Taking the blame even though you are innocent...

2014-05-13T10:24:16-04:00

Scenario: You are just finishing up work inside the office and come outside to join your buddies (whom are smokers) for a little B.Sing chat before final formation.

You are an Non-smoker, non-drinker. Your buddies happen to be +1 or - 1 pay grade of yours. The senior of them walks away throwing a burning cigarette butt into a dry bush.

This bush catches fire and was the commander's favorite bush that she planted herself sometime ago.

You and the remaining buddies do not notice this fire or the fact that the senior ranking buddy started the fire unintentionally.

Out comes the SDO with the CSM and COL to smoke, and they see the fire and blame it on you the non-smoker.

What do you do?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 13 at 2014 10:41 AM

2014-05-13T10:41:54-04:00

I see no reason to blatantly lie about the issue. If it wasn't you, say it wasn't you. If put on the spot as to whether or not you know who it was; you have a personal moral dilemma as to whether or not to tell the truth. Where are your values then (or those of your buddies).. think personal responsibility.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 12:48 PM

2014-05-13T12:48:32-04:00

Hooah Ma'am, Sergeant, Sir, etc and drive on. Unless something is going higher than just a verbal lashing, suck it up, take the hit, and drive on.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made May 13 at 2014 3:41 PM

2014-05-13T15:41:54-04:00

I'm not messing up my money by catching a Field Grade for anyone. I didn't smoke, so I'm not taking the rap.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 4:10 PM

2014-05-13T16:10:55-04:00

Why do all the answers require me to put the fire out? Can I snatch up the one that did it and make them put it out? (joke)

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 13 at 2014 5:06 PM

2014-05-13T17:06:32-04:00

Remind them about Moses and the burning bush, and tell them this is a sign they must figure out.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 5:48 PM

2014-05-13T17:48:02-04:00

Well while it wasn't you...you were with the guy when he flicked the butt. Take responsibility as far the fact you were there and shoulda said "hey guy that's not were butts go". And point out you are a non smoker so you couldn't have set the bush on fire. The fact you were out there when it happened puts a touch of responsibility on your shoulders but certainly not all.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 13 at 2014 5:57 PM

2014-05-13T17:57:01-04:00

I can take the blame until they say they are going to put it on paper. I have taken a butt chewing for my supervisors because that is all it was a butt chewing and nothing was put on paper. I don't like ratting my supervisors or peers out.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 13 at 2014 6:47 PM

2014-05-13T18:47:45-04:00

#1 seems like a goot option. Then bust the chops of whoever did it personally and individually.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 8:08 PM

2014-05-13T20:08:17-04:00

I would not accept the blame for someone else's irresponsibility.

Response by SPC Brian Jones made May 13 at 2014 9:08 PM

2014-05-13T21:08:46-04:00

Personal responsibility is a big thing with me. If you cant suck it up and take responsibility for the things you do then I would not be considered a "friend".

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 1:09 AM

2014-05-14T01:09:57-04:00

I would say I don't smoke and I did not see the culprit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 4:15 AM

2014-05-14T04:15:18-04:00

Just tell the COL and CSM that it was lit for them in case they didn't have a lighter, and that it was the SDOs idea. Kidding of course, keep your integrity tell them it wasn't you.

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made May 14 at 2014 12:28 PM

2014-05-14T12:28:28-04:00

Some people think this won't get the job done because they want to rage on someone. You have to stand up for yourself regardless of the situation in a professional manner. Explain that you didn't see what happened, but you'll help find out.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 15 at 2014 10:31 PM

2014-05-15T22:31:37-04:00

I am going with the unlisted option. Remind my buddy that there is such a thing as integrity and that s/he should own up to their actions and put the fire out.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 15 at 2014 11:09 PM

2014-05-15T23:09:08-04:00

First, per scenario, you didn't see how it started. Second, per scenario and actual fact, I am not a smoker. Falling on your sword for a worthy cause is one thing, but a burning bush...except for the religious connotations...is not a worthy cause.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 12:39 AM

2014-05-16T00:39:52-04:00

I would HOPE that leadership would be familiar enough with their Soldiers to know who smokes and who does not, among other things. I would also hope that they wouldn't jump to conclusions without asking some questions first (sometimes I'm an optimist; sometimes a realist).

That said, (obviously put the fire out) unless something's going to become official, just take it and drive on; you can correct the responsible Soldiers without the situation "blowing up" any further. Additionally, you can go back later (situational) and clarify that it wasn't you.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 16 at 2014 12:44 AM

2014-05-16T00:44:55-04:00

Shoot the hostage

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 7:51 AM

2014-05-16T07:51:03-04:00

I would tell them I am a non smoker, but I was just there. I did not see who flicked the cig into the bush.