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

Enforce the standard, or you have set a new one. if it's too public and will go too high-profile and can't pull aside as SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas suggested, memorize name, contact chain of command.

Need to revisit the days before 2005 where the BDU was ruled with an iron fist. No shopping allowed back then. Only convenience stops like gas and milk runs and then go home/ work.

Many years ago, I was visiting my Brother in CT. There is no Marine Corps facility other than recruiters within several hundred miles. We were at a local mall, and my brother pointed out a LCpl walking into a store that had his service alphas on. Well that would be generous.

He had taken his Alpha Coat off, unbuttoned the collar of the shirt, loosened the tie, and rolled up the sleeves. It was obvious that he was home on leave after just finishing recruit training. I walked up to him in my civvies, and said: "Hey there Marine! How long you been home?" He was with a girl so I figured it was a girlfriend and I didn't want to embarass him.

He responded with some pride in his voice "Hello sir, I've been home for a few days now." I gave him my ID which showed my rank and that I was on active duty. His face kind of blanched at this point. His only experience with Captains thus far I am sure, was not of the positive kind.

I said to him very jovially and kindly "Marine, if you are proud of that uniform, please go into the men's room and correct yourself. I don't want sloppy Marines representing our corps."

He looked at me, blinked once, said "Aye, aye sir!" and told his girlfriend "Honey I need to go to the bathroom."

There was another time that I was brand new 2ndLt and I was part of the Air Group Staff. I had to attend these meetings every morning with the Colonel and the other members of his staff. I happened to be the Fiscal Officer (which is a Capt Billet but I was what was available). Anyway, the Colonel was in the outer office getting himself a cup of coffee when I noticed that the one of sizing tabs on the back of his utility blouse was unbuttoned.

I walked up to him and said quietly: "Excuse me sir. Your blouse tab is unbuttoned."

He looked at me with this very calm look like what I had done was create balance in the world. "Thank you Lieutenant." He quickly buttoned it.

That Friday we had an Officer's call at the Club for some Military PME presentation. Afterwards the Colonel made a beeline to me at the bar. I was with several other Lt's and Capt's. The Colonel shoved a mug of beer in my hand and said loudly enough for every other officer in the room to hear:

"A toast! To 2ndLT Cosgrove who had enough balls to correct a Colonel, enough intelligence to do it tactfully, and an Esprit De Corps that will serve him well. Thank you Lt for correcting my uniform the other day. Gentlemen may you all have enough pride in your corps to be willing to correct a senior officer tactfully when needed."

That one incident taught me that when you are right, you should never fear what needs to be done, so long as you do it tactfully. That Colonel was a leader of Marines who I will always remember.

Here are my thoughts about on-the spot corrections.

1: Corrections have to be made. As a leader, it's my responsibility to lead. Sometimes that means pulling SPC Longhair there off to the side and pointing out the applicable paragraphs in 670-1.
2: If I don't make them, who will? If I am not going to make the corrections, who am I expecting to do it? Perhaps the guy serving concessions should?
3: When I let a standard slip, I "create a new standard." Since neither you nor I have the authority to rewrite policy, I don't want my inaction to give someone else the false idea that they have permission to be jacked up too.
4: Junior leaders need to see other leaders making corrections. If one of my squad or team leaders watches me "turn a blind eye" to this kind of situation, what should I expect them to do in the same situation?
5: Doing the right thing isn't always comfortable...but who guaranteed me comfort? Since when do leaders have the luxury of only doing the right thing when it's comfortable?

If you put those things together, the question isn't whether or not I should say something but whether or not I should use the knife hand while saying it.

The responses in this thread surprise me...

I was in the USMC in the 90's, and an NCO for the majority of that time. I ran into this, and similar situations, on a regular basis. There is-- and should be-- only one response to this kind of thing.

- Avoid a public display of chastising the junior Marine, but pul that person aside and establish who you are.
- Get the person's full name, rank, and unit.
- Instruct them to get themselves unf--ked on the spot (many times, the infraction was a violation of the civilian clothing regs)
- If it's a violation that cannot be fixed on the spot, tell that person to return home, or to their unit, and change into appropriate clothing. Tell the junior person that you will be calling the Duty NCO to ensure that the problems have been corrected, which means that they will have to check in with the Duty NCO; give them a reasonable time frame to get it done.
- Follow through.

The first couple of times that this happened, it irritated my wife-- it took time away from our leisure time together. I explained to her that if she liked being the bride to a man in Dress Blues, she had better learn to like everything that came with.

