In ranks inspections, PRO? CON? Calling all NCOs!

2014-03-11T20:19:53-04:00

Everyone, this counseling statement is real! We know it to be true. There are a lot of blogs here about uniforms after retirement, how to wear headgear, etc. I am proud of my uniform, I do have 6 pair of blues trousers for the constant fluctuation in waist over the year. So tell me about this counseling and your idea of bringing back pay day activities and at least a quarterly in ranks where everyone is inspected. Esprit de Coros was always higher in units where we did them.  I think periodic inspections are a PRO.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 11 at 2014 8:22 PM

2014-03-11T20:22:43-04:00

I won't lie to you, I may have been laughing inside if I were typing this up..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 8:24 PM

2014-03-11T20:24:21-04:00

Payday activities are no longer a thing? My unit was doing them as recently as when I got out of the Army in 2012.

And to answer the original question, of course in ranks inspections are beneficial.

Response by SSG Jeffery Nebel made Mar 11 at 2014 8:28 PM

2014-03-11T20:28:01-04:00

Chief,

We need this now more than ever. I believe that it will sharpen a soldiers attention to detail, and improve espirit de corps. I know there will be some sighs out there, but I remember the days of wearing my B's to work every day. It's a good idea.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 8:53 PM

2014-03-11T20:53:14-04:00

Chief,

Glad to see that you squared this NCO away. Had that Soldier been one of mine, he would have a lot more than a counseling statement. I can't believe we have so many bad apples within our ranks that think these things are ok. I hope we continue to rid out these folks from our lines. Thanks for sharing.

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Mar 11 at 2014 10:36 PM

2014-03-11T22:36:39-04:00

In-Ranks inspections should be a formality. Junior NCOs should be making sure that they and their soldiers are straight long before the Platoon Sergeant or First Sergeant ever get to them. <br><br><br>(That counseling made my hand connect with my forehead in such a manner that if it had been done faster with more power would have the devastating force to face palm the guy that was walking behind me as i read it.) <br>

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 12 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-03-12T15:09:13-04:00

Chief,

I remember a time when we had regular inspections more often than not in Service Dress or Trops. Those days required us to report in the appropriate dress uniform before changing into our utilities for work. The NCOs and JOs rarely let anything slip by them (and Heaven forbid the old man catch you in need of some direction), and we were all better for it. Certainly something we could use more of given the causal attitude some of our junior members take towards the service these days.

Clearly another child whose World of Warcraft status is more important than his day job. The counseling was priceless.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-03-12T15:32:44-04:00

Mr Baker,

I still find Monday morning and Friday afternoon a great days to check uniform and hair cuts. But we still conduct Pay Day activities first Friday of the month with BN run then in ranks inspections in ASUs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:35 PM

2014-03-12T15:35:41-04:00

Every Monday we conduct in ranks inspections. It requires soldiers to take pride in thier uniform, appearance and it also requires soldiers to stay sharp on their basic soldiers skills (Warrior Ethos, COC, Army Values, Ect.) I think this is very much needed. It allows our 1ST SGT to see who is setting the standard and who doesn't care. We also do pay day activities every month where we conduct an in ranks inspection in ASUs and Room Inspections for barracks personnel. Once again, it shows who is putting the work in and who is sand-bagging. I'm actually surprised to hear that there are units who don't do either of these. I think this should be the STANDARD everywhere. With the downsizing, it will give us a good place to start getting rid of the soldiers who don't want to be here or who think they can do whatever they want. It holds us accountable!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 5:41 PM

2014-03-12T17:41:28-04:00

I am glad that this "NCO" will be getting out of the Army soon so he can focus on playing his lame game on his phone

Response by SGM William (Bill) Baker made Mar 12 at 2014 7:28 PM

2014-03-12T19:28:13-04:00

What is not inspected is neglected. This is true in the civilian sector where I now hang my hat. Most companies (like the Army) have a dress code. It is amazing (like our in ranks inspections) how many do not adhere to simple rules. I totally concur with Chief, the units where the soldiers were inspected the moral and unit appearance was much higher.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 2:37 PM

2014-03-20T14:37:23-04:00

I'll never forget the stairs up to our bay in BCT (1997) which said as you ascended them: "Look sharp. Act sharp. Be sharp." A good leader can help develop a Soldiers' pride in their uniform, their unit, which in turn builds an Esprit de Corps.

