CPT Private RallyPoint Member 51984 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>How do you go about correcting someone of a much higher rank (i.e. MAJ, etc.) or someone that obviously has more years of service than yourself? By corrections I&#39;m referring to things like out of uniform, not illegal or immoral. Ex: someone was walking past me that was wearing a sweatshirt instead of ACU top (we were outside), or wearing covers indoors, etc. etc. 2014-02-05T16:30:21-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 51984

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>How do you go about correcting someone of a much higher rank (i.e. MAJ, etc.) or someone that obviously has more years of service than yourself? By corrections I&#39;m referring to things like out of uniform, not illegal or immoral. Ex: someone was walking past me that was wearing a sweatshirt instead of ACU top (we were outside), or wearing covers indoors, etc. etc.

2014-02-05T16:30:21-05:00 2014-02-05T16:30:21-05:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 51987

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Approach said person tactfully and let them know that they are in violation of AR 670-1. Its the approach on things like this not the subject. It also helps to have a back bone

2014-02-05T16:40:34-05:00 2014-02-05T16:40:34-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 51990

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>You respectfully and tactfully tell them they are in the wrong (make sure you know the exact wording from whatever reference you are using...AR...DA PAM...Local policy), and then go about your business.  Its not worth getting into a fight for, and if they don't correct themselves, you can always take it higher.</p><p><br></p>

2014-02-05T16:44:33-05:00 2014-02-05T16:44:33-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 51992

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As SGT B. said, you must approach the situation with tact. The best thing that I can offer is to ensure that there are no other Soldiers around, so it is done in a way that is polite, professional, and quiet enough so that the individual being corrected does not feel like a total fool. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;That being said, there will be cases where the ego will attempt to trump your general military authority to point out their mistake. When it comes to that, don&#39;t take it personal, simply inform them that you were looking out for them, and remind them of their influence on those they outrank, and how their lack of adherence to standards effects that. After that you have said your piece, and they will either acknowledge your correction, or blow you off, but no matter what don&#39;t make a federal case out of it, that won&#39;t end well.&lt;br&gt;

2014-02-05T16:45:03-05:00 2014-02-05T16:45:03-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 51996

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Roger, thank you SSG McNichol and SGT Blazejewski. The thing is, I always tell myself that the individual either forgot or there is a specific reason as to why they decided to do that so there is no need for anyone to point it out. I'll keep the advice in mind though, thank you again.

2014-02-05T16:48:35-05:00 2014-02-05T16:48:35-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 52022

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my experience dealing with high ranking NCO's or Officers I have always corrected them if they were in the wrong. That being said when correcting that person do it on the side and ensure you have tact. Usually the response I receive is that of appreciation if done correctly. Also be sure that you are in the right when correcting someone else. Be sure you are squared away before doing so to others.

2014-02-05T17:21:28-05:00 2014-02-05T17:21:28-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 52038

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To put it simply - Carefully.

2014-02-05T17:44:59-05:00 2014-02-05T17:44:59-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 52098

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>...you don't lol...

2014-02-05T19:22:42-05:00 2014-02-05T19:22:42-05:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 52116

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I work at an NCO Academy co-located with the Logistics BOLC, CCC, pre-command course, etc. &amp;nbsp;That said, there&#39;s less than a dozen Sergeants E-5 and Specialists. &amp;nbsp;So anyone I correct on appearance is my peer or superior.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;How do I do it? &amp;nbsp;Address the person directly in a firm but discreet voice, assume the position of respect demanded by the rank, state what the issue is, and ask them to please correct it (with instructions if necessary).&lt;br&gt;Sometimes I get blown off, but more often than not I get a &quot;thank you&quot; and a positive fix.

2014-02-05T19:40:52-05:00 2014-02-05T19:40:52-05:00 SSG Oliver Mathews 52973

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Respectfully... always... regardless for Rank. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Shortly after i arrived to the 173rd I saw a soldier walking away from the Battalion/DCO Building. He had a hand in his pocket and a phone to his ear. Of course i was a proud and energetic SPC at the time and Ran up behind him said &quot;Hey Soldier you need to stop walking while on a phone and pull your hand out of your pocket&quot;... &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The soldier exused himself from the phone call momentarily and turned around. My luck... a Brigadier General. He commended me on doing the right thing. Shook my hand with a coin then went back to his phone call. Most awkward salute i have ever given... &lt;br&gt;

2014-02-07T00:40:47-05:00 2014-02-07T00:40:47-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 53036

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Present it with tack and respect and most likely the response will be pleasant and greatful. But if the approach is that of being a jerk..be prepared for an ass chewing. Letting it slip by without saying something is not good either.