I also had more than one NCO and Platoon Sergeant tell me that I was overstepping my authority by correcting "THEIR' Marines. I would very tactfully remind them that a) they were the CORPS's Marines, and b) if they had been doing their job in the first place, there would have been no need to correct anyone.

No matter what branch you serve in, you represent your unit, your organization, and your Country. That responsibility does not end at the gate. Junior enlistees need to see their NCO's doing the right thing ALL the time. NCO's are the backbone of every service, and the necessity of setting the right example all the time falls especially hard on sergeants, corporals, petty officers, and specialists, but that's part of the job.

I see Soldiers out in public all the time in uniform (cammies) so what exactly is the Army policy on wearing uniforms in public?

As a Marine we are not allowed to wear them off base and if I see a Marine wearing them I WILL correct that individual. If they are with family or friends I will pull them to the side, introduce myself and I ask to see their ID, that way I get their full name so I can look them up and contact their Chain of Command if needed.

I have had similar issues and when I made the correction, my wife was astounded, almost embarrassed, but I told her that I had to make the OTSC. I would have pulled her to the side and the eye rolling and size of her friend tells me this might not have been a good event in public. Having her name and rank, this would probably be a research situation and direct intervention with her command.

The OTSC I had was in a international airport with about 3 Soldiers running around in the ASU with no jacket and no tie in a LS shirt and others with open jackets walking around the airport. I just could not allow this to continue in public. I stopped them each individually and pulled them to the side, identified myself and had them fix themselves immediately (a couple had to go retrieve parts of their uniform).

Another incident was a motorcycle with a bald rear tire showing threads. I saw the only Solder with a helmet and asked him if it was his bike, he said yes and I pulled his ID and drivers license, got the commanders name and phone and took a photo of his license plate. I gave him basically an order to replace the tire or I would contact his command, gave him my number and told him to send me a photo of the new tire on the bike, he did.

The only thing that I have not experienced to date in public is a attitude of the OTSC. Not sure how to deal with it other than snap a photo and try to find the command group and address the issue.

Damn, I'm afraid I might've lost my shit, lol... I'm no longer Active, but for some CRAZY reason, I try to keep up with current regs from all of the branches (I like to be able to offer advice when SM's find themselves in trouble or something). I've given on the spot corrections as a Veteran and they were usually well-received. If I had gotten the eye-roll or something... Jesus. Most SM's I've been in contact with like this were respectful about it. You never know who is approaching you when they're in civilian clothes... Whoa be the Private who pops off to a Colonel...

I had a guy pull me to the side inside a Publix due to wearing my Field Jacket, now I was not in uniform, and I'm a vet. He wanted to really make a big deal out of my combat patch (3rd Id) and the proceeded to give me the 21 questions about my service and when did i serve and what bases and Fobs.

First thing i asked him "Have you ever been deployed?" He said no, I turned and walked away.

There's a time and place to correct, but make sure your right first.

Thats just the way I see it.

U have to grow a pair. Iam sorry not saying marine's Are god's gift to the world. But at the same note if that were a marine female or male another marine would have not cared or waited to say anything. If she or he got a attitude well that just makes a marine want to correct u more. My answer to your question is if u care for what u wear and the sight of some one wearing that uniform in such a manner that u have to come up and say something, don't stop keep on them. Junior enlisted or not they know how to wear it and know what happens if they get caught not doing it right. Cpl Hardin united states marine corps. Have a good day.

The standards are the standards for that very reason, to be enforced by leadership...without fail!
You made your move to correct the specialist & was instantly disreguarded as a NCO.
Now, It's at that point you explain to the Soldier that she don't want to make this a bigger deal that it has to be & also suggest she think about what her Command would think of this violation of AR670-1 esp. her First Sergeant because you will take this up higher, if need be!
Close with "Square Yourself Away, Soldier" & stand there with your game face on! She would've fix herself at that point, SSG Robinson...
Being a NCO means doing the dirty work, outside the wire & at home, so always remember when you see Soldiers not doing the right thing, in violation of the standards or when you spy a fake in the crowd...
Remember "No one is more professional than I".

The problem is, is she was already making a scene at the mall. I know its hard to do at times especially in civilian gear and in a civilian environment, but I would have approached her like a straight Drill Sergeant. Walk right up to her and ask if she is in the Army and when she says yes continue the creating the scene she has already created. Ask her, "what the hell is wrong with you? Take your cover off and fix your hair. You are an embarrassment to everyone who wears that uniform proudly, people have died in that uniform. Fix yourself."

