Posted on Jan 14, 2015
On the spot corrections in public; when is it appropriate?
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This weekend me and my GF decided to get out and go to the movies not near any military base once so ever (maybe a Reserve or NG training facility could be near by). So I'm glancing around notice a uniform on a young lady and her hair down with a PT cap on inside of the mall. I didn't loose my mind at first because it could be anyone just wearing the uniform these days. As I get closer to her I notice she has on SPC rank. I told my GF that I have to say something to her and of course she didn't understand. When I approached the SPC and her civilian male acquaintance, I asked her was she in the Army and she quickly replied "yes". So I asked her did she know she was in complete violation of Army Regs she says "yes". The female rolled her eyes at me and I could tell she was going to have
a attitude with me so I quickly removed myself from the situation. So at what point do we as leaders make a on the spot correction in public or remove ourselves from the situation? I felt at the time as a NCO I should have done more to make her fix herself, but on the other hand I didn't want to make a scene at the mall and in public. SPC Ware I definitely will remember you forever.
a attitude with me so I quickly removed myself from the situation. So at what point do we as leaders make a on the spot correction in public or remove ourselves from the situation? I felt at the time as a NCO I should have done more to make her fix herself, but on the other hand I didn't want to make a scene at the mall and in public. SPC Ware I definitely will remember you forever.
Regulation
Mentorship
Leadership
Professionalism
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 710
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As a field grade officer, I can not just walk away, even retired. I would ask them to come aside with me. To speak with them about their appearance , etc.
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I would have called her to side, idemtified myself and gotten her name and unit. I would have had her squate herself away. If she did comply nother further would occure. If she developed an ttitude I woulf have informed her a report would be submitted to her unit. Young enlizted do dumb thing,that is normal and expected. How the respond when caught is another issue. I did stupid stuff to, when brought to my attention, I fixed it and learned from it.
MSgt USAF Retired
MSgt USAF Retired
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As a former NCO, I have made many on the spot corrections. I do not resort to loud voices. Did you show her your CAC card? If needed, I would have removed her from her location out of earshot, but had my significant other videoing everything from initial approach to conclusion. I would have notified her CoC and her NCO Chain. If it had gotten heated, I probably would have disengaged myself also. It is hard to say since I wasn't there. It is pretty sad that soldiers do this. You don't see Marines doing this BS.
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On the spot corrective action is definitely required. Just be polite and calm. If they get nasty get unit information and simply contact their unit.
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This is why we weren't allowed off base in anything less tha C dress, no utilities allowed thru the gates. Off post guys had to change. Back in the day of course no idea what the Usmc regs are now,
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A CW3 and I were on our way to Milwaukee to meet up with the civilian contingency of our task force to "escort" them to Iraq. The chief and I flew out of Augusta to Atlanta and we were both in uniform. While in Atlanta, we observed a young NCO in ACUs wearing his Stetson in the air terminal. I went up to him and asked him if he was on leave from Iraq and heading home. He told me he was and I welcomed him home. I then reminded him he was indoors and should not be wearing headgear and the Stetson was not authorized for wear with the uniform unless at a unit function where it is permitted by the commander. I told him I understood his pride in being in Cav, but as an NCO he must also follow regulations. He thanked me and apologized and removed his Stetson. $20 says that once he arrived at his destination, he put it back on his head.
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I personally can't understand it. I for one can't wait to get out of uniform when the day is over. I'm honored to wear it but wearing it longer than I have to is not something I'm about. Being in uniform in public is just screaming "thank me for my service" and wearing it incorrectly is just...stupid.
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The few times I did, my intro was, "Better you hear it from me (your chaplain) than your 1SG."
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Praise in public, criticize or counsel in private! Nothing more embarrassing than to be called out for a uniform infraction. Not saying on the spot corrections aren't a valuable tool
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Why did you completely remove yourself from the situation correct her on the spot if not tell that SPC to take off the uniform or correct herself and I would do it in public with my "Knife" hand!!!!'
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