Posted on May 5, 2016
CSM expresses regret for issues that sparked social media uproar
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DA Pam 670-1
31A: Military Police
Leadership
Standards
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
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Regret...i would be much more than regretful if I were a CSM that had to be counseled over 670-1 violations. Unfortunately for the CSM, all of the hits she has taken to her integrity, character and authority are difficult if not impossible to recover from. I've seen nothing but mockery about her on the internet since this went public. All those soldiers that she leads have seen it too and that is absolutely going to effect her ability to lead and mentor. The is no greater loss of respect than becoming a laughing stock to your own soldiers.
Worse of all, this is also an embarrassment to the entire NCO Corp which I take unforgivable offense to. It is one thing to be a jacked up SPC or below. Those young soldiers deserve corrective training and counseling. But a CSM, there are zero opportunities for recovery from something like this. I'm still seething with disbelief here.
Worse of all, this is also an embarrassment to the entire NCO Corp which I take unforgivable offense to. It is one thing to be a jacked up SPC or below. Those young soldiers deserve corrective training and counseling. But a CSM, there are zero opportunities for recovery from something like this. I'm still seething with disbelief here.
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SFC Alfredo Garcia
Well stated TOP!!! Some of us would say- "We will always respect the rank or the uniform but don't have to respect the person wearing it." She apparently didn't even respect herself. If she did...
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SFC (Join to see)
Would we have been as forgiving to a Junior Soldier or NCO who made the same repeated violations?
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PVT John Rehfeld
Personally, I never rose above the rank of specialist. I did, however spend time as a senior line medic and team leader. One of my junior platoon medics arrived at PT on his first full day in the unit having not yet shaved. I took him aside prior to formation and advised him to show up for 0900 work formation with a canteen cup, a razor, shaving cream, and a small mirror. I then made him a sign, complete with happy little razors and cans of shaving cream, advertising free 10 minute hip pocket training on how to properly shave one's face to anyone who asked. He spent the entire first half of the day outside company HQ giving class, starting with the CO and 1SG.
Was it harsh? Probably. Embarrassing? Certainly. Did he ever show up looking jacked up again? No. One thing he did not do when I instructed him to do all this was ask why, or complain, or point to anyone in our leadership as an excuse for why he shouldn't have to do it. That is because everyone in his chain of command, from me all the way up to the Brigade Commander was squared away in appearance, and military bearing.
Had there been a male version (infantry unit) of CSM Flournoy, that may not have been the case. It is the responsibility of every leader, whether in the military or in the civilian world, to lead by example. You cannot expect subordinates to do the right thing if you don't.
Was it harsh? Probably. Embarrassing? Certainly. Did he ever show up looking jacked up again? No. One thing he did not do when I instructed him to do all this was ask why, or complain, or point to anyone in our leadership as an excuse for why he shouldn't have to do it. That is because everyone in his chain of command, from me all the way up to the Brigade Commander was squared away in appearance, and military bearing.
Had there been a male version (infantry unit) of CSM Flournoy, that may not have been the case. It is the responsibility of every leader, whether in the military or in the civilian world, to lead by example. You cannot expect subordinates to do the right thing if you don't.
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What I see as appropriate is rather than expressing regret (since the Soldier could just regret being exposed), is acknowledgment of failing to be in compliance with AR 670-1 standards and for failing to set the example for the Soldiers. Also, to re-affirm, "I am accepting the charge to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties required by the appointment to Command Sergeant Major. In accepting this charge, I agree to become aware of anything that can effect the well being of the Soldiers in the command."
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SFC Jim Ruether
She should be relieved of her CSM rank for failing to follow regulations and keeping her own example of 670-1 something to judge other by. When you have been in the Army this long and have this high of rank you set the example. You set the standard and she failed miserably. Retire her and get her out of there!
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CSM Michael Poll
SFC Jim Ruether - The bun she has in that picture is well within the regulation, the one in the prior photos where her hair was below the collar line, that is out of regulation.
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CSM Michael Poll
AR 670-1 Para 3-2
(c) Long length. Long hair is defined as hair length that extends beyond the lower edge of the collar. Long hair will
be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned above the lower edge of the collar (except when worn in accordance
with para 3–2a(j)), except that bangs may be worn. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in paragraph
3–2a(3)(a) apply. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp as styled, will exceed 2 inches (except
a bun, which is worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 1/2 inches from the scalp and be no
wider than the width of the head).
(c) Long length. Long hair is defined as hair length that extends beyond the lower edge of the collar. Long hair will
be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned above the lower edge of the collar (except when worn in accordance
with para 3–2a(j)), except that bangs may be worn. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in paragraph
3–2a(3)(a) apply. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp as styled, will exceed 2 inches (except
a bun, which is worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 1/2 inches from the scalp and be no
wider than the width of the head).
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Where were her peers to keep her in check? Why was the leadership failing here? You can't be a CSM that picks and chooses which standards to follow, especially down to cut and dry things like AR 670-1
You want to be remembered for the great things you've done, not like this.
You want to be remembered for the great things you've done, not like this.
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SFC (Join to see)
CPO (Join to see) - I agree she should not hold that leadership position anymore. By peers, I was referring to similarly ranked individuals, not the lower enlisted. If her buddies had acted quicker, there would be no need for this to be out in the public areas.
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CSM (Join to see)
MSgt (Join to see) and MSG Christopher Chouinard - Constructive Groups do not need an "Oversight Leader" looking to "Catch" Destructive Group Members that violate group norms. Constructive Groups are good at policing their own members, so no the 1SG is not needed for this. However, all 1SGs should be welcome to be a member and participating and adding Value.
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MSgt (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) - Absolutely true. I think this is off though. Not the act of correcting people doing wrong but the ARCOM she got for it. Spot corrections need to occur and if it's so important over the internet, there are ways to engage leadership through proper channels.
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2014/12/31/moerk-commendation-award-trolling/21103073/
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2014/12/31/moerk-commendation-award-trolling/21103073/
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