Is it appropriate for an Army NCO to post a vulgar video rant about overweight leaders?

2016-02-02T18:16:55-05:00

I read this and listened to the former Drill Sergeant, and have to wonder, what others thought about this. If you have sensitive ears, Beware...adult language. I have seen this in the past, and actually, still see it today, but thank god I am no longer Active duty like this young man. http://popularmilitary.com/drill-sergeant-goes-viral-rant-saying-army-full-fat-fck-leaders

COL Mikel J. Burroughs SPC Rory J. Mattheisen @ SN Greg Wright

Drill Sergeant goes on viral rant saying Army is full of "fat f*ck" leaders

(Warning: Graphic language) Following the success of his viral video that delivered “tough love” encouragement for the obese and unmotivated to shed dangerous weight, former Drill Sergeant and fitness motivator John Burk sent another jolt through social media- this time explaining the circumstances behind his decision to leave the military. Citing an “infestation of toxic …

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 6:18 PM

2016-02-02T18:18:28-05:00

I think he is spot on!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 7:09 PM

2016-02-02T19:09:11-05:00

Really why are we even talking about this. If people can handle the truth that is their own fault. People hide behind the phrase feelings way to much in the military and life. Time to grow up and stop blaming others for things you have control over
Your fat your fat if you don't like it do something about it. You can't pass a PT test guess what you failure pass next time or get out of the military and make room for someone who can
I think this DS is spot on

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 2 at 2016 7:19 PM

2016-02-02T19:19:12-05:00

Simply put, he's no longer an Army NCO (Just like I'm no longer an Active NCO in the Marines) and he is free to speak his mind any way he wants.

So to the titled question: "Is it appropriate for an Amy NCO to post a vulgar video rank about bad leaders?"

That isn't the case. This is a VETERAN. Nominally a "Free Citizen" speaking their mind. He can say almost whatever he wants. There are threads of truth in his rant, which will get lost because he lacks the fundamental Leadership Principle of Tact.

How you say something is just important as what you say.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 2 at 2016 9:30 PM

2016-02-02T21:30:50-05:00

Sometimes it's not what you say... but the way you say it... Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell and they ask for directions. I'm glad he found something that makes him happy (fitness).

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 11:35 PM

2016-02-02T23:35:06-05:00

I think he has valid points.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 7:53 AM

2016-02-03T07:53:20-05:00

He is 100% spot on. He also waited till he was out to post this video. There are fat leaders and soldiers. The promotion system is also flawed. He has a right to be pissed off but he has moved on. He just wanted everyone to know why.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-02-04T15:29:10-05:00

The way I understand it he is a former Soldier. As to being appropriate or not I think he was foolish and unprofessional. But that's just me

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 5 at 2016 9:06 AM

2016-02-05T09:06:24-05:00

SSG Keith Cashion I constantly speak about professionalism on RP. In my opinion it was totally unprofessional in all aspects and is not something you rant about in a video. The NCO Lowered himself to a new level by publishing this, even if he is out of the military and a veteran. I think is wrong in all aspects for a former NCO to publish something like this, but that is my personal and professional perspective. Now, if he had cleaned up his language and provided tips and programs, while identifying the issues in a professional manner that could help overweight soldiers or leaders, then that would have been acceptable in my book. I think he embarrassed himself and tarnished what great NCOs are all about. I see a lot of my fellow RP members agree with the truth and so do I. I agree there are a lot of leaders that have this issue in yesterday's service and most likely still in todays. THEY WERE CARRIED BY THE SYSTEM WAY TOO LONG! I maintained the standards and I forced those under my command, in my charge, to maintain them as well through the proper use of the regulations, counseling, flagging actions, and yes discharging them. That's what leaders are suppose to do. I just don't agree with this unprofessional approach. There is a right way and wrong way. With that said we do have freedom of speech and we can't deny the NCO that right. Just my opinion! Don't shoot the messenger!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 5 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-02-05T11:28:37-05:00

I suspect that this former DI would have suffered some form of retribution for his rant had he broadcast it while still on active duty. However, as a PFC he has every right to sound off. Indeed, if veterans don't say it, who will? That's our job (veterans I mean). We recover our voice when we have completed our service and are allowed to speak out for the good of the service. Yes, there are those few who speak against the service to hurt it (in revenge for their hurts, real and imagined). But I don't see any of that in this veteran's case. He appears honestly concerned that active duty leaders aren't physically fit to lead. If true, that's a problem, a real problem, one that needs to be aired so it can be corrected.