How would you approach a Soldier wearing earrings on post that you couldn't identify as male or female?

2014-02-26T10:18:11-05:00

In a somewhat gender sensitive situation, what would be your approach?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 26 at 2014 10:21 AM

2014-02-26T10:21:50-05:00

"Excuse me Soldier!" Wait for greeting.. listen to voice.... hope you can identify..

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 10:26 AM

2014-02-26T10:26:29-05:00

I am not at all certain in this case.

There is part of me that would go ahead and make the assumption that it must be a female Soldier, otherwise their NCO should have already corrected this issue. This is of course assuming that: the earrings are within regulation, the rest of the Soldiers appearance seems to be within standard. If this were the case, no correction would obviously be needed. If there are other deficiencies that need to be addressed, those would be the place to start so that you had a chance to get a better idea of gender.

There is another part of me that may just try to strike up a small conversation in passing to see if I could pinpoint the gender of the Soldier, in which case I would render the appropriate correction if needed. A simple "Hello, how are you today" may yield a definitive vocal characteristic.

That is a tough one that could end in EO-land if not careful.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 10:50 AM

2014-02-26T10:50:46-05:00

Hey you or Hey Soldier. Whoever is the vacinity especiall a Soldier will respond. Remeber you're an NCO show confidence and just ask the tough questions while being tact.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Feb 26 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-02-26T11:11:08-05:00

Depends on the uniform.

ACU: earrings are a no-go regardless.
ASU: gender should be apparent by the uniform
Civilian clothes: I would assume civilian and not apply military policy.

If there is some circumstance I have not yet imagined, I would give the benefit of the doubt and assume the soldier was in compliance (therefore female). I suspect addressing a male as "ma'am" may provide adequate resolution.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 4:19 PM

2014-11-20T16:19:49-05:00

It's easy! No earrings for ACU's period. If they are wearing them.. they are wrong.
If they are wearing ASU's and have earrings. Then they are females.
If they are wearing civvies and wearing earrings and you can't tell what their gender is, just be ambiguous about everything.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2016 1:21 PM

2016-07-21T13:21:20-04:00

"Excuse me, Soldier.....do you identify as female?"
"No, sir"
"Then why are you wearing earrings? You need to take them out."