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.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 709
I would have corrected her, asked her what unit she's in and asked her for her 1SG name
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SSG Robinson, as a fellow NCO and SSG, I feel troubled by the ignorance, blatant disrespect and lack of pride one has for the uniform and their service. We, as leaders, should not let the infraction continue, regardless of where we are or whether we don't wish to cause a scene, regardless. I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes, I don't want to do it either, simply because of how many time I've done it. But the fact remains, that wrong is wrong. If we do not attempt to correct a deficiency or error, (of course you know what I'm about to say) then we make a new standard.
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In those situations, given you were in your civilian attire, and she was wearing her military uniform (no matter how incorrectly), it's hard to say that something positive would happen...because I am guessing that the Soldier would immediately have gone on the defensive. (most likely due to her feeling that she is military...and who would correct her???)
Nonetheless, most of us at one time or another have been in this type of situation; I can only say what I have done in the past. First of all, yes...I would have/have done approached the person, introduced myself with military ID card in hand for the person to see, and asked if he/she had a moment, all the while making sure to include any parties the Soldier was with.
Usually, and I mean usually, once your position is clear (especially if your the same branch of service and a higher ranking individual) all correspondence will go smoothly and "on the spot corrections" will be done in a sorted manner.
However...If it all blows up in your face, so be it; kindly record their name, rank, and unit identifier, and bring it to the attention of their command. A Service member, (any branch) wearing a uniform has multiple identifiers, and if nothing else...you have a cell phone with a camera...as you used in your post!
Lastly, most are probably thinking that it's a little retentive to go through all of that, but you know what, so be it. For God's sake, we all know the rules, we signed the papers, and if we need to tighten someone's shot group, then do it. Kudos to you SSG!
Nonetheless, most of us at one time or another have been in this type of situation; I can only say what I have done in the past. First of all, yes...I would have/have done approached the person, introduced myself with military ID card in hand for the person to see, and asked if he/she had a moment, all the while making sure to include any parties the Soldier was with.
Usually, and I mean usually, once your position is clear (especially if your the same branch of service and a higher ranking individual) all correspondence will go smoothly and "on the spot corrections" will be done in a sorted manner.
However...If it all blows up in your face, so be it; kindly record their name, rank, and unit identifier, and bring it to the attention of their command. A Service member, (any branch) wearing a uniform has multiple identifiers, and if nothing else...you have a cell phone with a camera...as you used in your post!
Lastly, most are probably thinking that it's a little retentive to go through all of that, but you know what, so be it. For God's sake, we all know the rules, we signed the papers, and if we need to tighten someone's shot group, then do it. Kudos to you SSG!
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Shitbag all the way.if you were also still in then yes anounce your rank and tell her to correct herself.if she is non compliant ask for her to give your her co's name and number
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I See Cadets Around West Point Like That All The Time And What Is Worse Is Some Of The Active Duty Officers And Military Personnel That Are Here Do The Same Thing (Wearing Part Of The Uniform With Rank On It And Regular Civilian Attire With It). I See Now Why Cadets Do It. LACK OF EXAMPLES
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Absolutely, and the fact that she rolled her and knew she was in the wrong makes it even worse. She is setting a horrible example and what's worse is that she is perpetuating an attitude of nastiness to the public.
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SSG (Join to see) I just did a search of RP to see how many people with the name Ware there was. There was only two profiles that I think could be female. The others are males with pictures or names like Robert. Where where you. Your profile says South Korea but not sure if hat was where you were.
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SSG (Join to see) I just did a search of RP to see how many people with the name Ware there was. There was only two profiles that I think could be female. The others are males with pictures or names like Robert. Where where you. Your profile says South Korea but not sure if hat was where you were.
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SSG (Join to see)
I was on leave in Dalls, TX. Not many bases close by. She could've been any component.
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SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas I agree with you 100% on this one. I would have asked her to come over to the side with me. If she said no I would have showed her my ID and pointed out that I am an E7. If she did come with me at that point I would have informed her that while in her uniform she is a direct indication and rep to the military and she is showing a very bad example. If she refused to I would have asked for her ID card and took down the information and then asked her what unit and who her commander was? If she didnt do any of that I would be looking for her on every social network I could think of and figure out who she is to report her to her COC. On the spot corrections need to show that the Military is not ate up as she is showing.
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SSG Robinson my opinion you did right, but yeah remedial training involved now.. Don't disrespect the people who raised you by being somebody and let the routine slip! Forget AR's your family is top priority, don't make them look like bad teachers ,as "uniformed services" we are family! Goofy army guys and explitive jarheads , lol we are family, hate each other sometimes or just clowning around ..we are back up to the back up, we can't let our brothers and sisters slip it'd ruin our reputation for unity big brother don't like that he'll give you noogies and it's funniest when it's not you but remember what it was like as an outsider and be easy but be firm your big sister to her
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