel like someone is out to get them, but without examples, we can't advise.

For example, I had an NCO chew me out for "sweeping the floor wrong". I had another NCO want to assert their dominance over me by designating me as their personal hole puncher. So anytime they needed someone hole punched, they had me walk all the way over to their desk and push the hole puncher down.

There are good NCOs and bad NCOs. Talk to your SNCO and go up the chain from there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 5:29 PM

2016-06-14T17:29:52-04:00

Write down info for each altercation or situation, witnesses, and DTG.
Every time the SM is counseled, ensure to write SOMETHING in the comments before simply signing the admin data.
Talk with a trusted Leader in the unit - chaplain, EO, SHARP, someone
Talk with IG and other resources for info and things to look for to figure out boundaries and possible consequences
Talk with each NCO one-on-one and ask what the problem is.
Ask for completed 4856 covering the meetings.
Can't get a 4856? Go back and write your memo again.
Can't get a metting one-one-one? Go to the next? They don't wanna listen? Might be time to enlist their peers/ CoC/NCO Suppport channel.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 6:38 PM

2016-06-14T18:38:15-04:00

"Targets" are not placed on backs without at least some provocation.
Having said that, there is little a couple of NCOs can do to make things worse for the Soldier if she's already in the crosshairs. Absent a direct order not to talk to others regarding the subject matter, she is free to do as she chooses. She would be wise to be discreet in order to keep the situation from getting bigger.
For what it is worth, I'd be happy to help if she wishes to contact me directly.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 11:03 PM

2016-06-14T23:03:46-04:00

A lot of good answers are being given. The Soldier can also request a sit-down with the Chaplain. The Chaplaincy can sometimes be used to give a voice to those who think they're being persecuted (no religious pun intended).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 5:33 AM

2016-06-15T05:33:50-04:00

Whatever happened to the open door policy of her commander? Commanders can't help you unless you bring the issue to his/her attention.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-06-15T13:52:06-04:00

This is sad, but sometimes a true situation. You are in the best Army, and technology is on your side. The best way to get NCOs off your back is to eliminate what they are on you about. The other thing is to know your rights and the rules.

This leads to my point about technology. All of the regulations are on line. Start learning them, and every now and then let your NCOs see you reading them. This serves two purposes, one it lets them know you are aware of the rules, and two they need to know the rules before they mess with you.

Lastly, make sure you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Don't say they are on you and you are not Soldering like you should. Also since you will know the rules, if the actions keep happening report them. You don't deserve to be treated badly.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jun 15 at 2016 2:50 PM

2016-06-15T14:50:48-04:00

Just had this happen but not in the military.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jun 15 at 2016 3:10 PM

2016-06-15T15:10:42-04:00

Documentation is crucial,you will be afraid ,don't assume higher ups know or won't help.In my case they didn't.You will have to watch your back bullies have friends.Any case by drawing attention to the misconduct is not what the 2 NCO will want.They will have to explain their actions.In the Services or out you have a right to not be harassed unjustly singled out.Period.Another thing if their doing it to you their doing to others hope I helped.Dont wait if your sure.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-06-15T20:57:29-04:00

As always with these types of questions, the soldier needs to make use of the command teams open door policy or the next level of NCO support chain, as appropriate to address these concerns. Other routes may include SHARP E/O and Chaplain.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jun 15 at 2016 9:12 PM

2016-06-15T21:12:13-04:00

Defining trouble may a start for sound advice, otherwise use the C.O.C.

Response by SSgt James Atkinson made Jun 16 at 2016 10:10 AM

2016-06-16T10:10:05-04:00

The best tactic is to be patient, very, very patient and let the NCOIC torpedo their own actions. Just be patient, be politically correct within the organization, and remember that they got to their position for a reason, and that the SFC can always get promoted around them. Remember, that a PVT or SFC with a four-year college degree can attend OTS/OCS and pole vault over the NCOIC who annoys them.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-06-20T11:48:51-04:00

Well, without information on the issue how can anyone provide sound advice? Tell the Specialist to PM me if she wants true advice. Or just post more ambiguous questions for her and get trash back.