How should I handle a Soldier that used a racial slur in a work-group chat?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 14:51:00 -0400

Hello everyone, I have a group chat that I use to put out information to my two Soldiers and sometimes it’s used for communication between us on the weekends or whenever we need. Today, one of my Soldiers used a racial slur, the N-word, very nonchalantly towards the other Soldier in a joking manner. Both of my Soldiers continued their conversation as if nothing happened, and I was upset and surprised by this. They know that words like that have no place in our Army, but it was still used. One of my soldiers’ background is Irish and the other Soldier’s family is from the Philippines, so I don’t think they’re as sensitive or offended as I am when that word is used, and I know that shouldn’t matter because no one should be using or accepting of racial slurs regardless of their background. What’s the best and most professional way to handle this situation?

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jun 6 at 2020 2:58 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 14:58:07 -0400

Just tell them that racial slurs are unacceptable, even if they are just joking around with each other. The first step to stopping this type of behvaviour is telling them to stop. If it continues then you can take it further.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 6 at 2020 3:46 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:46:34 -0400

Event based counseling. Address it and move on. You think they were joking. Next time someone else may not haventhat understanding and turn this into a formal complaint.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 4:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 16:07:15 -0400

Formal counseling and corrective training if you fee it’s necessary.

But you MUST address this.
If six months down the road someone files a complaint and shows a screen shot of the conversation, you and every NCO in the group chat will be reprimanded for failing to address it. I have seen Senior NCOs relieved, reduced, QMPed and kicked out for simply failing to address similar situations in group chats. It doesn’t necessarily need to be reported to EO as long as you squash it at your level. But, one day that chat will resurface and you need to be able to show that you took appropriate action.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 6 at 2020 10:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 22:42:38 -0400

Pull the person to the side and tell him/her how disappointed you are with their judgement and to never do that again.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 7 at 2020 1:42 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 13:42:03 -0400

This behavior needs to be addressed immediately! I don't think we need to form a firing squad here but a short, direct verbal counseling needs to be accomplished quick, fast and in a hurry. A simple, "Hey, this behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Knock it off!" will probably achieve the desired end state. Keep a written log of your corrective actions because this WILL resurface at some point in the future.