Traver Watch
#101 Guest_ONCE PROUD_*
Posted 16 March 2011 - 12:21 AM
#102
Posted 15 March 2011 - 06:47 PM
Well said. C'mon, Kenny...time to either man up, or step aside and make way for a leader with smarts, integrity and cajones.
#103
Posted 15 March 2011 - 12:19 PM
This is a disgusting action.
#104 Guest_CUATF Webmaster_*
Posted 15 March 2011 - 11:38 AM
Mr. Melson,
I’m just a plain old agent, nothing special, with no agenda, just like the majority of ATF’s other 4,900 employees, who are loyal, dedicated, hard working, honorable, and honest civil servants. I come to work, submit my blue jackets, and put the worst of the worst in federal prison. I LOVE being an ATF Agent. I would not want to give it up for anything in the world. However, I am completely embarrassed that as a federal law enforcement officer I am afraid to post my identity on this posting because I fear the retaliation by those who serve under you in the SLT. Unfortunately, I am not the only one who feels this way. Your employees have become afraid to speak out with truthful and fact based complaints. A sense of fear of retaliation runs deep and it’s real.
If no one in the SLT is going to tell you then I will; we are all sick and tired of our agency being dragged through the mud in national media outlets on a daily basis. We have had enough. We have lost faith and confidence in those senior managers that surround you on the 5th floor. They all have an agenda of some sort and are not advising or acting in the best interests of you, ATF employees or the United States of America. It’s time for some new blood, ideas and leadership. Make them retire, or fire them. We don't care just get them out before anymore damage is done to ATF.
Like most in ATF, I could not believe what I was hearing about what was being written and complained about on this site. I was curious, so I decided to read every post and supporting documents attached to the posts. I talked to those in ATF whose opinion I trust. I researched public records, OIG reports, GAO reports, internet blogs, etc. I like to think that I came to very solid, factually based conclusion about the state of our agency. I came to the conclusion that all of the issues discussed here are TRUE. EVERY ONE! I hate to tell you that the place is falling down around you. We are rapidly losing the confidence of the public, our partners in industry and law enforcement, foreign and domestic.
If you have not figured it by now, you are being given untruthful, half-truths and filtered facts and information on a wide range of issues. The feeling is that they can wait you out. The SLT is filtering everything you are being told. You are in a bubble. You are only getting half of the story and that is the half of the story that those around you want you to know. You get only what they tell you. I am sure they have taken full advantage of your lack of experience with running a law enforcement organization and gave you some bullshit about the chain of command and how things operate in ATF and law enforcement in general. That is the type of coded language that these folks use to keep you out of the know and away from the information that you need to make informed decisions.
In my opinion, which, I find is shared by more and more ATF employees everyday that I talk to, is that most of those on the SLT are not living in reality and are totally disconnected with what is going on in the field and specifically the consequences of the fallout from "Fast and Furious". They do not see why any of this is an issue. You need to get out of Washington without your handlers and talk to your employees in the field. Get the facts for yourself. Ask questions and more questions. Do not settle for what the SAC is telling you. It is probably self-serving.
The agency needs bold leadership and strong action taken NOW if we are to survive as an organization! Please, please, please do the right thing before it is too late. We already have two law enforcement officer deaths on our hands, not to mention the hundreds of civilian victims on both sides of the border. Enough is enough. Stop hiding in headquarters and do something.
As an example, in private industry or with our law enforcement partners that we work with on daily basis, a scandal of this sort would be swiftly dealt with and thoroughly investigated. People would be relieved of command, suspended, put on administrative leave, fired, etc, starting at the top, and working down from there. A full scale, independent investigation would be undertaken in the most expeditious manner to GET TO THE TRUTH. Once the facts were obtained those, who committed violations would be dealt with and those that were cleared would be brought back to work. Nevertheless, something would be done. We can still recover if you act now. To hell with whatever advice your are getting. Those around you and the advice and counsel they have given you has not served you well during your entire tenure, has it? You do not need advice to do the right thing. Gives us the leadership that we so desperately need. Your legacy and good reputation is now in the balance as is the agency that we love to work for.
#105 Guest_Epic Failure_*
Posted 15 March 2011 - 08:35 AM
Plain Old ATF Agent said it about as sincerly as it can be stated. Thank you POA, your thoughts and feelings are widespread.
