Is it appropriate to confront a higher rank when they are blatantly disregarding regs?

Absolutely if done professionally. Did the 2 star make any comment to her in this regard? Call the higher rank off to the side one on one. Try not to embarrass or grandstand. Explain to the higher rank that wearing this type of lipstick is unauthorized. See what type of response you get from the higher rank. More than likely you will receive a "do as I say, not as I do" remark. But at least you did try to correct the higher rank. If it persists, go to your first line supervisor and have them run this up the chain...BLUFF: be professional and courteous when communicating. Isolate the conversation to a one on one situation (This will allow the higher rank to "save face" in front of her peers and or subordinates alike...good luck! Hoooah!!

In this instance you would want to address it privately. I should note that I have a friend ( a specialist) who did not confront his First Sgt. about misstating weight measurements and PT scores, and he got a dishonorable discharge along with the First Sgt. and the other senior NCOs involved.

We were having family day, but before anyone was allowed to change into civies. An A1C was with her family and her hair was way too long to be down. I pulled her aside and told her her hair was way below the bottom of her collar and needed to be put up. I would never have tried to embarrass her in front of her family. I was an E7.

I figured there was no regs regarding make up in the Air Force. But any other military department, let me know how that goes. Lol If she’s a higher rank, chances are she knows she is out of regs. Otherwise, how’d she pass the board? She is full aware she is out of regs and doesn’t give a hoot.

I think we all know the right answer. However, we also know what actually happens in that situation.

It is appropriate if done correctly and with tact. When correcting or pointing out a regulation violation to a higher ranking Soldier you sometimes have to walk on eggshells. First of all do it away from your peers and anyone else (if possible); second of all be prepared to cite where the reg is (such as the reg number, page, and paragraph) and try to be specific about what it says. Be respectful and address the person by their rank and if you are standing, make sure you are at parade rest. If that NCO. gives you a hard time then just walk away. Don’t argue. You did your part. If your heart is really set on it you could bring it to the attention of a higher ranking NCO, or find out what unit that NCO is in and report the incident to your chain of command starting at the lowest level (which is usually your team leader or maybe your squad leader. Whatever you do, don’t make a scene or don’t approach with a cocky attitude because you will lose right from the start.

As with anything else, show tact and don't embarrass them as in a gotcha moment. Present your observation and allow them to correct themselves in their own way, It is not for you to do so.

We used to have a COL who would intentionally wear his uniform improperly and reward the soldier who brought it to his attention. And as others said always be tactful. I was once called to the Battalion Commander's office because the S-3 said I had been disrespectful to him. I had reminded him of an AR he was violating. After I gave my version, and showed him the AR, his exact response was, "Reddick, you got to learn tact."

It is hairy to see a superior violating regulations and wanting to correct them because of the vindictiveness that permeates society in general. So, what's a junior to do? I can think of two choices right off hand. 1-Ask them if it is now permitted to do this or that (although one knows that it violates regulations) or 2-point out the violation to another superior who will then have the onus to make the correction or, at the very least, personally point out the infraction to the violator.

Yes but use tact. Get them away from their peers and keep it professional. Be prepared to show the regulation .

I remember having to address a commissioned officer that was breaking the regs. (He noticed new looking at him and tried making a V line for his car). At first he thanked me being an NCO for being up to letting him know he was messed up (especially since we were on a Tradoc post). Even respectfully thanked him for stopping and talking with me, rendered a salute and was on our way.

Well the next day he sought me out and pulled me off to the side and than decided to tell me that he was thinking about it all night long and decided that my approach was condescending. Thankfully I was with a LTC and let him know the day before this (covering my tracks in the event this would happen Where he would try to come back as I had a weird feeling about him) and informed him that if he would like to talk to the LTC that he informed me that he would be up to speaking to the young officer if there was any issues. The young officer said never mind and thanked me for my time and left. I literally seen this officer and it appeared that he was following me but i made sure he had nothing to approach me for. It shows that you can do it but make sure that you are doing the right thing as well because not all have the integrity to take the heads up, adjust fire and Charlie Mike.