I know this may have been talked about on this forum before, but I couldn't find any solid answer. My question is regarding the rank structure of midshipmen vice ODs and MECEPs. I've been in the regs all day and can't find anything that states where OCs and MECEPs measure up compared to midshipmen.
Some details. I am a MECEP about 5 weeks from commissioning. For some reason I have been blessed (sarcasm) with an Company XO billet for my last semester. Not that I'm complaining, I know a position of leadership is an honor, but when senioritis is kicking into over drive and you just want to get back to the damn fleet, the last thing you want to do is babysit some midshipmen trying to figure out how to be a CO. It reminds me of a quote from some obscure cartoon I saw as a child, "aww now ain't that cute... BUT IT'S WRONG!" such is my world.
The problem actually lies with a MIDN 1/C that is acting as BNCO. After sending SNM an email as well as the BNXO and my own Company CO requesting that we all get together to discuss our communications difficulties I received quite the nasty little email in response in which SNM proceeded to lecture me on the condescending tone of my request for a meeting. Additionally SNM informed me that this tone displayed an individualistic attitude, aww hell you gotta read this paragraph for yourself.
"Secondly, the tone in which you wrote this email represents an condescending attitude on your part. This continued attitude is unacceptable and highlights an individualistic mindset."
For reference here is the entire content of my email.
"Midshipmen,
I would like for us to hold a meeting tomorrow in the conference room immediately following Delta drill. I am certain that MIDN Company CO and I are both available at that time. If this does not work for you I can do immediately following normal drill, I believe MIDN Company CO is available at that time as well (Correct me if I am wrong on that). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the disconnect between Delta and Battalion, and to cover other related issues.
R/
SGT So-and-so"
Now I realize it isn't the sweetest email in the world but after three years at an NROTC I am under the impression we as OCs and MECEPs are here to assist the Midshipmen when we see a problem. My entire intention was to fix the communication problem and be done with it, but after being told that attempting to arrange a meeting fix a communication problem somehow equates to an individualistic attitude..... Houston we have a problem.
This is the paragraph that elevated me from slightly annoyed to irate.
"Thirdly, NROTC is a training environment, and as a member of such you are expected to uphold and support the student-run chain of command from your assigned billet as well as your position as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps. Thus, every billet, whether a 4/C MIDN or a GySgt, that is above a company XO will be addressed with the proper respect, this includes signing your emails "V/r" This is an elementary concept which was already addressed from your previous email, and ties into my second point. I trust that this problem will not recur."
Forgive me for getting butt-hurt, but here we have a midshipman instructing an NCO on the proper way to end an email. It seems SNM somehow thinks they somehow deserve a "very" respectfully salutation vice a "respectfully" or "regards" salutation. This of course must be due to their vast combat experience and time served. You have got to be kidding me. I about shit myself when I read the "elementary concept" bit, that is the most condescending and disrespectful thing a midshipman ever dared say to me. In my eye this is more or less calling me ignorant.
All in all my question is do I have any right to dress down this midshipman or am I just SOL in the grand scheme of things because of the politics involved in an NROTC. I can't stand the thought that this could actually be allowed to happen. What the hell are MECEPs here for if not to assist the midshipmen? That would be a waste of a valuable asset. I believe a MECEP or OC should be able to break the chain of command when necessary to ensure a smooth ebb and flow in a unit without fear of a power tripping or insecure midshipman ripping them a new one and being so blatantly disrespectful.
Some details. I am a MECEP about 5 weeks from commissioning. For some reason I have been blessed (sarcasm) with an Company XO billet for my last semester. Not that I'm complaining, I know a position of leadership is an honor, but when senioritis is kicking into over drive and you just want to get back to the damn fleet, the last thing you want to do is babysit some midshipmen trying to figure out how to be a CO. It reminds me of a quote from some obscure cartoon I saw as a child, "aww now ain't that cute... BUT IT'S WRONG!" such is my world.
The problem actually lies with a MIDN 1/C that is acting as BNCO. After sending SNM an email as well as the BNXO and my own Company CO requesting that we all get together to discuss our communications difficulties I received quite the nasty little email in response in which SNM proceeded to lecture me on the condescending tone of my request for a meeting. Additionally SNM informed me that this tone displayed an individualistic attitude, aww hell you gotta read this paragraph for yourself.
"Secondly, the tone in which you wrote this email represents an condescending attitude on your part. This continued attitude is unacceptable and highlights an individualistic mindset."
For reference here is the entire content of my email.
"Midshipmen,
I would like for us to hold a meeting tomorrow in the conference room immediately following Delta drill. I am certain that MIDN Company CO and I are both available at that time. If this does not work for you I can do immediately following normal drill, I believe MIDN Company CO is available at that time as well (Correct me if I am wrong on that). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the disconnect between Delta and Battalion, and to cover other related issues.
R/
SGT So-and-so"
Now I realize it isn't the sweetest email in the world but after three years at an NROTC I am under the impression we as OCs and MECEPs are here to assist the Midshipmen when we see a problem. My entire intention was to fix the communication problem and be done with it, but after being told that attempting to arrange a meeting fix a communication problem somehow equates to an individualistic attitude..... Houston we have a problem.
This is the paragraph that elevated me from slightly annoyed to irate.
"Thirdly, NROTC is a training environment, and as a member of such you are expected to uphold and support the student-run chain of command from your assigned billet as well as your position as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps. Thus, every billet, whether a 4/C MIDN or a GySgt, that is above a company XO will be addressed with the proper respect, this includes signing your emails "V/r" This is an elementary concept which was already addressed from your previous email, and ties into my second point. I trust that this problem will not recur."
Forgive me for getting butt-hurt, but here we have a midshipman instructing an NCO on the proper way to end an email. It seems SNM somehow thinks they somehow deserve a "very" respectfully salutation vice a "respectfully" or "regards" salutation. This of course must be due to their vast combat experience and time served. You have got to be kidding me. I about shit myself when I read the "elementary concept" bit, that is the most condescending and disrespectful thing a midshipman ever dared say to me. In my eye this is more or less calling me ignorant.
All in all my question is do I have any right to dress down this midshipman or am I just SOL in the grand scheme of things because of the politics involved in an NROTC. I can't stand the thought that this could actually be allowed to happen. What the hell are MECEPs here for if not to assist the midshipmen? That would be a waste of a valuable asset. I believe a MECEP or OC should be able to break the chain of command when necessary to ensure a smooth ebb and flow in a unit without fear of a power tripping or insecure midshipman ripping them a new one and being so blatantly disrespectful.