As a young Soldier I had a lot of pride in my Platoon marching around Schofield, sounding off, everyone in step and looking sharp. My NCOs showed up squared away, and expected us to be squared away. They took the time to show us, and that demonstrated their concern and dedication. So many lessons (which can be overlooked) can be taught to young Soldiers if we take the time to teach them; attention to detail, military tradition, proper wear and care of the uniform are just a couple.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 9:02 PM

2014-03-23T21:02:52-04:00

I believe that In-Ranks Inspections are necessary. Of course after almost 13 Years at War there needs to be some training on how to properly Maintain, wear, and care for individual equipment. It seems that this has been lost during our time of conflict.
As far as the counseling it is the weakest counseling that I have ever seen. The individual who wrote it should be trained on proper counseling. It honestly holds no weight. I work very hard to teach my Non-Commissioned Officers how to write not only counselings but evaluation reports.
Finally there are not enough on the spot corrections. It seems as though individuals are afraid to say anything. Wrong Answer!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 6:54 PM

2014-04-15T18:54:21-04:00

As a soldier (E4 and below) I never realized the importance of In-Ranks inspections. I spent over an hour every night because I knew at first formation in the morning we (the other soldiers and I) would be comparing our pressed uniforms and spit shinned boots. Even though we didn't know why we were made to do these formations every morning we were making our formation look good because it brought a sense of pride in each individual. As a leader, NCO and Warrant Officer, I am proud of my accomplishments and love to show up with my uniform on. I see soldiers looking at my uniform and they want to know what this ribbon is for and what that ribbon is. I think it makes them want to strive to do good things so they will get recognized. I have been in units that when not deployed continue to do in-ranks inspections and think it is a great tradition that has helped me strive to do the best I can.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jun 8 at 2014 1:19 PM

2014-06-08T13:19:19-04:00

My current unit does observe Payday Activities by wearing the ASU, complete. Our SGM makes his way around to each section during the day and spot checks. In-ranks are probably coming back soon, and I am a big fan of that. If you don't check, you don't know. If you don't know, then it is hard to validate that your folks are doing the right thing and damn near impossible to fix things if they are broke. Take the time and check. It will pay dividends in the future for that subordinate...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 10:50 AM

2014-08-12T10:50:42-04:00

Simply put, if you failt to prepare then you prepare to fail. In-ranks inspections are a great and UNDERUSED tool that needs to be revived. I came up when Monday morning in-ranks inspections at motor stables were the norm (and sometimes got you the day off if you were sharp). It forced you as a soldier to be on your toes and maintain yourself and as a leader it was a great way to find out whats going on with your soldiers and see if they are maintaing themselves.

Response by SrA Ben Barton made Sep 20 at 2014 3:06 AM

2014-09-20T03:06:21-04:00

Oh my! I kind of think this counseling letter is HILARIOUS! Especially as I'm not a big computer game person, and therefore feel it my God-given right... nay, my DUTY to decry those individuals as often as possible! And here, with your post, I'm given more ammunition! Thank you!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Sep 21 at 2014 1:15 PM

2014-09-21T13:15:17-04:00

Not only do I think that junior level inspections should happen more often (squad and platoon), I also think ASAP should start to include treatment for gaming addiction.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 10:00 AM

2014-10-02T10:00:18-04:00

I think our OPSTEMPO and work schedules are brutal enough, with the constant "do more with less", that the LAST thing we need to do is to impose yet another tasker that adds essentially nothing to the mission.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 3:40 PM

2014-10-02T15:40:11-04:00

That's funny....personally I spent my clothing allowance on another games in app purchases, I needed more gold!

Seriously though I have 2 sets of asu that fit as they should. In ranks inspections are good things to do from time to time. But one should never need an inspection to tell you whether your uniform is jacked up or not.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 10:21 AM

2014-10-03T10:21:34-04:00

As we draw down, in-ranks inspections should be utilized more. There is a since of pride in wearing your dress uniforms, and they should be properly maintained.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 10:08 AM

2014-10-04T10:08:40-04:00

Pro.