Once Proud summed up the feelings of being abandonded and alone when under attack by the executives.
Well done to both of you for finding the words to express what many of us are feeling and experiencing.
#106 Guest_ONCE PROUD_*
Posted 15 March 2011 - 12:03 AM
#107
Posted 14 March 2011 - 07:57 PM
I’m just a plain old agent, nothing special, with no agenda, just like the majority of ATF’s other 4,900 employees, who are loyal, dedicated, hard working, honorable, and honest civil servants. I come to work, submit my blue jackets, and put the worst of the worst in federal prison. I LOVE being an ATF Agent. I would not want to give it up for anything in the world. However, I am completely embarrassed that as a federal law enforcement officer I am afraid to post my identity on this posting because I fear the retaliation by those who serve under you in the SLT. Unfortunately, I am not the only one who feels this way. Your employees have become afraid to speak out with truthful and fact based complaints. A sense of fear of retaliation runs deep and it’s real.
If no one in the SLT is going to tell you then I will; we are all sick and tired of our agency being dragged through the mud in national media outlets on a daily basis. We have had enough. We have lost faith and confidence in those senior managers that surround you on the 5th floor. They all have an agenda of some sort and are not advising or acting in the best interests of you, ATF employees or the United States of America. It’s time for some new blood, ideas and leadership. Make them retire, or fire them. We don't care just get them out before anymore damage is done to ATF.
Like most in ATF, I could not believe what I was hearing about what was being written and complained about on this site. I was curious, so I decided to read every post and supporting documents attached to the posts. I talked to those in ATF whose opinion I trust. I researched public records, OIG reports, GAO reports, internet blogs, etc. I like to think that I came to very solid, factually based conclusion about the state of our agency. I came to the conclusion that all of the issues discussed here are TRUE. EVERY ONE! I hate to tell you that the place is falling down around you. We are rapidly losing the confidence of the public, our partners in industry and law enforcement, foreign and domestic.
If you have not figured it by now, you are being given untruthful, half-truths and filtered facts and information on a wide range of issues. The feeling is that they can wait you out. The SLT is filtering everything you are being told. You are in a bubble. You are only getting half of the story and that is the half of the story that those around you want you to know. You get only what they tell you. I am sure they have taken full advantage of your lack of experience with running a law enforcement organization and gave you some bullshit about the chain of command and how things operate in ATF and law enforcement in general. That is the type of coded language that these folks use to keep you out of the know and away from the information that you need to make informed decisions.
In my opinion, which, I find is shared by more and more ATF employees everyday that I talk to, is that most of those on the SLT are not living in reality and are totally disconnected with what is going on in the field and specifically the consequences of the fallout from "Fast and Furious". They do not see why any of this is an issue. You need to get out of Washington without your handlers and talk to your employees in the field. Get the facts for yourself. Ask questions and more questions. Do not settle for what the SAC is telling you. It is probably self-serving.
The agency needs bold leadership and strong action taken NOW if we are to survive as an organization! Please, please, please do the right thing before it is too late. We already have two law enforcement officer deaths on our hands, not to mention the hundreds of civilian victims on both sides of the border. Enough is enough. Stop hiding in headquarters and do something.
As an example, in private industry or with our law enforcement partners that we work with on daily basis, a scandal of this sort would be swiftly dealt with and thoroughly investigated. People would be relieved of command, suspended, put on administrative leave, fired, etc, starting at the top, and working down from there. A full scale, independent investigation would be undertaken in the most expeditious manner to GET TO THE TRUTH. Once the facts were obtained those, who committed violations would be dealt with and those that were cleared would be brought back to work. Nevertheless, something would be done. We can still recover if you act now. To hell with whatever advice your are getting. Those around you and the advice and counsel they have given you has not served you well during your entire tenure, has it? You do not need advice to do the right thing. Gives us the leadership that we so desperately need. Your legacy and good reputation is now in the balance as is the agency that we love to work for.
#108
Posted 27 February 2011 - 03:07 PM
#109
Posted 26 February 2011 - 09:44 PM
The ATF Martinsburg, WV facility was the only government facility closed for snow on February 22, 2011. This is an agency that has provided vehicles to special agents with false justifications that the agents must keep business operations going during inclement weather and exigent circumstances.
