Fort Bragg battalion commander relieved of duty in Afghanistan

[BMT (RIP)]

http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2010/01/22/970220

BMT

[HowardCohodas]

:confused:

[jbour13]

I can speculate all day, but WTF?

Never a good thing, regardless of the LTC and CSM's disposition.

I guess a silver lining to this would be, that battalion will drive on. They have had some bad runs, but they keep doing their jobs well from what I've been told.

[Dozer523]

"An investigation found their "actions were of poor judgment which fostered a command climate that was not consistent with our Army values,"
The all inclusive "witch hunt" phrase. I prefer UCMJ type words or tactical descriptor.
BinCo is looking for a lawyer? Nah, he needs a publisher If the pattern is to hold. Sheesh.

[Snaquebite]

2nd hand info (disclaimer)

From a couple of other boards both os these men were highly respected within and outside the command. Most comments expect this is about some BS EO or PC complaint.....

[Richard]

This was posted by a respondent to the article:

My husband works with these guys. They didn't {sic} pretty shady things in meetings, unethical things...racially/sexually offensive things and were told to stop by lots of people higher in line but continued. Jenio thought he was untouchable, a golden child and thought he could do whatever he wanted and didn't have to answer to anyone. This has nothing to do with recent casualties, or the hardships of war. It's a guy with a big ego, who was put in his place, properly.

One of the issues I don't miss in retirement...and so it goes...

Richard

[Dozer523]

Then dispense with the "Command Climate" horse crap and perfer charges.

[csquare]

Then dispense with the "Command Climate" horse crap and perfer charges.

Concur. He made an enemy with the wrong person above him. And now has paid dearly for it. Relieved of command......

[NousDefionsDoc]

Let's all wait until we see what happened.

[Pete]

Did somebody slip a tounge to somebody else's ear in a meeting or what?

Oh, wait, did I just say that? Scratch that, I , ah, I ,ah, I claim the 5th.......

It's an Infantry Battalion for cripiny out loud.

[AngelsSix]

Politics, if you ask me....I have actually had to deal with this sort of garbage at a lower lever with a MSgt, who thinks he can be a jerk. Funny thing is, he doesn't realize who I have on MY side of the board. I keep quiet about his nonsense, but others are starting to notice his crap and are getting ready to pull the carpet out from under him. I think that some people let rank get to their heads. I won't pull any punches with anyone, what you see is what you get.

I hope that the tables are turning on those that will abuse their rank and positions and that the powers that be start putting more people in place that have some common sense and respect for everyone that works for them.

We have seen a spate of Commanders being relieved in the AF lately. I am certain that some of these folks needed to go. The bosses are sending a very clear message: if you know that your JO's and senior enlisted are not doing their jobs, replace them or be replaced.

Amen!:lifter

[Razor]

Frank is a friend from way back. This surprises me. 'Wait and See' is probably the correct tactic here, but its tough to do.

[TF Kilo]

My sources indicate a reply to ALL instead of a reply to sender with an email containing racial slurs with regard to some subordinate that was being ordered to his office for whatever...


and so it goes.

[69harley]

Told to me by my neighbor, a BDE CSM in the 82nd. My neighbor said it this is what was briefed to him directly from the 82nd CG.

Over the course of several months, the last slide during the daily BUB was supposed to be funny, but contained some racists and sexists comments. Noting extreme, but inappropriate for a Bn BUB.

A senior NCO in the S3 approached the Bn CSM about the BUB slides being inappropriate. The Bn CSM dismissed the idea of the slides being inappropriate.

The senior NCO from the S3 then sent the slides to either the division CSM or CG, I forget which. The Bn CO and CSM were then relieved.

[steel71]

My husband works with these guys. They didn't {sic} pretty shady things in meetings, unethical things...racially/sexually offensive things and were told to stop by lots of people higher in line but continued. Jenio thought he was untouchable, a golden child and thought he could do whatever he wanted and didn't have to answer to anyone. This has nothing to do with recent casualties, or the hardships of war. It's a guy with a big ego, who was put in his place, properly.


