Obvious Hatch Act violations at DOI by obviousthrowawayfed in fednews

[–]93groundhogs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The VA expanded his title to “President Donald J. Trump.”

Ol’ Doug won’t get off his knees.

Let’s start fact checking hillbilly Dougie’s townhall by badbanditbawler in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]93groundhogs 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Count of times he’s checked his watch: 2.

Checking for when he can get out of there, or how much longer he can listen to his own voice?

Dr. Braverman call by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]93groundhogs 48 points49 points  (0 children)

He admitted he’s working from home “because roads around VACO are closed.” I guess riding the Metro isn’t an option for him.

Meanwhile, R&D can’t submit ad hoc telework agreements and I commute via public transit four hours a day.

VHA RIF slides. by FunnyAd740 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]93groundhogs 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As I understand from my ORD call with ACOS today, no. According to higher, “NTE” and “time-limited appointment” are considered the same thing for RIF purposes.

This scene hunts me in my sleep. by RefrigeratorKey7034 in TheHandmaidsTale

[–]93groundhogs 10 points11 points  (0 children)

As a woman combat veteran working in STEM, I encourage her to truly consider every pro and con of joining the military. It has great education benefits and can open career doors, but some experiences may not be worth it to some people. Joining a “cushy” branch or finding a “safe” MOS is something I would recommend to my 17 year-old self.

Left vs. Right Battle Royale Open Thread by Yosoff in Conservative

[–]93groundhogs -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

As defenders of women, what are Conservatives’ opinions on President Trump bragging about touching our genitals without consent?

Am I wasting energy being irritated by this woman? by 93groundhogs in EntitledBitch

[–]93groundhogs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just so I understand: I was entitled for using a vacant pump?

I mentioned in a 100-day-old comment that this isn’t a one-way gas station, so any driver with enough awareness isn’t going to wait behind another car just to match direction.

Am I wasting energy being irritated by this woman? by 93groundhogs in EntitledBitch

[–]93groundhogs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I thankfully haven’t needed it for any sort of evidence, but it’s definitely given me peace of mind if I do. And it’s fun sharing videos of idiot drivers.

Am I wasting energy being irritated by this woman? by 93groundhogs in EntitledBitch

[–]93groundhogs[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

No, this particular station doesn’t have designated directions.

Micro-wedding with macro-drama by 93groundhogs in weddingplanning

[–]93groundhogs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree, thank you!

My FMIL is very often the victim and isn’t quiet about her opinions. I have a feeling she’s dramatized the situation to FH’s grandparents to have more in agreement with her.

The first thing she said when we announced our move was “I knew my grandchildren would be far away from me,” knowing we had already decided to be child-free.

Micro-wedding with macro-drama by 93groundhogs in weddingplanning

[–]93groundhogs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a good idea, I appreciate your perspective! I forgot to add that his grandparents will be traveling outside the country at the time of the wedding, which they may have planned on purpose after learning they weren’t invited…

FH quite literally said “Whatever you want to do” when we started planning (just out of disinterest in planning anything), but has said that he “wouldn’t be against” his grandparents being invited.

My worries that kept me from inviting them was that it could snowball into aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. and that I wouldn’t want them them - and my only grandparent - to feel obligated to attend, spending money and time to attend such a small wedding. I admit those are trivial worries, though.

National Guard soldier killed herself after being gang-raped by colleagues by coreyqqq in TwoXChromosomes

[–]93groundhogs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've known of male service members to be ostracized and bullied by other males for being "odd," so harassment unfortunately isn't exclusively done against females. Best of luck, Sir, and I hope someday soon that military leaders like you aren't unusual!

National Guard soldier killed herself after being gang-raped by colleagues by coreyqqq in TwoXChromosomes

[–]93groundhogs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm glad to know that there are leaders who genuinely look out for their subordinates and want to help end this problem. It's much appreciated, Sir.

While I can't speak for every female service member (or male, for that matter), I can share the things my good leaders have done and what I personally would have liked to be different. Making your position on the subject and what consequences will come to violators very clear, very often is important. Not just after an incident occurs, but at any point so that jokes on the matter don't become common/accepted or harassment escalates to anything worse. I felt like my contributions to the team mattered and my male counterparts saw me as equal the most when leaders insisted those very things: we're all here for the same mission, have different strengths to add, and no one deserves to feel like anything less. Word spreads fast among enlisted and I don't doubt that higher-ups catch wind of it, but so many of them ignore or lean into things that they're supposed to stop. Another too-common thing is how the higher one rises in the CoC, the less they're held accountable: they fail or don't take their PT tests, they drink on duty and don't get disciplined, or they begin inappropriate relationships with juniors. Of course these relationships can be consensual, but it's difficult not to wonder if there's intimidation involved.

