Trying to get top to stop micromanaging our sniper section and allow us to establish our own SOPs

2015-05-29T05:30:32-04:00

I keep running into issues where I'm barred from taking certain actions advised by the instructor from sniper school. Our section is currently getting left behind in respect to training as the main focus goes towards the line company. Does anyone have experience with this problem or advice on getting top to loosen up on the reigns a bit?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 29 at 2015 6:22 AM

2015-05-29T06:22:53-04:00

Do you have an OIC that could take up the issue with the company commander? Have you discussed the training issues with the company training O/NCO to get them on board? Have you had a dialog with the 1SG where you've outlined your needs along with a plan to implement the required training, etc.? Sometimes going to a leader with a solution in hand as opposed to just a wish list helps sway the discussion in your direction.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-05-29T10:49:45-04:00

It's always good to get the staff or experience SM (team leaders) together and establish a plan and present it to a town hall meeting or NCO meeting where he can be present.. And have an indirect conversation about it so his reputation doesn't get tampered with. This also him to see what's on the instructors mind.. Often in our air assault school house we had the course coordinator with us and discuss new options that could reduce for example injuries, new gear etc..to re-evaluate the training intent.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-05-29T13:24:34-04:00

Given that the 1SG is beans, bullets, admin, etc. as long as training is being conducted to standard he may be out of his lane. The first question I would ask is if your unit has an operations section. If so, this would be the advisable avenue. OPS works directly for the commander and is responsible for all aspects of training (to include reviewing SOPs for the commander). It's hard for an 11B5M to not get into the weeds in a line unit...he IS the TOP, but it's part of the CO & XOs responsibility to ensure everyone stays in their lane as much as possible.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-06-06T10:23:24-04:00

If you're unit as a whole is failing to meet training objectives, and you are not able to maintain proficiency or certification on your primary weapon system, I would address your concerns in a documented memo detailing the required standards; a comparison between current training environment to a previous training environment; list the impact of current training environment; and lastly give a plan on your vision for how the training environment can be improved. I would address this memo to your company CO/XO and forward a copy to the Battalion S3. I caution you to take into account that unit training changes focus from individual and collective tasks throughout the ARFORGEN cycle. Educate yourself on where your unit is in the ARFORGEN cycle and how you're sniper mission fits into that, so you can ensure your vision for training meets the overall intent for unit proficiency.