SDO Changes at my Brigade

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:59:13 -0400

I just found out that the Staff Duty I have to pull on Sunday (Easter) will begin at 0700 where I will remain until 2359.  After that, I have to return at 0500 to fill out a SALT report and then hand that over to the BDE DCO by 0830.  I have never had to do anything like that on SDO.  Anyone else?  It seems both arbitrary and capricious.<div><br></div><div>Before any Troops rail on me for bitching about having to do SDO, remember, I have been in for 17 years and have pulled my fair share of 24 hour duties.</div>

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 18 at 2014 12:03 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:03:52 -0400

I agree it seems arbitrary and capricious.  But then again as the SDO you really depend on the SDNCO and the SDRunner to maintain control which should make things easier for you.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Apr 18 at 2014 12:05 PM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:05:34 -0400

We do something similiar in TRADOC, but that pertains mainly to BOLC 2nd LTs who are required to attend training the next day.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 18 at 2014 12:05 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:05:38 -0400

Sir,

I agree, returning at 0500 is not a good idea, it promotes sleep deprived driving for one.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 18 at 2014 12:37 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:37:41 -0400

I'm not sure what bring "in for 17 years" has to do with anything. And what is a "fair share of 24 hour duties" during a career?

What do the SDO responsibilities entail that's creating this discussion?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 18 at 2014 6:09 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:09:44 -0400

In the hospital we have AOD (admin officer of the day). It is 24 hours and includes about 15 different reports. In addition to manning the information desk and checking 100s of refrigerator temps, clowns at the barracks, and answering ridiculous phone calls all night.

Sorry I can't empathize with you. ;-) Happy Easter.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 18 at 2014 6:28 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:28:31 -0400

Flashback Time: I was OOD (Officer of the Deck) couple piers over I see a lot of discharge from the Oiler/Supply Ship, Think it's probably nothing, flushing a salt water line or something. Doesn't take long to float our way. Thick Chunky DFM Fuel/Oil. Immediately had my POOW "The smoking lamp is out throughout the ship". CDO came screaming up the ladder to read me the riot act, what the hell is wrong with you. I just pointed at the water. Pretty Well ended that discussion pretty quick.

Response by SPC Jerry Mensah made Apr 18 at 2014 6:33 PM

SPC Jerry Mensah — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:33:15 -0400

Is it part of the duty for NCOs?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 2:50 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 02:50:09 -0400

Much of staff duty is arbitrary. For example, why do the SDNCO and runners need to be present during the work day? The phone can be forwarded to S1/S3 and directions to an office to help them. If you look at why it is done, you can likely get the answer of, "That's what we've always done." Now that there are fire alarms, security alarms, forwarding of phones, cell phones, etc. is there an actual need for staff duty? I understand there is a need for someone to do checks, but if that is all that is needed, why can those checks not be conducted and then the person rack out? There are presence sensors that can be installed (and are used in some companies) that you hold a fob of some sort to a sensor to provide proof that a person with that fob did in fact come to that area and it logs what time. <div><br></div><div>I will not lie. I have no sympathy, as I can only get about 2 hours of sleep on BN SDO and none on BDE SDO and I have to work the next day. I don't agree with it, but it is what it is.</div>

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 10:25 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:25:04 -0400

I have to agree 13 years ago no one ever saw the SDO except for his about 1900 check, and then again at about 05. The army didn't burn down and really it is on the SDO if something happens and they can't get back in a reasonable amount of time. Some how 13 years of COIN changes even the good things had to get messed with.

At least you get the next day for recovery(?), a company commander had a great idea that her unit couldn't function without the LT or chief the next day, My unit were "allowed" to sleep in the BN conference room, but with my checks, filling in while the NCO checks, then random FOD and other stuff, that really turns into a 2 hour nap on a good night. I might as well be home for all the functionality I am the next day.

I'm going to ask her how she likes it since she now is BDE staff and has it on sunday, hope to see her at work Monday morning.