Responsibility for shutting down services due to inclement weather is given to the same personnel that falsified justification to have home to work vehicles in a non-investigatory position.The following federal agencies are co located in Martinsburg,WV: ICE, Border Patrol, IRS, and the Coast Guard and not one of these facilities closed (their agents and civil service do not have take home vehicles). Yet the special agents of ATF, many with four wheel drive vehicles, cut services to the entire United States to stay home.
Our money is dwindling; stop entitlements now. As prices for fuel and other services rise we should take the silver spoon out of the mouths of our spoiled employees and reduce entitlements. RIF, fire contractors, alternate weeks off are all on the table, but entitlements are not.
When the essential and non essential employees list is made, and it is being made right now, who will be chosen as essential? If you have to guess you are deluding yourself.
More to follow as it becomes available..... I believe Martinsburg has proven that if you get enough clowns in one place, a circus might break out
#111
Posted 26 February 2011 - 08:31 AM
#112
Posted 26 February 2011 - 07:35 AM
#113
Posted 25 February 2011 - 10:07 PM
#114
Posted 25 February 2011 - 06:57 PM
#115
Posted 25 February 2011 - 03:45 PM
#116
Posted 25 February 2011 - 02:54 PM
#117
Posted 25 February 2011 - 01:57 PM
#118
Posted 25 February 2011 - 11:34 AM
It has been confirmed that Russell Vanderwerf is being reassigned to 99 New York Ave. The decision was apparently made a week ago and ATF Management doesn't want it announced, because they think they can move him without ya'll noticing?! Why so secretive? What else is going on with this puke?
#119
Posted 25 February 2011 - 10:58 AM
#120
Posted 21 February 2011 - 07:38 PM
I understand exactly what tiredofit is talking about. What a waste. Another way for management to get more of the tax payers money while we don't have the money to do our basic mission. Those in authority that read this site, do something about this broken system. Everyday we get more emails about new stuff to cut. It's to the point that we can't do anything! And what we can do is limited in nature! I know we are on a continuing resolution, meaning that we have the same budget money as FY10. There should be no way that we could be this far in the hole in January! Yeah I guess there is when the same incompetent managers keep doing the same incompetent things and those up the chain get all there bonuses and perks.
Think about it like this-the AUO that has been approved for the Industry Operations area supervisors and DIOs affects the Bureau and the taxpayers like this: Area Supervisors are GS-14 and DIOs are GS-15. So at the minimum (Step 1), the 10% AUO for each area supervisor is $9,669 and for DIO's it is $11,373. Those figures are based on the Rest of the US. We know that other localities are even more. In my FD there are 3 area supervisors and 1 DIO. So combined, the AUO for the FD is at a minimum $40,380. WOW-what a perk. Many people know there is 10% AUO for those positions, but they don't see the big picture:
Minimum levels based on Rest of U.S. and Step 1
1. 10% AUO for IO area supervisors: $9,669
2. 10% AUO for DIOs: $11, 373
3. 10% AUO for a typical Field Division (3 area supervisors, 1 DIO): $40,380
4. 10% AUO for typical Field Division X 23 Field Divisions: $928,470
AT A MINIMUM THIS WASTE AND ABUSE IS COSTING NEARLY A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR!
It's not a joke, I have seen the emails where it was discussed to add AUO for these positions just to entice applicants. Nobody would apply! While we have our measly 1.5%-2% COL frozen for at least 2 years, members of the club still get there 10% bonus-its not really administrative uncontrollable overtime.
Hear that sound? The toilet was flushed in about 2006, what you hear now is the sound of the bureau as it makes it's last few rounds around the bottom of the bowl!
I knew of this myself. Seems like the area sups and DIOs want to keep this quiet-no wonder, what a waste. I hope when Grassley and the Judiciary Committee hold their hearings, that they will reach out to "regular employees" that will tell the truth and expose the waste and abuse. There is not a reason in the world that AUO pay should be given in this manner. Manager's won't even give us " regular employees" comp time. They act like it comes out of their pockets-which are way too full with taxpayer money. CONGRESS-PLEASE DO SOMETHING!
#121
Posted 21 February 2011 - 07:32 PM
How many DIOs seem to be out of controlll and appear to be totally self absorbed building their little fifedoms?????????
There has been several reported on here. Just because they work for the other side of ATF, they still have selfish egos that are way overblown.
