If I have an issue with my chain (company level) and my battalion COC isn’t taking action what should I do?

2020-02-25T12:36:26-05:00

So last night my water heater broke in my house, flooding the first floor(same floor my wife and I room is) and completely covered the floor. When I got up for pt I immediately notified my first line letting them know that I have an issue with the water heater and I will be in late. I was told to take a picture (which I did) and told to still come In for pt. Keep in mind my wife is 7 months pregnant and my 7 month old son was sleeping.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 25 at 2020 1:06 PM

2020-02-25T13:06:38-05:00

Sounds like your first line is being a dick, but the reality is, this is something that needs to go up to your squad leader, PSG, PL, 1SG, CO before you try to tag the BN chain of command.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2020 2:41 PM

2020-02-25T14:41:36-05:00

Based on what I just read....You tried going thru your Chain. That didn't work. Your 1SG basically told you that you won't be going to the BN CSM. Well....that's a NO GO. No one can stop you from using the Open Door Policy of your higher commands. As long as you tried at the lowest level first and nothing worked/fixed....then walk into your BN and ask to speak with the CSM on the grounds of Open Door Policy. Have your ducks in a row first. As long as you tried everything, got your ducks in a row....watch how fast CSM gets things rolling

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 25 at 2020 4:14 PM

2020-02-25T16:14:15-05:00

*** deleted*** Missed a key piece of info

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 25 at 2020 10:26 PM

2020-02-25T22:26:51-05:00

I suggest that you try to get consideration starting at the lowest level. Many leaders will get pissed if a soldier jumps over their heads.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 8:04 AM

2020-02-26T08:04:24-05:00

Any PL or PSG worth their salt would back you. Surprised someone has not offered to help. PL has trust of CO and has leeway with taking care of his people. Same with PSG and his seniors, or they should at least. Big difference between missing and accounted for on morning report. This would be Sergeant territory in USMC, or even Corporal. They'd go to their SNCOIC or PSG and explain, who would grant the day off with instructions for a working party to be exempt from PT to help you. He would inform PL, as a courtesy. After that he'd expect a report from you or the chain on your status by COB.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 26 at 2020 12:44 PM

2020-02-26T12:44:13-05:00

So Squad Leader St.Cyr would have told you to stay home and I'd have squared it away with the PSG. Then you would have seen me with my tools after PT to see if we could fix it. Different COCs handle things differently based on experience, trust and their leadership capabilities / competence.

Your wife's stage of pregnancy and the sleeping baby don't figure to much in the thought process if the command isn't able or skilled to help repair things, have trust issues or are uncomfortable with their positions and their thoughts if asked I bet would be because "anyone can sit and wait for the plumber". Units like that usually have interesting reenlistment numbers, discipline and esprit that match the consideration they have for their troops.
Bottom line; were they wrong to have you go to PT... No, because your wife really could wait for the plumber. Do I agree with them....No, missing PT for a family emergency isn't going to stop the Army or destroy your fitness level. As the CSM would I talk to them about team building.... ; )