How do you go about correcting someone of a much higher rank?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:30:21 -0500

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'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.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 4:40 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:40:34 -0500

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

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 4:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:44:33 -0500

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 4:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:45:03 -0500

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. 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'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't make a federal case out of it, that won't end well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 4:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:48:35 -0500

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.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 5:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:21:28 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 5:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:44:59 -0500

To put it simply - Carefully.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 7:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:22:42 -0500

...you don't lol...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 7:40 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:40:52 -0500

I work at an NCO Academy co-located with the Logistics BOLC, CCC, pre-command course, etc.  That said, there's less than a dozen Sergeants E-5 and Specialists.  So anyone I correct on appearance is my peer or superior. How do I do it?  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). Sometimes I get blown off, but more often than not I get a "thank you" and a positive fix.

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Feb 7 at 2014 12:40 AM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:40:47 -0500

Respectfully... always... regardless for Rank. 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 "Hey Soldier you need to stop walking while on a phone and pull your hand out of your pocket"... 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...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 6:52 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 06:52:01 -0500

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.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 11:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 23:52:54 -0500

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.

I would walk up close and quietly say "excuse me sir, your name is on the wrong side"

Most of the time they took it well, sometimes they said I was wrong. I just couldn't walk by without letting them know.

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.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 4:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:22:36 -0400

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. :)

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 14 at 2015 4:23 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:23:03 -0400

Tactfully

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 4:45 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:45:28 -0400

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!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:00 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:00:24 -0400

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.

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.

Say this: SIR/MA'AM with all due respect, would you mind (CORRECTION NEEDED).

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.

FINISH WITH: Sir/Maam, I really appreciate your time.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 4:07 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:07:10 -0400

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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 4:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:18:43 -0400

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.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 4:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:57:19 -0400

Unfortunately, enforcement of standards and regulations only work down, not up. And if you think otherwise, you're fooling yourself.

Response by SGT Charles Tittl made Aug 19 at 2016 4:59 PM

SGT Charles Tittl — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:59:53 -0400

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?"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 12:46 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 00:46:00 -0500

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'll be in the clear. Most of the time, they appreciate the balls your showing and it makes a positive impression.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2018 3:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 15:30:26 -0500

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.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2018 8:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 08:53:36 -0500

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.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2018 9:51 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 09:51:42 -0500

Signal leads the way

Response by SSG George Holtje made Oct 21 at 2019 11:51 PM

SSG George Holtje — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 23:51:45 -0400

Respectfully, at a low whisper, without an attitude.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 22 at 2019 10:12 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 22:12:51 -0500

I usually did it with a question? i.e. Excuse me sir? When was the reg/command policy on ________ changed?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2022 9:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 21:14:42 -0400

Research your paragraph and line. Then talk to JAG first. Wndabove all, be respectful.