Sounds like they got the General Patton treatment. :mad:

[Utah Bob]

Told to me by my neighbor, a BDE CSM in the 82nd. My neighbor said it this is what was briefed to him directly from the 82nd CG.

Over the course of several months, the last slide during the daily BUB was supposed to be funny, but contained some racists and sexists comments. Noting extreme, but inappropriate for a Bn BUB.

A senior NCO in the S3 approached the Bn CSM about the BUB slides being inappropriate. The Bn CSM dismissed the idea of the slides being inappropriate.

The senior NCO from the S3 then sent the slides to either the division CSM or CG, I forget which. The Bn CO and CSM were then relieved.

Some guys just don't recognize the realities of the 21st century.

[HowardCohodas]

Let's all wait until we see what happened.



History is written by the victors.

When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.

And so it goes

:lifter

[Thurman]

My sources indicate a reply to ALL instead of a reply to sender with an email containing racial slurs with regard to some subordinate that was being ordered to his office for whatever...


and so it goes.

I wonder how many careers (civilian or military) have been ruined by the blasted accidental hit of the "reply all" button?

I'm still shocked how many seemingly educated professionals in my field still don't "get" that

[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by Winston Churchill
History is written by the victors.Churchill certainly proved that point with his six volume memoir/history of the Second World War.

[brown77]

I wonder how many careers (civilian or military) have been ruined by the blasted accidental hit of the "reply all" button?

If used wisely, the "reply all" button can actually help improve your career.

[LongWire]

This is surprising.....Puckett holds a great amount of respect from the Ranger Community......He put me through RIP.

Looks like it was another SGM that grew up in Regt......Sad, Just Sad.............

[colmurph]

My guess is that one of the politicians who visited his unit got his panties twisted by a comment from the BNCO. This smells of political pressure put on the General who relieved him. Why else is the General refusing to give out the story? The LTC in question is currently at Bragg looking for a lawyer.

[Pete]

"Racial image led to removal of commanders"

Thats the headline in the Fayetteville Observer. The whole article needs to be read.


http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2010/01/30/972239


".....Puckett's friend said the poster looks bad but that it wasn't selected by Jenio or Puckett.

He said the offensive slide was inserted into the projector by a black soldier under their command and that Puckett never saw it before the presentation.

Jenio had directed his team to insert humorous slides at the end of command briefings, and slides such as the one in question - known as "demotivational posters" - were common............"

I wonder if the statement by a friend above is true?

[Animal8526]

It boggles the mind. The Army's job is warfighting, not politics.

And yet, the Army manages to deprive soldiers of two respected leaders... By all accounts, men who are exemplary warfighters... Because they failed to play politics well enough.

Is the Army as a whole really best served by depriving men of good commanders for these types of reasons?

[HowardCohodas]

It boggles the mind. The Army's job is warfighting, not politics.

And yet, the Army manages to deprive soldiers of two respected leaders... By all accounts, men who are exemplary warfighters... Because they failed to play politics well enough.

Is the Army as a whole really best served by depriving men of good commanders for these types of reasons?

Leadership making removal decisions should be limited to those who have been fired at by the enemy withing the last 365 days. Then, perhaps, I would have some respect for their authority. :mad:

Although I've often regretted that I did not serve, I've always had "authority issues." Ah then, that's what basic training is for, isn't it. ;)

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Billy Joel
And so it goes

Billy Joel wrote the song of that title in 1983 and recorded it in 1990 - the original quote is used as the refrain of Billy, the time tripper, in Kurt Vonnegut's 'Slaughterhouse Five or The Children's Crusade: A Duty-dance With Death' published in 1969.

You may have heard of it...it is the reason I often use the phrase.

As for the demotivational poster incident and the reactions by the CofC - I would like to think there would be more to it than just that one incidence.

Richard

[HowardCohodas]

Billy Joel wrote the song of that title in 1983 and recorded it in 1990 - the original quote is used as the refrain of Billy, the time tripper, in Kurt Vonnegut's 'Slaughterhouse Five or The Children's Crusade: A Duty-dance With Death' published in 1969.

You may have heard of it...it is the reason I often so use the phrase.

