Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)
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La Grande Armee change of command
https://www.wargame.ch/board/nwc/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12891
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Author:  Chuck Jensen [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  La Grande Armee change of command

The following announcement was written for officers of La Grande Armee but is offered here for all club members.

Announcement to Officers of La Grande Armee:


Effective yesterday, I am relinquished command of La Grande Armee. Marechal John Corbin, as second in command, is my successor as Commander in Chief. Marechal Paco Palomo, who has been the secretary of the NWC Cabinet, is also resigning his command and will resign from the NWC as soon as he completes the advanced training of a new officer.

Because of this unusual situation, I want to offer a brief explanation for our joint resignation. There is a distinct disconnect between playing the games and the administration of the club at the highest level. Very few people know how the club is managed at cabinet level.

To say that President Jones and I have not seen eye to eye since his election a year and a half ago is an understatement. He has ignored Cabinet votes, the rules of the NWC, and acted with impunity as he pleases because he has 3 of the 5 cabinet votes locked up. Until now I have tried to make the best of a bad situation for the sake of the club, but the most recent incident has become the final straw.

In, and of itself, it was a small matter: Whether posts made by someone placed on inactive status should be removed. The long-standing policy of the NWC policy has been that those on inactive status cannot post in the club’s general forum, The Rhine Tavern. As recently as last October, apropos Bill Peters’ resignation from the NWC, this policy was specifically re-affirmed by Mark Jones. However, when I moved to remove posts made by an individual that had been discharged from the LGA and placed on inactive status, not only did Mark Jones refuse to enforce this long-standing policy, he questioned the reason for the individual’s discharge from the LGA and implied a right to reverse my decisions as C-i-C of the LGA. His rationale for refusing to remove the offending posts was “that this not be taken to a 'Rules are Rules' platform.” Essentially, Mark Jones felt that it is permissible to allow breaches of the the NWC rules when, in his opinion, it would be for the greater good. Paco and I say that if rules are not rules, then there are no rules.

More importantly, this incident is emblematic of how matters have degenerated ever since Jones became President. Up until a year and a half ago when Mark came in, every cabinet issue was handled in a friendly, business-like manner to decide what was best for the club. I considered all club members my friends, but no more. Now there is extreme polarization. Despite the clear breach of a club policy, Jones’ refusal to enforce it was upheld by his coalition confederates. The clear implication is that, because Jones controls 3 of the 5 votes in the Cabinet, he now has carte blanche to assert control over every aspect of the club except for the French Army.

When added to Jones’ continual criticism of the policies and procedures that the French Army has developed and worked well for years, the situation has become intolerable.

There are real life demands on my time, but I did not mind doing the work because I felt that I was doing it for my friends in NWC. Wasting my time for the benefit of the Mark Jones club is a different matter. This club has taken a different direction from the club that I have enjoyed for years and it looks like it will be on that course for the foreseeable future so, like the Marines, I will be advancing in a new direction.

My thanks to all who have supported me as Commander in Chief of La Grande Armee for the past 3 years, as Commander of Armee du Nord before that. It is good to know that Marechal Corbin can count on you. I wish you all well.

Chuck Jensen

with the mutual agreement of Paco Palomo

Author:  John Corbin [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

It is with great reluctance that I accept command of the LGA. Not because I feel unequal to the task but because of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it.

I cannot thank you enough Chuck and Paco, for all you have done for the French army. Rest assured you will be welcomed back with out hesitation, should you decide to do so.

Further to the change in command, Colonel Al Kling has volunteered, and I have accepted, his services as my Chef of Staff.

For the time being, all standing orders remain in effect for the French army.

It would be best for french officers to discuss this issue in the Pierre's

Author:  Francisco Palomo [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

Mssrs.,

After 14 years, I have formed innumerable friendships within this club that I will surely miss. That said, I felt that I could not stand idly by in the face of the arbitrary and capricious enforcement of the NWC's rules and acknowledged precedents.

It is hence, with considerable regret that I am resigning my commands within the LGA. Since I am in the midst of the advanced training of a new officer, I will defer my resignation from the NWC until the completion of that training.

Sincerely,

Paco

Author:  David Guegan [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

Is there any way to reverse your decision?

It would be sad to see seniors officers of the French Army leave like that.

You have my support.

Author:  SLudwig [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I am saddened by this and all of the events...having witnessed and been involved in a lot of events first hand for a while now and having seen exchanges, it is very, very sad to see how everyone treated everyone....because no one is innocent in how these affairs have been handled and the words thrown at each other in the management of the Club. I am not innocent either.

The problem with this Club and the ACWGC and even the CCC to an extent, is the hidden, secret systems that go on in these Clubs. Closed forums, private email discussions, too much emphasis on management, inconsistent systems, different ideas of the rules. Elections lead to so much drama and so does formal governance....Some armies here have paid their officers bonus points each month in excess of 100 points and awarded some people 500 points while other armies pay nothing at all.

The personalities are the secondary issue, the issue that most members, who only wish to play games don't realize is the basic structure is flawed and leads to mistrust, misunderstandings and anger.....

Author:  Ed Blackburn [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I hope everyone will take a deep breath and reconsider.

Author:  David Guegan [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I really hope that Chuck and Paco will come back and reconsider because nothing, really nothing is important enough in this club to have people fighting over. We come to this club to have fun.

Author:  SLudwig [ Fri Jan 04, 2013 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I agree this is all pretend and should be for fun.......why fight about silly stuff, just make things simple and easy.... 8)

Author:  Jim Hall [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

Gentlemen

Having been up and down in the pecking order of this club over the years I respectfully suggest.
A deep breath, consider the Club and the majority of officers who get a great deal of pleasure from it.
Reconsider and return even as a simple rank and file member.

Author:  John Sheffield [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I agree with all the other comments. Sadly the club is losing two members who have given so much to it and have much more still to give. Hopefully there can be a rethink and a way back from this.

You are correct about things being hidden in the background Scott as I'm sure I'm not the only one who knew nothing of the events leading to this.

Author:  bijl0130 [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I think the same as the above posters. We really did our best to keep both Paco and Chuck on board in the Cabinet, but they prefer to leave. This is not the place to point fingers and I also think that is really not needed. We are all free to make our own decisions.

I still think Chuck and Paco make fantastic French officers and NWC members. I never had any problem with Chuck nor Paco in the past. Nor do I have any hard feelings right now. So I indeed I hope they are at least willing to stay in the ranks. Some time 'off' from club command is sometimes very useful and refreshing. Just back to the basics; play games and enjoy the Napoleonic battles.

In the mean time I suggest we all post here the same feelings, so that we might convince them to stay!! :!:

Author:  Antony Barlow [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

This is very sad news. I don't know what has gone on but I really hope that Paco and Chuck reconsider and stay within the club and that these issues can be resolved...

Author:  Colin Knox [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

I agree Antony this is very sad. These fine French officers will be a loss to LGA. :(
It would be better for the club if we could convince them to stay.
Sir's I salute you.

Author:  Al Amos [ Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

Restart the club with all of us having zero points and get back to playing scenarios.

Author:  Sir Muddy [ Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: La Grande Armee change of command

This does not bode well for the SON Tournament game that we are playing (Chuck and Paco vs. Mark and myself). And just when I was about to break the French formations and gallop to victory; I was so looking forward to having those sword/batons in my trophy room.

A terrible turn of events. :(

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