What is the best way to do an on the spot correction, whether utilizing General Military Authority or Command Authority?

2014-03-09T23:15:09-04:00

As I have come up through the ranks, the way I make on the spot corrections have changed. I am curious, before I reveal my own technique, what is the best and worst ways you have seen on the spot corrections conducted?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 10 at 2014 12:05 PM

2014-03-10T12:05:26-04:00

I normally tried to make the on-the-spot correction in a tactful manner regardless of the rank of the person.  I tried to not do it in front of others if possible as well.  I would not only inform the person what was wrong but also have the policy, AR, or whatever ready in case the person felt I was wrong (thank god for PalmPilots).  If it was a younger service member I tried to ensure that I let his/her team chief know out of respect to their leadership as well.  <div><br></div><div>Basically, I followed the golden rule of "do on to others as you would like done to you".  It made those around me respect me more rather than coming off like a jerk.  </div>

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 10 at 2014 12:06 PM

2014-03-10T12:06:35-04:00

<p>CSM H, As an MP I make lots of on the spot corrections without having to do dreadful paper work (its not that dreadful).  What I tell my soldiers is to approach individuals with respect, tact and be super polite and give them some dignity.  Most people want to be treated with respect and they expect to be treated fairly.  We all make mistakes and we are all human; no one is perfect.  I have found that doing it that way yields positive results and maybe even a good conversation.  One way to not make an on the spot correction is go "Drill Sergeant" on someone which can be embarrassing to both parties in the public eye.  </p>

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 10 at 2014 12:12 PM

2014-03-10T12:12:09-04:00

I have generally if lower rank than me said hey, insert rank and name, Then say hey just wanted to let you know that "whatever is wrong" can you fix it. Thanks. If higher alway have aske to speak to them and said her sir/aSGT you pocket is crocked or if in my unit just walk up if they are not engaged in something and fix the pocket of collar that is flipped up. Have gotten some thanks didnt know or dude dont touch me but thanks. Just depends in my aspect how well you know them or not at all. I have always used tact. Repell cords esspecially.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 8:13 AM

2014-03-11T08:13:37-04:00

I'll probably get flak for this but, I hate making on the spot corrections. Not because I don't think the standard should be upheld; but I just loathe to hear BS excuses. Oh, I didn't know you can't walk or run on the base with headphones on; Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know my hair couldn't be hanging down to my waist in ACUs; Oh, I'm sorry I thought I could drive a military vehicle without a ACH... These are all excuses I have heard just in the last few days. It's bullshit! Soldiers know, they just pretend not to know when you correct them.

I even had a female the other day tell me she wasn't even in the Army, while wearing full ACUs with no rank (she was a PVT) with her hair hanging to her waist. She said this after I corrected her to try to get out of fixing her hair. So, I asked her why was she wearing ACU's? No answer. I asked to see an ID card, she said she didn't have one. When I said I was going to have to call the MPs is when she finally showed me an ID card and told me her unit. This is the BS I hate about making on the spot corrections. Soldiers know, they just don't care or want to abide.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 8:22 AM

2014-03-11T08:22:24-04:00

<p>On another note, a trend I have noticed is that we are quick to point out a deficiency but not to lend a helping hand. While downrange I worked about 3 1/2 miles from where I slept. Often times I would find myself walking to work. No worries, but every now and then I just didn't feel like walking. So I started to hitch hike to work. 90% of the time while hitching a ride I would not have anyone stop. I even had a SGM who I was looking directly at, drive by and look away so as not to make eye contact with me so he could deny having to acknowledge I was trying to catch a ride. So, getting sick of never being able to catch a ride, I started a new way to get people to stop. I would just walk with my cell phone up to my head, mind you I wasn't talking on the phone, and usually within 5 minutes someone would stop to jump all over me to tell me "Hey Airborne you cannot walk and talk on a phone". You should have seen how pissed off many of them got when I would retort with "I wasn't talking, I just wanted someone to stop to catch a ride". </p><p><br></p><p>Why do we as an NCO Corps do this? We are quick to poke someone in the eye, but not so quick to lend a helping hand.</p>

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Mar 11 at 2014 8:50 AM

2014-03-11T08:50:22-04:00

How not to do it: A) Man walking away from you with a hand in his pocket and a phone to his ear, without head gear. "Hey, Pardon me... Hey Soldier get off the phone while your walking and who do yo- Oh Hello Sir. Um sir your out of regulation without head gear and walking with a cell phone to your ear, and the hand sir.

My first Coin directly from a General Officer.

B) Driving down the road passing a DFAC see a Soldier in a Maroon Barrett with his hands so far in his pockets that it looks like he is grabbing his knees. "Hey SSG Get your hands out of your pockets."

