Posted on Jan 14, 2015
On the spot corrections in public; when is it appropriate?
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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.
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.
Regulation
Mentorship
Leadership
Professionalism
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 709
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Can I just say, that it's sadly nice to hear that it's not just my service that has such attitudes. I don't understand it, it's not like anybody does not realize uniforms are part of the contract upon joining.
That said, leadership means the responsibility of confronting issues, no matter how uncomfortable. By shooting for or achieving an advancement, you have to understand that your accepting that responsibility, not just a pay raise. That's WHY you get a raise in pay.
And as a person who is quite bothered by disrespect of uniforms, it's incredibly disheartening to feel like I'm the only one who cares at a unit. By you speaking up, you may have an annoyed SPC, (who needs to see some strong leadership), but you also make the job easier for all down the line. This SPC feels she can behave this way because she's been been allowed to behave this way through observer inaction. What other regs are being ignored because of such disrespect?
That said, leadership means the responsibility of confronting issues, no matter how uncomfortable. By shooting for or achieving an advancement, you have to understand that your accepting that responsibility, not just a pay raise. That's WHY you get a raise in pay.
And as a person who is quite bothered by disrespect of uniforms, it's incredibly disheartening to feel like I'm the only one who cares at a unit. By you speaking up, you may have an annoyed SPC, (who needs to see some strong leadership), but you also make the job easier for all down the line. This SPC feels she can behave this way because she's been been allowed to behave this way through observer inaction. What other regs are being ignored because of such disrespect?
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I agree with SMSgt Gerald A. Thomas. We all know how small this world can be. Would love to be there when she runs into you again with you both in uniform, and she remembers you.
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Make the correction on the spot, it only takes a second to save a life. It may be yours .
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Condoning a behavior is as bad as endorsing it. You did right by addressing the problem. Going to the next level by contacting the command was merited by the 'eye roll'. My teenagers don't get by with it either. I approached a young Marine in the airport last year with his Alpha blouse unbuttoned. I asked to speak with him without even identifying myself. When I pointed out the fact of him being out of uniform, he apologised and immediately buttoned up. Everyone makes mistakes on occasion, but disrespect will always push the next button on me.
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It is always appropriate to make on the spot corrections -especially if you are an NCO. Kindly but firmly instruct (her) to square up. If it is blatant disregard be sure to let word get to (her) chain of command that she was out of regs in public and let them address the issue further. No need to make a crazy scene but you shouldn't show fear before a subordinate, especially in public. Do what you swore to do.
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If she was wearing official rank/insignia/branch identification, then perhaps a correction would be necessary. However, at what point are we realistically concerned about army regs...and at what point are we becoming anally retentive butter bars? You know? Nowhere near a military installation...a huge number of military surplus stores across the country that sell military uniforms, etc...the general public doesn't necessarily see someone in a "uniform" as a person of the armed forces. Chances are, she wasn't truly enlisted. There are a lot of stolen valor cases out there these days.
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SSgt Heather Capra
James, anyone who is in dressed in modern uniform is assumed to be active military by the general public, no matter how far from base one might be. There may be impostures but they are few and far between and most service folks can immediately tell the difference. Second every service member should be concerned how other service members portray them in public, if not I highly recommend you talk to your Commander about why you should. Third you do a disservice to yourself by generalizing in a derogatory way that the proper course of action by NCO's and CO's is something to look down upon. Maybe you should re-read the oath you swore to uphold, and if it is something that you cannot uphold in it's entirety you should consider gracefully bowing out. It's not easy being a leader, you won't understand the full impact of that for a while yet, until then it is a good idea not to slam your leaders for doing what they are supposed to do. ;)
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PFC James Massey
Capra, I get what you're saying. I also know that when morale drops under an administration that does nothing but continuously let our services down...often times the most underling of service members tend to be drawn down paths of discontent. I am a veteran now...no longer serving and I do appreciate the candor you used. I too believe that under the UCMJ, every member must be aware of compliant with the rules and regulations of conduct. I also believe that, at least where I live, there is a large number of people in the public who wouldn't think twice about seeing a person in uniform. Now...if they carried themselves appropriately, displayed military bearing and were obviously military...more people WOULD take note. A drop sac sand bag like the one in this picture isn't going to appreciate a counsel from a stranger. Place her photo or pass her identification on to local military installations. Let it go from there.
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I believe the correct action was not to cause a scene and bring discredit to the Army but I think that the name could have been reported and give the command an opportunity to provide further training.
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I would have stood right next to her and just kept looking at her after she rolled her eyes until she decided to give me her 1SG's name, Commander and or decided to leave.
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