Richard

Mentioning Billy Joel over Kurt Vonnegut was my lame attempt at humor. :) My sense of humor is not very well calibrated. :rolleyes:

[LongWire]

I can tell you that the SGM is devastated by this. From all points that I have heard, he had a very profound and positive impact on the unit from day 1. I haven't seen him in 19 yrs, but I can certainly tell you that he was the epitome of a Warrior. Very unfortunate............

[Sigaba]

Leadership making removal decisions should be limited to those who have been fired at by the enemy withing the last 365 days. Then, perhaps, I would have some respect for their authority. :mad:Based upon this criterion, the reputations of men like George C. Marshall, Chester Nimitz, Ernest J. King, Dwight David Eisenhower, and others, would be in for some significant revision. :confused:

[HowardCohodas]

Based upon this criterion, the reputations of men like George C. Marshall, Chester Nimitz, Ernest J. King, Dwight David Eisenhower, and others, would be in for some significant revision. :confused:

I am unfamiliar with these men having made removal decisions for other than insubordination or leadership failure. Enlighten me.

[Sigaba]

leadership failure.
In your view, how do "actions [that] were of poor judgment which fostered a command climate that was not consistent with our Army values" not equate to leadership failure?
Enlighten me.Who made the decision that GEN Patton would be a diversion as part of Operation FORTITUDE and not play a direct role in Operation OVERLORD?

[HowardCohodas]

In your view, how do "actions [that] were of poor judgment which fostered a command climate that was not consistent with our Army values" not equate to leadership failure?
Who made the decision that GEN Patton would be a diversion as part of Operation FORTITUDE and not play a direct role in Operation OVERLORD?

Point taken. I should think more deeply before making myself so vulnerable from such broad statements.

Although, IIRC, General Marshall was probably the "author" of the decision to punish Patton. With only a little tongue in cheek, I think he should be considered 98% politician and 2% General. Perhaps Roosevelt was wise to appoint Eisenhower over Marshall to manage the joint ally command. Eisenhower was at least 50:50. This is my recollection from a rather poor education of that part of our history.

[Dozer523]

Point taken. I should think more deeply before making myself so vulnerable from such broad statements.

Although, IIRC, General Marshall was probably the "author" of the decision to punish Patton. With only a little tongue in cheek, I think he should be considered 98% politician and 2% General. Perhaps Roosevelt was wise to appoint Eisenhower over Marshall to manage the joint ally command. Eisenhower was at least 50:50. This is my recollection from a rather poor education of that part of our history. Ya might want to re-read the first sentence. Eisenhower was not appoited over Marshall. General Marshall was the top Ground and Air guy and remained so throughout the War.
(from Wiki . . . spare me) . . . the President told him: "I didn't feel I could sleep at ease if you were out of Washington."[19] Additionally, when rumors arose that the top job would go to Marshall, many critics viewed the transfer as a demotion for Marshall, since he would leave his position as Chief of Staff of the Army and lose his seat on the Combined Chiefs of Staff. On December 16, 1944, Marshall became the first American general to be promoted to 5 star rank, the newly created General of the Army. He was the second American to be promoted to a 5 star rank, as William Leahy was promoted to fleet admiral the previous day." (Interesting that . . . thus he was subordinate to FA Leahy.)



you probably meant "wise to appoint Eisenhower instead of Marshall to manage the joint ally command . . .

[CSB]

FROM A RETIREE "ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:"


Enough speculation and "what if's," who made the decision to relieve these two men?

Commander, 82nd Airborne Division: Maj. Gen. Mike Scaparrotti.

What are his bona fides?

I went to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Scaparrotti

My comments are in [brackets].

[Let's see, West Point graduate, OK].

In 1984, Scaparrotti completed the infantry officer advanced course at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by studies in Administrative Education at the University of South Carolina, where he earned his Master of Education degree.

[Just what every warrior needs, a degree in "Administrative Education" followed by a Master in Education. Sounds like he is on track for an important TRADOC post, developing POI and updating FM's and TM's].

