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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SSgt Kacee Mercado
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Wtf is she doing at the movies in uniform? ??... I hate when people are just out and about doing anything in uniform!
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SFC Olivero Rodriguez
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you did well for the moment, I could of have had her move away from the group and point to her, her problems and if she couldn't understand then, I could find her while at work and then remind her that the regulation are to be follow wherever you are. After showing her my ID of course, making sure her chain of command knows what she was doing.
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SGT Steve Schroeder
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As an old NCO that just PROUDLY watched my son graduate Basic Training, I think that a simple reminder of AR 670-1 and the fact that everyone in uniform represents ALL in uniform, we need to hold the standard
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1LT Sigo
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Make the correction, but don't make a scene. Best thing to do at that point is get the unit, or name and rank if they wont give it to you and find them on the global. Find them on facebook then hand them over to their chain of command. Don't go any higher up the chain unless it becomes a huge issue. Pictures like this hot mess is the last thing the Army needs right now. What location were you at?
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SGT Tyler Webber
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I'm with SFC Caro and SMSgt Thomas on this one. Make the correction. Just use tact. If the Soldier gets out of line, utilize the command structure. Get that info and go have a chat with their leadership. It is your responsibility to fulfill your obligations inherent to your role as an NCO regardless of whether it is comfortable or not. No one ever said it would be easy. But that is why you are doing it. You have what it takes. The fact that you had the intestinal fortitude to even say anything in the first place proves that you are in the right position. But nothing as a an NCO or a Soldier for that matter should ever be done half way. Thanks for your service!
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SPC Curt Dennis
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True story: I’m going to use neutral pronouns and avoid all reference to race – as that is NOT the point, so bear with me.

I am a Department of the Army Civilian police officer, and was working on what’s considered a small installation. We received a report of a disturbance at the PX. Upon arrival I meet up with the “complainant” and the “subject” and a witness.

It would seem that the complainant was attempting to make a purchase at the PX (remember this is a small post so there are no ID checkers at the door only at the cash register.) but had forgotten their ID and was attempting to “bully” the cashier into completing the purchase. The person behind, “the subject” spoke up in an attempt to make an on the spot correction and advise the complainant that they were in the wrong in asking the cashier to violate the regulations and that it was causing a back up for other patrons. (The witness confirms this conversation.) The complainant concedes, in a huff, and walks off.

Next the complainant goes over to the dry cleaners to get insignia sewn on. Coincidently, the “subject” then also went to the dry cleaners to get BDUs out for the next week (dating the incident here). The complainant goes ballistic, insinuating that the subject was following or stalking. The complainant was loudly berating the subject of this incident, screaming – shouting – carrying on. Hopefully you get the idea. (again, this was confirmed by the SEVERAL witnesses at this point)

I meet up with the involved parties, discovered that the complainant, an E-4 wanted the subject arrested for the alleged stalking and possible assault. The “subject” an O-5 (who was also the installation force protection officer at the time, and known to me) explained to me what happened, confirmed by the witnesses (both separately and confidentially).

I then attempted to explain to the E-4 that in or out of uniform, once identified as a person subject to military regulations or the UCMJ, they are responsible to “put their game face on” and have a professional military bearing. The colonel was not trying to be a jerk, the officer was just making it fair for every one. Additionally, just because the O-5 also went into the dry cleaners (BTW then next store over) there was no stalking involved, mere coincidence. Again, before making a scene the E-4 should’ve evaluated the situation and acted with military bearing.

In the end, the E-4 walks away to retrieve the ID card; the O-5 is questioning whether or not intervention was the way to go, but was, in the end, reassured by that appreciative cashier.

MORAL of the story: In MY OPINION - make the corrections. Military bearing is the responsibility of every PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER, SAILOR, MARINE, AIRMAN and COAST GUARDSMAN. Without it we are just as the civilian communities sometimes see us: as thugs – all dressed alike ready to kill babies and napalm villages.
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SPC Charles Lockhart
SPC Charles Lockhart
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In that situation I agree you were on a post. My statement was know where you are for example a long distance from a military post. I would think twice same set of facts in your case but in a non-military/not close to a Post; Could have lead to a arrest of the 0-5, not a conviction but a arrest.
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SSG MLRS Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
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Yeah, you could've done more, but I can understand your reasoning for not doing it. Most of us have probably been in at least one situation where we thought to ourselves, "Yeah, I probably should've said something." I once saw a female wearing her rope on her Blues wrong. We were in the commissary, but was in two different lines. I didn't want to get out of my line to correct her. Thinking back, I probably should've done it.

One more question you could've asked her was, "And you're not fixing yourself because....?" Of course, you do it in a tactful, non-threatening way. The reason I say non-threatening is to show that you're making the correction based on WISDOM and not RANK.
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SGM Battalion Command Sergeant Major
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SSG Donte you did the right thing. The best thing to do in these situations is to attempt to get any information on the soldier prior to informing them of their mistakes so if they do not comply you can take it up their chain. I would have approached and made conversation asking how long she been in and what unit she belonged to ease her tensions. Then I would have identified myself and make the correction in hopes she would comply. If she would not then you at least have her information to contact her unit.
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CPL Carole Krempley
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It's been years since I served on active duty, so I'm sorry if I am going to sound harsh; I feel that not only should you have corrected her on the spot, but truly think it was your obligation as an NCO to do so. Perhaps I would have pulled her to the side, but at the very least I would have taken her name and unit info and reported her. At the end of our exchange she would know AR 670-1. Intense corrective training is what that young lady needs. Send her my way when she separates:)

Seriously, don't be afraid to be the example for the next generation of leadership. Exhibit the behavior required to lead and hold those young soldiers accountable when needed. You will be doing them a huge favor.
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SSG Paralegal
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I would have made the correction privately.
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