Russell Vanderwerf, who was/is the DIO of the Houston FD, was arrested in December 2009 in New Orleans while there on official ATF business. He was actually taken into custody at the New Orleans FD office. Just google Russell Vanderwerf ATF-you will see all the details of the story (glory holes, craigslist, and random men in and out of his room at the Residence Inn across from the New Orleans FD office. I do know that he is still an employee of ATF. His is listed on all the DIO emails that go out. My sources in Houston say that he is not allowed in the office or be around employees, but works from home. There are others that officially "act" as the DIO while he draws his GS/15 pay in the comfort of his home.
Would anyone outside of management be treated this way? No. They would be fired. End of Story.
David Stroethide, currently the DIO of the New Orleans FD, drove a g-car around like it was his own for about a year while he was acting as an area supervisor in the New Orleans FD. He used the g-car to travel at will to his home in Oklahoma City (he was acting in Little Rock, AK)and even took it on family vacations. How was he punished? He was promoted to the DIO position in New Orleans FD. I guess he figured it was so easy to get away with, that it would be even easier in the Big Easy! At least he was able to get away from someone he couldn't stand in the Dallas FD-Megan Bennett. They probably have put all adverse feelings in the past since they are now equals and need to focus on building their own individual kingdoms. Probably even share emails of the latest tactics to retaliate against subordinates.
Would anyone outside of management be treated this way? No. They would be fired. End of Story.
The list could go on and on. I encourage others to tell the truth. Get it out here so that those viewing this website can see the truth.
Taxpayers, Fellow Workers, Representatives, Senators, Congressional Staffers-please do what you can to reign in this out of control Bureau and quit letting management use taxpayer money and the peoples Bureau to get all they can for themselves.
As a human being, this disappoints me. As an employee this angers me. As a taxpayer-this pisses me off.
#122
Posted 20 February 2011 - 05:40 PM
How many DIOs seem to be out of controlll and appear to be totally self absorbed building their little fifedoms?????????
Exactly who and what are you talking about???
#123
Posted 20 February 2011 - 11:01 AM
I can think of one.How many DIOs seem to be out of controlll and appear to be totally self absorbed building their little fifedoms?????????
#124
Posted 18 February 2011 - 08:01 AM
#125
Posted 17 February 2011 - 07:27 PM
#126
Posted 15 February 2011 - 08:48 PM
I used to respond to facility alarms at places for which I was responsible -- and I did it for nothing. Used no G-ride to get there, claimed no POV mileage, and claimed no time. I guess many will call me stupid but I just figured it went with the territory with which I was entrusted so I did it.
I am older now -- and what changes I see in the character of many of the organization's employees. I hardly recognize the place any longer!
#127
Posted 15 February 2011 - 02:06 PM
#128
Posted 15 February 2011 - 10:01 AM
Update from the Martinsburg Pork Facility:
Office of the Inspector General
U.S. Department of Justice
Investigations Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Room 4706
Washington, DC 20530
This is a new attempt in an effort to bring the misappropriations of funds and material to your attention. In the previous letters the abuse of work time and automobiles by ATF special agents was addressed. Personnel have continued with this abuse to the extent that letters of justification, for misuse, have been written by the agents in Martinsburg, WV. Every day the employees of ATF are being told that we must tighten our belts, control spending, no one will be let go, and use integrity in every decision we make. ATF employees have come to the realization that this only applies to non-agents.
I am sure you have been made aware of how many special agents are under investigation for thievery, lying, falsifying information, and on and on in ATF. Yet it doesn’t seem to matter. There is no integrity in ATF.
When the decision was made to park home to work vehicles of special agents in Martinsburg, WV to save money there was such uproar it was unbelievable. All employees were affected because the supervisor agents were taking out their anger on the employees. Comments from the supervisors were: “if we ever find out who brought this out they will pay; if my car is taken away then I will not come to work.”
You must give credit where credit is due, they are smart. The special agents each wrote a justification of why they needed a take home car and I wish you could read these justifications as they are comical. These are some of the reasons cars must be kept:
• If the alarm goes off in the vault (remember the facility is under armed guard) I must drive in and reset the alarm. Reality: non agents who live near the facility have been resetting the alarm since the facility opened. The facility is staffed with a 24 hour armed guards and local police are minutes away.