SSG followed me and stopped me. " Buck SGT it doesnt say anywhere in any reg that you can put your hand in your pocke-" His fellow NCO who was driving the car Putting it in gear and taking off. leaving me confused.

Fun times

Response by CSM David Hopkins made Mar 11 at 2014 11:36 PM

2014-03-11T23:36:50-04:00

I can empathize with all of you when it comes to making a correction. 1SG Whitman, I know what you mean about the excuses. Just when you think you have seen or heard it all, someone comes up with something new. SGT Mathews, sounds like those NCOs did not like being corrected. Whether it is in a regulation or not, they know they are wrong. So, how do I do a correction. Believe me, I have not always done this, but since I became a SGM/CSM, I have changed the way I do this.

So if I spot someone doing so,etching wrong or with a deficiency, I will stop them or go over to them, ensure that I am not correcting them in front of other soldiers (normally) and do two things. First off, I tell them what the deficiency is and what they need to do to correct it (if they do not already know), then I discuss with them about why it is important to do the right thing or to ensure you check yourself well at all times. Now I do not believe in the zero defect mentality, because no one is perfect, but it is important because someone is always watching. Especially the NCOs, stressing upon them that their soldiers will call attention to the leaders shortcomings, whenever they can.

For officers, I do the same thing with, but I throw a little bit of a curve in there. My belief is that the soldiers watch their NCOs to know what the standard is then watch the officers to see what they can get away with. So when the LT or CPT does not wear their headgear while smoking outside, the young soldiers won't either, but when corrects, will bring that up I their defense, as opposed to just knowing they are wrong.

So, that is what I do and of course being a CSM it is much easier to make corrections. For those that are doing the right thing and trying to help everyone else do the right thing, keep on doing what you are doing. Unfortunately it is a never ending task, but we do have to keep reminding our soldiers what the standards are.

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Mar 12 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-03-12T12:31:24-04:00

CSM, I always try to make sure my house is clean first.  There is nothing worse than an on-the-spot correction for something when in reality the finger should be pointed at the corrector first.  I remember being corrected one day for answering my phone and not stopping.  An officer seen me and while I was wrong, the officer had his sunglasses resting on top of his head.  I respectfully said, you are correct sir my apologies.  I did inform him that his glasses where on top of his head but did not get the same response from him.     

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Mar 29 at 2016 6:09 AM

2016-03-29T06:09:46-04:00

As an NCO, I have always made corrections by pulling someone away from the group. If he is junior grade, sometimes I will use the correction as instruction to his peers, if he is senior to me, always pull them aside and have a conversation.
Although, it is very tempting to call them out as an example, because someone who is senior to me should know better.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 6:29 AM

2016-03-29T06:29:50-04:00

Correct in private, praise in public.

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Mar 29 at 2016 6:33 AM

2016-03-29T06:33:50-04:00

When I was in if I had to do that, I would pull the soldier of to the side. And make it not in front of his peers. I had no problem doing that.

Response by MSG Bonnie Casler made Mar 29 at 2016 8:06 AM

2016-03-29T08:06:46-04:00

Back in the day, on the spot corrects were down in private. Away from other soldiers. Even if it was just stepping to the side so no one heard the conversation. Depending on how the troop reacted set the tone for your tone of voice. Never yell or embarrass the soldier. If you know the regulation you are referring to, educate the individual so they may gain knowledge. Ask the individual if they understand your directive and make sure they correct themselves immediately.

After the correction, continue with activity and treat the soldier as always. Do not address the issue again unless the infraction occurs again. At that point, I would instruct the soldier to read the regulation and report back to me.

Response by MSG Douglas Tolliver made Mar 29 at 2016 8:09 AM

2016-03-29T08:09:24-04:00

I just made mine in a very straight forward manner. No yelling or anything like that. I stopped a new Private and reshaped his beret and explained what was wrond (formed and shaped with the flash over the right eye). I stopped a BNCOC student at FT Eustis for failure to salute an officer, he actually made an effort to look away as he walked by us. No yelling. Point out the error, tell them to fix it and move out.

Response by SGT Ronald Mitchell made Mar 29 at 2016 8:19 AM

2016-03-29T08:19:57-04:00

This question can be summed up in one single word: Respectfully! Any correction, whether under general authority or command authority should be done RESPECTFULLY!

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Mar 29 at 2016 9:35 AM

2016-03-29T09:35:51-04:00

Require all 2LT's report to the BN CSM for a hardcore "smokin" before assuming his duties in the unit. CSM is responsible to ensure a thick coat of sweat is rolling off the LT's nose while in the front-leaning-rest position (supine will suffice if the poor LT's arms are too weak to continue pushing) as well as instructing the LT that NCOes are the backbone of our blessed U.S. Army. The LT should know he is to check all decisions and thoughts on leadership and tactics with the Platoon Sergeant before opening his mouth.