He returned to West Point in 1985 where he was assigned as a tactical officer and the superintendent’s aide-de-camp until 1988.

[General's Aide, hmmm].

From 1992 to 1994, he worked in Washington, D.C., at the Army Total Personnel Command and the Army Chief of Staff's office.

[That's not much of a tactical assignment, but I do have to say that it is exactly the place to be if you are politically correct, and want to be seen by those who will later become members of general officer selection boards].

Scaparrotti returned to Fort Drum in 1996 as the 10th Mountain Division’s operations officer and from there he continued his studies at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa.

He served as the chief of Army Initiatives Group in the Deputy Chief of Staff’s Office for Plans and Operations in Washington, D. C. in 1998.

[Gee, I wonder if one of those "Army Initiatives" was demotivational posters].

By 1999, Scaparrotti returned to Fort Bragg to command the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division before he moved on to serve as the assistant deputy director for Joint Operations on the Joint Staff, Washington, D. C., from 2001 to 2003.

[Back to the Pentagon].

From 2003 to June 2006, Scaparrotti was the 69th Commandant of the United States Military Academy.

[Talk about an envionment in which political correctness, multicutural sensitivity, and the ability to absolutely NOT ruffle anyones feathers is a necessity].

Awards and decorations: Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

[Exactly what you would expect from a senior officer with a military career of staff, academic and service positions. And exactly what you would expect to see when you read of two combat leaders being relieved by him over ... wait for it ... a demotivational poster on a fucking power point presentation?].

[HowardCohodas]

you probably meant "wise to appoint Eisenhower instead of Marshall to manage the joint ally command . . .

Oops again.

Never having served, I easily forget that "over" has specific meaning and is not the same as "instead of."

It's embarrassing for a guy who lives by precision in technical maters to get so sloppy in public, even on non-technical matters. :o

Thanks for hour help.

[Sigaba]

Point taken. I should think more deeply before making myself so vulnerable from such broad statements.It is ironic for you to make the proceeding observation and then to offer casually this interpretation of General Marshall.
With only a little tongue in cheek, I think he should be considered 98% politician and 2% General.To put it as politely as I can, the fact that you hold Henry Kissinger in high regard and yet cast aspersions on the man who is rightly considered the architect of the Allied victory in the Second World War raises serious doubts about your grasp of modern world history if not also your understanding of this nation's values.

[HowardCohodas]

It is ironic for you to make the proceeding observation and then to offer casually this interpretation of General Marshall.
To put it as politely as I can, the fact that you hold Henry Kissinger in high regard and yet cast aspersions on the man who is rightly considered the architect of the Allied victory in the Second World War raises serious doubts about your grasp of modern world history if not also your understanding of this nation's values.

No-one is more critical of my grasp of modern world history than I.

However, the only reference to Henry Kissinger that I recall making on this forum should be quoted in full, if you want to avoid too much blow-back.Although I am a great admirer of Dr. Henry Kissinger, his devotion to carefully architected spheres of influence to stabilize the world always seemed to me to be more like balancing a nail on its point. All it takes is a sneeze or for someone's feelings to be hurt to bring it all down. Perhaps you would like to tell me what you think it is that I admire about Kissinger? Please remind me of other things that I have written that more fully inform us of my "admiration" of Dr. Kissinger?

Regarding Marshall's contributions, my distaste for Marshall is somewhat informed by his public insubordination toward Truman, especially regarding his opposition to the recognition of the state of Israel. I appreciate that this was while he was Secretary of State and not General of the Armies. I'm not one who, like our current President, believes that there is only one man who can do a particular job in a time of crisis, irrespective of his personal, public or professional flaws. He constantly invokes the "only one possible" rule to give us tax cheats and Marxists as his subordinates and close advisers. (Oh my, I nearly went into my full "just call me Glenn Beck" riff :D)

Well, my friend, are we having fun yet? :lifter :munchin

[Remington Raidr]

The General has brilliantly postioned himself for a third star in our "post-racial" society. So a couple of guys got thrown under the bus. Seems like that is the way to do business if you want to get ahead in the current administration.

