Posted on Mar 3, 2016
What if someone higher rank than you tries to correct you, but you're within regulations?
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Looking for advice for Junior Enlisted SM's to follow. Let's say a new regulation is just passed, lets use the black socks. If someone higher rank than you tries to tell you are out of regulation, but you know you are in regulation, what should one do? Inform the higher rank of the change in regs? Have them speak to your first line?
Leadership
Regulation
Mentorship
Junior Enlisted
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 39
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personally, I would just take the "correction" at face value yet still tactfully and respectfully inform of them of said regulation change (and better be sure to know the reg and pub date). Then simply give my immediate higher a heads up on what took place.
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There are obviously many ways to respond in a situation like that. I say choose your battles and always be tactful and respectful. You can't carry the AR670-1 with you, acknowledge the correction then double check the regulation.
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MSG (Join to see)
Something as simple as someone not being aware of the latest regulation changes regarding black socks and the IPFU doesn't need to go that far. Choose what you want to stand up and fight for. Acknowledging the complaint and saying something like, "understood, I'll read the regulation again." and you both walk away satisfied. Its not a pissing contest. SFC Squires has a point and that also is a way.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
"Prove" is definitely the wrong verb. "Educate" politely is always better for everyone. They learn something current and you don't get your ass chewed. As we all know sometimes one can be very polite but ego factors in and the subordinate could still get chewed out.
E.g., "Sir/Ma'am, apologies, but that reg was changed just recently. It currently says ((insert brief explanation)). I know, it changes so much; How can we keep up with it!?" (Or something as self deprecating) Then pop smoke.
E.g., "Sir/Ma'am, apologies, but that reg was changed just recently. It currently says ((insert brief explanation)). I know, it changes so much; How can we keep up with it!?" (Or something as self deprecating) Then pop smoke.
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CSM Charles Hayden
MSG (Join to see) Sorry, I did carry 670-1 and 22-5. They were important to me. One Bn Cdr: would not listen to me telling him how to conduct a Bn parade,, until, I said, "it says so, right here, Colonel!"
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SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates
I learned early on in my military career (as a PFC fresh outta AIT working with high ranking military folks) that I could say nearly anything to anyone as long as it was clearly stated with utmost respect for the person, their rank, their position, and most of all, their authority given the position they filled. This never changed, and it helped me survived sitting in the Corps CSM's hot seat when he didn't like the way something was done on a soldier's packet.
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