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

I would have said something to her about getting herself unjacked. I lost my dream to continue to serve and would give up a limb to have the honor to wear the uniform again. My Son just stated JROTC. AFTER I gave him a copy of an IET training manual, reminding him the reason he never met his grandfather because he was KIA, and reminded him that many others have given everything so he could wear that uniform. He came in all proud of wearing his uniform but it was all jacked-up. I just about lost it but kept my cool and reminded him again of the pride he should have in those garments and what they represent. Once I showed him what to correct he looked like a great soldier. So yes, step up and step in.
HD

Somebody needs to give you some "on the spot correction" on your wording and grammar. I think maybe you should stay in your lane, brother. It's not your job to police soldiers on their off time. Especially when it's something as trivial as wearing a cover in a mall.

First I would have introduced myself with my military rank and then would have asked for her Commander's information. I would have then informed the commander and let that person handle it from there. She's a complete disgrace to the uniform.

I would have asked her for her ID and gotten her name of her chain of command. then followed up with them on Monday morning.

It's appropriate to make the correction right then and there but tactfully and as respectfully as possible.

I came across a sub Sailor sitting at a Starbucks with his GF while in his working uniform. Not the new NWUs but the older light blue shirt with dark trousers (2004). Prior to any working uniform being allowed for wear off base. This particular Starbucks was about 8 miles away from the sub base at Pearl Harbor.

Being in my Dress Whites I approached the Sailor, identified myself and stated that his uniform wasn't authorized to be worn at off base establishments like Starbucks. I guess he was trying to impress the girl sitting with him as he expressed that I couldn't tell him what to do. So being that the name of his Boat was on his ballcap, I simply stated being that I'm on my way back to PH, I'll be sure to stop by and speak with the COB about the situation.

The Sailor and his GF quickly left but still stopped by the boat to speak with the COB about what happened. The COB said he would take care of it.

About a week later, that Sailor came into my office at MARFORPAC and apologized for the incident.

It's ok to make a scene provided you control the scene, IMO.

1) you should have asked what her mos was.
2) who she was stationed with/ what her unit is.
3) report her to her command.

It does not matter if she is a higher rank. She was out of regs and she should know better.

I think you handled it correctly.

I would tell her she looks like a bag of Dicks, I mean; sub sandwich sounds more political correct, and she probably reply: I'm in the ARMY for the paycheck.. you can't make me do it..

I identify your self as an NCO/Sr. NCO ask for their ID CARD and unit information. Take their pictures, facial view and see if ID Card data Center can do a Facial Recog. Time permitting, follow them and get the Post Decal number from the vehicle. Provost can provide unit info. Just suggestions.

I have found that 90 percent of the time if you are direct and respecful, troops actually thank you for correcting them.

I would have punked her.....I would pray that a pvt would challenge me in public hahahahahaha I relish in that giggles

I have had this issue several times in the past. Fortunately for the offender, my ex-wife pulled me back and insisted I didn't "harass" the offender. Last Sunday I was at BWI when I saw a group of Airmen returning from deployment. They had been drinking and a couple of them were punchy and rolling around on the floor acting like fools. I was not in uniform, so I pulled out my ID card and pulled one of them aside and told him he better get his Airmen under control. I hated to do it, I know we've all been deployed and I understand the celebratory mood, but (as I explained to the Airman) there is a time and place for everything.

I believe in your case you probably should have followed through. Once you start the correction, might as well finish it. No sense "half-assing" it. She saw you walk away midway through the correction, and took it as a victory on her part. Now she thinks she can get away with more.

If you're not in her chain of command or unit I'd think you didn't have enough to do. Most people have no clue and in some cases it's rather nice to blend in a bit more.

Soldiers should avoid doing things in public in their duty uniforms. The potential for being the target of an on-the-spot correction serves as a reasonable and adequate motivator to change when possible. Every single thing we do in that uniform makes our actions more than our own, so going to a movie becomes official business. As such, it is subject to all of the obligations inherent thereto. In fairness though, it might also be noted that the obligations of the NCO may not continue when the authority is not worn on the same uniform. We NCO's know that we are never free of our obligation to maintain order, discipline, and the respectable presentation of our uniform, and as such, if she does not want to be hassled, she should bring a change of clothes. If she is on duty, she is out of uniform and in dereliction. If she is off duty she needs to change.

The correct answer is anytime is appropriate for on the spot corrections. What the new generation of Soldiers needs to understand is that whenever they are wearing something, or saying something, that associates them with the U.S. Armed Forces, they are an Ambassador for whatever branch they are serving in. Their failure to adhere to the standards is setting a poor example for whatever group of people they happen to be around. We are supposed to be professionals, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines 24-7, not just when we are in uniform. Any actions taken by individuals associating themselves with the U.S. Armed Forces are taken not as actions of an individual, but that of the entire Military community.

I made on the spot correction all the time. I walked up to the person with my ID out and ask for theirs. I f they said anything negative I ask for their commander's name. If you love the uniform then as an NCO you must defend it. Unwanted heat comes with the leadership role.

i would have corrected it then and there 99% of the time the second you tell them your rank their attitudes change.....just the fact that she rolled her eyes about it is sad though.

i do have a question concerning this topic. if you are a lower enlisted do you still have the authority to correct an NCO who is all screwed up?

You should have reported the incident to the G-1 and gotten one of those mad ARCOMs for yourself.

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.