To paraphrase Lombardi, "winning isn't everything". It isn't even close these days.:rolleyes:

[LongWire]

FROM A RETIREE "ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:"



Am I missing something here? Looks like the General hasn't even deployed or had a Combat Command after 8+ yrs at war............

[Sigaba]

No-one is more critical of my grasp of modern world history than I.Perhaps you would like to tell me what you think it is that I admire about Kissinger? Please remind me of other things that I have written that more fully inform us of my "admiration" of Dr. Kissinger?Given your apparent dissatisfaction your grasp of modern history and as you are yet to demonstrate an understanding of American diplomatic history equal to the intensity with which you trumpet your opinions, I do not think my speculating on which of the many reasons you might admire Dr. Kissinger would be a good use of my time. (FWIW, William F. Buckley, Jr. liked Dr. Kissinger. Mr. Buckley considered Kissinger one of his favorite liberals.*)

Moreover, exploring you appreciation for Dr. Kissinger is a moot exercise in the present discussion. I did not offer an opinion of the propriety of your admiration for Dr. Kissinger in and of itself. I offered an opinion of your admiration of Dr. Kissinger in relation to your disrespectful comments about General Marshall as the army's chief of staff.**

In any case, you have attempted to amend your statement to indicate that your view of Marshall is informed by your understanding of his conduct as secretary of state. Your sidestepping yet again reveals that you are most interested in stating your opinions without backing them up with anything that resembles credible evidence.

In many circumstances, this practice is harmless. Glib and snark can be good. At times, both are enjoyable. But, in my opinion, neither are appropriate in a discussion of General Marshall.Regarding Marshall's contributions, my distaste for Marshall is somewhat informed by his public insubordination toward Truman, especially regarding his opposition to the recognition of the state of Israel.In regards to your assertion, I invite you to provide contemporaneous documentary evidence to support your argument that Marshall committed an act of "public insubordination" to President Truman.

If you take up this invitation, a good starting point might be, U.S. Department of State, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, vol. 5, part 2: The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, pages, 533-1707. That volume is available here (http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/FRUS/FRUS-idx?type=header&id=FRUS.FRUS1948v05p2). Then there are the digital archives of the Harry S Truman Library and Museum. That archive has collected documents from the Truman presidency related to topic at hand. Those documents are available here (http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/study_collections/israel/large/index.php?action=docs).

If you decide to cull through the documents, I would remind you that diplomatic historians from American and Israel who have studied the archival evidence point out that Truman himself vacillated frequently on the Palestine / Israel question. They point out that his vacillations were driven by considerations of domestic politics (the 1948 presidential election) and grand strategy (he and his advisers wondered which configuration of power in the Middle East best advanced America's efforts to contain the Soviet Union). These scholars also wonder how, based upon the available evidence, Americans could conclude that Americans and Israelis had a special relationship during the Truman administration.*

In regards to your distaste for Marshall because he placed the interests of the United States ahead of the state of Israel, I ask two questions:
Should an American diplomat be faulted for not placing the interests of another country ahead of the interests of his own?
Does it matter at all that before there could be a Jewish homeland, World War II had to be won and the Holocaust stopped and that General Marshall played a significant role in achieving both of those objectives?
Well...are we having fun yet? :lifter :munchinRegrettably, I must inform you that, generally speaking, I do not find exchanges with you fun.

For what it is worth, I earnestly look forward to that time when you find a more effective way to temper your opinions, your flashing temper, and your quirky irascibility, with a higher regard for factual information.

_____________________________________
* Richard Brookhiser, Right Time, Right Place: Coming of Age with William F. Buckley, Jr. and the Conservative Movement (New York: Basic Books, 2009), 25.
** Then again, one could compare their track records as secretaries of state. Such comparison could be framed by the question: Which of the two was the recipient of Ronald Reagan's disapprobation during the 1980 presidential campaign? (When the Great Communicator and his supporters castigated the "Decade of Weakness," they meant the 1970s.)
*** John Snestinger, "Truman and Israel: The Politics of Mythology," review of Michael J. Cohen, Truman and Israel (1990), Diplomatic History, 16:3 (July 1992): 463-467; Yaacov Bar-Siman-Tov, "The United States and Israel since 1948: A "Special Relationship"?, Diplomatic History, 22:2 (spring 1998): 233.