Sir as a full-time Guardsmen, I am in uniform everyday. However, I have Soldiers who only put it on once a month and the ASU requirement is only once a year. I require a uniform inspection the drill prior to the drill when we wear our ASUs to make sure that they fit, have everything on it correctly, etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 3:38 PM

2014-10-04T15:38:35-04:00

I read through the counseling statement wondering if I knew the guy this was written for... Either way, an NCO must do an in ranks inspection of the ASU at least once a quarter, and he must be in uniform as well.

On a slightly related topic, you know what I hate? Coming into work on monday and having to have an inspection ready uniform, and immediately following the inspection go out to the motor pool and get under the vehicles and PMCS them. I once changed into a different (not the one for the inspection) uniform and was scolded by my supervisor. I feel that inspecting a uniform and then rolling around in the dirt is ignorant. I do see the need to keep a uniform in good presentable and professional condition, but I also feel that Soldiers should not wear that uniform for the whole working day. If a Soldier goes home clean he hasn't worked or trained hard enough that day.

I believe in the field uniform.

Response by SSgt Christopher "TEX" F. made Oct 6 at 2014 12:28 AM

2014-10-06T00:28:25-04:00

WOW!! I'm totally dumbfounded! "Clash of Clans" huh?! At [least] come up with something good like "I had a vehicular emergency and was short on funds, so I [had] no other option", at [least] it would be buyable!

I have seen, a few times, where people let their uniforms get [almost] unserviceable and wait until the last day before an inspection to rush like a madman and fix their uniforms! Their supervisors would not say anything until the last moment, which is absolutely unacceptable!

I was [always] proud to wear my uniform and looked at it as a privilege, so I [always] kept my uniforms up to standards (and more as possible)! There should be none of this "wait until the last moment to adhere to regulations". The regulations should [always] be adhered to and if this happens, there is [actually] a lot less work and stress on the part of the troops [and] the NCOs. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"!

1%....and these [under-performing/under-achieving] idiots don't understand what an HONOR has been bestowed upon them! Not [everyone] who goes into that recruiter's office, or makes it to MEPS, or even makes it to Basic Training, (and some even tech-school) makes it into the operational military! They are INCREDIBLY fortunate....and they p!ss all over it! I just don't get that!

A [personal] little leadership quote I came up with a few years back and, yes, it is my own, so there is no one to quote, but me: "Stand up, Stand aside, or Stand down..But don't Stand in my way!"

What I mean by it is either "Stand up" and lead, (or) "Stand aside" and fight with me, "or Stand aside" and let me lead.."But don't stand in my way!", because in any case I'm coming through!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-10-06T11:18:01-04:00

In ranks inspections are important, it helps to inforce the standards

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 12:11 PM

2014-10-07T12:11:12-04:00

"I needed gems for the good of the clan" I couldn't of said that with a straight face. How do you spend that much on a mobile app. There is a "Banksy" work that depicts a man and a woman in an embrace both with their iPhones in hand over the other's shoulder. Anyone ready for the mid-firefight 'selfies'?

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Nov 10 at 2014 9:36 AM

2014-11-10T09:36:07-05:00

I'm know, I know...I'm weighing in late on this one. That counseling statement was funny, perhaps unintentionally, but it does present a real and recurring problem.

We do accountability formations every morning. What is so bad about occasionally taking a few more minutes to look through the ranks? I "grew up" in an Army where morning parades were an integral part of Mondays. If a Soldier couldn't get a haircut, shave, shower, or clean his laundry over the entire weekend, then there was clearly a problem. NCOs in every organization that I have been in check their Soldiers' rooms every morning. We want to ensure that they aren't living like animals, and as a result, attracting animals. Similarly, we should not have personnel in our uniforms that cannot take care of simple tasks. They become liabilities later. As an example: Soldiers who don't maintain their weapons can't shoot when they're under fire. Inspections enforce self-discipline - a key requirement for any effective person, and not just military members.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Nov 10 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-11-10T09:53:16-05:00

I read the counseling statement, and to tell you the truth, most civilian companies really don't give a crap about military enlistment anymore. (statement from my own personal experiences)