• If a firearms identification question comes in from the field after hours I must go in and research the information to give a response on the spot. Reality: The chiefs are not the experts; the FTB specialists do this and have been doing it for all time.
• When an emergency trace comes in I have to brave the elements and go in and trace the firearm. Once again the local employees do the emergency traces when it is required.
The comments listed are paraphrased as I was not able to get a copy of the statements they were read over the phone. What is appalling is no one in our chain of command sought out verification of these false official statements. But, to cover their tracks they parked all of the pool vehicles and through smoke and mirrors they are saving money by parking vehicles.
When a system is already in place to resolve after hours issue it is unimaginable that our Assistant Director approved these home to work vehicles. Why on earth would an occasional alarm blip justify a home to work vehicle? It is an armed facility, it has never been attacked and if so what would one agent be able to accomplish if he was ever reached after hours.
All of these statements should be turned over to internal affairs for investigation. If these agents ever testified and this information was made public they would have to lie under oath. With the lack of integrity we have seen I really don’t think lying would be a problem.
What does integrity mean to you? We now have signs posted in our hall way that stress integrity. As employees read these posters the comments that are made about the agent in Martinsburg, WV are hilarious.
Sooner rather than later our budgetary problems will affect whether or not we are able to complete our assigned tasks. Personnel will be let go and equipment will not be able to be purchased. Will someone please step up with courage and start managing this agency. Why is it so important to please a hand full of spoiled entitled agents to sacrifice the overall completion of our mission??
Signed
A loyal employee.
Zorro commentary: While this was downright entertaining for a while, it's getting pathetic and humiliating.
Martinsburg agents: You are not entitled. You can be replaced by employees who will cost the taxpayers far less money. If one of you really said you will quit showing up, GREAT. That's probably 150K/year PLUS not financing your commuter car, servicing, repairs, and fuel.
ATF managers: The people doing the complaining are likely there because they WANT to be there. If a car is that important, they can work cases for it. Better yet, why are so many administrative support functions staffed by agents? Why not a "lesser" employee who pays his/her own way to work, doesn't get the 25% bump, and in most offices are more familiar with the subject matter? If this hits the fan, I hope you have done your homework and verified claims by these employees because I am inclined to believe the author, except for that part about ATF managers lying on official documents which we all know never happens, right?
The country is over 14 trillion in debt. The IMF is rumbling about dropping the USD as the standard currency. China is seeing that they will never get their loans paid back. The time for living high on the taxpayers labor is done for. Whether by process of responsible spending or economic chaos brought on by unmanageable debt, the cow will run dry soon. Stock up on kleenex now because your crying is far from over.
Senator Grassley: are you watching?
Crying is far from over. True that. Very simple solution for those that absolutely have to take home cars in WV. Go into their Nforce and check all of the cases they have opened worked on the past year. Check out how many SIR's they have written. I would think at least one SIR per month per Agent/Supervisor would justify a take home vehicle. I would say at least 10 investigations per Agent/Supv opened a year plus successful prosecutions. Commuter vehicles are a luxury. JSOC can do traces and various checks after hours in emergency situations. That is their purpose. Why duplicate? Pretty easy to cut the fat. Do this nationwide.
#129
Posted 15 February 2011 - 07:18 AM
Office of the Inspector General
U.S. Department of Justice
Investigations Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Room 4706
Washington, DC 20530
This is a new attempt in an effort to bring the misappropriations of funds and material to your attention. In the previous letters the abuse of work time and automobiles by ATF special agents was addressed. Personnel have continued with this abuse to the extent that letters of justification, for misuse, have been written by the agents in Martinsburg, WV. Every day the employees of ATF are being told that we must tighten our belts, control spending, no one will be let go, and use integrity in every decision we make. ATF employees have come to the realization that this only applies to non-agents.
I am sure you have been made aware of how many special agents are under investigation for thievery, lying, falsifying information, and on and on in ATF. Yet it doesn’t seem to matter. There is no integrity in ATF.
When the decision was made to park home to work vehicles of special agents in Martinsburg, WV to save money there was such uproar it was unbelievable. All employees were affected because the supervisor agents were taking out their anger on the employees. Comments from the supervisors were: “if we ever find out who brought this out they will pay; if my car is taken away then I will not come to work.”
