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.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 710
Start by saying I'm Sgt _____\ I need a word with you for a second please show her you ID and say when you are in uniform you represent the entire US armed forces, the nations finest you must always represent your self in a military manor even if you think no one is watching. There are veterans all around you all the time that wore that uniform before you and they would never disrespect there uniform. 2) regulation aren't suggestions they are standards that must be adhired to. 3) when off duty she shouldn't have been wearing her uniform to a movie theater in the first place. 4) I would have asked for her unit and found out her 1sg emailed the photo of the soldier and described the attitude given also.
NCO Backbone!!! Enforce the standard!!!
NCO Backbone!!! Enforce the standard!!!
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Suspended Profile
As a fellow troop, NCO or not, you exercised your general military autority. Whether or not that soldier did her part to respect that she was wrong is out of your control. Many SMs tend to believe that if you are not in their COC, that they don't have to listen to another, or that if they are off base or after hours, rules only minimally apply. You can only do your part. To be a great leader, you must first learn to follow. I can assure you that SPC Ware will be a SPC or below for many years to come. Good job removing yourself from a lose/lose situation.
****Although, pulling her to the side may have put her defenses at ease.
****Although, pulling her to the side may have put her defenses at ease.
Make sure that you are right first. Being a dirtbag to a dirtbag is not appropriate behavior. Set the example for others to follow. Lead the way for corrective behavior in a positive manner. Help them on their journey.
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We are soldiers 24/7/365! On the spot corrections are appropriate anytime, everywhere in public. This is about respect to your fellow service members and the country we represent. The key to success is about ensuring that the corrections are done with respect to the individual being corrected, and using the utmost discretion and common sense.
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This is why you shouldn't be allowed to wear fatigues in public in the first place. Also, it's absurd that she had the nerve to "roll her eyes". I just would have gotten her information and reported it to whoever is in charge of her. Chances are they wouldn't do anything anyway because if they held her accountable in the first place, she probably wouldn't have been all around garbage in the first place. Anyway, make the correction on the spot, get her information (ask for her ID), in not corrected, report to her command. I believe you have to hold people accountable, up and down, or else the institution will continue to get worse and worse.
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You should have identified yourself and asked her to follow you about 10 feet away. If she said no, you could then be a little more forceful in direcing her to 1) fix herself, 2) get her 1SG's name an number, and 3) inform her that her "attitude" is getting in the way of her becoming an NCO one day. Of course, you can do all of the above while retaining your military bearing and professionalism.
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I would have asked her to the side, for a moment, and given her the chance to do an on the spot correction. As an NCO, you giving her corrective discipline, would have been a lawful order, providing that you had properly identified yourself. I also would have ascertained her unit, and CO's name, and passed the info on, to the proper chain of command. There is just no excuse! I've been out for 31 years, and still find myself correcting soldiers, in public places. My other pet peeve........the wrongful display of the US flag. (But that's another topic! :)
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Your an NCO, on or off duty so correcting her would have been the right thing to do. You as an NCO are held accountable at all times, remember the NCO creed and let it guide you.
I would have had no problem pulling SPC Ware aside and making that correction, she was in public in uniform and she is representing US, and that is a big message!
I would have had no problem pulling SPC Ware aside and making that correction, she was in public in uniform and she is representing US, and that is a big message!
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All great responses below!! The key word here is Tact!! Whenever in an civilian type of environment use discretion and tact. Soldiers are soldiers 24/7/365 remember they also represent who you are and being an NCO let no soldier disrespect the uniform. She had 3 strikes I would've jumped her shit, For one she should not be shopping in uniform, 2 wearing out of regulation and 3 rolling her eyes!! She obviously has a piss poor leadership which she directly reflects. Just remember these young soldiers need guidance. Hell I had plenty of guidance as a troop!!! made me a better soldier!!
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You should have asked the individual to come and stand aside after showing your ID card. We have regulations and an appearance to maintain while out in public and in uniform. The post this individual is assigned to should have a memo to the lowest unit, stating, If and when an individual in any of the branches is allowed to wear the uniform off post, most will state directly to their off-post residence, only stopping if in need of fuel. In regards to this so-called NCO, SSG Robert Quayle, who needs to have his CSM seriously question how this individual made SSG in the first place. He is a reflection of what a great NCO Corps has been reduced to with the current administration, I am old school SSG Quayle, I also have four combat tours to Iraq, two to Afghanistan. I see your hands in your pocket and you make the remarks you stated, be prepared for a medical board. I stand for what the NCO Corps was and I was never relieved of that oath.
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