[HowardCohodas]

Regrettably, I must inform you that, generally speaking, I do not find exchanges with you fun.

For what it is worth, I earnestly look forward to that time when you find a more effective way to temper your opinions, your flashing temper, and your quirky irascibility, with a higher regard for factual information.



temper your opinions - unlikely while our current constitution prevails

flashing temper - usually only reactive

quirky irascibility - happily guilty, although I realize that it makes me polarizing.

higher regard for factual information - I truly try

A couple of additional thoughts
You might want to think about an old adage, the origin of which I'm uncertain. I know you believe you heard what you thought I said, but is what you heard what I really meant?
When I disagree I try to keep clear of doing so ad hominem. To the extent I fail, I ask forgiveness, for I hold no animosity toward those with whom I disagree.
A good rule when reading things I write is that if there are multiple ways of interpreting it and it can be interpreted as my sometimes lame attempt at self-deprecation or humor, you can be nearly certain that that was my intent. (Not the lame part)
I am a student of pedagogy and continue to refine my methods over time, even at my age. The Socratic Method has usually been a good road to enlightenment for me. Therefore, this is also frequently a probable interpretation explanation for much of the stuff I write. It's difficult, sometimes personally wounding, but I always come out smarter for it. YMMV


Your comment, "Regrettably, I must inform you that, generally speaking, I do not find exchanges with you fun.," saddens me. A long time ago I decided that when I no longer find fun in what I'm doing, I usually abandon it and do something else. Of course some things that require doing are hard, painful and not pleasant. That does not mean that some element of fun cannot be found. Fun and easy are not synonyms in this matter. I try to keep my head a "no whining zone."

[Richard]

Back to the BN CDR/CSM releif issue -

Exactly what you would expect from a senior officer with a military career of staff, academic and service positions. And exactly what you would expect to see when you read of two combat leaders being relieved by him over ... wait for it ... a demotivational poster on a fucking power point presentation?

RE: MG Curtis Scaparotti


USMA 1978
3/325 (82D ABD) 1978-1984 PL (IN&AT), BN3, CO CDR
IOAC 1984
ADV DEGREE 1984 (Required for such a USMA assignment and the area of study is based upon USMAs projected needs)
USMA 1985-1988
CGSC & MMS 1988-1989
10TH MTN 1989-1992 S3/G3
TAPC/CSA 1992-1994
CDR 3/325 (SETAF) 1994-1996 (Rwanda/Balkans/Liberia)
10TH MTN 1996 G3
USA WarCollege
DCSOPS-Plans 1998
CDR 2BDE 82D ABD 1999-2001
JOINT STAFF 2001-2003
CMDT USMA 2003-2006
CENTCOM J3 2006-2008
CDR 82D ABD 2008-PRES


Looks like a picture book Infantry Branch directed "Pathway to the Stars" career to me with a mix of FORSCOM-TRADOC-JOINT CMD/STAFF + CIVILIAN/MILITARY EDUC...and the man is not a 'light-weight' to have successfully held those assignments and completed that schooling.

And as far as the relief for cause goes - I STRONGLY suspect there is MUCH more to it than the singularly mentioned PPT issue.

However - YMMV - and I'm certain we'll eventually find out.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[The Reaper]

I would recommend that the bickering and snarkiness be dropped and posts on this thread relate to the original topic. Those who want to fight can take it outside.

Back to the OP, concur that it is surprising that they would give command of the 82nd to a GO with no combat assignments in the current wars.

I will withhold commentary on the decision to relieve till the investigation is complete and we discover what the facts really are. I have heard at least four differing versions of what happened.

TR

[Utah Bob]

I would recommend that the bickering and snarkiness be dropped and posts on this thread relate to the original topic. Those who want to fight can take it outside.

Back to the OP, concur that it is surprising that they would give command of the 82nd to a GO with no combat assignments in the current wars.

