Is asking "why" out of line in this situation?

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 21:49:34 -0500

My flight has a TDY coming up and I was told I would be going. Now I'm being told that they are debating between me(I'm a 5 level qualified to inspect a little over half the gear we work with which is average, I've been on station over a year, and passed my career development course several months ago)and someone else(a 3 level, not qualified on much of the gear, who just got here, still taking the career development course). I was told while taking my course I would not be allowed to go on any TDYs or deployments because leadership wanted to be sure I had plenty of time to study and no distractions. I want to ask why they are debating between us when it seems to be an easy choice if you can only pick one, but I'm not sure if it would be out of line. I'm still new to this system, so I guess my question is: is it acceptable for me to ask why they are unsure of which one of us they want to take, and who would I ask?

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Feb 8 at 2015 10:13 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:13:20 -0500

A1C Private RallyPoint Member No you were not in the wrong for asking why. In fact that should be the perfect time to ask in my opinion.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 8 at 2015 10:16 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:16:50 -0500

It really depends on your leadership and how open they are. If it was me, I would have no issues explaining the why's and how's. It depending on the length of the TDY those other issues might not be an issue, there might be an issue of making sure there is what is called "task coverage" or enough people qualified on a task on station to not impact the mission, or training opportunities the TDY presents that are not organic on station.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Feb 8 at 2015 10:21 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:21:24 -0500

- Sounds like you want to go on this TDY. Recommend you make your desires known to your front line supervisor and how you plan to mitigate any distractions or issues if there are any. Basically show your FLS that you have a plan.
- Not out of line to ask why. The more important issue is how you phrase the question. Be respectful but direct. Ensure your CoC understands you are not questioning their authority but that you want to improve yourself and knowing what is going on with this TDY will help you do that.
- Who should you ask? Start with your front line supervisor. Work your way up the chain of command if you feel that is necessary.
- Chains of command make many decisions based upon a wide variety of criteria and issues. Hard to know your situation without more information. Some chains of command will let you know when and why they make decisions. Others do not.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 10:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:22:30 -0500

I would say that you should ask A1C Private RallyPoint Member, there are a number of things that go into these types of decisions which are not known at the lower level.

Since I am not an Air-Force individual I would say that you would like to ask those making the decision as to the reasoning. You should always start with your immediate supervisor.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 8 at 2015 10:32 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:32:09 -0500

A1C Private RallyPoint Member as others have said approach your first line supervisor with your question. If he or she cannot give you an answer move up the chain of command. Based on the information you provided there should not be an issue who goes.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 12:23 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:23:16 -0500

A1C Private RallyPoint Member as everyone else said, use the first line leader in your chain of command. But what I don't believe I've seen is "Tact", check yourself before you ask and throughout the conversation. Don't let emotion get into the mix. Good luck.