Posted on Jan 14, 2015
SSG Combat Medic
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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.
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SGT Horizontal Construction Engineer
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This female would have been in tears after I got through with her, but she would also be within regulations and at least pretend to be proud of it
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Maj Director Of Operations
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Pull them aside and correct them privately. If they give you attitude get name, rank, and duty station, and report it to their superior.
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SSG Scott Burk
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I think a little "pep talk" off to the side would have been in order after properly identifying yourself. Where are all the CSM's when you need them? :-)
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CPO Randy Francis
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As a Navy MAC I would constantly see male sailors out in public on base wearing earrings. I would simply say " Are you in the Navy?" When they said "Yes" I would simply say "Then get that fucking earring out of your ear." They would remove it quickly and there was no further discussion. They knew they were wrong and I didn't have to be politically correct about it. Correcting deficiencies do not have to be done in the "Cone of Silence". That's the problem, everyone has forgotten that it's the MILITARY and not corporate America. They're supposed to be warriors for God's sake not think skinned children.
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SSgt Utilities Chief
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The situation is tricky because of the environment we face in this day in age. For those "old corps" types, this isn't a new thing- it happened in the Vietnam era as well. The problem is that we have been at war for way, way too long and when that happens, the standards fall by the wayside and are replaced with a "field" mentality by the NCOs. In this particular situation, her NCOs have failed her miserably and now she thinks she owns the rules, and for the most part, she does in this scenario. Sure you can make a scene and put her on blast, make her stand at parade rest and the whole show, but she is just going to roll her eyes and tell you to take a hike. You can't exactly tell her to take off the uniform or take her home to change- it's just not feasible and since you aren't in uniform or her chain of command your teeth are limited to what you already said to her. All there is to do is take a pic and throw her to the wolves on JTTOTS or something similar. You told her she was in the wrong, and she did nothing to fix it- that's all there is to be said in this situation. She is a lost cause and what leaders of all ranks need to focus on is damage control at this point. Less kill, more drill is the solution- if you see a service member that is dicked up or blatantly in the wrong... It's back to basics, they won't learn anything from a tongue lashing, you have to do it with pen and paper and the red tape we all love. Identify the superior and inform him of the infractions then follow up with the OIC. Nobody has time to deal with an individual that doesn't want to play ball. It's going to be this way for the next five years if all commanders implement regular inspections and basic inventories now; if they wait to act on the issue is will only to continue to progress and dilute the ranks, because the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan still serving have the mindset of getting the job done at any cost, and in many cases one of those costs is grooming standards and uniform regulations. In country, it's not a bad thing; practicality and common sense prevails because it saves lives. Educating NCOs on how to adjust accordingly stateside however is lacking and it shows in the rank and file being produced by small unit leadership. Back to basics, gentlemen, back to basics.
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MAJ Commander
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It is important to make on the spot corrections, but as the old saying goes "criticize in private, praise in public." My first boss in the military instilled in me, never pass a problem. If you pass the problem, you have just set a new standard. The first question I asked myself when I saw the photo was, why is she at the theater in uniform to begin with?
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SSG Combat Medic
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You're 100% correct sir!
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PVT Dominique Stewart
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That soldier was wrong for being in improper uniform.AR 670-1 applies on and off duty. You did the right thing. If I were there, I would have probably did the same
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Lt Col Michael Hills
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I always make the correction; I do it because it's my responsibility but also because it reflects on the military as a whole and I for one appreciate the respect that the civilian community on balance has for those serving in uniform and know it is earned by appearing professional so am not about to let that be lost by unprofessional appearance or conduct of a military member. I never make a big deal out of it but in no uncertain terms tell them what they need to fix and stick around until they fix it. Airman had her earbuds dangling around her neck in the post office the other day and I bluntly told her to fix it; yes she rolled her eyes a little and yes, thirty years ago I would have ripped her a new one for that but its a New Air Force so I accepted compliance. Had she made a stink I would not have escalated in public but would have taken note of her name and tracked down her Commander for a chat. Leadership is hard but it's vital so you keep doing what you're doing Staff Sergeant!
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SPC Harry Uffalussy
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I saw two squid ensigns JG's go into Starbucks without covers: a retired Gunny set them straight in public in recruit depot terms. They left.
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AN Wayne Lambert
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Post Vietnam vet...If you are off base under orders conducting Navy business working uniforms were allowed. If you were in transit under orders/liberty civilian or dress uniform was the rule. While in uniform proper presentation of the uniform at all times. I can only imagine the dressing down one would receive for disrespecting the uniform and my unit. Certainly would have been brought before the Mast.
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