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.
Regulation
Mentorship
Leadership
Professionalism
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 710
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I have a case that I would like some clarification & opinions on. I just went to the local gas station and when I went to the register the cashier was in ACU's. The rank the individual was wearing was PFC however there were no visible unit patches. I was very much tempted to lay into the private as to why he would wear a military uniform while he was working a separate job, however I restrained myself as I'm not sure if it was a military service week for the company or not also since I have been retired from service for 6 years. Regardless, I was left rather irritated that a soldier is wearing ACU's while working a different job.
So my questions are:
1. Am I right to be irritated and should I have corrected the soldier on the spot?
2. Should on the spot corrections be addressed from former military to current enlisted soldiers?
So my questions are:
1. Am I right to be irritated and should I have corrected the soldier on the spot?
2. Should on the spot corrections be addressed from former military to current enlisted soldiers?
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1SG (Join to see)
Of course you have the right to be irritated, the uniform should be worn for official duty only, not for a second job or hanging out after hours. It is your general military authority to make an on the spot correction. We all know what right looks like, some folks just like to push the envelope.
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On the spot corrections in public, when is it appropriate? Always.
(I was only a SPC, out now 3 years, but the asnwer is still the same:always!)
As a PFC, I once told a LTC her name tape was on upside down, she thanked me.
(I was only a SPC, out now 3 years, but the asnwer is still the same:always!)
As a PFC, I once told a LTC her name tape was on upside down, she thanked me.
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Of course pull her to the side and ask why is she wearing the uniform like that. She might be stolen valor??? Laugh out Loud
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I agree with several posts on here. I usually start with the question of "Are you in the service? Really, what unit?" That gets the uncomfortable part of finding out who to report to (if needed) out of the way before any confrontation starts. After that, I identify myself as another service member and make the on the spot correction. I was an NCO for quite a while, then got a commission. I've done the same thing either way.
I also use the tactic that they represent the military to all of the civilians in the area and that usually helps them understand why they need to make corrections. I avoid the "ugly" confrontation in public. If they have been honest about their unit, and they usually are, I can let their chain of command deal with that if necessary.
On the flip side, I have also stopped service members that are clearly acting appropriately and doing things that reflect positively on the military to give a little positive feedback as well.
I also use the tactic that they represent the military to all of the civilians in the area and that usually helps them understand why they need to make corrections. I avoid the "ugly" confrontation in public. If they have been honest about their unit, and they usually are, I can let their chain of command deal with that if necessary.
On the flip side, I have also stopped service members that are clearly acting appropriately and doing things that reflect positively on the military to give a little positive feedback as well.
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Just a reminder: "No one is more professional than I, I am a Noncommissioned Officer a leader of soldiers"
You lead troops in combat, you goddamn do what is right, where ever it may be happening. Take them aside, identify yourself, have her identify herself, take names and tell her you are going to follow up to their chain of command, and square her away.
You lead troops in combat, you goddamn do what is right, where ever it may be happening. Take them aside, identify yourself, have her identify herself, take names and tell her you are going to follow up to their chain of command, and square her away.
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As soon as you see it is when its appropriate. Don't let SMs lose their bearing, someone has to square them away
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I would ask them to have a word in private and take them aside out of earshot of anyone else. I did this on four different occasions without a problem. I admit though that being a Special Forces officer probably had something to do with their immediate compliance.
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I've always hated this. Doing it with professionalism and dignity any tme would be right. But to make (regardless of rank) your fellow service member feel like shit in front of everyone is just a d*ck move. It accomplishes nothing but have every notice your own faults of lack of being a respectful human.
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