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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Respectfully, at a low whisper, without an attitude.

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.

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.

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!