TEAM BUILDING AT THE SQUAD LEVEL
Case Study: Balancing Family Needs with the Mission
The Blue Spaders had just returned from a 14-day exercise in Hohenfels, Germany. After performing recovery operations on Friday and Saturday and having Sunday and Monday off, the battalion was back at it on Tuesday with Day 3 recovery operations. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Cajina watched his platoon in the motor pool layout all their equipment for the afternoon inspections. He noticed SSG Brown, the 2nd Squad Leader, constantly checking his cell phone and looking upset about something.
Cajina knew that SSG Brown was usually upbeat and constantly engaged with his squad in whatever they were doing. SFC Cajina pulled SSG Brown to the side for some privacy and asked if everything was all right.
Brown replied, “SFC Cajina, you know my daughter Olivia. She’s having her first piano recital now at school; my wife has been blowing my phone up, asking if there is any way I can make it. Olivia was nervous and was wanting me to be there. I told her we have an inspection, and I cannot.”
SFC Cajina then asked SSG Brown if one of his team leaders could handle the inspection without him. “Of course, he can; he has done this a few times,” Brown replied.
SFC Cajina explained to SSG Brown, “Listen, most of the time, the JLBC, the mission will come first. Other times you need to take care of family first. When the Army has to come first, you will know it. Right now, you have a little girl who needs her daddy. Go be there for her.”
SSG Brown left the motor pool with a massive smile as he texted his wife to tell her to save him a seat.
Question 1. What are your thoughts on SFC Cajina’s decision? Question 2. Is this an example of taking care of your members?
Question 3. How do you think SSG Brown’s family felt about that decision?
Question 4. What do you think the other members of the platoon
Commenti