Alexander D. VanLear (Ret)

Name: Alexander D. VanLear (Ret)

toxic Toxic Leader Alert

Years of Experience: 27


Indvidiual Rating:  3/10
Overall Standing: #4/155

Service Branches: U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force

Units: None

Base: None

Rank: O6 - Colonel

Users Rating (1)

  • overall
    3.1
  • tactical competence: how effectively does the commander make operational decisions during missions or exercises? are they tactically sound and capable of leading during high-pressure situations?
    5.5
  • decisiveness: does the commander make timely and effective decisions? are they able to assess situations quickly and act without hesitation when necessary?
    3.5
  • judgment and foresight: does the commander demonstrate good judgment and the ability to foresee potential issues or opportunities in strategic planning?
    3.5
  • clarity of communication: how well does the commander communicate orders, goals, and expectations? are they clear and concise in their instructions?
    7.5
  • openness to feedback: does the commander listen to subordinates, take feedback into consideration, and foster open communication within the unit?
    0.5
  • transparency and honesty: are they transparent in their communication with the team and honest about challenges and changes?
    4
  • motivational ability: can the commander inspire and motivate their troops, especially in challenging times? do they foster a positive environment and uphold unit morale?
    0.5
  • cohesion and teamwork: does the commander promote teamwork and unity within the unit? are they effective in managing diverse personalities and ensuring that everyone works together toward common goals?
    4.5
  • conflict resolution: how effectively does the commander manage conflicts or disputes within the unit? are they fair and impartial when resolving issues?
    2.5
  • ethical conduct: does the commander uphold military ethics and adhere to the code of conduct? are they known for fairness, respect, and accountability in their leadership?
    0.5
  • responsibility and accountability: do they take responsibility for their actions, including mistakes, and hold themselves accountable for the outcomes of their decisions?
    0.5
  • respect for others: do they treat subordinates, peers, and superiors with respect? are they inclusive and mindful of diversity within the ranks?
    4.5
  • mission execution: how successful is the commander in executing missions and operations? are their strategies effective, and do they achieve objectives efficiently?
    2
  • adaptability under pressure: how well does the commander adapt to changing or unexpected circumstances during operations? are they flexible and capable of recalibrating plans when necessary?
    2
  • resource management: is the commander effective in managing resources (personnel, equipment, time) during both training and operations? are they efficient in utilizing what’s available to maximize effectiveness?
    5
  • mentorship: does the commander invest in the growth and development of their subordinates? are they approachable and proactive in mentoring future leaders?
    5.5
  • skill development: does the commander focus on the ongoing development of skills within the team? do they provide opportunities for training and improvement?
    1
  • readiness and preparedness: does the commander maintain a high level of readiness within the unit? are they proactive in preparing the team for future challenges and missions?
    1
  • risk assessment: how well does the commander evaluate and manage risks? are they able to balance mission success with the safety of their personnel?
    3
  • courage under fire: does the commander demonstrate courage and composure under direct threat or in dangerous situations? are they known for leading by example in high-stakes moments?
    1.5
  • long-term planning: is the commander skilled at creating long-term strategies and aligning their unit with broader military goals and objectives?
    1.5
  • innovation and creativity: do they bring innovative approaches to problem-solving and mission planning? are they open to new ideas and methods to improve unit performance?
    1.5
  • physical fitness: is the commander fit for duty, setting an example for their troops with their physical condition and endurance?
    5.5
  • stress management: can the commander handle stress effectively without letting it impact their decision-making or interactions with the team?
    5.5
  • fairness in discipline: how fairly does the commander apply rules and discipline within the unit? are they known for treating everyone equally, regardless of rank or personal bias?
    0.5
  • enforcing standards: does the commander maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct, and performance within their unit?
    0.5
  • recognition of achievements: does the commander acknowledge and reward good performance within their unit? do they provide recognition for accomplishments?
    6
  • work-life balance: is the commander mindful of the well-being of their subordinates in terms of work-life balance, particularly in non-combat settings?
    8

User Reviews

AFslayer95
A Long Career Marred by Significant Misconduct

During my time under his command, Mr. VanLear focused more on himself and his accomplishments, frequently bragging about his own success in life. While he was successful in his career, he failed to lead with any real meaning. His decisions called into question the comptency for his position. He failed to listen to NCOs around him, and tended to make his own way without the vital input from those he led. While he was in command, there were numerous accusations of unprofessional relationships with a number of his airmen, many of which were later confirmed through text messages that leaked within our squadron. In one instnace, his inability to take counsel from enlisted leaders around him led to an event where an airmen was, unfortunately, put in a position where he berated those of opposite races. Serving with Mr. VanLear was detrimental to our unit, crashed our morale, and caused contention among the ranks. His adhereance to integrity was also called into question when the chief of the squadron at the time, a police officer, was found to be physically assaulting his wife. Instead of holding the CMSgt accountable, Mr. VanLear arranged an emergency PCS to keep the CMSgt safe. These actions led to a reduced faith in his leadership, which ultimately culminated in his removal from the Squadron Commander position when a gate runner occurred on the installation. As a seasoned NCO myself, I am glad to see that Mr. VanLear is no longer active in the military, and can no longer do the damage to our personnel today that he has done in the past.

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