I can remember, almost to the exact word...when I, as NCOIC of the Quantico ATC Section, was called to H & HS 1st Sgt's office. I reported, and was immediately screamed at, berated (privately), cursed, yelled at..etc...etc..
Seems a CPL from ATC was told by the 1st SGT to make his rack (the CPL's) in the barracks. The 1st SGT went back to the barracks about 30 minutes later....the rack was NOT made, and
the CPL was gone.
The 1st SGT told me to go make the rack and then find this CPL and give him lessons on how to make a rack.
Well.. I assured the 1st SGT that the rack would be properly made, but, NOT by me, AND, that I would NOT give instructions to a CPL on how to make a rack or follow orders given by a "1st SGT". I would, however, have plenty of instruction to a LCPL or PFC (former CPL)...as it was quite apparant that this CPL was not deserving of the rank, and could not conduct himself in the manner that is expected of a young NCO.. I requested that the 1st SGT write up the CPL and I would find the young man and we'd treat him in the manner in which his actions deemed necessary.
Well..the 1st SGT then really exploded!! He would not write up the CPL...shouting/yelling at each other brought in the Maj (Maj A.B.Banks, H&HS CO) from his office. After he learned of the commotion, I was excused and told that the 1st SGT would get back to me. (I then ensured the CPL's rack was properly tended to). The 1stSGT NEVER mentioned the incident again, and he NEVER took the time for any disciplinary action against the CPL.
(The following month, however, was the first time in my almost 11 years that I put a CPL on Mess Duty...and believe me...he knew WHY a CPL was going on mess duty!)