Not yell but have a loud and commanding voice. In my mind she would have 2 options at that point. Go ahead and do it and walk away with her head low wondering 'what was his problem...' or ignore you and everyone around would know that she is completely wrong and she would have to walk a good way before people stopped looking at her like the disease she is.

SSG (Join to see) SSG Robinson I applaud you! I at the rank of SSG would have lost my mind... as my wife watched on a few occasions. Especially if the eyes got rolled. That of course was a younger and my more homicidal side...I have since mellowed. :o) I think you did the right thing. Disengage before it escalates... That is not good for the civilian onlookers to witness as they would not understand.

Let me offer you a technique for the next instantance this occurs... and it will!

Start off with a semi smile of recognition "Hey! I'm Sergeant Wesson... aren't you in Charlie 2-25?"

Or what ever local units you have... doesn't matter just as long as you do not "appear threatening".

A dollar to a dime they will reply with their actual unit (pavlow's dog response almost).

Then you let the smile fade and politely say, "Well, I just wanted to let you know that your in violation of.... and need to correct yourself before someone else sees you like that. Thank you!" and walk away... and then watch.

Now you have their Rank, Name, and unit... if they ignore you... then you can go to their unit 1SG and report them! In my experience... the first part always has done the trick for me. However, I was prepared to go to the unit is they didn't correct themselves.

just a technique... and it still works... I used it down at Sam Houston a dozen times... and I'm retired.

Hope it helps!

There is absolutely a time and place for mentorship and correction. Show your ID, and pull her aside. If you're of equal or even lower rank, that doesn't absolve you of the responsibility in correcting. I've privately called LTs out for uniform issues, and received no backlash then or after. We all represent our Services equally. Do use tact in how you address higher ranked individuals though.

SSG (Join to see)

I think your actions and instincts were spot on until the SPC rolled her eyes. I cannot say I would have done anything different in the moment but I hope I would have yanked her chain as soon as she tried to get an attitude. You were doing her a favor by helping her become aware of her error(s)…not that she wasn’t but we will pretend.

In my opinion, as soon as she rolled her eyes and/or failed to remove herself from public to make corrections, you quietly and calmly take the specialist aside and direct her to return to her home or duty location. If the Specialist wants to return, she will either not be in uniform or in the correct uniform, if appropriate. Get the contact information for her unit and talk to your peer in her unit, so they are aware of what happened and can help mentor this solder so she does not make the same errors in the future. To often we think people actually know what they are supposed to do, so maybe we should give this young soldier the benefit of the doubt?

At least those posing as soldiers try to get their uniforms right?

From the fact that you posted it on RP, you knew what you should have done and you now know what to do in the future.

I would have loved to be there! I would have wait like 5 minutes after you spoke to her and correct her. Then talk with the guy taking the tickets to tell her something, and the guy selling popcorn, and the janitor, so everybody would tell her something. but that's me SSG (Join to see).

As NCO's we have to hold ourselves to a high standard, so it is very important for us to make our subordinates uphold that standard as well. If we don't, we are as guilty as they are for not making them adhere to the standard. In your situation, I would've asked to speak to her in private for a minute. I would have politely walked up to that Soldier and asked her if she was actually a Soldier. I even probably would have thanked her for her service. Also, I would have asked her what unit she belonged too. Once she would have given me the Unit that she is assigned too. I would have identified myself by showing her my Military ID (If I wasn't in uniform). I then would have insisted (in a kind manner) that she make the necessary corrections to her uniform as well as to her hair. If she would have given me attitude, I would have reminded her that giving attitude is a form of disrespect and can be punishable by UMCJ. I also would've have reminded her I know what Unit she is in, and will be informing her Chain of Command if she didn't make the corrections right then.

I received an on the spot correction from a CSM when I was a basic trainee home on Christmas exodus. This was 1982 and I was 6 weeks into basic. My father was in a cav unit in '62-'63. He had a gold ascot that he wore when on guard duty and for parades. I was handed this when I was very young and decided to wear it when I took my sister to the mall, right before Christmas. I put this on under my dress green shirt instead of the tie. I was all impressed with myself until I bumped into this CSM in dress green uniform who was with his wife. This man was of course a Vietnam vet and likely Korea too. Mucho fruit salad on his rack. How he handled the matter of my uniform flaw was pure NCO genius. He greeted me and introduced his wife. I introduced my sister. He asked about my BT experience and my advanced training. His wife sensed something and struck up a conversation with my sister, and it was then that he asked about the ascot. He congratulated me on pride in my father's service, asking where and what unit. Then he kindly pointed out that it was not proper uniform, and encouraged me not to do it again. We rejoined the ladies conversation and exchanged Christmas wishes. That was that. My Dad hooted when he heard about it. Class act that CSM was. That experience made me feel part of a larger family.