You must give credit where credit is due, they are smart. The special agents each wrote a justification of why they needed a take home car and I wish you could read these justifications as they are comical. These are some of the reasons cars must be kept:
• If the alarm goes off in the vault (remember the facility is under armed guard) I must drive in and reset the alarm. Reality: non agents who live near the facility have been resetting the alarm since the facility opened. The facility is staffed with a 24 hour armed guards and local police are minutes away.
• If a firearms identification question comes in from the field after hours I must go in and research the information to give a response on the spot. Reality: The chiefs are not the experts; the FTB specialists do this and have been doing it for all time.
• When an emergency trace comes in I have to brave the elements and go in and trace the firearm. Once again the local employees do the emergency traces when it is required.
The comments listed are paraphrased as I was not able to get a copy of the statements they were read over the phone. What is appalling is no one in our chain of command sought out verification of these false official statements. But, to cover their tracks they parked all of the pool vehicles and through smoke and mirrors they are saving money by parking vehicles.
When a system is already in place to resolve after hours issue it is unimaginable that our Assistant Director approved these home to work vehicles. Why on earth would an occasional alarm blip justify a home to work vehicle? It is an armed facility, it has never been attacked and if so what would one agent be able to accomplish if he was ever reached after hours.
All of these statements should be turned over to internal affairs for investigation. If these agents ever testified and this information was made public they would have to lie under oath. With the lack of integrity we have seen I really don’t think lying would be a problem.
What does integrity mean to you? We now have signs posted in our hall way that stress integrity. As employees read these posters the comments that are made about the agent in Martinsburg, WV are hilarious.
Sooner rather than later our budgetary problems will affect whether or not we are able to complete our assigned tasks. Personnel will be let go and equipment will not be able to be purchased. Will someone please step up with courage and start managing this agency. Why is it so important to please a hand full of spoiled entitled agents to sacrifice the overall completion of our mission??
Signed
A loyal employee.
Zorro commentary: While this was downright entertaining for a while, it's getting pathetic and humiliating.
Martinsburg agents: You are not entitled. You can be replaced by employees who will cost the taxpayers far less money. If one of you really said you will quit showing up, GREAT. That's probably 150K/year PLUS not financing your commuter car, servicing, repairs, and fuel.
ATF managers: The people doing the complaining are likely there because they WANT to be there. If a car is that important, they can work cases for it. Better yet, why are so many administrative support functions staffed by agents? Why not a "lesser" employee who pays his/her own way to work, doesn't get the 25% bump, and in most offices are more familiar with the subject matter? If this hits the fan, I hope you have done your homework and verified claims by these employees because I am inclined to believe the author, except for that part about ATF managers lying on official documents which we all know never happens, right?
The country is over 14 trillion in debt. The IMF is rumbling about dropping the USD as the standard currency. China is seeing that they will never get their loans paid back. The time for living high on the taxpayers labor is done for. Whether by process of responsible spending or economic chaos brought on by unmanageable debt, the cow will run dry soon. Stock up on kleenex now because your crying is far from over.
Senator Grassley: are you watching?
#130
Posted 30 January 2011 - 01:47 PM
Posted for Doc Holiday:
Look, Riehl supposedly went to Israel,most likely to discuss arson and explosive. Even though the GAO audit was clear that he was responsible for running the NRT program allll the way into the ground. He is also responsible for supporting Martins ILL ADVISED dismantling of our explosives program. The fact that Mr. Melson and Ms. Mihalic are road tripping to Lyon, France to champion NIBIN, is the same thing. We have fallen asleep at the wheel related to NIBIN for yrs. The have diverted millions earmarked for the program. They have allowed half-assed management of the program. They have proposed cutting millions from the program to meet our funding shortages. So why then are they going to France to champion the program? Mr. Traver, why aren't you paying attention? Somebody should stick a microphone right in Travers face and start some accountability. Oversight hearing and a complete re-organization is all that can save this Bureau. 5 SES's doing what two GS 13s did just a few years ago. Management bonuses for managers whose programs ha e failed. SERIOUSLY Mr. Traver? Mr. Holder, you do know ATF is under your control, Don't you?
The Tour de France boondoggle is worse than reported. According to some sources the group is now larger and will include Melson, at least one of his "bodyguards," Larry Ford and two other people from Field Ops. How much is this costing ATF? $10,000? $15,000? When you add in air, hotels, per diem its gotta be up there. I bet Riehl is jealous but at least he flew down to Alabama to have a all hands meeting with the 8 people down there so he could smile and lie. The only good news is at least HQ was shamed into paying people who got outstanding evaluations instead of just 35 or so SES "leaders."
