Just who is responsible for the killing of Osama Benladin? For the first time, I will reveal the truth. I arrived in Washington D.C as the Gunner's Mate Detailer in October of 1980. President Reagan was elected that November and inaugurated January 1981. Sometime the spring of 1981, an Enlisted Assignment Document changing the Rating of a Chief Navy Counselor back to his original Rating of Chief Gunner's Mate! I was overwhelmed with anger! This action was taken without my vote as was the published policy. I went searching, no, HUNTING to find out who perpetrated this crime.
Why was it a crime. Because Chief promotion spots were hard to justify and one of these precious billets had just been taken by someone I felt did not deserve it. I quickly found out that the decision had been solely made by the SEAL Detailer. I charged to his desk! I immediately began to berate this Master Chief SEAL. He took my diatribe for a few minutes. Evidently they teach SEALS the ability to suffer fools! When he had his fill of my foul language, he told me; Don; I need this man for his special skills. You do not know what he is going to do and I can't tell you. You are dismissed! I steamed off!
Fast forward to late 1987. I was selected as the Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Force Master Chief position. In this position, the Atlantic Fleet SEALS were represented by me. Soon after I took this responsibility I was invited to visit a SEAL team by the Command Master Chief. He gave me directions to the location of this Command and I was perplexed at the location. But, I showed up at the appointed time. This was my first introduction to SEAL Team Six.
SEAL Team Six was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The first Commanding Officer was Commander Richard Marcinko. He built a team of exceptional SEALS with capabilities far beyond ant other SEAL team. They reported directly to the President. They did not wear uniforms, nor did they carry ID cards or dog tags. They had long hair and beards and could fit in on the streets of any world city. The were true Commandos!
During this visit, I met the Chief Gunner's Mate that I so violently argued against. He gave me a tour of his Armory and I apologized for being such an ass. While I will not tell you all I saw and experienced, I will tell you I was overwhelmed with they capabilities and dedication. You will also notice, that unlike the Vice President, I will not tell you anything I still believe is sensitive.
Now, to the point of this blog. President Obama utilized SEAL Team Six to carry out the mission to remove Binladen. But he only used what President Ronald Reagan established and equipped. He stood on the shoulders of great men and took the credit solely for himself. Credit he does not deserve. President Reagan is responsible for the successful mission to bring Osama Binladen to justice. Without his foresight back in 1981, Binladen would most likely still be at large.
Thank you President Reagan, for your insightful leadership!
Welcome!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Fundamentals of Leadership, Part Three
Let's see, we talked about leadership and accountability. Let's talk about working with the opposite sex. There are three rules when working with, working for, or havein someone of the opposite sex work for you.
Rule One; You can't screw the hired help!
Rule Two; You can't screw the boss!
Rule Three: You can't screw your shipmate!
Conclusion: Sex with anyone that is stationed with you is not good for your career! Many Officers and Chiefs seem to forget these rules and get fired for violating them.
You can add rules like, treat everyone, regardless of their sex, the same. But, that makes sense. But your generation does not do sensible things. So, maybe this should be rule Four!
But, remember the first three rules because violating them will get you fired!
Rule One; You can't screw the hired help!
Rule Two; You can't screw the boss!
Rule Three: You can't screw your shipmate!
Conclusion: Sex with anyone that is stationed with you is not good for your career! Many Officers and Chiefs seem to forget these rules and get fired for violating them.
You can add rules like, treat everyone, regardless of their sex, the same. But, that makes sense. But your generation does not do sensible things. So, maybe this should be rule Four!
But, remember the first three rules because violating them will get you fired!
Fundamentals of Leadership part two
OK, I gave you three fundamentals of Leadership, now I will give you some rules of Accountability.
First; If YOU broke it, You FIX it!! If a person who is subordinate to you has issues, it is your job to correct them. How, Set the example, see Rule one from the last blog. Then, train the individual in the out come your expect. Then, show the person HOW to do the job correctly. The, let the person try it himself with your oversight. Critique the results, in a positive manner and have him try again. Finally, let the person do it on his own. Never lower your standards. Raise theirs!
This rule also applies to equipment, barracks, what ever. If you break something, don't tell on of your subordinates to fix it, YOU fix it and set the example while doing it!
