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

I once did a correction in public. It was at a public safety day in our town, I saw a Soldier (SSG) in uniform (or not, hence the correction). She was walking around outside in public without her PC on. I was not in uniform and did not identify myself, I asker her what unit she was in and made some other small talk, then pointed out to her that she should have her hat on. She made a remark about how hot it was, she probably saw the look on my face because she said "you're right, I'll go get it". It was all done quietly, with making a public scene.

I witnessed a similar incident event in Guam back in my day (mid to late 70's). One of the marines from our ship was approached by a man in civilian attire. The marine had removed his blouse and t shirt to soak up some sun. He was asked what unit he was attached to and when the marine told him, the man gave him a card and told him he would expect a call from his NCO by 1100 hours the next day either to tell him that the infraction had been dealt with or to ask what was wrong. The card identified the man as a marine Lieut. (attached to the base security unit.). If he didn't receive a call he would come to the ship and find out why. It was over in moments and the man walked away. I always liked that kind of approach.

You made the right correction in my opinion. I know folks who might escalate the situation "DI" style and draw attention from everyone standing in the crowded line. That ends up confusing civilians and hurting the overall image of the military. The only other thing you could really do is after you asked about the service branch, glance at the rank & name tag, and say "SPC Smith" what unit are you with? After that answer, you'll be able to calmly ask her to correct the issue on the side or have it elevated to her supervisor. Her choice. Commend you for taking action on this though.

Remember: praise publically and scold privatly. Take her to the side, possibly even excusse yourself for barging up to her, then introduce yourself and ask if she is currently on duty, then if RA or AR/NG and then suggest the correction, that is all you can do, you cannot force it or demand it, no matter how in the right you are, you will always loose in public. Then thank her for her service and go about your way. POINT: what you leave behind is what will stick with her, prople will change their ways when it is suggested and in a positive way. She may have made some remarks or rolled her eyes but later she will remember that you treated her with respect and only suggested. We as leaders need to remember that if we want lasting change, we need to lead into the future, not in the moment.

A good NCO- anytime something is wrong, in a polite- well mannered way.

Personally, I think the regulation should be updated to state that you are not allowed to wear your uniform in public unless on military duty. The marines have done it for years and never had a problem with it.

On the spot correction is warranted anytime anywhere. That young Specialist knows that she is to maintain proper military bearing and professionalism at all times, especially while representing the United States Military in a public place.

All. Of. The. Time.

Regardless of status, if you are in Uniform, you represent the United States Army. There's no excuse for it. You want to play games at home and look a fool, fine. But in public, you're a visual ambassador to your Unit and the Army.

But what do I know, I'm just a Veteran.

I was a SPC when i was in the army. Then and now if i see some one in uniform i talk to them if they are off post. specially if they are out of regs. I feel and have always been taught that it is your job as military to correct them now matter ware they are. Also no matter what rank you or they are.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Yes you should Identify yourself and give her direction on how to correct herself, she is still representing the army

My personal opinion is that uniform regs need to be enforced at all times especially out in town. We have a responsibility to honor the respect and traditions of the uniform for any American that ever wore one in service. That being said, tact is key. The way I approach someone on base differs from the way I approach them in town. I am far more discreet when off base as people seem to jump on the defensive much quicker once they've left the gates. As far as whether they are active, guard, or reserve, I don't care. We are all charged with the same accountability to the regs.