OK, as a retired USAF E-7, 1959- 1980. Two things here, one we praise in public and correct in private. She was in a public place. If no way to counsel her privately go on about your business. Two, you have no way of knowing what is going on, did she just complete a duty shift and get there without a chance to change her attire? Standards are fine but they do not always consider reality. The question was asked and answered, Yes she knew that she was in violation, and caught. A word to the wise and she will think twice before committing the same breech of discipline.

at least when I was in the Corps, it was very common that someone who was f-d up out in town or on base, would get corrected. It was not that rare to see a young Marine getting an ass chewing at the mall in Jacksonville for being bag nasty. Of course there was the small percentage of NCO's or SNCO's who were jerks going looking for excuses to go on a power trip but most of the time it was an NCO/SNCO that wanted to reinforce that you are a Marine 24/7/365 and are always accountable for your actions. Don't know if things have changed

The way soldiers in uniform look in public reflects directly back on us as an Army. Civilians see soldiers, and they usually do not know any better. But we as leaders know that they appear unprofessional and are out of regs. It is our responsibility to correct the problem, however there is certainly no need to make a huge scene in public.

I once did a correction in public. It was at a public safety day in our town, I saw a Soldier (SSG) in uniform (or not, hence the correction). She was walking around outside in public without her PC on. I was not in uniform and did not identify myself, I asker her what unit she was in and made some other small talk, then pointed out to her that she should have her hat on. She made a remark about how hot it was, she probably saw the look on my face because she said "you're right, I'll go get it". It was all done quietly, with making a public scene.

I witnessed a similar incident event in Guam back in my day (mid to late 70's). One of the marines from our ship was approached by a man in civilian attire. The marine had removed his blouse and t shirt to soak up some sun. He was asked what unit he was attached to and when the marine told him, the man gave him a card and told him he would expect a call from his NCO by 1100 hours the next day either to tell him that the infraction had been dealt with or to ask what was wrong. The card identified the man as a marine Lieut. (attached to the base security unit.). If he didn't receive a call he would come to the ship and find out why. It was over in moments and the man walked away. I always liked that kind of approach.

You made the right correction in my opinion. I know folks who might escalate the situation "DI" style and draw attention from everyone standing in the crowded line. That ends up confusing civilians and hurting the overall image of the military. The only other thing you could really do is after you asked about the service branch, glance at the rank & name tag, and say "SPC Smith" what unit are you with? After that answer, you'll be able to calmly ask her to correct the issue on the side or have it elevated to her supervisor. Her choice. Commend you for taking action on this though.

Remember: praise publically and scold privatly. Take her to the side, possibly even excusse yourself for barging up to her, then introduce yourself and ask if she is currently on duty, then if RA or AR/NG and then suggest the correction, that is all you can do, you cannot force it or demand it, no matter how in the right you are, you will always loose in public. Then thank her for her service and go about your way. POINT: what you leave behind is what will stick with her, prople will change their ways when it is suggested and in a positive way. She may have made some remarks or rolled her eyes but later she will remember that you treated her with respect and only suggested. We as leaders need to remember that if we want lasting change, we need to lead into the future, not in the moment.

A good NCO- anytime something is wrong, in a polite- well mannered way.

Personally, I think the regulation should be updated to state that you are not allowed to wear your uniform in public unless on military duty. The marines have done it for years and never had a problem with it.

On the spot correction is warranted anytime anywhere. That young Specialist knows that she is to maintain proper military bearing and professionalism at all times, especially while representing the United States Military in a public place.

All. Of. The. Time.

Regardless of status, if you are in Uniform, you represent the United States Army. There's no excuse for it. You want to play games at home and look a fool, fine. But in public, you're a visual ambassador to your Unit and the Army.

But what do I know, I'm just a Veteran.

I was a SPC when i was in the army. Then and now if i see some one in uniform i talk to them if they are off post. specially if they are out of regs. I feel and have always been taught that it is your job as military to correct them now matter ware they are. Also no matter what rank you or they are.

