Is catcalling in uniform okay?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:23:07 -0400

Women in the military: how do you feel about other service members (of all branches) in uniform (higher or lower ranking) catcalling women (in or out of the military)?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Apr 11 at 2018 12:30 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:30:43 -0400

I do not like cat calling.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 12:36 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:36:05 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Not ok in or out of uniform. If in uniform it brings the wearer's branch into disrepute. Just plain boorish behavior in any case. Too bad it isn't always possible to call out the offender at the time. Full disclosure - I have four daughters and wouldn't have ever appreciated hearing that they had been verbally assaulted in that way.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 12:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:37:19 -0400

This is never ok. Uniform doesn't matter.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 11 at 2018 12:38 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:38:26 -0400

I am pretty sure that would cross the line for SHARP for anyone subject to punishment.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 11 at 2018 12:42 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:42:26 -0400

By the way, men can be a victim of being catcalled as I have been catcalled while working in my yard or when I used run outside. I am not saying I am all that but I am in shape for my age.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Apr 11 at 2018 12:48 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:48:42 -0400

The only men who does that is those lacking in intelligence, looks and public speaking. To stupid to know how they're offending women, to ugly to approach a woman, or is lacking in conversation skills.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 12:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:55:03 -0400

It is never okay to disrespect a lady anytime day or night, uniform or not.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 11 at 2018 12:59 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:59:55 -0400

Well its never OK, but I just never understood catcalling. I'm not sure any woman has been picked up with a catcall, usually talking to women like they're humans is the best way to get a date.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Apr 11 at 2018 1:01 PM

TSgt David Holman — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:01:38 -0400

It is disrespectful in or out of uniform, but brings discredit to the member's service when a uniformed member does it. I have no problem calling people out for it, and have done so on a couple of occasions.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 1:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:38:36 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member This is unacceptable behavior.

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 11 at 2018 1:55 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:55:29 -0400

I've learned its best to remain professional at all times -

Response by Sgt Adrian Jones made Apr 11 at 2018 2:01 PM

Sgt Adrian Jones — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:01:57 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member who does this, I mean seriously. I have done something similar to this with buddies when we are in the gym joking around....for instance "Jeez bro check out those calves" but its done out of goodhearted fun.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 11 at 2018 3:02 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:02:26 -0400

NO!

Response by SSG Michael Johnston made Apr 11 at 2018 3:04 PM

SSG Michael Johnston — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:04:32 -0400

Personally, it doesn't matter when/where... it's always unacceptable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 3:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:17:46 -0400

It's 100% not okay and it's actually mentioned in any sexual harassment training I've ever seen. I know SHARP training it's 100% wrong to do it in or out of uniform. I have seen AF training and same thing.

Catcalling - male or female - is never okay. Does anyone really like it if some random stranger whistles at them and says some derogatory comment about them? I don't like to be harassed on the street or anywhere. Maybe some people do...I don't know.

Also realize women can catcall do and have.

Response by SPC Kyle De Wolf made Apr 11 at 2018 3:31 PM

SPC Kyle De Wolf — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:31:53 -0400

Sorry that you have to go through that. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 5:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:08:33 -0400

It's not ok. It is conduct unbecoming, it is sexual harassment, and it makes the workplace hostile.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 11 at 2018 5:18 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:18:37 -0400

To the responders, Id ask, before you go Gunnery Sergeant Hartman on the cat caller...Id ask you to ask questions and think before you act...
The civilian youth of yesterday is todays youth that is serving... They only know what they know, only know how to act as they learned at home...
If they had no, or crap role models, they learned nothing or just crap....some, id say most, will take well to being shown a better way. But not if the conversation starts with a rant and attack.
The line of response at or near "SPC, if you had daughter and you caught me saying what you just said to that Soldier a min ago,, How hard would you punch me in the face?" really does work to make them think,,,sometimes,, not all of course...but those that can be positively influenced will be, those that cant, with luck, will lash out,,,and then the real fun starts.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 5:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:21:27 -0400

Hell no

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 11 at 2018 5:34 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:34:02 -0400

It is a violation of UCMJ, period

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 11 at 2018 5:56 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:56:06 -0400

Never ok and should not be tolerated. Nip it in the bud when you see it.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Apr 11 at 2018 7:34 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:34:50 -0400

Unexceptable under any circumstances

Response by CA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 7:59 PM

CA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:59:40 -0400

It's awful. As a woman I've been catcalled in and out of uniform, but to be honest it's way more insulting to be catcalled in uniform. I'm giving my life to protect my country and the people in it, and all someone can say to me is gross comments on my appearance

Response by PO1 Jeff Donelson made Apr 11 at 2018 10:42 PM

PO1 Jeff Donelson — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 22:42:29 -0400

Catcallng brings discredit to anyone who does it. If they are in uniform, at the time, it brings discredit to all of us. Call them out every time.