CSM may waive smoke session for standing at parade rest if said LT is a Ranger.

Response by SGT Ivory Brown made Mar 29 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-03-29T09:42:57-04:00

All the treads seem correct to me. Especially the respectful and tactful, is very important. As we are trying to build the warrior up, not destroy. By teaching, coaching and mentoring.

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Mar 29 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-03-29T09:43:44-04:00

One of many lessons I learned through the NCOES courses, the first and most basic one I remember is to never walk past a mistake. It is our duty correct deficiencies and train our soldiers that excellence is the standard not, the minimum to get a "GO." Never forget to praise excellence in public, and correct errors (when able) in private.

Counseling statements correcting a soldier are only effective if there is a measurable goal to achieve to correct the negative action and follow-up to ensure the goal is met.

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Mar 29 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-03-29T10:15:51-04:00

With general authority is the best, although sometimes you need to explain what it means and how does it apply to any service member within leadership positions

Response by CSM Harold Burleson made Mar 29 at 2016 10:29 AM

2016-03-29T10:29:41-04:00

One should make an "on the spot correction" tactfully and with due regards for what our service branches represent, i.e. the tradition of excellence, good order and discipline within the ranks and for the individual. If done correctly, the military member should walk away with a feeling of thanks and appreciation, then pass on or carry out the good deed and experience when it becomes his or her time to execute the same.

Response by SGT Josh Suchoski made Mar 29 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-03-29T11:08:09-04:00

I gave spot corrections the way that I would wish to be corrected. I would take the soldier aside and tell him of his error. After that, if the offense was repeated, I would make the correction public.

Response by SFC Greg Collins made Mar 29 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-03-29T11:22:37-04:00

Back in the Day I would tell them to unF*%k yourself. But now I pull them aside talk to them one on one so you don't hurt there feelings or embarrasse them. Kinder gentler Army.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-03-29T12:21:55-04:00

On the spot correction is always depending on the situation. Some are just that on the spot however if it is a Leader then I pull them to the side and make that correction between that leader and I not to embarrass them in front of their troops. If it is a group of Soldier Soldier I make the on the Spot correction to the entire group. Sr Soldiers Officer and NCO's I pull them to the side and make the correction you get better results then conducting the correction out in the open.

Response by SSgt Joseph Thayer made Mar 29 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-03-29T13:09:32-04:00

I've found it best to take the offending Marine aside & speak to them one-on-one. Having been on the receiving end of the "drill instructor" approach, while it may be effective, it sometimes isn't necessary. I've had really good Marines jacked up at times (not everyone is perfect) & talking to them like men goes a lot further than going all R. Lee Ermy on them (even though it is fun)
Semper Fi

Response by SGT Jay Ehrenfeld made Mar 29 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-03-29T13:50:39-04:00

I usually quote AR 670-1 and made on the spot correct with the soldier and if the soldier refuse to correction the issues then I marchvthe soldier to his or first sgt. Then I explained to top shirt then let him deal with the soldier and plt sgt and his squard leader.

Response by GySgt Joseph Jay Johnston made Mar 29 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-03-29T15:30:58-04:00

If the individual is with someone be polite and introduce yourself and ask if you might have a word with
him/her."do unto others as you would have them do unto you" If you have a small detail out working lay out the work the way you want it and emphaise you want it GUNNYS way..............

Response by SFC Arai Pooley made Mar 29 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-03-29T16:19:07-04:00

Swift and direct, is the only way to make an "On the Spot" correction. There is no need to conceal the correction from spectators, nor is there any reason to become belligerent with the corrected. If you see it, fix it and move on.

Response by Sgt Paul Gerhardt made Mar 29 at 2016 4:23 PM

2016-03-29T16:23:23-04:00

I found the best experience was more casual. For example, pointing out a uniform discrepancy with the same manner and tone used to alert someone of an untied shoelace.
The worst experiences came about in front of others, or during a conversation with a more senior NCO...If they hadn't noticed before, they were looking afterwards.

Response by MSgt Eric Roseberry made Mar 29 at 2016 7:50 PM

2016-03-29T19:50:25-04:00

Praise in public, critize in private. Identify the issue, ask why? Listen to excuse, acknowledge excuse, ask for clarification and ask why. Repeat as necessary to identify root cause... Ask individual how they will eliminate issue going forward... Follow up. I really don't care how you as a leader corrects the individual. If you miss that last step, follow up, you are failing. What's YOUR plan to follow up on the correction?

