Advice needed

[Mediman14]

We all worked in positions that are "soul sucking". But when a position causes mental health issues, is it worth placing a grievance in to the CO?
  I totally understand that the CO could potentially put anyone in a "gainful employment" position as they see fit, but to what cost?
  An ex subordinate of mine has been recently put in a meaningless position, that subordinate asked me for help and what they should do because of the way they felt. To make a long story short, the CoC is aware but they still decide to turn the blind eye. Suggestions??

 

[Blackadder1916]

. . .  when a position causes mental health issues, . . .

. . . what they should do because of the way they felt. . . . 

If they are having health issues, they should see an appropriate health professional for professional advice.  However, a MEL of "no meaningless work" covers a multitude of activities.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

We all worked in positions that are "soul sucking". But when a position causes mental health issues, is it worth placing a grievance in to the CO?
  I totally understand that the CO could potentially put anyone in a "gainful employment" position as they see fit, but to what cost?
  An ex subordinate of mine has been recently put in a meaningless position, that subordinate asked me for help and what they should do because of the way they felt. To make a long story short, the CoC is aware but they still decide to turn the blind eye. Suggestions??

As was stated, if there is health issues he should be seeing the Medics\ Doctors. If there are no health issues, it's part of the job. We can't all be tank commanders and fighter jocks. Every cog has its purpose. Complaining, because the job is not soul fulfilling, will probably just follow them around and identify them as such for their career.

That's just a guess. There's not enough information, here, to make a judgement on this.

 

[Mediman14]

Sometimes the medical units are the worse for unit morale (lack there of). I am suppose to uphold the commander's intentions but look after the welfare of subordinates, the mental health issues should be addressed appropriately. I didn't want to make the suggestion of using mental health as a way out, but when the young soldier cries become ignored. Maybe I should bring it up!!

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Has the young soldier been diagnosed with mental health problems? If he has, the MO can give the proper MELs to alleviate a situation that is causing the grief. If he hasn't, your pissing into the wind, at least on the medical angle.

There's no job in the CAF that has 'makes soldier feel good' amongst its terms of reference.

 

[AKa]

Unfortunately, I can relate all too well to the stresses of "meaningless" employment.  But unless there is something clear to redress, such as harassment or abuse of power, I can't see how that route would affect change.  As the previous poster noted, nobody ever guaranteed us that we would love all our jobs.  And the notion of meaningless is very subjective. 

Advise him to seek out rewarding secondary duties and talk to his mentors about coping strategies.  If the situation is affecting him deeply, a therapist can also give sound advice on how to get through it all.  But above all, he needs to remember that "this too shall pass".  He will get posted or key members of his CoC will get posted.

 

[Kat Stevens]

I had plenty of jobs during my time in that didn't exactly allow my soul to soar. Meaningless tasks at the ground level might just be the vital component in the big machine.  Or not.  "All for the want of of one horseshoe nail", etc.

 

[Nudibranch]

Sometimes the medical units are the worse for unit morale (lack there of). I am suppose to uphold the commander's intentions but look after the welfare of subordinates, the mental health issues should be addressed appropriately. I didn't want to make the suggestion of using mental health as a way out, but when the young soldier cries become ignored. Maybe I should bring it up!!

It's not using it as a "way out". If the guy needs help, he needs help.

He's not guaranteed "meaningful" (to him) employment though. If he's being harassed that's one thing, but if it's just a sucky job that holds no purpose as far as he can see, well...we all go through periods/jobs like that. Some people can mentally adapt to the military, both the high-tempo meaningful work and the low-tempo scut jobs that just seem pointless, and some can't *shrug*  It's not for everyone.

 

[DAA]

We all worked in positions that are "soul sucking". But when a position causes mental health issues, is it worth placing a grievance in to the CO?
  I totally understand that the CO could potentially put anyone in a "gainful employment" position as they see fit, but to what cost?
  An ex subordinate of mine has been recently put in a meaningless position, that subordinate asked me for help and what they should do because of the way they felt. To make a long story short, the CoC is aware but they still decide to turn the blind eye. Suggestions??

What you are asking, is "subjective" at best.  Your response and in my opinion should be "Whether you feel the position is meaningless or not, it's there for a reason.  So do the best job that you can possibly do and you'll be recognized for your efforts."

Sometimes, people place far too much emphasis on job titles and or job descriptions and get so wrapped up in this, that it can and does effect their well being.  But they need to recognize that they aren't always going to get one of those so called "coveted" jobs.  It's a simple fact of life and it's to be expected.  You should always go into a new job with effort and commitment, no matter how meaningless you feel it is.

Sometimes, it's the people who man those "meaningless" jobs, that are recognized sooner.   

 

[CountDC]

There's no job in the CAF that has 'makes soldier feel good' amongst its terms of reference.

There isn't?  Seems that is expected as part of my job.  Damn tired of hearing how "so and so's" are not feeling the love and needs to be made to feel better. 

 

[BinRat55]

There isn't?  Seems that is expected as part of my job.  Damn tired of hearing how "so and so's" are not feeling the love and needs to be made to feel better.

Haha... seems like one "hurt feelings" report is in order... I have a copy if you need it!

 

[Lumber]

Haha... seems like one "hurt feelings" report is in order... I have a copy if you need it!

Except that a "hurt feelings" report these days now leads to "You hurt someone's feelings" report... and passibly a remedial measure...

 

[BinRat55]

Except that a "hurt feelings" report these days now leads to "You hurt someone's feelings" report... and passibly a remedial measure...

Ahhhh soooo true!