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 >1 y ago
Responses: 709
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SSG, as a former Warrant and enlisted NCO I can see your professionalism,especially at a private facility. However, as leaders it is a responsibility to correct them on the spot and if not threaten to involve their chain of command. Now unless it didn't phase this soldier one bit, but I hope she will have sense enough in the near future to comply with the regs. I know I have corrected both officers and enlisted alike and will do so even today because it is a reflection on the military in general. Thanks for posting. Perhaps digging in and finding out what unit Spc Ware belongs to will make her think twice of her neglectful decision.
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well calling the person out by name on a public forum as this is not right. we as privates and such are not to call you NCO's out on a public forum or use your name with any negative conotation and as regulation does not prevent you NCO's from doing the same i personally believe that you too should show the same respect. Now i may be wrong in your opinion or the opinion of others but as NCO's you are to lead and teach and take care of your soldiers but how better to lead than by example? i say this with all do respect and all i mean to accomplish is maybe to get a very small point across that may one day make a big impact. if you would like to talk further on the subject and maybe correct me if i am wrong for saying anything about this then please feel free to message me. Id rather be corrected than be wrong and look like a fool
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1LT (Join to see)
You can and call out an NCO, but make sure you do it with a lot of tact and out of earshot of anyone one else. If you can't make it look like you're trying to help them out and if it's something petty get ready to get smoked.
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CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar
At the end of a 30 day leave plus travel time for volunteering for another 6 months in Vietnam I was in Bangkok and I put on my uniform for the first time during that period in preparation to return to Saigon. I was in the airport in Bangkok when an Air Force NCO came up to me and in hushed tones said, "Far be it from me to correct officers sir, but you have your branch insignia and your rank on the wrong sides of your collar." I felt my collar and sure enough I had them reversed! I was slightly embarrassed basically because he was an Air Force NCO (their officers don't have branch insignia) but I wasn't rancorous or angry
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SSG (Join to see) and other colleagues...I have made several corrections in public areas before and do utilize the philosophy as expressed by SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas , but I remember in Basic being taught how to do this professionally and what authorities and articles supported corrections in public - both to those who you outrank and to those who outrank you. So is this not being taught anymore in the education and training?
And just a thought ....but if the unit were to have a FB/social networking page and that photo was posted I guarantee either she would see it posted as a "bad example" and hopefully be shamed never to do it again or her COC would identify her/him. The power of the phone camera and apps may be a future tool that could be integrated to prevent public "attitude" or organizationally embarrassing "ugly confrontations." what do you all think?
And just a thought ....but if the unit were to have a FB/social networking page and that photo was posted I guarantee either she would see it posted as a "bad example" and hopefully be shamed never to do it again or her COC would identify her/him. The power of the phone camera and apps may be a future tool that could be integrated to prevent public "attitude" or organizationally embarrassing "ugly confrontations." what do you all think?
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PO1 (Join to see)
There's a page on facebook called ... Shit my LPO say's ... they post all kinds of stuff from jacked up uniforms to work not done right and funny responses to signs posted and stuff. I've seen this photo on that page
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SSG (Join to see), this is why I think the Army should go back to wearing the Class A or Class B dress uniform when in public places such as airports!
SSgt (Join to see)
SSgt (Join to see)
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Here's how I would have continued the conversation.
"You're about to be famous! Smile!"
Take photo of her face with phone.
"Are you familiar with Rally Point?" Well I'm about to post your picture all over for all to see your great intentionally defiant example. Save that popcorn from the movie you're going to see to read the comments. I may be just a SSG, but I'm a 3 Star General member of the year BMF on Rally Point! Now take off that damn headgear and fix your hair before I have to start down voting you!"
Problem solved.
.....and where the hell is your PT belt?
"You're about to be famous! Smile!"
Take photo of her face with phone.
"Are you familiar with Rally Point?" Well I'm about to post your picture all over for all to see your great intentionally defiant example. Save that popcorn from the movie you're going to see to read the comments. I may be just a SSG, but I'm a 3 Star General member of the year BMF on Rally Point! Now take off that damn headgear and fix your hair before I have to start down voting you!"
Problem solved.
.....and where the hell is your PT belt?
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SSG Clyde Koontz
I am not aware of any uniform regulation requiring the wear of any "PT belt" with the ACU (or APFU, for that matter) other than on a FOB or similar installation in a combat zone. I have looked since many NCOs and Officers seem to confuse regulations and policies from Iraq and Afghanistan with ARMY Regulations.
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I would have been more sneaky about it. She knew she was out of regs.
I'd have sidled up beside her. "Hey! I know you from somewhere! Are you in A Company?!" Chances are, she'd reply in the negative. Banter. Eventually, I'd have her unit and commander...with a neat picture. And THEN I'd ask her if she was aware that she was out of regs. Eye-roll documented. No scene...just a COC forward and follow-up.
SSG (Join to see), good job on addressing it, in the first place, though. Proper COA. Hopefully, she's got some NCOs willing to nip that nonsense in the bud.
I'd have sidled up beside her. "Hey! I know you from somewhere! Are you in A Company?!" Chances are, she'd reply in the negative. Banter. Eventually, I'd have her unit and commander...with a neat picture. And THEN I'd ask her if she was aware that she was out of regs. Eye-roll documented. No scene...just a COC forward and follow-up.
SSG (Join to see), good job on addressing it, in the first place, though. Proper COA. Hopefully, she's got some NCOs willing to nip that nonsense in the bud.
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SPC (Join to see)
While you were on leave, or the female? Guess that answered one of the questions on my post. You don't have any business wearing uniform, on leave, recreationally.
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Excellent post and I'm glad that You brought up this question. This has happened a lot in the past and will continue to occur. I believe that any excellent NCO should address that issue withat particular SM. Because most of the time that SM thinks it's okay to be seen out in public dressed like that. Ironically, there's always an NCO out there watching. I don't think it's wrong as an NCO to adress the issue. If You're going to wear the uniform in public, just make sure that You wear it the right way as to not make Yourself look bad and bring discredit to Your unit and the Army as well.
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