Q about typical military solidarity

[atk]

Hey,

I'm curious about something.


I was at drill, last weekend, with the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.  During commandant's time, the CSM addressed the group, to be sure everyone is clear of his expectations (actually, he put it, "I expect suchandsuch in the future").

The director (he's a colonel, and our highest ranking officer (above him is the national guard - I don't know if he reports to a colonel or a general)) then stated, "If he expects it, I expect it."

I'm just curious how normal that is in the federal military.  I mean, I know that you follow the CSM's orders, and you treat him with extra respect, but is it normal for a colonel to back the CSM like that?

[Para2]

Yes.




Normally, a CSM and his Colonel have a close working relationship. They share, and/or have discussed the same values, expectations, aspirations, etc. Or.....they move on to work with someone whose values more closely align with their own.

[Greg Levy]

Yes.  I was in the Navy, and normally if the Chief of the Boat says something like that, you can take it as a given that he discussed it with the CO before putting it out.

Heck, sometimes, if it's unpopular or bad news, it might be the CO's policy, and the COB is putting it out there to take heat meant for the CO

greg

[atk]

Thanks  That's pretty much what I expected, though I have no experience outside the MVM (we now have a web page, btw: http://www.massvolunteermilitia.org).

[Leatherneck]

That is not so much "solidarity" as it is leadership. If I issue my Commander's Intent, and the CSM elaborates on that (as he should) then of course I should back him up. Just like he should publicly support any stupid pronouncement I might make before expressing his concerns to me in private. Leadership.

TC

[atk]

Leatherneck,

I think you're right about terminology.  I couldn't think of the appropriate word, so I picked the best I could think of


Actually, I got the impression that this was something that wasn't discussed beforehand, but the colonel was just making sure all us enlisted understood that he backs the CSM fully.

[Phantom Warrior]

I'm not in the military (joining in June though), but it seems to me that it would just be common sense to support your subordinates, unless they have their head completely up their bum.

[Moondoggie]

Your CSM didn't get to be an E-9 by being an idiot.  He serves in that position "at the pleasure" of the Commander.  If the "Old Man" thought he was out in left field, there would suddenly be a new face in that position.  I've seen SgtMaj's retired/transfered in a heartbeat when they'd outlived their usefullness.  It only takes one phone call from one Colonel to another Colonel at a higher HQ.  It's not a common occurrance, but it does happen.

Generally speaking, the senior enlisted folks run any unit and handle all of the details.  The officers handle the general direction of the unit.

Even down at the platoon level in the infantry, the Lt may be the one that says "Charge!", but the E-6/7 is the one that's already made sure that "The Lads" know what to do and have full bandoliers and canteens.   The Lt may be "Out in front" (or near to it), but the Plt Sgt is behind the action where he can see everything that's gong on and can initiate corrective action if needed.  It's a teamwork thing, each has his role.  It's a smart Lt that figures out how to work with his PltSgt, and takes notice of his "suggestions and recommendations".

Been there, done that.  I made E-9 in the Marines by always giving my CO's more than they expected...a lot of times more than they ever realized that they needed.