Is it ever acceptable to deny soldiers the right to career progress or self progression?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:24:15 -0400

When is it right or acceptable to deny soldiers the right to career progress and as well as self progress: ie: civilian education? I have came across this issue my whole career. I have recently been approached by troops from other Brigades, Battalions, and Squadrons about how their leadership has denied them schools and boards. Why is this unacceptable behavior happening? Thoughts please........

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 1 at 2014 12:52 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:52:28 -0400

When a Soldier is under-performing...this should be followed by a detailed counseling about the event and a plan of action how to overcome.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 9:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 09:33:19 -0400

When is it right.....never. When is it acceptable...when you are using as a tool or incentive to get the soldier to where they need to be. (Soldier can't pass APFT, can't make it to work on time, what is expected of a soldier, ect.) Just my opinion. You should never want to hold back anyone...period. You know I take education serious and I have been held back a time or two.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 11:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:27:33 -0400

Ask to see a full copy of their counseling packet and that may answer the question for you. Chances are, if they are seeking support outside of their unit then something isn't right. I doubt that the whole chain of command is that ate up.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 5:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 17:13:02 -0400

There is always a reason behind it and chances are no one is going to admit to it....it's much easier to say my command is being evil rather than taking personal responsibility right?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 6:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:53:30 -0400

I do not think that is right to stop a Soldier progression, as long as the Soldier is a good soldier, or at least is reaching all the standards. I have notice that all depends of his leadership. By my experience, I had leadership before that did not allow me to go to college because they gave the impression that I was being a treat to them. As long as the Soldier is meeting all the standards he should be able to assist to college or go to schools in the military.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made May 3 at 2014 5:52 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Sat, 03 May 2014 17:52:16 -0400

I don't see how a soldier could possible be denied career progression. A specific class during a certain time may conflict with training and be denied but that is not denying career progression. Military schools as well can have the same conflict and there can be competition to get into the schools. No specific example is given in your post. Also career progression is not a right at all. It is a reward for meeting and exceeding standards and striving for excellence. That alone is no guarantee as a soldier must excel to a degree to overcome all the other excellent and deserving soldiers as well. It is fascinating how often I see the word right misused when people are seeking an entitlement, reward or goal they are not qualified for.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 3 at 2014 10:40 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 03 May 2014 22:40:07 -0400

Personally I believe that it is never right to deny a soldier the right to move up. However, with the current idea of move up or move out going around I fear that this is the wave of the future. Especially since the military is going through a "downsizing" period. The job of the senior NCO's is to lead and guide junior soldiers in such a way that they can develop and decide to make a career of the military. Some soldiers just take a longer time to decide to live up to their commitment to military service for a potential career. This doesn't mean we need hold their hands or draw them pictures with bright crayons, but explain what is excepted of them and give them laser specific directions on how to complete assigned tasks.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 10:47 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:47:51 -0400

I personally have a vested interest in this. (Disclosure complete)

My BDE CSM is notorious for not allowing Soldiers in his brigade to go to Ranger School, Airborne School, or RASP, despite the fact that these schools would cost the brigade nothing, as we are already on Ft. Benning.

It seems to me he is denying these soldiers the privilege of these schools, because the soldiers are high-speed, therefore he "needs" them in his brigade (which is not deploying anytime soon, by the way).

Selfishness and keeping the best soldiers to yourself is not in line with the
Army Values and putting your soldiers first.