I will withhold commentary on the decision to relieve till the investigation is complete and we discover what the facts really are. I have heard at least four differing versions of what happened.

TR
I agree. Determining the true story is like trying to nail jello to a wall at this point. Time to sit and wait.

[LongWire]

I agree. Determining the true story is like trying to nail jello to a wall at this point. Time to sit and wait.

This may be part of the problem...........Damn Shame really. Col. Drinkwine was one of the best Company Commanders that I have ever served under, this from back in my Infantry days. I made a point of finding him in Iraq a few yrs ago. Too Bad..........

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/11/1006135?sac=Home

[Basenshukai]

This may be part of the problem...........Damn Shame really. Col. Drinkwine was one of the best Company Commanders that I have ever served under, this from back in my Infantry days. I made a point of finding him in Iraq a few yrs ago. Too Bad..........

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/11/1006135?sac=Home

People change. Some improve, others stay the same and a few get worse.

[alright4u]

http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2010/01/22/970220

BMT

BMT: This info came from Omega/CCS SFC Ret who you may recall. He is a friend of a friend we both hold dear.

http://www.jdnews.com/news/unit-79254-small-bragg.html

CSM,

Respectfully.


Jon

[alright4u]

FROM A RETIREE "ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:"


Enough speculation and "what if's," who made the decision to relieve these two men?

Commander, 82nd Airborne Division: Maj. Gen. Mike Scaparrotti.

What are his bona fides?

I went to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Scaparrotti

My comments are in [brackets].

[Let's see, West Point graduate, OK].

In 1984, Scaparrotti completed the infantry officer advanced course at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by studies in Administrative Education at the University of South Carolina, where he earned his Master of Education degree.

[Just what every warrior needs, a degree in "Administrative Education" followed by a Master in Education. Sounds like he is on track for an important TRADOC post, developing POI and updating FM's and TM's].

He returned to West Point in 1985 where he was assigned as a tactical officer and the superintendent’s aide-de-camp until 1988.

[General's Aide, hmmm].

From 1992 to 1994, he worked in Washington, D.C., at the Army Total Personnel Command and the Army Chief of Staff's office.

[That's not much of a tactical assignment, but I do have to say that it is exactly the place to be if you are politically correct, and want to be seen by those who will later become members of general officer selection boards].

Scaparrotti returned to Fort Drum in 1996 as the 10th Mountain Division’s operations officer and from there he continued his studies at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa.

He served as the chief of Army Initiatives Group in the Deputy Chief of Staff’s Office for Plans and Operations in Washington, D. C. in 1998.

[Gee, I wonder if one of those "Army Initiatives" was demotivational posters].

By 1999, Scaparrotti returned to Fort Bragg to command the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division before he moved on to serve as the assistant deputy director for Joint Operations on the Joint Staff, Washington, D. C., from 2001 to 2003.

[Back to the Pentagon].

From 2003 to June 2006, Scaparrotti was the 69th Commandant of the United States Military Academy.

[Talk about an envionment in which political correctness, multicutural sensitivity, and the ability to absolutely NOT ruffle anyones feathers is a necessity].

Awards and decorations: Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

[Exactly what you would expect from a senior officer with a military career of staff, academic and service positions. And exactly what you would expect to see when you read of two combat leaders being relieved by him over ... wait for it ... a demotivational poster on a fucking power point presentation?].

Not even a CIB. The CPT's and NCO's must really respect him.

[Richard]

More detailed article here:

Colonel’s Wife Accused of Harassing Soldiers
Mil.Com, 11 June 2010

http://www.military.com/news/article/colonels-wife-accused-of-harassing-soldiers.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

And so it goes...

Richard :munchin

[shortbrownguy]

More detailed article here:

Colonel’s Wife Accused of Harassing Soldiers
Mil.Com, 11 June 2010

http://www.military.com/news/article/colonels-wife-accused-of-harassing-soldiers.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

And so it goes...

Richard :munchin

Col Drinkwine was my Battalion Commander when I was in 1-505. He was a great Commander, but the less than comfortable climate his wife created is remembered by many. Although unfortunate, this does not surprise me.

