Posted on Feb 17, 2017
MAJ Company Commander
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Here's the background. You are an experienced Soldier. You walk in to the commissary to see a young 2LT shopping with a headset on. You professionally and politely get the 2LT’s attention and address the deficiency. They blatantly are rude, dismiss your comment, and tell you that those rules do not apply to him as an officer. Whether you are an Officer or Enlisted, how do you react?
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Responses: 445
SPC Margaret Higgins
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Edited >1 y ago
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MAJ (Join to see): I would address the store manager; and suggest that the 2LT think about others First. Captain, I was only an E-4 in the Army; however, I believe that this 2LT'S behavior was uncalled for.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer/Singer
P.S. In the Army, I was a: Squad Leader; a Graduate with Honors, a Sports Director and a Sports Director for Dependent Youths
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SSG Chris Gursky
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I would have been the professional that I was and explain slowly (he is an LT after all) about where/why he was wrong. But I would definitely get his name and unit and bring it to his chain of command.
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SSG CH-47 Helicopter Repairer
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I would politely respond that I was not aware that AR 670-1 was just for Enlisted Personnel. I would then proceed to pull out my phone and look in the regulation; which clearly state that you're being a jackass.
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MSgt Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance
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In this case, I believe everyone has a responsibility to address this young officer and politely/respectfully inform them of their better choice. Should they chose to be obtuse about it then I have little sympathy for them. That young officer would understand why there is such a thing as disciple and respect. I would not mind standing on a Commander's carpet explaining why I dropped the hammer on an Officer who willfully chose to set an extremely poor example. Being stupid is not an response any SNCO or Officer should ever have nor it is a reason to not uphold the expectations levied on us by our CoC.
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MSgt Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance
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If this 2Lt was in uniform then there is certainly a problem! Being professional means being respectful when necessary and knowing when to call BS exactly what it is. Sure, I would step up and ask if the 2Lt understood the principles of wearing the uniform. If they chose to remain respectful then the conversation is civil and we go on own separate ways. If the 2Lt chose to cop an attitude then it is game on. I would ask for Commander's name and what unit they are from then end the conversation there. A parting photo of the 2Lt being taken as proof of poor decision making on the 2Lt's part would accompany the email detailing the events. I would also offer to personally account for the situation in person at the Commander's and First Sergeants discretion. End of story.
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SPC Jesse Motton
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Go get that senior NCO!!!!
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SSG Joseph Dowell
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Like Msgt Kurt S. above, I was an SSG working in the ICU at William Beaumont AMC, FT. Bliss when one of the 1LT RN's put on her head covering and was wearing the camouflaged rank. When I respectfully told her that she was out of uniform for the Garrison she said she did't want to be bothered with saluting. I then proceeded to explain that the salute was a sign of respect and was an honor for those who understand its history. She continued to argue that I was out of line and I finally said I hope she doesn't run across a more senior soldier on her way to the PX and left the room.

It seems of all the posts I have served at Ft. Bliss seems to be the worst when it comes to UMJC and following regulations. (Just saying)
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Col Jonathan Brazee
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Edited 6 y ago
I was going to dive school at Pearl Harbor as a first lieutenant, and after a long day, a couple of us were in our PT gear, lounging by the sub-base pool at the BOQ eating a burger when colors sounded. We immediately came to attention, but two tables over, a lieutenant commander kept seated while eating his meal. After colors concluded, one of my fellow lieutenants marched up to the lieutenant commander and asked why he didn't come to attention. The man looked insolently at my friend and said something like he was eating. My friend simply lit into him with a fervor, and the lieutenant commander, suddenly unsure of himself came to attention while suffering the tirade. At the conclusion, he apologized, using "sir" to address my friend and promising never to do it again. he picked up his unfinished meal and left.

Was my friend out-of-line? Maybe. But it was effective, and I'm willing to bet that lieutenant commander never sat during colors again.
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SGT Thomas Bentley
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If you acted with respect to the rank and professionally, then he is in uniform you have his name. This is exactly what the IG is for, you don't file a complaint but a inquiry. Someone will get back to you.
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SFC Lloyd Byrd
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As a SFC, (retired) I don't assume anything. The example above doesn't clearly state that the 2nd LT (O-1) is in uniform or not. Giving the story the benefit of assumption, I will say that many here who have commented are absolutely correct Just because a person holds a higher rank than you, they are in no way entitled to be held above the rules or regulations. The AR 670-1, the army regulation that covers the wear and appearance of soldiers in uniform is clear as to what is acceptable to be worn on any given uniform. There are always additional appendages that can be authorized for wear, but these are normally kept to ribbons and badges, and authorized at the highest level of Battalion, Group, Division and Garrison commands. The soldier in question will no doubt be confronted with this very scenario in the future again. A good working knowledge of Army Regulations, Post Policies and Guidelines as well as great confidence in themselves and a command that will back them up when right will be the best tools to be the professional all military personnel should strive to be. To the 2LT, first and foremost professionalism must be shown at all times, their name must be obtained, which if the 2LT is in uniform should be easy enough, and informed what Reg, Rule or policy they are breaking. If the 2LT refuses to comply, the name, rank, time and place of the infraction should be noted and reported as soon as possible. If there were any witnesses, they also should be ready to provide testimony as to what they witnessed. Usually every post has a contact for this type of scenario, although it will only work as well as it is supported by the command. The only caveat I will put in this scenario is that the seasoned soldier must prepare themselves for any back lash by other military personnel who will use their rank or position to seek pleasure, profit or personal safety, which is one of the cardinal sins as addressed in the NCO creed as well as other creeds and oaths. Good luck soldier, and God Bless!
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