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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SGT Senior Security Engineer
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On the spot correction should always been done, as has been said, pull them aside and make the corrections. If they have a problem with this, get their name and unit and take it up the chain of command to their superiors. I have seen this more and more in the last several years as the younger soldiers are out and about. The uniform is a matter of pride and you are a walking talking display of what it is to be part of the greatest military family on the planet.
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SGT Cort Landry
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Edited >1 y ago
Seems a lot has changed when I was in the Army. We knew better than to do something like this . It was instilled in our brains to respect the uniform and follow the guidelines set before us. Plus when there is no type of reprimand except a quick "talking to" then why would we think the Private would know any better?
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A1C Dylan Doherty
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she is giving a bad image either way.
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PO1 Joseph Bourque
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That is the problem! PT are common dress for both Civilian's and military today with or without insignia it is hard to tell. I have people come into my store in PT's full correct uniform and ask them where the served and they say, " Oh, I'm not in the military!" Don't get any in full dress uniform!
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MAJ Alex Hernandez
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Yo can make an on the spot correction if you ar a n retired officer or senior nco. But you need to identify yourself as such. However, if you are assigned to the same base and are of higher rank, you still need to identify yourself and make the correction. This would indicate you are aware of the regulations and all exceptions granted by the post commander.
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SFC Becky Ostwald
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You are a SSG. You should have made the correction. You should have pulled her aside and let her know she was wrong and contact her Command. She probably does this all the time wanting to get caught. I retired as a SFC and I would always make corrections.
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PO2 Aviation Electrician's Mate (Ae)
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Personally I would have identified myself with my own ID and then tried to correct them on their behavior. If they didn't want to cooperate I probably would have asked for their command information and letting them know that if they didn't fix themselves they would be dealing with it the next time they showed up at work.

But then of course, you have the issue of getting them to cooperate in giving you the information you need to get ahold of their CoC.
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SSG Clyde Koontz
SSG Clyde Koontz
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A camera phone and the internet might also get that info for you.
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SSG Brian MacBain
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I would have ask her the same if she was in the Army and if answered yes, I would (if I was active, not retired) I would state who I am and pull her aside. If she did not want to go privately, I would then go off on her and make her real embarrassed in front of people. (would get her full name and her unit prior to that). If retired, I would ask her to get back into AR since she is setting the wrong example to others and leave it as that.
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SPC Brad Jennings
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I've made on the spot corrections as a PFC and Specialist while stationed at Ft. Lewis. I was in a diner and a soldier comes in wearing his uniform with his BDU top off and I was like you and your friends need to put your tops back on! He said I was correct and fixed the problem. The other was a PFC running around in Walmart in uniform and house shoes or sport sandals or something...I was like WOAHHH....hold up Private! Soldier from the same BDG as my at the time father in law who was a CSM,
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SGT Brent Feusse
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Edited >1 y ago
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