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 Shea McCuen
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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.
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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?
MAJ Usareur Sto Chief
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couldn't agree more. Bottom line: If you don't correct the problem then you have just set a new standard
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PO2 Information Systems Technician
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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.
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CWO4 Intelligence Technician (General)
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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.
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SFC Drill Sergeant
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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.
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SSG Aircraft Mechanic
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Smadailey
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SPC Kimberly Anne
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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.
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SPC Kimberly Anne
SPC Kimberly Anne
>1 y
If there was less ass kissing and more real soldiers the Rallypoint wouldn't be posting this crap. It should be a "Band of Brothers" that holds its head high with honors and the more shit you have been through, hold yours even higher, that goes for all branches of service. There is a standard and as a "volunteer" in the military you are expected to up hold that standard no matter what. If you are a scumbag and enjoy being one, then by all means get out of the service, you are not a team player. If you think combat time offers you special privilege you are wrong. There are retired soldiers that fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam that fought for their lives as well and they still maintain their standards to this day. It is an honor to up hold that standard and if it is beneath you get out! No one forced you into todays military, you joined for some reason. Someone that can’t display him/herself by the military standard can’t be trusted to uphold themselves in stressful situations, which in turn can cost lives. A commander cannot command his unit, BN, DIV, Post, if you don’t follow the standards and is a reflection of his/her abilities to command and train his/her soldiers. There are not 2 sets of standards!
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MSG Lowell Milstead
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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.
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Cpl Zack Hardin
Cpl Zack Hardin
>1 y
well said
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SSgt Robert Hartigan
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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!
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SSG Ncoic
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Plain and simple, regardless of your rank or theirs, you should always make the correction in a tactful manner.
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