Can a CO make a company wear eye protection all day to prove a point?

I don't remember for sure, but I don't think mass punishment is allowed after Basic/AIT. That said, I'm not sure if wearing eye pro counts as a punishment (or corrective training, even)

Yes. Is it effective? Who knows?

No

Personally, I would have made THAT soldier responsible for ensuring everyone else had their eye protection on. But the thinking is that if the entire group has to do it there will be peer pressure on the one to never screw up again. Also, why didn't anybody else in his company tell him to put his eye protection on? At one point in the civilian world I was Safety Supervisor and it never ceased to amaze me how nobody would say anything to a person who was not wearing their safety gear. I would ask "so you are working on a roof and your co-worker is about to step backwards off the roof. Would you say something to the person?" Of course everyone would say "yes". So why don't you say something when that same person is not wearing their safety glasses or hard hat? That is the case here. That is a good reason to make them all wear them. And yes, a number of layers of leadership failed big time.

it works! nothing like peer pressure to make your point for you. added bonus of seeing if you've got some unsung leaders while already realizing you have some leaders who might not be(shouldn't have been necessary to be handled at co level).

By doing this the CO takes the responsibility of reprimanding the individual away from him and places it in the hands of the entire company.....now it's up to you guys/gals to administer appropriate punishment ?? And always remember ......you joined....he did not come find you......you came and found them !!! And yes the CO can do pretty much anything he desires as long as it's not illegal !!

Camp Atterbury 2011 - the base CSM was requiring everyone to wear eyepro whenever outdoors.

So of my squad wore their goggles. Had to be extra safe ;)

I think that it's probably an object lesson on the importance of protective eye glasses. How many eyes can you spare?

Honestly, I have more of a problem with the question being asked. There's an old saying...if they aren't griping they aren't happy. Second guessing the CO is everyone's prerogative...within the unit... We don't take it outside. If you knew the pressure and frustration a commander has, at all levels, you'd get it. Maybe he's bitched about this for a month. Maybe he's pissed at the soldiers immediate leadership. Lots of maybe's. Bottom line is pick your battles better. This isn't one to get wrapped around the axle about.

I would say this reflects poorly on the CO. Things like this need to be handled at a lower level. No eye pro? I know several Sgts that would have an extra set or 2 just to make their Marines look better. Officers shouldnt be involved in petty punishments