#131
Posted 30 January 2011 - 01:39 PM
C'mon, haven't you heard of The Divine Right of the Riehls?Posted for Doc Holiday:
Look, Riehl supposedly went to Israel,most likely to discuss arson and explosive. Even though the GAO audit was clear that he was responsible for running the NRT program allll the way into the ground. He is also responsible for supporting Martins ILL ADVISED dismantling of our explosives program.
As for wasting money, not only did we buy ballistic vests that aren't suitable for 90% of the agents, but now we had to modify all the shotguns with adjustable shoulder stocks BECAUSE of the vests? Who got a QSI or a bonus for THAT decision? This should rank right up there with the thousand dollar toilet seat in the annals of government waste.
#132 Guest_CUATF Webmaster_*
Posted 30 January 2011 - 11:00 AM
Look, Riehl supposedly went to Israel,most likely to discuss arson and explosive. Even though the GAO audit was clear that he was responsible for running the NRT program allll the way into the ground. He is also responsible for supporting Martins ILL ADVISED dismantling of our explosives program. The fact that Mr. Melson and Ms. Mihalic are road tripping to Lyon, France to champion NIBIN, is the same thing. We have fallen asleep at the wheel related to NIBIN for yrs. The have diverted millions earmarked for the program. They have allowed half-assed management of the program. They have proposed cutting millions from the program to meet our funding shortages. So why then are they going to France to champion the program? Mr. Traver, why aren't you paying attention? Somebody should stick a microphone right in Travers face and start some accountability. Oversight hearing and a complete re-organization is all that can save this Bureau. 5 SES's doing what two GS 13s did just a few years ago. Management bonuses for managers whose programs ha e failed. SERIOUSLY Mr. Traver? Mr. Holder, you do know ATF is under your control, Don't you?
#133
Posted 29 January 2011 - 11:28 PM
This is an uncomfirmed rumor but given the regular state of lying affairs with ATF management it is much more likely true than false.
Vivian Mihalic puts out the message that we have no money. Only travel to be approved will be mission mandatory and no training or seminars, right? Also, ATF has proposed that the NIBIN budget be cut by something like 10 million dollars which will essentially kill the program (likely to be picked up by the FBI, see: explosives). Melson backs the budget,travel and NIBIN plans.
Well I will give you two guesses who is going to France next week on a NIBIN training seminar. Yep, you guessed it: Melson and Mihalic.
Melson is robbing the house and stuffing the silverware in his pockets on the way out the door and Mihalic is the pawn to help him do it.
Where is Traver on this?
As usual
Brave ATF agents run to the sound of gun fire while ATF SESer's run to the sound of easy tax payer money to stuff in their voluminous pockets.
Shame tax payer monies are not used to protect the public. And the fraud and corruption marches on....
#134
Posted 29 January 2011 - 10:42 AM
#135 Guest_onesparkz_*
Posted 29 January 2011 - 09:23 AM
#136
Posted 19 January 2011 - 07:48 AM
As the walls of castle crumble there clearly is no shame for ATF leadership. I bet there is not a single person who recieved an SES bonus who questioned, "Is this the right thing for us to do." Take the money and run like the thieves you are. You stole the agency away from us so why not rob the last few dollars.
#137 Guest_Epic Failure_*
Posted 18 January 2011 - 11:45 PM
#138
Posted 18 January 2011 - 10:41 PM
Outstanding bonuses are in the works but no where near what SESs are getting on the backs of their employees.
#139
Posted 17 January 2011 - 01:38 PM
#140
Posted 16 January 2011 - 07:29 PM
#141
Posted 15 January 2011 - 09:40 AM
Yet another attorney running a law enforcement agency. This can't be a coincidence.Attorneys now are in charge of the PRB and Bureau deciding official. How do you sit in judgement of agents when you've never carried a gun or a badge. We need a Director before attorneys run this whole outfit. Although they have done such a stellar job for Sullivan, Domenech, Carter, Hoover and Melson.