Second; Punishment is the last resort and only punish the individual responsible for the problem. It is better to train, correct, and set the example of the expected outcome than punish someone for doing a bad job. I remember in Boot Camp, on the first night. We did not have uniforms or even our first haircut. But, our Company Commander taught us how to properly make our bunks! The proper hospital covers, how to fold our blankets, hot tight the sheets were supposed to be. Our Company Commander made a bunk! Then, he had us make our bunks. Then he showed us where we went wrong and had us remake our bunks until we got it right. That was 44 years ago and I can still make my bunk correctly!
Third; Praise in public, punish in private! And, yelling is not normally effective. I worked for a Chief and one time I made a big technical mistake. I was deathly afraid of telling him of my error, but I did. He never yelled. He simply said, order the parts, and when they come in, fix the gun mount. Weeks went by and I beat myself up because I felt I let him down. Finally, I asked the Chief why he had not yelled at me. He said; I did not have to, you already made yourself fell bad!
More later.
First; If YOU broke it, You FIX it!! If a person who is subordinate to you has issues, it is your job to correct them. How, Set the example, see Rule one from the last blog. Then, train the individual in the out come your expect. Then, show the person HOW to do the job correctly. The, let the person try it himself with your oversight. Critique the results, in a positive manner and have him try again. Finally, let the person do it on his own. Never lower your standards. Raise theirs!
This rule also applies to equipment, barracks, what ever. If you break something, don't tell on of your subordinates to fix it, YOU fix it and set the example while doing it!
Second; Punishment is the last resort and only punish the individual responsible for the problem. It is better to train, correct, and set the example of the expected outcome than punish someone for doing a bad job. I remember in Boot Camp, on the first night. We did not have uniforms or even our first haircut. But, our Company Commander taught us how to properly make our bunks! The proper hospital covers, how to fold our blankets, hot tight the sheets were supposed to be. Our Company Commander made a bunk! Then, he had us make our bunks. Then he showed us where we went wrong and had us remake our bunks until we got it right. That was 44 years ago and I can still make my bunk correctly!
Third; Praise in public, punish in private! And, yelling is not normally effective. I worked for a Chief and one time I made a big technical mistake. I was deathly afraid of telling him of my error, but I did. He never yelled. He simply said, order the parts, and when they come in, fix the gun mount. Weeks went by and I beat myself up because I felt I let him down. Finally, I asked the Chief why he had not yelled at me. He said; I did not have to, you already made yourself fell bad!
More later.
The fundamentals of Leadership!
Sometimes I forget that this generation of young adults have not been taught basic truths. I see so many times, so called leaders making basic mistakes in leading men. I see the same faults in fathers as they try to raise sons and daughters. So, I thought I would offer a few basic principles, fundamentals, mandatory traits, of good old LEADERSHIP. Yes, there are many of you who took management classes. Well, you did not learn a thing because you were taught by people who never lead anyone! I have, so listen up!
FIRST: Don't ask. order, or expect anyone to do what you have not done!! If you want a character trait exhibited, YOU MUST exhibit that trait, all the time!!! For instance, parents, if you want your children to keep their rooms neat and clean; Your room must be neat and clean. Do as I say, not as I do, does not work!! Military men, the correct order is; Men, follow ME! Not, Men, run over that hill and get killed, I will stay here where it is safe and do the paper work!
SECOND: You must be the subject matter expert. Leadership requires competency. Your men will not follow a person who does not know where HE is going. Same for parenting. Share your experiences in life with your children. Let them know that you were a "Kid" once. Let them know the hard spots in life that you went through so they can avoid them. Be the "Fount" of wisdom not the "Question Mark"!
THIRD: Don't criticize your superiors in front of your subordinates. If you were given an order to carry out, when you tell you subordinates, that order is now YOUR order! You gave it, you get credit for the results, and you correct your subordinates for their mistakes. An order give by you is your order, not your Superior's order. The easy way is to say, we have to do this because I was told to. That will not motivate your subordinates to follow you!
OK, I know that this generation has a short attention span. Three principles is enough for now. Review this, apply this, and teach this to others. Expect these fundamentals from your boss and display these to your people! You will be much better for it.
FIRST: Don't ask. order, or expect anyone to do what you have not done!! If you want a character trait exhibited, YOU MUST exhibit that trait, all the time!!! For instance, parents, if you want your children to keep their rooms neat and clean; Your room must be neat and clean. Do as I say, not as I do, does not work!! Military men, the correct order is; Men, follow ME! Not, Men, run over that hill and get killed, I will stay here where it is safe and do the paper work!
