Is it appropiate for a prior service member to correct service members on AR 670-1 violations?

Well, the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America guarantees free speech so if I see a person blatantly violating uniform standards, I have every right to point it out to him. No longer being in the military, he's under no obligation to listen to me, let alone obey me if I tell him to fix it, but I most certainly can say something.

Darn right you can. Anyone can correct a soldier in violation. Just be polite and respectful. The big one I see is hands in pockets and head gear. I have no problem yelling cover to some soldier. Same goes for actions unbecoming.

It's definitely a good thing to square away fellow soldiers because we all represent the US Army (or whatever branch/component we serve in). Just today as I was flying out of CAB I noticed a young man that had his duffle bag and acu backpack but he was wearing his APFU short sleeve shirt with jeans. Since I wasn't too sure, I consulted AR 670-1 and found that after the April update, combining PT's w/civies is prohibited. I quietly told him and as expected, he said "My DS's said it was ok" but I still showed him the text and he thanked me and apologized. I told him not to worry as I only wanted to help him look squared away, he went to the restroom and changed into a regular t-shirt. Turns out he had been sent home from reception at Ft. Jackson due to anxiety.

I see no problem with correcting someone. If they're jacked up, I say help them. That's what I would want even if I get a little irritated because I don't like being corrected. Though it's not apparent I, and hopefully others, appreciate what you do when you correct a AR violation.

I most certainly think we should! No matter who it is we are all still soldiers/leaders to an extent, my oath as a NCO did not come with an expiration date on it nor did my oath to defend this country so why should the responsibility to help a soldier out when the need arises?? If they are doing something blatantly stupid in uniform I have no issue with it as they are disgracing not only themselves but the uniform and all of us as well. If its something that requires tact ( head gear or uniform oopsies who better than a former SM VS a fellow SM who may just get them into serious trouble??

I'm not current on the regs and I live near Patrick, way to many air force for me to start. If I see something horribly off, I'll say something, but I limit myself to the obvious. Head gear, belt loops, collars, missing button, etc.

It is absolutely appropriate, as a retired NCO it is still my duty and obligation to ENFORCE the standards. If you or I or any other service member active, inactive or retired fail to do this we are creating an incorrect standard.