Shame on you for not exercising your professional authority to enforce both the UCMJ, and your Army regulations. It is your OBLIGATION as an NCO to enforce order and discipline among your ranks. Would you have preferred an officer or any other competent military person to correct this individual? If you answered yes, please see your 1stSgt and request a voluntary demotion.

NCO's have general military authority, a leader is a leader 24 hours a day, seven days a week, not when its convenient. The correction would be required especially in public because a Soldier is also a Soldier 24 hours a day 7 days a week. NCO's are also the keepers of the standards, and if we allow a lower standard (such as not enforcing AR 670-1) then we have just allowed a new lower standard. There is of course the importance of using tact in such a situation. Calling out the Soldier in front of this forum is a weak thing to do. Nor does it really accomplish the original intent, all it does is show this forum that the poster of this message is indecisive, and also jumps the chain. I'm sure the specialist has a supervisor, the poster should have identified the supervisor and let the supervisor take corrective action on their subordinate. Especially if the SPC disrespected the NCO poster (which is a UCMJ violation, disrespecting an NCO).

I am sorry but the new soldiers now days don't have the respect and the honor that we had in the early 80's. The reason is the way society has changed. The soldiers are babied compared to what we went through. If it wasn't for the liberal social community our soldiers would not have the problems that they have. Do not get me wrong I am proud of my brothers and sisters that serve but I am not proud of what they get away with.

I started reading some of the main responses above; the general consensus is that you should have hemmed her up....my response to that statistic:

ROGER THAT!

Ladies and Gentlemen...the uniforms we wear (or wore in my case) are to be worn with Honor! That means the appropriate haircuts and applicable uniform attire to fit the specific uniform code for the applicable branch of which the wearer resides.

I know there have been a lot of changes as to what uniforms can be worn out in town, whether out to dinner or to see a movie with a friend or loved one, but the changes in uniform do not change how we wear it or how we present ourselves when representing the branch of service we are in or the MILITARY in general.

My conversation with her would have been strictly in NCO fashion to ensure she was informed of her mistake, aware of my disapproval as an NCO and understanding of how uncouth her appearance was:

"...First off N.U.B. (None Useful Body) I want you to be aware that this is going to be a CHECK VALVE (One Way) conversation regarding your FUBAR (F*d Up Beyond All Recognition/Repair) appearance. You look like a SOUP SANDWICH (sloppy mess). I am not sure if you GUNDECKED (Half A$$ed) your SEABAG/RUCKSACK (Initial uniforms given in boot camp that all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen should keep complete with the proper quantities of specified items) but the SUMMER CREASES (Some creases are here, some creases are there) you have makes it look like you pulled this uniform out of a dirty hamper that was sitting in the back of your closet for a year. Your current appearance and the fact you have apparently decided to say "F" the military, by mixing and matching your PT gear with your ACU's is beyond reproach..."

I would then turn to the immediately surrounding personnel (as you were in a mall, I am sure the Veteran to Civilian count was 6 out of every 10) and informed them of the BLUE FALCON (Someone who is out for themselves) that seemed to think that a military uniform could be mixed, matched and worn however the heck she deemed fit. I would ask would ask all Veterans to make a show of hands to better show this BAG NASTY (disgusting unappealing bag of food....similar to Soup Sandwich) the amount of personnel that have "gone before you to defend with Honor, Courage, Commitment and Integrity" and let her know that she essentially was flipping all of them the BIRD.

Congrats SPC (absolutely ZERO) WARE (withal). you have successfully screwed up my morning.

Although I am good and retired I still believe in good order and discipline. Not too long ago I was at a mall in Richmond and saw a few troopers ambling about with PC on, hands in pockets, and iPhone ear buds in. I pulled the senior ranking of the group aside (a SPC) and showed him my ID card and asked himself and his peers in line. He was weighing whether or not to give me attitude but when I quoted the current 670-1 and let him know I had no problem driving to Ft Lee and talking to his C of C he quickly got everyone straight.

The point is that if you don't enforce good order and discipline (on or off post and on or off duty) then you are enabling and condoning the behavior. The Army gets a bad rap for a lot of things - the least we can do as NCOs and Officers is ensure that our Soldiers are doing the right thing whether anyone is looking or not.