#142 Guest_CUATF Webmaster_*
Posted 14 January 2011 - 02:11 PM
Especially when they have all the power and you're relegated to a "squeaky wheel" status. Sometimes it requires a little humbleness in a highly politicized environment. It may appear more important it seems, than one's skills and experience. Which is why I try to not only help those trying to promote, but help them really appreciate the role of politics at these higher levels, and hopefully, they will realize that to succeed and survive. Usually this is discovered rather quickly in mid-level management positions. And if you are not prepared for it, or have built up some layers of protection or "insulation" you're liable to regret you ever signed up to promote. But this is not what this should be about. It (the promotional process) should be an honest appraisal and objective review of your skills in this "new" role. The best words of advice I offer are try not to let those issues (personality clashes, or even outright sabotage and hostility) deter you, as in most cases, they are relatively temporary. You keep focused on the subordinates or agents and staff under your supervision or command and ensuring their successes. The higher you go, the more relationships and coalitions come into play. Developing solid teamwork with community and professional resources with shared goals and objectives trump bureaucratic pettiness any day. At the end of the day (or career) it's still your story either way. I hope they are all success stories! And think about how you really are measuring success.
Hmmm?
PS: in looking over many scenarios for assessment exercises, I find many similarities and common KSA's that are threaded throughout these scenarios. Since you are, I'm assuming, preparing for an assessment center, keep in mind that every email, local project, community project, or area project, including meeting with other players, community members, etc., all have a common denominator - and that is you and your role in these events. Should you see yourself in the leadership role or management role, and you are now "in-charge" what do you really bring to the table that is so different from anyone else.
That's right, probably not much else that is "different," but that slight edge computes into percentage points and percentage points is what gets you promoted. So... each of these roles you're in now use as "free practice" for tomorrows role that you seek. Raters (and you have two raters each) are looking for candidates to demonstrate these KSA's in the various exercises. You do these probably every day, but don't think of them as a "test." If you were a musician, you'd be trying out for "first chair." You have to have something that you bring out for raters to see that they didn't see quite as much of in other candidates. What that is is really "reassurance..." that you are indeed "ready" for this new role.
Rick M.
#143
Posted 14 January 2011 - 11:13 AM
#144
Posted 13 January 2011 - 10:02 PM
#145
Posted 12 January 2011 - 05:02 PM
Andy Traver allow me to provide a short history lesson.
It started with Truscott/Domenech, sank further with Sullivan/Carter and reached new lows with Melson/Hoover. They each told field employees how important they were, how they wanted to hear from them, how they had "open doors", etc., but those were lies. That is why CleanUpATF came into existence because the field was told they had a voice in their agency but they didn't.
They became so reliant on the Chief Counsels Office to guide them that they lost the ability to make decisions of their own, constantly deferring to the attorneys to tell them how to run the agency.
Should you be confirmed (and I hope you are), do not allow you and your deputy to fall into the same comfortable trap the three previous leadership teams did.
Honor your field employees. You do this with simple respect to them. Just don't lie. The field understands that sometimes you have to do or say things that may not be universally popular. Just don't lie.
Listen to the guidance of your attorneys and take that into consideration but make decisions on what you feel is right or wrong based on fairness. The attorneys don't think that way. They consider liability and precident when providing advise. Also, when the Loos's of the organization tell you how it has to be, consider where she and her partners have put ATF to date.
Last, don't try to dodge the active "old" bad business of past ATF regime's. If you simply hope to avoid pending issues based on the excuse that the problem was created on someone else's watch then you are not doing your job. As the Director you now own all of it, good and bad, past and present and it what you do about it that your time as the Director will ultimately be judged on.
#146
Posted 12 January 2011 - 01:42 PM
?????? Tiredofit, the letter I read (below) deals with cars being assigned where they aren't necessary and seemed to be directed at other than IOIs. It certainly doesn't deal with AUO.
We must be reading different letters. Maybe you can share what you read with us.
Sorry if I didn't make it more clear. A friend who is an employee in ATF wrote a letter to his congressmen and OIG about the AUO and stuff. My post was just a summary of what the letter was about. He said he was motivated to do it after reading the letter that Zorro had posted about the cars. I will get his permission and post his letter if he's OK with it. Just another avenue of wasted money.
#147
Posted 12 January 2011 - 10:26 AM
#148
Posted 12 January 2011 - 09:32 AM
#149 Guest_microscope_*
Posted 12 January 2011 - 08:54 AM
#150
Posted 12 January 2011 - 03:14 AM
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