[Richard]

Spouses can be an issue at any level and most Offs/NCOs learn at an early point in their careers to avoid the oil and vinegar interminglings of organizational politics which have the potential to become toxic very quickly.

Anyone remember the Jim Hiett episode at the US Embassy in Colombia?

And so it goes...

Richard :munchin

[JAGO]

Anyone remember the Jim Hiett episode at the US Embassy in Colombia?


Richard :munchin

Richard,
Sadly, I do.:(
v/r
phil

[Streck-Fu]

More detailed article here:

Colonel’s Wife Accused of Harassing Soldiers
Mil.Com, 11 June 2010

http://www.military.com/news/article/colonels-wife-accused-of-harassing-soldiers.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS

And so it goes...

Richard :munchin


Damn....

I had a LT (Navy type so O-3) in a previous command whose wife had her own career and life and was not interested in the playing the politics of Navy Wife. Eventually they divorced as it did impact both his career and their marriage.

[Dozer523]

Colonel’s Wife Accused of Harassing Soldiers
Mil.Com, 11 June 2010
Wow, just WOW!
I remember my Mom in the white glove wives clubs when I was a kid.
Wait til Mom sees THIS!

[ZonieDiver]

Wow, just WOW!
I remember my Mom in the white glove wives clubs when I was a kid.
Wait til Mom sees THIS!

Wow is right! I'll be passing this along to my daughter, who has been 'enlightened' by her FRG 'responsibilities'!

[greenberetTFS]

Concur. He made an enemy with the wrong person above him. And now has paid dearly for it. Relieved of command......


I totally concur...............:(

Big Teddy :munchin

[Pete]

Report: 82nd battalion leaders ousted over inappropriate pictures

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/05/11/1092794?sac=Home

Update on the story

".........The Army on Friday released a copy of the investigative file in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed last year by The Fayetteville Observer. The 200-page file includes emails, copies of the pictures meant as jokes, and sworn statements from 32 soldiers in the battalion.

The investigation found that 22 of 48 briefings included a slide "of poor taste, demonstrating poor judgment, and not reflective of our Army values," according to the investigating officer's executive summary................"

Poor taste? That one covers a lot of ground depending on who you ask.

[Dusty]

Report: 82nd battalion leaders ousted over inappropriate pictures

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/05/11/1092794?sac=Home

Update on the story

".........The Army on Friday released a copy of the investigative file in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed last year by The Fayetteville Observer. The 200-page file includes emails, copies of the pictures meant as jokes, and sworn statements from 32 soldiers in the battalion.

The investigation found that 22 of 48 briefings included a slide "of poor taste, demonstrating poor judgment, and not reflective of our Army values," according to the investigating officer's executive summary................"

Poor taste? That one covers a lot of ground depending on who you ask.

Exactly. It's subjective, e.g. I personally feel that gorging on tamales while listening to a gangster rapping poet on the WH lawn to be in poor taste.

[ZonieDiver]

Exactly. It's subjective, e.g. I personally feel that gorging on tamales while listening to a gangster rapping poet on the WH lawn to be in poor taste.

Gorging on (good) tamales can never be in poor taste, especially with good beer! :D

[Tree Potato]

QP's, I'm referencing this firing of a Bn CC in a paper on why senior leaders are relieved of duty but could use a vector check and more info if it's available; could you steer me in the right direction?
- It seems there's more to the firings of the LTC and CSM than merely some bad powerpoint slides; a candid "knock it off" call could have put and end to that. Am I off the rails here?
- The command climate within 4 BCT sounds from the outside as if it were significantly worse than in the 2-508th; valid perception? (...yet the BCT CC didn't lose his command...)
- There was mention of legal action by the Bn CC; has he done so?
- Has any further action (publicly available) been taken regarding the BCT CC's wife? (Beyond actions mentioned in the articles linked in previous posts)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, and thanks again for sharing your site with us non-QPs.

[MTN Medic]

I have no knowledge of the reasons that these men were relieved. What I do know is that the Army does not mess around with EO, Sexual Harassment or any other crap that has no place in the U.S. Army.

MNSHOO