SECOND: You must be the subject matter expert. Leadership requires competency. Your men will not follow a person who does not know where HE is going. Same for parenting. Share your experiences in life with your children. Let them know that you were a "Kid" once. Let them know the hard spots in life that you went through so they can avoid them. Be the "Fount" of wisdom not the "Question Mark"!
THIRD: Don't criticize your superiors in front of your subordinates. If you were given an order to carry out, when you tell you subordinates, that order is now YOUR order! You gave it, you get credit for the results, and you correct your subordinates for their mistakes. An order give by you is your order, not your Superior's order. The easy way is to say, we have to do this because I was told to. That will not motivate your subordinates to follow you!
OK, I know that this generation has a short attention span. Three principles is enough for now. Review this, apply this, and teach this to others. Expect these fundamentals from your boss and display these to your people! You will be much better for it.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Memorial Day is approaching. Who do you remember?
In a couple of weeks, it will me Memorial Day. What do you plan to do on this three day Holiday? Travel, have friends over, go to an automobile race? I have a suggestion; Take your family to a National Cemetery for the Memorial Day remembrance.
Memorial Day is the one day that we, as a Nation, stop and remember those who gave their lives while on Active Duty in our Armed Forces. The question is, to make this Holiday personal, who do you remember that died defending you! Do you remember anyone who died defending freedom? Did you forget them until this minute?
They may have gone to High School with you or to College. They may have been your neighbor, your second cousin, or your brother. Naturally, you remember those closest to you but after years pass, the memory fades. I challenge you to rekindle the memories of your Hero! Remember your friendship, your love, your experiences. Recall to your active memory the emotions you felt when you first heard of their death. That is the purpose of Memorial Day. To remember those people that WE knew and the sacrifice that they made.
Who did I know that I remember on this day, and many others; GMG1 Robert "Red" Mills, WO1 Robert Dalton, GMCS Sigfriet, GMCM Hass. While I do not remember the exact day they died, I do know how they died. Each one of these men were exceptional men who chose to serve our NAtion and died in that service.
Memorial Day is a personal holiday as well as a National Holiday. Boy Scouts and Veteran's groups place small American Flags on each grave in the National Cemeteries, ceremonies are held, Taps is player, prayers are offered, all in the memory of OUR loved one. Let us personally remember our Hero by visiting the National Cemetery closest to you and visit a grave, or even THE grave of you Hero. Remember the sacrifice he or she made and how that death effected you. The reflect on how many others have been impacted in the same way.
This is the purpose of Memorial Day. To remember the cost of Freedom.
Memorial Day is the one day that we, as a Nation, stop and remember those who gave their lives while on Active Duty in our Armed Forces. The question is, to make this Holiday personal, who do you remember that died defending you! Do you remember anyone who died defending freedom? Did you forget them until this minute?
They may have gone to High School with you or to College. They may have been your neighbor, your second cousin, or your brother. Naturally, you remember those closest to you but after years pass, the memory fades. I challenge you to rekindle the memories of your Hero! Remember your friendship, your love, your experiences. Recall to your active memory the emotions you felt when you first heard of their death. That is the purpose of Memorial Day. To remember those people that WE knew and the sacrifice that they made.
Who did I know that I remember on this day, and many others; GMG1 Robert "Red" Mills, WO1 Robert Dalton, GMCS Sigfriet, GMCM Hass. While I do not remember the exact day they died, I do know how they died. Each one of these men were exceptional men who chose to serve our NAtion and died in that service.
Memorial Day is a personal holiday as well as a National Holiday. Boy Scouts and Veteran's groups place small American Flags on each grave in the National Cemeteries, ceremonies are held, Taps is player, prayers are offered, all in the memory of OUR loved one. Let us personally remember our Hero by visiting the National Cemetery closest to you and visit a grave, or even THE grave of you Hero. Remember the sacrifice he or she made and how that death effected you. The reflect on how many others have been impacted in the same way.
This is the purpose of Memorial Day. To remember the cost of Freedom.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Senator Reid wants to mess with the Military Justice system to appease female activists!
Today, I learned that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants to change the UCMJ to do away with the ability of the Appeals Officer to overturn a punishment or the entire verdict. This knee jerk reaction comes from a case where a Naval Officer was accused of sexual assault by a female Naval Officer who stayed in his guest room. The Naval Officer's wife was present the entire time and she testified that nothing happened and the visiting female Naval Officer caused a seen and was asked by her to leave. The Court Martial convicted the Officer but the Admiral over turned the conviction.
