How would you react if someone showed up to a uniform inspection with a ribbon rack like this?

This is why first line supervisors should "pre-inspect" their folks so there are no surprises.

This would have never made it past Team Leader to Squad Leader to Platoon Level.

Let's assume it's caught at Team level. The instant correction is to remove ALL ribbons, pending correction. Better to be "messed up" without than to be "messed up" with. Nuanced difference in screw up. Both wrong, but one is "more acceptable."

"If" there is time:

1) Have them assist me in the inspection process so they know what we are looking for.
2) Go with them to PX or Cash Sales and have them purchase the appropriate items. They purchase, I verify.
3) Have them pull out regulation manual (or appropriate orders), and create correct ribbon rack, and mount them correctly.
4) Repeat pre-inspection.

there's a CSM somewhere on Rallypoint losing his mind right now.

I once had a SFC that had oak leafs on her overseas ribbon and NCOPDR...smh I pulled her a side and I told her that this was incorrect she just shrugged her shoulders and said well that's what's on my DA photo so it must be right. And to top it all off she did get selected for E8 on her first look. Just another example of how screwed up the promotion system is.

As the recon section leader, my job was to insure that all of my people were squared away for those Saturday morning inspections. That meant that before you went anywhere Friday night your uniform passed a layout. That was my job. My Platoon Sergeant's job was to insure that I was doing mine. And the First Sergeant was responsible for insuring that the company he turned over to the Company Commander was prepared for inspection.
As a Company Commander encountering a trooper in this condition in formation I'd point out the problem to the Platoon Leader and move to the next Soldier. Not having fallen off the pickle truck the very morning of the inspection, I would also realize that, given that the likelihood that three, possibly four levels of professionals would not have failed in their responsibility, this was some sort of test. Regardless, when I gave the PL his platoon, I'd schedule a meeting in my office after the formation. When I turned the company back to the First Sergeant, there would be another, separate meeting scheduled.

BTW, this very thing occurred at the first uniform inspection held as a brand new Company Commander in the 82d. It was a conspiracy by my senior NCO's to initiate their new commander and they were all waiting in the First Sergeant's office after formation.

I think this is Pablo Picasso's uniform from his Navy days. It's worth millions.

I never had a SNCO, NCO chain fail like this. So I'd probably assume that I was having a really bad nightmare; then see if I could stop taking my anti-malaria meds.

Seeing it is a Navy uniform, I am aghast! My father and five uncles were in the Navy! They would be livid!!!

Thank you I needed a reason to smile right about now.

I'd promote him/her immediately with a direct commission into the Army Medical Department.

LTJG (Join to see) Are you sure this isn't a case of shoplifted valor?

Since its a Navy guy I'd toss him off the boat. I'd aim for a spot without any rocks or docks or whatever you guys call all that crap.

I would have said, "Great job, Seeeaaaman Schmedlapppp! You managed to get all those ribbons with all those sharp pins on without killing yourself from a massive loss of blood. I'm proud of you, son. Now I want you and everyone in your leadership chain in your Division to fall out of my formation and double time back to your rack. When you get there you are all gonna square away your yooouuuuneeeform then you're aaaalllll gonna reeeepoooort to my office post haste to show me you got it done right. Then we're all gonna have a little chat. How does that sound to you, Schmedlapppp? Good - FALL OUT!"

Promote ahead of peers! This SM needs an award for original thinking!

Pull them aside and tell them they need to have a better ribbon rack; ask them questions if they have a way to get a proper ribbon rack; if they don't, I would give them an old ribbon rack of mine (like one that would have 4 areas for 4 ribbons). I would also explain to them that this is unacceptable and provide the instruction on how the ribbons should be placed on the uniform (in this case, female service dress blues).

In the Old Marine Corps, it would probably get him 5 days puss and punk. That's in the brig on bread & water to you newbies!

I sincerely don't believe this would have ever happened in the units I served.

The reaction would not be positive I can guarantee that !

WTH! Get the service member and his first line leader, state the obvious. Then have that FLL ASSIST that member in 15 minutes and re-inspect. Counsel both!

pathetic