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

These situations are always difficult especially when you have people who obviously don't give a shit. For some reason, the situations I have been in when its another male they usually fix their shit immediately but I have gotten the same attitude from some females. Not trying to say its a trend just my own experience. I also don't like making scenes in public so I just remind them, that many men and women have given their lives to this country and that uniform and her blatant disregard for it is heartbreaking. Then I usually ask, do you even remember why you joined the Army? Was it so you could act the way your acting now?

Young SSG let me tell you, regardless of the situation in which i find myself, do that sound familiar. As an NCO regardless of her attitude I would have pulled her to the side announced myself and corrected her right then and there. No matter where they are they are soldiers 24/7, and must abide by the AR 670-1. If she would have proceeded with an attitude then just simply get as much info as you can and try to locate her base.

On the spot corrections in public are appropriate. Our jobs as NCO's is to make sure the standard is maintained. When you have soldiers out like that, it reflects badly on our service. It makes people say..What kind of military do we have? These are the people who are defending this country? They know the reg and if it is not enforced then what else will they ignore?

You absolutely failed in your duties as an NCO. There is a way to correct that in public off post. However her attitude is probably a reflection of her leadership allowing things like this to go on. You enabled her to disregard standards she's well aware of. Pulling her to the side and informing her of how she should look, why it's important and asking her to go to the nearest female latrine and correcting herself would be the way to go. imagine the public's opinion of a young soldier disregarding an NCO's orders.

Here's my suggestion based on experience and 26 years in the Army. You identified the issue, you engaged the Soldiers and pointed out their violations. At that point, you could have easily asked them to the side and demanded they get in uniform. Reminded them they are in public and representing all of us in uniform. What they do at that time is up to them and out of your control. You can only express expectation and exercise a little general authority. Had this been ten years ago, you could have tactfully put them in their place verbally. The problem now is that when these young Soldiers get away with uniform violations, they think it's okay and will continue to be the example.

But you did good by addressing the issue. Their NCOs have failed them.

I understand the predicament you were facing, but the on the spot correction has to happen. That SPC is in public, wearing a uniform out of regs, but at the same time, she is representing the Army to the public. It is hard to make corrections in public, especially with someone who automatically presents an attitude. The way I have handled it in the past is to play dumb and get what unit they are in first, then identify yourself and make the on the spot corrections. Thank you for not making a scene. That shows professionalism in itself.

To the original post (not the explanation), "when is it apprpriate?". It's always appropriate, and it's for everyone ages 17 and up. If they don't comply, after you have finished the corrective training, some re-assembly may be required.

Yes, that was my humorous answer.

As a member of the armed forces we are all required to correct each other as needed, be it in private or in public. How we do it is always questioned. I politely corrected an officer many years ago. It was in public, on base, but I did it as discretely as possible.

Use this as a learning lesson, because the longer you stay in, the more often this and similar situations will come up. Also, before I retired in 2005, it was DOD policy that BDU's, or utility uniforms were NOT to be worn in public, aside from a quick stop at a store to pick up something or pay a bill....

Looks to me as if they are about to attend a movie.... If she is actually in the ARMY, then she would know this and would realize she is in violation of that specific Dress and Appearance regulation/rule.

I seriously doubt she is actually in the ARMY, but if she is, she needs to be addressed. Too bad you couldn't do more, but trust me.... if she is in fact active duty it will catch up with her.... and if she isn't she will get called out again.

Being a good leader is tough... it calls upon each and everyone of us to do what's right even when we feel judged.... Next time.... do it privately, ask to see ID, which all active duty should carry with them at all times... and then walk away... if you personally know the individual, again... praise in public.... chastise in private....
Good Luck

Ok so I would have identified myself as a SSG, pulled her to the side and lit her ass up! Are you kidding me right now? An NCO is afraid to correct a freaking SPC? I'm sorry man but the reason Soldiers have that attitude and do that crap is because we have soft NCO's. I don't want to create a scene so I'm just going to let this SPC disrespect me and let her make the rest of the Army look like garbage. One Soldier in public like that represents the entire Army and if some Marine, Airmen, or Sailor seen that it just reinforces the stereotype that we are dicked up. IF we as NCO's let a Soldier disrespect us they will disrespect every other NCO they see until one lays into their ass and makes them realize they are in the Army and they better act like it. I would have set an example with her for sure. But hey I'm just one SSG maybe I grew up in a different Army.

The standard IS the standard....on or off duty. NO EXCUSES....get her info and give it to her CoC...I'll bet her CSM would LOVE it!!