Because of pressure from the Feminazis, Senator Reid wants to change the rules of Military Justice! Never mind that the facts of the case do not support a conviction. The truth is, most Military Officers are so frightened by a Sexual Harassment case that a blind, deaf, paralyzed eunuch would be convicted of sexual assault! Of course, the Feminazis called this a result of the "Good old boys network"! Never mind the facts!
This is just another illustration of the demise of the U.S. Military. No enemy would dare bomb this place and end all this confusion!
CORRECTION; One of my readers corrected me and my faulty memory. The Officers involved in this case were Air Force Officers and NOT Navy Officers. This is my mistake and I apologize for this inaccuracy.
I could lean on my Dementia as a cause but I will just accept responsibility without excuse.
Because of pressure from the Feminazis, Senator Reid wants to change the rules of Military Justice! Never mind that the facts of the case do not support a conviction. The truth is, most Military Officers are so frightened by a Sexual Harassment case that a blind, deaf, paralyzed eunuch would be convicted of sexual assault! Of course, the Feminazis called this a result of the "Good old boys network"! Never mind the facts!
This is just another illustration of the demise of the U.S. Military. No enemy would dare bomb this place and end all this confusion!
CORRECTION; One of my readers corrected me and my faulty memory. The Officers involved in this case were Air Force Officers and NOT Navy Officers. This is my mistake and I apologize for this inaccuracy.
I could lean on my Dementia as a cause but I will just accept responsibility without excuse.
Why no Master Chiefs?
The recent events in Benghazi required an investigation that used Admiral Mullen (Ret) and Ambassador Pickering (Ret). Both men with stellar government careers. The Air Force's Sexual Harassment czar gets fired for groping a female. An investigation will ensue. There have been other review boards, panels, and investigations, conducted by the government. Retired military officer and retired elected official, retired appointed civilian, and retired Civil Servant, are used for these boards and panels. My question is; Why are Senior Enlisted Personnel utilized for these panels? There are numerous retired E-10s from the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army, and Coast Guard. Why can't they be utilized in these boards and panels? Are they slighted because they are Stupid Enlisted Trash?! That's what I see. Use the Officers because they are educated, smart, loyal. Use the Political appointees because they will not find anything that makes us look bad. Used the retired politicians because they were part of the club. But please, no Enlisted Personnel! Even though they testified to Congress annually, Briefed the Service Secretaries, the Secretary of Defense, and even the President.
There are other things that bug me about the way Enlisted Personnel are treated. Like the Navy Drill Team! Or the Navy Band! My view is, parade the stupid, untrainable, illiterate, Enlisted idiots and show the other Officers how well we trained these monkeys! I am sure the other Services have examples as bad. Also, Dam Neck STILL has an Enlisted and an Officers beach. Trust me, out stench does not wash off on you. These have been burrs under my saddle for a long, long, time! Now, I am free to express them. I will say that not all Officers are bad or hold Enlisted Personnel in disdain. But I have run into enough of them to reinforce my opinions.
Do I sound angry. I guess I am. I am tired of the Enlisted Personnel of the Military being looked down on, suffered, and treated with disrespect. Many of our Enlisted Personnel have advanced university degrees including Doctorates! Many of these Very Senior Enlisted leaders have held levels of leadership and responsibility far above that of some political appointees. Yet, Senior Enlisted continue to be treated like the red headed step children of the Military! So yes, I am angry and you should be too.
There are other things that bug me about the way Enlisted Personnel are treated. Like the Navy Drill Team! Or the Navy Band! My view is, parade the stupid, untrainable, illiterate, Enlisted idiots and show the other Officers how well we trained these monkeys! I am sure the other Services have examples as bad. Also, Dam Neck STILL has an Enlisted and an Officers beach. Trust me, out stench does not wash off on you. These have been burrs under my saddle for a long, long, time! Now, I am free to express them. I will say that not all Officers are bad or hold Enlisted Personnel in disdain. But I have run into enough of them to reinforce my opinions.
Do I sound angry. I guess I am. I am tired of the Enlisted Personnel of the Military being looked down on, suffered, and treated with disrespect. Many of our Enlisted Personnel have advanced university degrees including Doctorates! Many of these Very Senior Enlisted leaders have held levels of leadership and responsibility far above that of some political appointees. Yet, Senior Enlisted continue to be treated like the red headed step children of the Military! So yes, I am angry and you should be too.
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