Can I Require my Soldiers to Answer the Phone or Respond to Text Messages

Short Answer

You can make it a requirement the Soldier has a way of receiving information or being contacted.  If they fail to respond you have numerous options available.

You Can’t Make Me Answer My Phone!

That is a true statement….but you can make them wish they would have answered their phone.

Before cell phones we relied on landlines and Soldier were required to answer their phone and/or respond to voicemails.  Soldiers will occasionally say things like:

• you can’t make me answer the phone. I am paying for it- true statement but if that Soldier lives off or lives in the barracks the commander can revoke off post living or pass privileges-problem solved
• I do not have to respond to your phone calls or text message because I am off duty- again the commander can revoke pass privileges or off post living privileges and the problem is solved
• You can’t make me respond- If a Soldier fails to respond to a text message, voicemail, or fails to answer their phone and they miss movement, recall, or fail to appear the next day with the specifics required then this is usually handled with a counseling statement, corrective training, Article 15 depending on the severity, pass privileges or off post living privileges being revoked-again problem solved.

Soldier Wants to Play Hardball

If a Soldier wants to play hardball with you there are a dozen ways to correct the problem some examples include:

• give them a counseling statement in which you give them an order to respond
• corrective training
• revocation of privileges (you recommend and the commander implements)
• hold the Soldier until the last senior leadership meeting of the day is complete (usually after all the Soldiers in the unit have been released) and then share your information with them-again problem solved.
• Last resort an Article 15 for disobeying an order.

Now Let’s Look at it From the Soldier’s Point of View

Do you want someone constantly bugging you on the phone? Probably not. Therefore you need to use this communication method in a reasonable manner. How do you do this?

• First be respectful of the Soldier’s time and only contact them when it is absolutely required.
• Do not contact them early in the morning or late at night (that is if it can be avoided there are times you will need to contact them during these hours)
• If you cannot reach them by phone try contacting them by text or email.
• Construct text messages in such a manner that the Soldier only need respond with affirmative, negative, or understood will comply.
• Ensure the text, voicemail, and/or phone dialogue is professional and respectful
• If the Soldier’s spouse or significant other answers the phone be professional and respectful (believe it or not there are cases in which the leader was disrespectful to the spouse for answering the phone)
• Tell the Soldier you will be respectful of their time and only contact them when it is necessary to do so. This creates a contract between you and the Soldier.
• Do not call the Soldier when you have been drinking…yes believe it or not it happens and the leader usually gets in trouble when it is reported.

Counselings Statements

Initial Counseling:

The counseling might state something like:

• I expect  you to answer the phone when I call you.  To ensure there is no confusion please place my numbers in your contact list so you will know it is me calling.
• If for some reason you cannot answer the phone I expect you to return my call within 45 mins
• If I leave a voicemail I expect you to return my call within 45 mins
• If I leave a text message I expect you to respond within 15 mins
• This counseling constitutes a lawful order
• I will be respectful of your time and only contact you when absolutely necessary

Failure to Comply Counseling

Should the Soldier fail to comply with these requirements counseling them for failing to do so.  Determine which actions should be taken to correct the issue for example

• Corrective Training (writing an essay, giving a class, writing a policy letter, writing an SOP, having the Soldier answer their phone at various times over the weekend)
• Revocation of Privileges (pass privileges, off post living privileges, visitation privileges, etc)
• Bar to Reenlistment
• Letter of Reprimand
• Article 15 (last resort)

Summary

Most Soldiers will have no problem answering their phone or responding to a text message, as long as leadership is respectful and treats them with dignity.  The rare exception usually only needs your attention once and they will decide to comply.

The key to success is to be respectful, professional, and treat them with dignity.

I hope you found this information useful!

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