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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SFC David Ocasio
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Always. Never hesitate to correct when due. ts a new Army theses days. Roling her eyes is a form of disrespect towards any one of a higher rank. First introduce yourself ( Show them your military ID card)pull the person to the side explain and ask her what unit shes in. If she refuses to then get her information and Im sure that you can find out what unit shes in by obtaining that information. The lack of respect and discipline is overwhelming theses days.
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SGT Robert Hausman
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Yea as an ex Army Sgt. I would have pulled her aside, and explained to her first off......just because you may not be "working" you represent our Military....where ever you are 24-7 365. So I suggest you fix yourself, and go read the AR 670-1. I also would have found out who her NCO was and told him/her about it. and as far as rolling her eyes at me....that would have pissed me off. if she was my soldier she would be made an example....she would know the regulations really well! :)
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1LT Richard C.
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You did what you were suppose to.. be that reminder. Then move along. No need for a scene, it was obvious that they lacked the basic discipline to do what is right.

Maybe a gentle reminder that she should go use the restroom to square away what she did have one..but then they might have pulled out the stress card or reported you for harassment.

Do you part and lead by example.
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SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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I ran into a situation sort of like this once. I was at the mall and there where several reservist walking around. One had on a fluffy white polo jacket. As I approached I noticed she was standing next to a SSG, so assuming he was possibly her team or squad leader I introduced myself and asked if I could have a word with him. He indulged me and I asked him about the soldier...to which he replied by basically telling me to F*** off and I had no business correcting other peoples soldiers. I at that point really had no idea what to do being that he outranked me and was allowing his soldier to completely ignore the standards.
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SPC Antonio Massaro
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Times like this made me glad I had left the army. I am not an NCO, but still, that's just wrong (and a total violation of the Army Regulation - AR 670-1 - as well as the UCMJ for disrespecting an NCO). She could have worn civilian clothes and roll her eyes when he approached her and we would not know the better (unless they both are stationed within the same company, battalion, duty station where they see each other day in and day out).

I have a tendency of losing it when I see someone disgrace the uniform as such; and even more when they cop an attitude with me knowing they are in the wrong as I was trying to be nice about it.

Good thing I never done stuff like that as I take great pride when I was in the service; and I still do to this day.
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CPT Military Police
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It seems the soldier is going to a movie. My guess is wearing the uniform to possibly get a discount. Still wrong and I say you should have made the correction.
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LTC Omar Hamada
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As an NCO, you must use wisdom, but I believe you do have an obligation to guide and correct those under you. In this situation, I believe you acted appropriately in calling her attention to it, yet not making a scene. Too bad you couldn't follow up with her CO.

When I was a young officer (O3), I was out of reg in an airport. An O6 politely but firmly reprimanded me. Though his reproof stung, I never forgot it, and his reprimand stuck.
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PFC Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
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I cant stand seeing things like this in public it even annoys me to see it on a TV show or movie, but anyhow I think the best way to handle the situation considering you are not on duty or in uniform I would show the individual your military identification ask them if their in the military as you did and ask what unit they are from and then notify them of what they are doing wrong off to the side. If they give attitude and don't comply you use the information about her unit and notify her chain of command. PFC REDMAN
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SSG Christopher K.
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Edited >1 y ago
You try to do the right thing and step off out of ear shot.. and if they don't want to do that then you correct them right there. But always maintain a professional attitude about it Don't loose your mind on them.
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PO2 Amado C Salinas, II
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I was a young PO3 in the USN. I was relaxing in a public area and removed my cover. It was a Long hot day, I had competed my daily tour and was just taking a moment for ME.

I CPO (Not in Our Squadron), approached me as I relaxed. He asked if I was stationed at Coronado, and who my Command CO/XO, and CPO were. He quickly went on to state how well I looked in my Uniform. Then asked if I had intended to purposely disrespect the Men/Women that went before me in UNIFORM, and if I didn't appreciate WHY I wore the UNIFORM, he would be glad to inform My Command, so they may instruct me in Proper protocol.

My 1st thought was to ignore his "POLITE DEMEANOR" ( we all know how a CPO can be should he be RILED), I chose instead to RESPECT the CPO for his consideration and TIME to stop and present me the OPPORTUNITY to REFLECT on my DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES as a Military NCO on my personal time in UNIFORM in PUBLIC. I represented ALL the MEN/WOMEN at that moment.

The Following Morning @ O6:45 Monday at COMMAND MUSTER... My name was called out by "THE COMMAND CPO". He informed me in-front of the COMMAND about my encounter with the CPO I had on Friday afternoon.

The COMMAND CPO then proceeded to inform me of WHO the CPO was ( who stopped to talk to me)... and how WELL RESPECTED the CPO was in the U.S. NAVY. ( Needless to say I was thankful for my decision to be RESPECTFUL/MINDFUL and Courteous to the CPO) ...

And in-case you were wondering....YES.. I still had KP for the WEEK. But I had the opportunity to GROW as a MAN in UNIFORM !
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SSgt Michael O'Connell
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Simple...
Pull her aside, correct the gross violations, and if she gives any resistance or attitude, ask to see her ID, and contact her chain of command. This type of behavior, no matter what age or rank, is unacceptable.
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Lt Col Mobility Pilot
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I'm willing to bet she's not in the Army.
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CW4 Jeff Buss
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Edited >1 y ago
You handled it appropriately. Maybe give her a fix it or else you'll handle it with her chain of command. If a Soldier wants to make a scene in public, break contact and follow up through other means. Post locator at personnel via your chain of command, if necessary, and you should be able to get word to her chain of command.
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CW4 Brian Haas
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You set the new standard when you did not make the correction. Honestly, you failed as an NCO. Not trying to be harsh, but it's the truth. You're a Soldier 24/7.
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CPL Joseph Alfred
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Sh was wrong going around looking all ate up like a soup sandwich smdh
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PO3 Chase Reves
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whoooo fuckinngggg carrrresssss
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PO2 Culinary Specialist
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Pull her to the side and correct her our job is not a 9-5 we are and alway will be soliders, sailor, etc. We are the eye candy for our country ppl look a us for security. Wear the uniform with honor courage and commitment, with integrity.
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WO1 Gerard S. Driscoll
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Should have pulled her aside, Introduced yourself, Fully Identified her/him and as I have done in the past, Make the correction and then give them the opportunity to notify their chain of command b4 I did so. Then I followed up anyway and notified the company first SGT, and Commander so THEY could handle it as well.
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SGT Aron Houghton
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First of all, has it been so long since i have been in that BDU's are now the proper military dress out on the town and not your dress uniform? At any rate, as the SFC from Ft. Rucker put it, walk up, show your ID and introduce yourself, ask their name and unit and then make the correction. If nothing is done, you may contact their chain of command through the info they provided. My experience says they make the correction when their name and unit are asked for. Always lead by example!

Rangers lead the way
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SPC Mathew Carlon
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I would have asked her unit and spoke to her 1sgt
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