Posted on Feb 26, 2014
SFC Telecommunications Operations Chief
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In a somewhat gender sensitive situation, what would be your approach?
Posted in these groups: United states army logo Army
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CW3 Network Architect
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"Excuse me, Soldier.....do you identify as female?"
"No, sir"
"Then why are you wearing earrings? You need to take them out."
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CPT Obstetrics and Gyneco
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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.
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SFC Stephen P.
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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.
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How would you approach a Soldier wearing earrings on post that you couldn't identify as male or female?
SSG Chief Fire Control Sergeant
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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.
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CPT Public Affairs Officer
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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.

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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
12 y
How is it EO? What Opportunity has the individual been denied?
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SFC Rear Detachment Ncoic
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If someone is threating me with EO or IG I just tell them to make sure they spell my name correctly. If you did nothing wrong there is nothing to worry about.
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CPT Public Affairs Officer
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I could just see an overly sensitive Soldier, who may have issues with their appearance, trying to file an EO or IG complaint if mistaken for the wrong sex. I have seen worse reasons for such action. It always goes nowhere, but still creates a headache.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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"Excuse me Soldier!" Wait for greeting.. listen to voice.... hope you can identify..
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SFC Rear Detachment Ncoic
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That is not helpful all the time sadly.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
12 y
Emphasis on "hope".
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