On the spot corrections in public; when is it appropriate?

While I don t deliberately go out in public to look for uniform corrections, I do go out of my way to keep my SA up and constantly scanning crowds for things. Just how i am wired. If I see someone in uniform, I start to zone in on them and my attention to detail kicks in. Ok, nametapes are on right, the uniform fits, there isnt a 19 year old kid wearing a Col rank, and they have the right footwear and uniform bloused correctly. If its all in ordnung, I move out and move along. No harm, no foul. I ve corrected a Pv2 in the airport before, and I pulled him aside.

I showed him my ID and let him know who I was. I asked him what his business was, why he was in ASUs, and if he was on PCS orders (legal to travel in ASU s on PCS), or a funeral detail, and if I could see a copy of his orders. He had none, and I asked him if he had a change of clothes in his bag. I informed him that traveling in uniform is a reflection of the Army as a whole and when the situation is not required not to wear it. He said he would change, and not do it again, and his answer as to why is he hoped to score a 1st class upgrade. I told him not to do that and that its using the uniform for ill gotten gains. I told him I appreciate his honesty and that I hope he won t do it again, and to learn from it and be a positive influence on his battle buddies.

Do I think its right for soldiers to be out in public in their uniform? Not particularly but I will have to go to the store or a gas station on the way home and run errands, etc. But airport, with thousands of people, you never know who is there and why. I ve seen the SMA Chandler in the airport before and continued on my way. There are countless people out there and we all have eyes and ears, and I think its not only our duty to make the corrections, but an obligation. And lastly-if they get lippy, start digging and have fun. The units will be more than happy to deal corrective punishment.

unfortunate that she thought it was ok to do it, even though it was wrong. I am hoping that this is the exception to the rule and people understand that our actions as soldiers reflect on the military. Many people only experience the military through movies and interacting with soldiers, so whatever we do that is the impression they get.

Who knows, maybe we need a class on what proper military etiquette is!

So at what point do we as leaders make a on the spot correction in public? Every
Remove ourselves from the situation? Never
In my opinion by not bringing this violation to the attention of the SM you are just as bad as the SM that is wearing a uniform that doesn't meet standards and you are not fulfilling your duties.

I would have continued with the corrective process in private and advised her that she would most likely be a NCO soon enough and that you would expect her to do the same thing if the situation ever presented itself in the future. Always end the session on a positive note...unless the individual is just a complete un-salvageable POS with a self-destructive attitude;-)

Tough question. I think you did the right thing by correcting her. Perhaps being more subtle and less confrontational would have yielded better results. I might have said "Excuse me, your hair is down, and your cover is on." (I have said it like this to superiors) If she refused, I might have tried to explain the importance of standards, and if she still refused, then I might have considered trying to find out who her first line supervisor was.

One option that I would have gone with, was ask her to step to the side, introduce myself and show her my military ID and address her uniform violations and simply let her know that she is promoting an unhealthy perception to the public. At least, as an NCO, you did what you were supposed to do. You addressed the issue, and stepped out when you realized the situation could have become worse than it needed to be. No fault on your part.

Maybe she wasn't in but just wearing it to get cheap tickets. Wait, that's worse...

Completely understand your reluctance to get into an argument in public. However, I definitely would have got her name and number and ensure that I contacted Her unit. Personally I would have corrected her on the spot and have several times. It's ALL IN THE Approach Tact Goes a long way.

About a month ago I had another ALC instructor with me and we was in clothing and sales. There was a SGT walking around on her phone. He went over to her and corrected her on this. She comploied at first then 10 min later was doing it again. But this time she was on speaker phone. Well I was done doing what I needed and waited for her to pay as she was checking out, still on the phone. So when she walked out I pulled her to the side and corrected her. I even pulled my ohone out and showed her the REg as she wanted to tell me she "thought" you could do it inside a building. After some mentoring she was very clear on the Reg.

As I walk in to get back in line there was a 1LT with his sleeves tucked under. I walked up made the correction so no one could hear but him. He didn't hesitate to fix the issue.

Point is it is all of our jobs to make the corrections. Be it on post, off post(have did this too soldier walking talking on phone in mall with hands in pocket). There is always a correct way and wrong way of doing it as well. Ripping some one in the middle of Walmart isn't the best way. both of you look bad. Plus the correction don't come off the way you would like.

I would of ripped her a new one once she rolled here eyes! NCOs need to enforce the standards! Sad thing his her NCOs must permit it. If they didn't she would not have been in violation! I am retired and I still will go up to a individual and fix it! I will always be an NCO. NCO lead the way!