The Soldier was in the wrong and she was to be corrected NCO's lose the battle because we are 2nd guessing our selves on general authority and you have general authority on and off duty. Attitude or no attitude do not allow this type of behavior to go on it gives the uniform a bad look. Pull her to the side make your corrections and move on with your trip in the mall.

Young soldier never be afraid to make an on the spot correction! You could even change your tone and ask what unit the soldier is in, to at least advise his/her chain of command. When any soldier or leader walks past a violation of military standards, they have just created a new standard for all to follow.
It is called an "ethical dilemma ", and it presents you with challenge of whether or not to choose the harder right, over the easier wrong. Choose the easier right, and you will never be wrong. Victory starts with you! Army Strong!
CSM Brooks

It's always appropriate to square someone who is UNSAT. I do it all the time when any branch member comes to my place of business. I introduce myself as a former Marine and proceed to "lock them on" the correct manner of attire and how to present themselves.

Take this jack ass aside and make the necessary correction, too many better than the SPC died wearing that uniform. How dare you dis-respect that

Yes you should Identify yourself and give her direction on how to correct herself, she is still representing the army

My personal opinion is that uniform regs need to be enforced at all times especially out in town. We have a responsibility to honor the respect and traditions of the uniform for any American that ever wore one in service. That being said, tact is key. The way I approach someone on base differs from the way I approach them in town. I am far more discreet when off base as people seem to jump on the defensive much quicker once they've left the gates. As far as whether they are active, guard, or reserve, I don't care. We are all charged with the same accountability to the regs.

As an NCO that is now out of the Army, I feel like I spend the majority of my weekends making on the spot corrections to all of the national guard kids when they are in town. I don't care if its a major or minor violation, the correction needs to be made. I do try to be friendly when making initial contact and I usually end up matching my attitude with theirs, which tends to spiral out of control because they think I'm just some dumb civilian try to mess with them. I have found the people that have the hardest time being corrected by me are the lower enlisted while the senior enlisted and officers tend to be more thankful for my corrections.

Are you still in? Did you ID yourself? That usually makes the recipient display a little less attitude. That said, I think it's good to police ourselves even if we aren't active anymore, I've done it before for soldiers loudly using profane language on a commercial airline (I was off active). If you are on some kind of duty status (active/guard/reserve) I would hope you wouldn't have walked away because of an eye roll. The first line of defense in slipping standards is the NCO corps, if you let it slide, who is going to pick up the slack?

My opinion is that we should be proud to wear the uniform. This is what we were taught in boot camp, so I think it is only right to wear it right. She should respect the person who politely tells her to correct herself because she does not know your rank. I am sure that those watching would understand that the military is not a place for slackers. Honor, courage, commitment.

Technically (depending on local rules and regulations as stated) This is all covered by UCMJ Articles 91 and 92. You identify yourself by name and rank (show your I.D. if need be) and go from there. I know at several installations throughout the U.S. it is a CO order to produce your military I.D. if asked.

I wear the Uniform in Pride, because of the men and women that died in all the previous wars give me the right to defend my Country, Constitution, Flag, and Oath while wearing it. To Dishonor them and me by not complying is a violation Of the Military Code of Conduct. I would have asked her to step outside and formally discussed my rank, her appearance and her disrespect for all others that Share that Uniform and I would have put her on Report to the Military authorities, if she did not comply. Self Respect has to be foremost while wearing the Uniform of the United States Military. Appearance counts on how people think of us. SFC Daniel T. Marthers Retired.

I would have asked her what unit she was with, , then ask to see her ID card, take a photo and give it to her chain of command ... dysfunctional idiots.

SSG Robinson,
At that point I believe that she was not going to correct herself and that's the way some Soldiers are these days. Somewhere she has a leader that is allowing her to do this on a regular basis so don't beat yourself up too bad about it. The thing for you is to instill in your Soldiers that it will be tolerated in your formation and make the correction if it does. Some Soldiers believe that since they are not engaged in the "regular hours of work 0630-1630" that they off duty. Guess what!! you are never off duty!!. Continue to make those corrections.

I would have offered her the opportunity to excuse herself to the ladies room in order to fix her appearance. If she declined, I would have detained her. Called her First Sergeant. Informed him/her about the appearance of his/her soldier. I would inform the First Sergeant and recommend charges be filed under Article 92 and 134. Maybe this SPC is a screw up and one more strike and she is out. Maybe she is just having a bad day. Not my concern. My creed dictates, "I will exert every effort and risk any ridicule to successfully accomplish my assigned duties." An NCO's duty is to enforce standards and discipline!