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 11 y ago
Responses: 710
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AR670-1 does not have an expiration time and date as far as I know. Long time military veteran and retiree but I ain't been gone that long. I have made these on the spot corrections before and always with tact and consideration for the person and the loved ones they may be with at the time (EVEN before Iphones). I always approached them with proper etiquette and pulled them to the side when speaking with them. I never had someone roll their eyes at me, maybe after I left but I stayed til they fixed themselves. I am proud of everyone who serves and puts on the uniform, but always make sure it's done correctly. Too many fakes out there now.
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I, being retired, would've made an on the spot correction. Especially when she rolled her eyes at me. I would have kindly took her aside and made her make that correction. Then I would've got her NCO's name and unit .
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I believe you were justified in addressing her; however, if she was actually in the Army and she rolled her eyes at you, that to me says that she does not give a rats a** about her appearance as a soldier. You could have pressed the issue if you really wanted to, but you were likely going to get a nasty attitude regardless.
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I am disgusted by this photo and would have addressed this issue immediately, with no problem. This Soldier is fully aware of AR 670-1 reference her hair and has chose to be defiant. She is one of those Soldiers that are on their way out the door, more than likely. But, alot of the time it falls back on the first line leader not enforcing the regulation or setting the example. Just as I watched a LTC and a CW4 in Homestead Fl get out of their truck walk across a parking lot wearing no headgear and stand at an outside eatery ordering food and acting as though they were untouchable. They proceeded to sit next to me as I was waiting for my food. I asked the LTC if the Army wore headgear anymore. His reply was "are you serious or joking". I responded " I am serious Sir and don't you think as a leader you need to be setting the example for other Soldiers". His response was " I do sometimes". I literally almost lost my mind at that moment. Neither of them ever did go get their headgear, but as they started to walk away I stated to them " way to set the standards Sir". So leaders, set the example for Soldiers to follow.
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I once asked a Sgt about what he was wearing outside of Camp Pendelton... I asked out of anyone's ear shot. He asked me my rank ...at the time I was an Lance corporal . he punched me in the face and said don't ever ask anyone above you to justify what they are doing. I was chastised. The next year I met a corporal that was assigned under me... it was the same guy from before... and now I was the guy above him he said "you look familiar" I said so you watch a lot of pron do ya?
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I would at least got her unit contact and addressed it with them do to the lack of respect and being rude
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So it was ok to violate her privacy by taking a picture of her in public and posting it to a public forum. Personally I think you're a douchebag for asking for help on this matter. Either you have the stones to pull her aside and correct her or just let it go. We can all see why you are career military and wouldn't be able to cut it at a real job. What a sorry person.
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If it were me and I saw a shitbird in public, I would have identified myself by rank and chewed her a new one then reported her to her Commanding Officer for an NJP on her stupid ass.
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How about the other services just ban the wear of the utility uniform like the Marine Corps does? Utilities have always been considered working uniforms anyways, is it really that hard to go home after work and change. If you want to show your support for your service then go home and put on one of the Dress or Service uniforms that are authorized for liberty!
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To be honest, I would have tried to get as much info about her as possible (name, unit patch, something) and do a little digging to get to this Soldiers leadership. Oh you want to have an attitude, lets see how your Brigade CSM feels about having a shitbird in their ranks.
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