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

Every military member has to ensure that military standards of all ranks are met. But, the lower ranks must use their direct supervisor is appraised of a blatant violation of regulations by a senior ranking member, NCO or officer. Just because you're outrank by either a senior NCO or officer, doesn't mean you can't point out their violation(s).

When I was just a senior airman many centuries ago we had a fullbird get on board an aircraft in his blues. This was an aircraft we were loading and he tried to tell us how to do our job. Obviously he was violated several safety regulations and so our supervisor who was a SSgt told the Col., "With all due respect sir, but you are out of uniform and in violation of several safety regs. I need you to get off this aircraft, because we don't want you to get hurt." So you see there is right way and a wrong way to tell someone off in the military. However, overlooking someone's violation of regulations be they safety, COMSEC, OPSEC, or uniform regulations is merely setting a new standard. I've even seen it happen outside a chow hall. A Capt. walked passed us without saluting. We stopped and politely told him that it is a common courtesy for an officer to salute enlisted. He apologized, saluted us and went on his way. Of course that works the other way. It is well-known that on most Air Force flightlines they are no-hat, no-salute areas. The Capt. of the force protection squadron was out and about and approached me (NCOIC of ATOC) to ask why no one was saluting him. So I had to explain to him the regulation. A year later he rotated back to the states. We made sure his luggage got a bag tour.

The correct answer is YES; however, use tact. Someday you may be working for Ms. Hotlips. In uniform vs out of uniform may apply in certain situations.

Nope, she is a female and your superior in and out of the military. Stand tall and admire the lipstick. Soon the entire military will be required to wear lipstick so the minority feels good. No more guns, just a liberals arts degree from the corner store will be fine. Wars can be fought only against climate change and learn chinese right now

I also didn't realize that this was 4 years ago.

I am just going to point out that taking a picture of someone without their knowledge or consent, on base, in the chow hall, and then posting it on a social media site will get you in more trouble than her wearing the wrong shade of lipstick. I agree that she should be corrected, but you should be also. You could ask your question without posting the picture. I'm not sure what base you are at but most have policies that restrict photography, especially of an unwilling participant. Just my 2 cents.

There was a CG of III Corps at FT Hood who was famous for go after soldiers who did not salute his car (official sedan with Three Star Plate). If he spotted a miscreant, he stop the car and launch his Aide to conduct on the spot corrections. It is reported that one day a soldier from the 1st Cav Div failed to render honors. The Aide was launched, the young soldier was at the bus stop for the post shuttle. He evaluated the situation and immediately took advantage of the bus passing by. The large "saddle blanket" on his left shoulder was the clue as to who he was.

Late when the III Corps CG and 1'st CAV CG met the III Corps Commander brought it up and ask the 1st Cav Div CG about. 1st Cav CG said, "damned resourceful soldier if you ask me."

If you know for sure the Airman / female was blatantly out of uniform, you had every right to confront this Airman. But I think the thing that really should have been done was to contact the first higher ranking person or another Airman of this females rank and inform them of the situation. Then have them confront the female in question. If they blow you off and don't correct the Female about her abuse of the Regulations. this Higher ranking Airman would be just as guilty as the female for not doing a corrective action on the spot. But if nobody else was around and you had no choice but to confront the female. Do so in a respectful manner and tell the Female that according to the Regulations. She's out of uniform by wearing the non authorized lipstick. If she jumps your arse for trying to correct her, even if you are junior in rank to her. Get her name and ask her what Unit she is in, if she doesn't give you the information. Then try and find a Higher ranking Airman and report her for the violation. If she gives you her info, then report the info back to your chain of command and let them deal with this female. If they refuse to do anything about it, then I'd call the IG Department and make a formal complaint on the situation. tell them everything that you did and who you reported the violation to. Wouldn't hurt to write down everyone's info you contacted about the situation. Record keeping will / would save your arse in the end if she denies that you tried to correct her or have a higher ranking person correct her.

As an E4, I once corrected an E7. That's when this E6 told me I am never allowed to correct a superior. He asserted that I am only allowed to correct those of equal or lesser rank. (Later that day, the E7 apologized to me and admitted she was in the wrong. But that E6 continued to hold a grudge against me.)

I would definitely proceed with caution and discuss this with others as well as your next line supervisor and then let your supervisor handle the situation . If it is something that is obviously an egregious conduct, like assault or rape, then I would personally and immediately intervene and call for help, If not, then I would relay my sentiments to my senior NCO or if it is that person, the next commission officer in your chain. Believe or not, the Chaplain is always a good stop to discuss any situation that troubles you. In any case, the Sr NCO will not feel obligated to listen to your criticism of him or her.