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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GySgt Bryan A. McGown  "Gunny"
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Shame on you for not exercising your professional authority to enforce both the UCMJ, and your Army regulations. It is your OBLIGATION as an NCO to enforce order and discipline among your ranks. Would you have preferred an officer or any other competent military person to correct this individual? If you answered yes, please see your 1stSgt and request a voluntary demotion.
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SFC Company First Sergeant
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NCO's have general military authority, a leader is a leader 24 hours a day, seven days a week, not when its convenient. The correction would be required especially in public because a Soldier is also a Soldier 24 hours a day 7 days a week. NCO's are also the keepers of the standards, and if we allow a lower standard (such as not enforcing AR 670-1) then we have just allowed a new lower standard. There is of course the importance of using tact in such a situation. Calling out the Soldier in front of this forum is a weak thing to do. Nor does it really accomplish the original intent, all it does is show this forum that the poster of this message is indecisive, and also jumps the chain. I'm sure the specialist has a supervisor, the poster should have identified the supervisor and let the supervisor take corrective action on their subordinate. Especially if the SPC disrespected the NCO poster (which is a UCMJ violation, disrespecting an NCO).
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SGT Ray Montoya
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I am sorry but the new soldiers now days don't have the respect and the honor that we had in the early 80's. The reason is the way society has changed. The soldiers are babied compared to what we went through. If it wasn't for the liberal social community our soldiers would not have the problems that they have. Do not get me wrong I am proud of my brothers and sisters that serve but I am not proud of what they get away with.
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PO2 Jon Cardoza
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Edited >1 y ago
I started reading some of the main responses above; the general consensus is that you should have hemmed her up....my response to that statistic:

ROGER THAT!

Ladies and Gentlemen...the uniforms we wear (or wore in my case) are to be worn with Honor! That means the appropriate haircuts and applicable uniform attire to fit the specific uniform code for the applicable branch of which the wearer resides.

I know there have been a lot of changes as to what uniforms can be worn out in town, whether out to dinner or to see a movie with a friend or loved one, but the changes in uniform do not change how we wear it or how we present ourselves when representing the branch of service we are in or the MILITARY in general.

My conversation with her would have been strictly in NCO fashion to ensure she was informed of her mistake, aware of my disapproval as an NCO and understanding of how uncouth her appearance was:

"...First off N.U.B. (None Useful Body) I want you to be aware that this is going to be a CHECK VALVE (One Way) conversation regarding your FUBAR (F*d Up Beyond All Recognition/Repair) appearance. You look like a SOUP SANDWICH (sloppy mess). I am not sure if you GUNDECKED (Half A$$ed) your SEABAG/RUCKSACK (Initial uniforms given in boot camp that all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen should keep complete with the proper quantities of specified items) but the SUMMER CREASES (Some creases are here, some creases are there) you have makes it look like you pulled this uniform out of a dirty hamper that was sitting in the back of your closet for a year. Your current appearance and the fact you have apparently decided to say "F" the military, by mixing and matching your PT gear with your ACU's is beyond reproach..."

I would then turn to the immediately surrounding personnel (as you were in a mall, I am sure the Veteran to Civilian count was 6 out of every 10) and informed them of the BLUE FALCON (Someone who is out for themselves) that seemed to think that a military uniform could be mixed, matched and worn however the heck she deemed fit. I would ask would ask all Veterans to make a show of hands to better show this BAG NASTY (disgusting unappealing bag of food....similar to Soup Sandwich) the amount of personnel that have "gone before you to defend with Honor, Courage, Commitment and Integrity" and let her know that she essentially was flipping all of them the BIRD.

Congrats SPC (absolutely ZERO) WARE (withal). you have successfully screwed up my morning.
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CW3 Counterintelligence Technician
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Although I am good and retired I still believe in good order and discipline. Not too long ago I was at a mall in Richmond and saw a few troopers ambling about with PC on, hands in pockets, and iPhone ear buds in. I pulled the senior ranking of the group aside (a SPC) and showed him my ID card and asked himself and his peers in line. He was weighing whether or not to give me attitude but when I quoted the current 670-1 and let him know I had no problem driving to Ft Lee and talking to his C of C he quickly got everyone straight.

The point is that if you don't enforce good order and discipline (on or off post and on or off duty) then you are enabling and condoning the behavior. The Army gets a bad rap for a lot of things - the least we can do as NCOs and Officers is ensure that our Soldiers are doing the right thing whether anyone is looking or not.
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SSG Fritz Miller
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The Soldier was in the wrong and she was to be corrected NCO's lose the battle because we are 2nd guessing our selves on general authority and you have general authority on and off duty. Attitude or no attitude do not allow this type of behavior to go on it gives the uniform a bad look. Pull her to the side make your corrections and move on with your trip in the mall.
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CSM Command Sergeant MajorAD
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Young soldier never be afraid to make an on the spot correction! You could even change your tone and ask what unit the soldier is in, to at least advise his/her chain of command. When any soldier or leader walks past a violation of military standards, they have just created a new standard for all to follow.
It is called an "ethical dilemma ", and it presents you with challenge of whether or not to choose the harder right, over the easier wrong. Choose the easier right, and you will never be wrong. Victory starts with you! Army Strong!
CSM Brooks
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Cpl Mike Bischoff
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It's always appropriate to square someone who is UNSAT. I do it all the time when any branch member comes to my place of business. I introduce myself as a former Marine and proceed to "lock them on" the correct manner of attire and how to present themselves.
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SGT Todd Cathey
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Take this jack ass aside and make the necessary correction, too many better than the SPC died wearing that uniform. How dare you dis-respect that
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SPC(P) Technician
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Yes you should Identify yourself and give her direction on how to correct herself, she is still representing the army
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