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Ask an E-9
Need Gouge? Do you have questions that you always wanted the answer to but were afraid to ask? Read on.
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Ask the Naval Expert: Q & A
| | Q: | I have been in the Navy for 7 years and have been subjected to various styles of leadership, most of which were lacking positive reinforcement, follow-up, and the required leading from the front attitude. I have personally been subjected by inappropriate behavior by 75% of my Upper Chain of Command at each of my last 3 stations of assignment. It actually started with my Recruit Division Commander spraying perfume on the females pillow at night, offering up the use of his cell phone, and overall treating the females better. I had a chief offer me duty free status in exchange for sexual favors. What message does this send? I joined with the intentions of becoming a better personto learn a level of discipline, self respect, unit cohesion, and to be part of a team. I have seen nor learned any of these characteristics. Everyone is in it for themselves. Unfortunately I have lost all respect for the branch of service and am seeking out ways that I can regain that if at all possible. I am just an E-5 with four more years of obligated service left and know that I will never be able to fix the issues that currently exist. I just want others to recognize that these things are happening and do exist. Does anyone else see this behavior throughout the ranks or have personally experienced it? How can we fix this? | | A: | At first read of your note it immediately upset me that we have "predators on the loose" tarnishing the honorable image of the Navy.
But as I reread your comments (several times) it left me with a few questions of my own. First, "What have you done to stop the harassment over these past seven years"? Until you make a stand for your own self-worth and dignity and address the issue with your senior command leadership (CO/XO/CMC) you will continue to be a victim of your own choice. By not acting you give implied consent for these predators to seek out their next prey –- be it you or someone else. When they bait their trap, do you take the bait or take their hand off?
You have 7 years of service in with 4 more to go -- that tells me there must have been something good somewhere to lead you to reenlist.
What was it? You joined the Navy for a reason and I am grateful you did. But you get out of the service what you want...nothing is given. If you want to become a better person, then do so. If you want self respect, then start by respecting yourself. If you want to be part of a team, be a team player. Do you follow me? And finally, you CAN fix the issues that currently exist for you but that means you must stand up and attack the issues instead of accepting them. You can make a difference if you really want to and leadership is in place to listen and assist you.
In my early years of Navy service (I have over 26 years now), I too was subjected to unwanted advances by some of my male seniors and "shipmates". I chose early on not to become someone's trophy they baited and caught because I respected myself more than that. Being a professional Sailor meant everything to me. I focused on my career goals and was determined to succeed no matter what...and I did! I have had some great leaders and some not so great. You learn from them all.
I'm not going to tell you how great I think the Navy is - you need to see that for yourself. It is there.
Listen, there will always be "predators on the loose" in or out of the Navy. How you deal with it determines the outcome. I wish you all the best and the strength to stand up for what you believe in. | Back to Top |
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Ask the Marine Expert: Q & A
| | Q: | How should an active duty member address a retired Marine- by rank or is first/last name appropriate? | | A: | In general, when addressing retired Marines first/last name is acceptable. When addressing senior Marine Officers (Majors-Generals) Senior enlisted (Gunnery Sergeant-Sergeant Major) their rank is more appropriate.
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| | Q: | What is "Request Mast"? | | A: | An administrative procedure which referring to a request to speak to someone in your higher command. | | Back to Top |
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Ask the Coast Guard Expert: Q & A
| | Q: | When will reservists be able to access CG email via web mail. As a civilian, I have worked for both FEMA and TSA and they have web-based emails for their employees. I can easily spend 2-3 hours sorting through a month's worth of email each drill weekend. Time that could be better spent. | | A: | The Coast Guard in on target and tracking this issue. Web enabled e-mail is scheduled to be available to users on or about December 2008. This capability is specifically designed for those members that do not have regular access to a CG standard workstation. | | Back to Top |
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