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Within my unit, I have a Sgt who does not treat me the best. Now in my mind, I didn’t think it was hazing. However, another NCO came up and apologized to me for how he was treating me. As well as several people in my platoon think that he has it out for me. I came in as an E-4 because of my degree and I believed that was why. I get teased because of my religious beliefs, personal values, etc. but I just thought that it was just an infantry thing. We all tease each other, it builds bonds. However again, people in my own platoon are telling me that I am “getting shit on.” I am not really sure what to do. I am new to my unit so I expected some of this and didn’t really worry about it at all. I’m also a college SPC so I didn’t think much of it either. If I’m being told that this is pretty bad, should I do something about it? I’m conflicted and seeking advice.
11B: Infantryman
Toxic Leadership
Team Leader
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 13
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If other people are coming up to you, including another NCO, that seems like something is up.
It ultimately depends on how much of it bothers you. Those other people could report any EO violations (the mocking religion or treating differently due to religion) even if you don't.
I mean if I saw another NCO treating a soldier like crap and it was actual harassment, hazing, EO violations- I'd take them aside and set them straight. That's me.
If it doesn't bother you, that's on you what you want to do I suppose based on what you have posted.
It ultimately depends on how much of it bothers you. Those other people could report any EO violations (the mocking religion or treating differently due to religion) even if you don't.
I mean if I saw another NCO treating a soldier like crap and it was actual harassment, hazing, EO violations- I'd take them aside and set them straight. That's me.
If it doesn't bother you, that's on you what you want to do I suppose based on what you have posted.
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In my opinion I think you should pull your team leader to the side and have a respectful open conversation about how you feel about what is happening. Either he will shun you and shut that door or explain to you. Open conversations with your first line leader are important especially in and infantry squad let alone team. Cohesiveness is important in this career field. If it then persist you bring to your SL if he can’t handle it go one step further until you have exhausted all your resources with in the company, which I don’t think it would get passed your SL. Truth is you can’t clear the air if you don’t have the conversation and don’t be ashamed because you went to school first that makes you signing up no less than the next person we all wear the same uniform. I hope this provides you some insight and I wish you the best of luck
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1LT (Join to see)
I completely agree SSG. I believe in giving someone a chance to change or talk before going anywhere punishment may be an outcome. I did have a conversation with the Sgt. Summary of the conversation was that I was done with the hazing. His reply was “no one is hazing you.” This was while we were out in the field and I do believe he brought it up to the other NCOs in my platoon that were there, but I do not know the details of that conversation.
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SSG (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) No problem, when I joined it was different…when the people who came way before us joined it was very different. In today’s army it’s just not tolerated. Do what you feel is right and never second guess it but I do say exhaust all levels with your leadership to have it corrected.
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SGM (Join to see)
You also have a choice to leave and go to another unit. You also have a choice of staying. If your leader is toxic then he or she will move along after 36 (Enlisted) or 24 (Officer) months of dirtying the nest.
You should keep a written record of any incident (Place, time) and number of witnesses (code the witnesses as numbers but keep the cypher separate from your record).
You should keep a written record of any incident (Place, time) and number of witnesses (code the witnesses as numbers but keep the cypher separate from your record).
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Suspended Profile
I think before anyone can offer good advice on this we need some more specific details. A lot of hazing is hazing, some of it just teasing, and some of it is just..I hate to say it…whining. I’m not defaulting to you whining about anything but we need to know exactly what it happening.
If another NCO is apologizing to you that’s…troubling, sure. I’d also have to wonder if or why not that NCO has done some peer to peer counseling or run it up the chain.
Making fun of your religious beliefs is a direct violation of the Army EO policy but it’s up to you if that fight is worth it.
If another NCO is apologizing to you that’s…troubling, sure. I’d also have to wonder if or why not that NCO has done some peer to peer counseling or run it up the chain.
Making fun of your religious beliefs is a direct violation of the Army EO policy but it’s up to you if that fight is worth it.
Suspended Profile
1LT (Join to see) hazing can be verbal or physical. I’m not a lawyer but I imagine physical hazing would rise to higher level of punishment for the offending party.
There is also the idea of a hostile or toxic environment. That is something the army is taking very seriously as it affects readiness in so many ways.
I won’t pry into your faith but you have access to your battalion chaplain. They are a phenomenal resource whether you share their faith or not, and they are honor bound to listen to you in confidence. You also *usually* can discuss things with your equal opportunity representative or advisor informally to see if your perspective on things is reasonable.
If you are being harassed, you can get resolutions. You HAVE to have your ducks in a row. Chances are good he’s not going to get the boot but you could always be moved to another squad. Be prepared for backlash becuase some NCO’s are petty.
What I would recommend is if anyone mentions to you that you’re getting screwed or abused or whatever, ask that person what they think they saw, get their version of events. Then as soon as you can write that all down. Build a longer term look at what’s going on. That why you have things lined up and can look back to make sure you it’s a process you want to pursue.
Also, not for nothing, but have you tried to have a conversation with your NCO or anyone in your chain of command about this?
There is also the idea of a hostile or toxic environment. That is something the army is taking very seriously as it affects readiness in so many ways.
I won’t pry into your faith but you have access to your battalion chaplain. They are a phenomenal resource whether you share their faith or not, and they are honor bound to listen to you in confidence. You also *usually* can discuss things with your equal opportunity representative or advisor informally to see if your perspective on things is reasonable.
If you are being harassed, you can get resolutions. You HAVE to have your ducks in a row. Chances are good he’s not going to get the boot but you could always be moved to another squad. Be prepared for backlash becuase some NCO’s are petty.
What I would recommend is if anyone mentions to you that you’re getting screwed or abused or whatever, ask that person what they think they saw, get their version of events. Then as soon as you can write that all down. Build a longer term look at what’s going on. That why you have things lined up and can look back to make sure you it’s a process you want to pursue.
Also, not for nothing, but have you tried to have a conversation with your NCO or anyone in your chain of command about this?
1LT (Join to see)
SFC Thomas Foreman
I haven’t brought it up to my chain of command, but other NCOs thought the company and other people throughout the company are aware because I have talked with them as well as them seeing it for themselves. I did talk to the sgt himself because I do believe in giving everyone a chance. I told him I was done with the hazing. He said that no one was hazing me. He did bring it up to the other NCOs I believe while we were out in the field (when I told him I was done with the hazing) but I don’t know how that conversation went. All I know is that other NCOs don’t like him and he’s done things to a lesser degree to other people before he was even a sgt.
I haven’t brought it up to my chain of command, but other NCOs thought the company and other people throughout the company are aware because I have talked with them as well as them seeing it for themselves. I did talk to the sgt himself because I do believe in giving everyone a chance. I told him I was done with the hazing. He said that no one was hazing me. He did bring it up to the other NCOs I believe while we were out in the field (when I told him I was done with the hazing) but I don’t know how that conversation went. All I know is that other NCOs don’t like him and he’s done things to a lesser degree to other people before he was even a sgt.
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SPC (Join to see)
To follow on what others have said, you can find the definition in AR 600-20, 4-19.
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