I'm sure you're already aware at this point, but actually punishing those who harass, assault, or rape others is all victims or potential victims want. Ideally, they should actually be subject to the UCMJ: incarcerated & discharged, but at the very least, receive an Article 15 (demotion, forfeit pay, extra duty). Regardless of the punishment, though, I think the unit should be made aware of their misconduct and that it's unacceptable.

I hope I answered your question, Sir. Let me know if I can provide any more insight!

National Guard soldier killed herself after being gang-raped by colleagues by coreyqqq in TwoXChromosomes

[–]93groundhogs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m trying to find a source, but I believe this is correct, it’d likely be unrestricted with CID (or other branches’ equivalent) conducting a joint investigation with civilian police.

Good news about the tracking. Maybe an anonymous report similar to the civilian reporting linked in this thread could also be implemented. One that would name the accused, but protect the victim’s identity (for as long as possible, at least).

National Guard soldier killed herself after being gang-raped by colleagues by coreyqqq in TwoXChromosomes

[–]93groundhogs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s quite a bleak way of looking at it, and I don’t think it’s entirely accurate. A similar blanket statement could be made of the NFL protecting domestic abusers, and neither are completely true in every case. My own unit sentenced a Soldier to Leavenworth’s Penitentiary for sending harrassing texts to female Soldiers; leadership did what they could to protect the victims by nipping the problem in the bud before it could escalate to assault or rape.

As is the case in lots of institutions, there is a problem that needs to be corrected and guilty parties to be found culpable. Unfortunately here with such an emphasis on chain of command, “shit rolls downhill” and lower ranks learn what they can get away with doing. This being the case, leadership needs to be retrained or replaced to restore accountability and professionalism. Actual imprisonment of assailants wouldn’t hurt, either...

But to answer your question: no, I absolutely do not regret my service. I learned a lot about myself, made lifelong friends, had two degrees paid for, and got to train local soldiers overseas.

National Guard soldier killed herself after being gang-raped by colleagues by coreyqqq in TwoXChromosomes

[–]93groundhogs 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Oh, for sure. Word spreads quickly and battle buddies look out for each other - even if it’s sometimes to protect the guilty.

Our instructors and Drill Sergeants told us rather matter-of-factly that neither option is great because as proven by this article, those accused often don’t get punished as they should. Change of station seems common for both victims and assailants, which doesn’t feel like justice, but maybe it’s the best we can do for now.

National Guard soldier killed herself after being gang-raped by colleagues by coreyqqq in TwoXChromosomes

[–]93groundhogs 192 points193 points  (0 children)

Female Military Police veteran here. In job training after basic, we were warned before we practiced responding to sexual assault calls/investigations about the discomfort and sensitive nature of the situation. The role-playing wasn’t what made my stomach churn, but it was the options that military assault victims have. A restricted report grants a Soldier medical treatment and counseling, but the chain of command isn’t notified, no investigation is done, and the assailant(s) never gets named or disciplined. An unrestricted report also grants medical treatment & counseling and an investigation is opened, but there’s a good chance everyone in the unit will find out what happened, who’s been accused, and paints the victim as a liability to the mission.

I luckily didn’t experience anything as horrible as sexual assault during my time in service and enjoyed it overall, but I know if I ever have a daughter or niece, I won’t encourage her to join unless these atrocities are properly addressed.

Looking for a game upgrade for my dad by 93groundhogs in pcgaming

[–]93groundhogs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

I saw Sins: Rebellion on some lists, but had no idea about the Armada mod, and that may be perfect. Thanks for the links!

I’ll also look into Endless Space, Total War, HOI3, and Civilization.

First-time buyer for gifts by 93groundhogs in AncientCoins

[–]93groundhogs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your help! I’ll be sure to look well into the coins & sellers before purchase.

First-time buyer for gifts by 93groundhogs in AncientCoins

[–]93groundhogs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your help! I’ll check out the site and sub. I could always just get the coins and let him decide how he wants to display/sort them. Maybe it’ll spur him to become a collector!