Response by Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. made Apr 12 at 2018 11:02 AM

Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 11:02:17 -0400

No not in any Uniform or out of uniform It's sexless and shows no respect toward the women in or out of uniform..But of coarse That's my opinion..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 5:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 17:00:48 -0400

Cat calling is never ok. I have never seen anyone in uniform be cat called or been the "cat caller" but anyone witnessing it should correct it regardless of rank. I just ignore the cat callers, they are looking for a response and any response will do.

On the opposite end of cat calling is the belittling based on gender. I have run into this multiple times at civilian shooting ranges. The culprits are many times Vietnam era retired vets. I tactfully tell them to shove off.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 2:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:37:31 -0400

This still happens? Ive never understood the purpose of this. I have 2 daughters and I would be livid if I heard it happening to either of them. And in uniform? That's incredible. The problem is that these individuals evidently were not brought up right to respect all women. If this happens, it makes us all look bad.

Response by PO2 Paul Schexnayder made Apr 13 at 2018 10:52 AM

PO2 Paul Schexnayder — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:52:49 -0400

Regardless of it being civilian or military personnel; in or out of uniform; basic common decency, courtesy and respect makes cat-calling demeaning, degrading and insulting to any female whether she objects or not.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 6:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:41:20 -0400

Never except when never happens and even then no.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 8:38 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 08:38:25 -0400

I feel it’s a non-issue and people need to grow thicker skin. The fact that this is even a topic of discussion is proof of our military’s shortcomings in the arena of priority. It’s supposed to be a warrior culture, if words of any kind offind you or seen inappropriate your in the wrong line of work.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 10:00 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 22:00:04 -0400

I have never seen this so can only speculate. No way. The best policy is only talk to females in the most professional manner at all times.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 10:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 22:58:11 -0400

It’s completely unprofessional and sloppy. When you’re in uniform you carry yourself with a Military bearing. One should do so out of uniform too. Don’t be a dickhead just because there’s a woman in uniform walking past.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 12:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:00:01 -0500

I thought cat calling was something that you see men do in third and fourth world Latino countries. I see it when I go visit my mother and Honduras and I feel it is inappropriate. I think it is never appropriate. This is the era of politically correct. But then again, you have people doing piercings , tattoos ear inserts to look like the Ferengi from Star Trek and other things to desecrate their body so one stupid thing is replaced by another.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 12:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:13:37 -0500

Catcalling is inappropriate. My pet peeve is seeing body art or body desecration. I know it's the new fad thing. I thought in the early 80s seeing weirdos like the Stray Cats would be something normal today. Dennis Rodman and his House of Style looks make me want to vomit. I also have a 21 year old druggie step daughter who has tattoos and piercings and she has enough Chrome on her face to almost make a silver half dollar. She thinks that's pretty but then again, she has mental problems.

https://goo.gl/images/L6yrZz

Image: Dennis Rodman Left North Korea in 'Ambassador Rodman' Shirt | Time

Found on Google from time.com

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Dec 11 at 2018 12:46 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:46:45 -0500

You mean actual felines, or…

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 1:21 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 13:21:23 -0500

Never OK. It could be considered a form of sexual harassment.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Dec 11 at 2018 2:23 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 14:23:27 -0500

It's never okay and those that do it should be called down, counseled, and even punished under the UCMJ of the infraction is severe enough. This affects morale, the team, and is totally unprofessional in any work environment! That my 2 cents! Leaders take charge at all levels!

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 11 at 2018 2:36 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 14:36:53 -0500

Thought we put this cat to rest back in the 80's with the Army of excellence and year of values. But then again I guess that's why we have to go to the SHARP classes still.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 4:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 16:16:10 -0500

It probably falls under your service regulations as sexual harassment. It's definitely not okay, and is service discrediting behavior.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Dec 11 at 2018 6:16 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:16:42 -0500

Well since I identify as an old woman, I will say that it is never justified and anyone caught doing so should be dealt with by their FLL.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Dec 11 at 2018 6:43 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:43:45 -0500

No never

Response by CPO Gerald Burns made Nov 22 at 2021 3:06 PM

CPO Gerald Burns — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:06:48 -0500

Absolutely NOT okay to catcall women or men. It sends the wrong message to anyone else watching that the military has no standards of conduct. Not in Uniform: same thing, and makes YOU look like a slob that basically has no manners. If they know you are military but in civvies, you still reflect on the service. Have some pride in your service !

Response by MSgt Dianne Moen made Jan 4 at 2023 11:57 AM

MSgt Dianne Moen — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:57:02 -0500

It’s childish.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 4 at 2023 2:52 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:52:58 -0500

Obviously not a woman, but I believe such behavior is unbecoming to any service member. There was a time when I might have ignored it and privately objected. Then we got to the 1980s when leadership started disciplining sexual discrimination. I was and am all for radically curtailing this type of behavior and would publically speak against it today.