On loss of Family Member whilst in the field

2014-05-19T00:48:12-04:00

I was in the field with my platoon supporting battalion STX lanes, when one of my soldiers came to me and told me his grandmother passed away. I immediately gave him my condolences and asked if his mom was doing okay since she is also terminally sick. I told him I would talk to the platoon Sargent and see what he would say about sending him out of the field for the funeral? I thought since the soldiers family only lived 70 miles from the base that the platoon Sargent would say sure he could go to the funeral and be there for his family in their time of need, but he didn't instead he kept him out in the field and the said he shouldn't have his cell phone! I am not trying to get anyone in trouble but I have to ask doesn't this sound messed up?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 8:57 AM

2014-05-19T08:57:22-04:00

Yea this is messed up, plain and simple.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 9:05 AM

2014-05-19T09:05:55-04:00

It also really bothers me when Sergeants misspell the title, Sergeant. In response to your question, if you disagreed with the PSG decision, what steps were taken to discuss the matter further up the chain? With respect to my peers who serve in that position of distinction, the Platoon Sergeant does not have the authority to deny or approve the Soldier's leave of absence. The Soldier should not have had his cell phone in the field, a concept I believe in. There is a method in place for executing communication of family tragedy that helps the SM more than anything else. Utilizing the Red Cross message system, which the Squad Leader, Team Leader and SM should be educated on, the Soldier's Chain of Command would all have been made aware of the situation. In that case, communication would have been from top down and immediately allowed the actual persons of authority to make decisions regarding the best interest of the Soldier. In this case it sounds like communication attempts were made from the bottom up, creating gaps in conveyance and understanding, and ultimately leading to a hip-fire decision. Several leaders here dropped the ball, that is what was messed up.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 10:22 AM

2014-05-19T10:22:18-04:00

It does sound messed up however...the correct answer is to tell the SM to contact his family and have them send a red cross message. The Red Cross message verifies that there was a death (not that I think anyone in their right mind would make that up) and gives the PSG some kind of a paper trail to offer anyone who may question why the soldier isn't in the field. I know my response may not be popular but it is the best COA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-05-19T15:09:47-04:00

It does sound messed up BUT being a team leader you should educate yourself on the red cross system and how it works. That way you can brief your Soldiers on it. I have never seen anyone denied or turned away from a funeral even if the CDR and 1SG just let the SM roll out for a day or two.
You have to remember everyone has a boss in the Army. If that Soldier leaves the field and something happens to him in the rear or at the funeral, leaders are going to have questions and will want answers.
You too need to cover your butt also. SM quick to say "i didnt know" or "no one told me" when its time to go to the red carpet.
Any death or hopstial issues the first words out of your mouth should be "Did you or your family notify red cross?" because you will not go on Emergency leave without it OR recieve any financial help from AER (if needed) without.
Always keep a paper trail on your Soldiers from promotions to appointments so no one will have a chance to jerk you around if something hits the fan.