Posted on Jan 14, 2015
SSG Combat Medic
477K
2.24K
1.05K
167
167
0
Image
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.
Avatar feed
Responses: 709
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
MSG Gerry Poe
1
1
0
Let her know professionally in public, don't be an A-hole!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PFC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
1
1
0
You have every right to correct. Being both lower enlisted and Army Guard, I know it's common knowledge that she shouldn't be jacked up (especially not in front of civilians) and shouldn't even be at the theater in uniform since she is not currently called for inactive duty military service.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Todd Sullivan
1
1
0
Anytime is appropriate, of course the audience should be minimized if at all possible. Standards are standards, if people want to complain oh I am Mational Guard and don't get treated the same (just an example) then they should meet or exceed the standards just like the rest of the Soldiers, NCO's, and Officers do. Just saying.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT William Howell
1
1
0
I heard a funny story just like that. The CSM of the KY National Guard was in civilian clothes out with his wife eating at a fast food joint and a SPC rolled up with black boots and ACUs. (It was the transition time from BDUs to ACUs). The CSM walked up to her and told her that was not authorized to be worn together. She did the old eye rolling and she asked him who he was. He said it did not matter who he was he was just making a correction. She started getting loud he just walked away. The next day he had somebody track down this SPC and he made a visit to the command. The SPC got busted and the 1SG got a mouth full.

So the story goes as I heard it from Joe.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SSG General Services Technician And State Vehicle Inspector
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
That's awesome. While I do believe he should have identified himself, in the end it doesn't matter because she was jacked up and he was making a proper correction.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Paul Schwindeller
1
1
0
AS an NCO you have the duty to make on the spot corrections. I think I would have tried to get her in a more private situation find out what unit she was assigned to when first started to show attitude and then contact the unit First Seargent
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC John Fredenburg
1
1
0
if you feel that making the correction on the spot is problematic especially after the given attitude she displayed, use your photo. Go up and ask her for her "Alert roster" And her 1SG's or Commanders name. If she refuses she is violation of standing orders for all US Soldiers to submit that data when asked.(accept under POW circumstances) And then take the photo and send it to her CoC. I have had the issue of walking a soldier who was in violation of AR 670-1. to CSM at Ft Hood(3rd corp). You are honor bound to correct the infraction. If she dislikes it tough! She doesn't deserve to wear it.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Charles Mitchell
1
1
0
Yes - leadership is situational but is always there! An "On the Spot" correction was warranted!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Bill M
1
1
0
As NCOs, it is our job to make on the spot corrections at all times, regardless of rank or location. I have corrected CSMs in garrison, soldiers standing in line at subway, and even national guardsman who work at Walmart. My wife never seems to understand why it pisses me off so much, but she has learned to deal with it. Continue the good fight. We are the backbone of the army and all it stands for.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSgt Laurie Sayles
1
1
0
In the Corps it is a given ... you must address this behavior.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Nathanial Frecks
1
1
0
You should have just told her that she is the face of the military and as such, she needs to hold herself to the proper standards that go with wearing the military uniform.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.