2014-02-07T06:52:01-05:00 2014-02-07T06:52:01-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 71802

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>When the ACU first came out I was in Kuwait with Third Army.  I corrected at least 10 people a day for a month or two for things Velcroed in the wrong place.  Many outranked me, most had been in longer.<div><br></div><div>I would walk up close and quietly say "excuse me sir, your name is on the wrong side"</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the time they took it well, sometimes they said I was wrong.  I just couldn't walk by without letting them know.</div><div><br></div><div> For a hat I would say "sir did you forget your cover" for a sweatshirt in ACU honestly I would assume the local commander authorised it for something.</div>

2014-03-07T23:52:54-05:00 2014-03-07T23:52:54-05:00 MSgt Private RallyPoint Member 890371

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What I learned from J.A.G. is that as long as you preface your statement with "with all due respect" you can say anything. :)

2015-08-14T16:22:36-04:00 2015-08-14T16:22:36-04:00 SFC Stephen King 890373

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Tactfully

2015-08-14T16:23:03-04:00 2015-08-14T16:23:03-04:00 Col Private RallyPoint Member 890438

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is ALWAYS a great topic for discussion, because higher military rank brings higher scrutiny and responsibility to set the standard. Senior NCOs or officers who respond poorly to appropriate and respectful criticism from others (of any rank) ultimately hurt their reputation and that of the organization they represent. I always challenge my team members to be "good Wingmen" and to have the courage to "do the right thing" (also known as integrity). Most senior officers and NCOs I have known respect and appreciate others who help us get squared away when we have an "Elvis collar" or miss the shaving cream behind our ear... we're all human, after all!

2015-08-14T16:45:28-04:00 2015-08-14T16:45:28-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 955264

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Listen, higher ranks are just people like you and I. I was in a medical command and I had COLs and LTCs in my company. <br /><br />First, be ABSOLUTELY sure that you are right, and they are wrong. Then open the conversation by PULLING THEM ASIDE but DO NOT make it obvious. <br /><br />Say this: SIR/MA'AM with all due respect, would you mind (CORRECTION NEEDED). <br /><br />You can give them: Sir/Maam if you dont observe the standard then our junior Soldiers will follow suit. It would be hard to tell them to correct themselves when we as leaders are not setting the right example ourselves.<br /><br />FINISH WITH: Sir/Maam, I really appreciate your time.

2015-09-10T10:00:24-04:00 2015-09-10T10:00:24-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1820319

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Awesome, you do exactly what you did. Never let rank get in the way of making an on the spot correction. It should always be respectful, no matter the rank..... higher or lower than you. Have a great day.

2016-08-19T16:07:10-04:00 2016-08-19T16:07:10-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1820349

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As an LT and CPT, I worked for a Ranger Battalion Commander who addressed the issue of uniform corrections very bluntly: those who focus attention on uniform violations and corrections are sacrificing focus on training. In other words, focus on the most important things, like properly training, equipping and preparing yourself, your peers and your unit to execute any mission. Uniform violations, unless egregious, are generally irritating, and one can almost always find something wrong with someone else if they look hard enough. The point is that shouldn't be what you're worried about. Now, if you really want to have fun, find a CSM or bored OPS SGM to point out uniform violations. Then, sit back and watch the party.

2016-08-19T16:18:43-04:00 2016-08-19T16:18:43-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 1820428

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unfortunately, enforcement of standards and regulations only work down, not up. And if you think otherwise, you're fooling yourself.

2016-08-19T16:57:19-04:00 2016-08-19T16:57:19-04:00 SGT Charles Tittl 1820437

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Had a guy at Fitzsimons AMC spot the CSM with the tail of his class B shirt sticking out of the zipper of his trousers. The hard charging SPC walked up to him and said "Excuse me CSM, are you trolling for gays?"

2016-08-19T16:59:53-04:00 2016-08-19T16:59:53-04:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 2182979

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Tactfully Sir, I am a lower enlisted but I have corrected an 0-6 in my time in service. I have found as long as its tactful and clearly shows no sign of disrespect then you&#39;ll be in the clear. Most of the time, they appreciate the balls your showing and it makes a positive impression.

2016-12-23T00:46:00-05:00 2016-12-23T00:46:00-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 4197690

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Personally I’d rather anyone tell me that there is something wrong with my uniform offline than let me walk around (or address a formation) looking jacked up. I had an instance where a patch had gotten stuck in the wrong place when taking off a jacket and I didn’t notice until my NCOIC caught it and fixed me. I much rather that than my boss or a room full of Soldiers.

2018-12-10T15:30:26-05:00 2018-12-10T15:30:26-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 4202014

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I corrected my 1st sergeant often when his US Army and Name Tape were switched. He ended up asking the whole company why no one corrected him except me.

2018-12-12T08:53:36-05:00 2018-12-12T08:53:36-05:00 SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 4204800

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Signal leads the way

2018-12-13T09:51:42-05:00 2018-12-13T09:51:42-05:00 SSG George Holtje 5152922

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Respectfully, at a low whisper, without an attitude.

2019-10-21T23:51:45-04:00 2019-10-21T23:51:45-04:00 Maj John Bell 5265767

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I usually did it with a question? i.e. Excuse me sir? When was the reg/command policy on ________ changed?

2019-11-22T22:12:51-05:00 2019-11-22T22:12:51-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 7571170

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Research your paragraph and line. Then talk to JAG first. Wndabove all, be respectful.

2022-03-13T21:14:42-04:00 2022-03-13T21:14:42-04:00 2014-02-05T16:30:21-05:00