PANE MAI QUESTION: 2/07/2025 “Command decisions made for leadership positions”

Posted on Feb 11, 2025 in Ask the TAG responses

Question to the CSEL

The command decisions made for leadership positions are dictated at the highest levels that don’t experience the toxic leader traits for those selected. Leaders who don’t know what to do, fail to pick up a regulation, go the extra mile and worst of all, always rely on the fulltime AGR force to “take care of it”. In the past years the selections for leadership positions have degraded the full-time and IDT force significantly! Subordinates are tired of doing damage control, picking up the slack and not being compensated for a job we’re not assigned. We stay because we care for the Soldiers, love what we do, and can’t stand the organization failing, but how do we encourage reenlistment in an organization we no longer trust and feel valued in?

Answer

I acknowledge and can sense the frustration in your question. Pane Mai was created to ask HING leadership specific questions about the organization – not really for a venting session.

However, I will be real with you. Although the Army has a drawn-out process for this, selecting leaders is not an easy task. Unlike the active component, we do not have a huge pool of people to select from. Who we have is who we have. You may not always agree with the decisions that your leader has made and in the heat of duty, it is natural to have differing opinions and feelings about the choices we face.

Your perspective is valuable, and it is important to voice them respectfully. Please remember that you are a Soldier, and we operate in a framework of discipline and teamwork. I cannot be everywhere nor give everyone the best leader. Therefore, I encourage you to communicate with the leader you are frustrated with. Be respectful, maintain your military bearing, and voice your concerns. The AGR program is not what it used to be 20 years ago and it is often overwhelming. The hard truth is that it is not for everyone.

Mahalo for picking up the slack and having the courage to reach out. Please have that conversation with your leader and communicate.