Response by SFC Jimmuel Pascua made Mar 29 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-03-29T21:43:06-04:00

The best way is to pull the soldier aside and tactfully tell him why you pulled him over. The worst way is to embarrass the soldier in front of others and disrespect him/her because you are higher ranking.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-03-29T22:07:02-04:00

Do you have the time? Hands out of pockets mission success.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Mar 30 at 2016 6:49 AM

2016-03-30T06:49:30-04:00

@ CSM David Hopkins on the Spot Correction is always best if you see something say something they accepted the position if they need a flowery room then maybe they are too sensitive for their chosen Profession of Arms.. while questions of Leadership Style is an ongoing Learning Process it remains a Process and the Leaders have the Responsibility to correct the problem as they see it in the here and now...Hope my 2 cents count...MilitantCrip

Response by SFC Phillip Wiley made Mar 30 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-03-30T09:41:44-04:00

Best way is ..... To do it! I do not know how many times I have listened to someone say look at that soldier man s/he is "just 8 up". Now can you be tactful of, course; do you show common courtesy and respect, absolutely. But when it all comes out in the wash just do it. We have too many that are skittish or think it is funny to let their buddy look like an ass. Do what is right in a respectful manner.

And remember if you happen to be on the receiving end of a correction, be upstanding and give respect to the person helping you out and correct the issue.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Mar 30 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-03-30T09:43:02-04:00

When I joined the Army back in the mid 80s, it was common for leaders to get in your face so to speak. By the time you got your butt chewed in front of your squad or platoon, you never made that error again. That was the culture that continued throughout my career.
The discipline level in today's Army is alarming to me. You train as a team and should be disciplined as a team. My squad leader and fellow buddies got me "Squared away" !
Yes, use tact, be professional etc...but there should be nothing wrong with pointing out that Soldier in formation and correcting them on the spot. I have corrected both NCOs and Officers and expcted the same to be done to me. Sorry, the kinder gentler Army is where we are making a huge mistake. If they want kinder, gentler they can go work at some department store.....drill and ceremony, in ranks inspections, PT, are ways to discipline and measure abilities of Soldeirs. On the spot corrections are no different.

Response by SFC Jimmy Castro made Mar 30 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-03-30T10:34:34-04:00

I do agree with most responses, especially the responses relating to making on the spot corrections, but doing so with tact and respect toward the member you are correcting. However, I still feel there are times when you should still use that so called "Drill Sergeant" approach simply because there are some who obviously are blatantly disregarding rules and regulations that he or she is obviously aware of, but refuses to follow. As a military contractor at Ft Lee Virginia, after my retirement, it amazed me how some soldiers would carry themselves, especially in areas where there were more civilians such as the PX, Commissary, etc., and assumed they would not be corrected for something they were doing which contradicted the standards in which they were well aware of. Believe it or not, even as a U.S. Army Veteran and Retiree, I will continue to assume the responsibility of making on the spot corrections when necessary. Setting a fine example, and teaching our young Soldiers, never stops!

Response by SMSgt Nelson Rivera made Mar 30 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-03-30T12:25:00-04:00

The best way to correct on the spot is to go over the area with the member step by step and find out where in the T.O. the member did not understand. Teaching is the best way so the airman does not get discouraged but will do the job better in the future. As a former QA Superintendent I taught my personnel to go into teaching mode when a discrepancy is found and then let the airman know you will be back in the future so the member will prove to you and himself /herself they understand how to complete the job. The worst way is to demean them in not being a good mechanic or airman.

Response by SGT Chaz Wellington made Mar 30 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-03-30T12:50:02-04:00

The worst way I have seen was to correct with extreme rudeness and personal remarks in front of peers. The best way is to separate if at all possible without emotional hijacking,explain that there is an issue to be resolved, correct and give forward-supportive comments to enhance the reception of the corrective measure.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 1:37 PM

2016-03-30T13:37:52-04:00

It depends on who you're dealing with, some you blast on the spot, the embarrassment will make them insure that never happens again, some you have to pull off to the side and tell them they're fubar.

Response by SFC Rich Gomez made Mar 30 at 2016 2:05 PM

2016-03-30T14:05:40-04:00

I always took took the offending young soldier aside and just had a conversation that always had more positive results than acting like a tyrant. Trust and empathy is achievable when you work at it and is always a desirable outcome for the young soldier, yourself and your unit.

Response by SFC Rich Gomez made Mar 30 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-03-30T14:22:15-04:00

Incidentally. I joined the Army in 1962 retired in 1983. Had my fair share of ass reamings and none of it ever impressed me, what impressed was a CW3 with the 101st Abn in Kentucky, this man led with heart and smarts not with bluster and BS, thus with his mentoring I learned what real leadership was all all about, "Communication,collaboration, mentoring, helping, leading, teaching, family, UNITY"

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Mar 31 at 2016 12:41 AM

2016-03-31T00:41:35-04:00

Because I was a Military Policeman my entire career I think that General Military Authority works. If something is wrong and violates regs, it's every soldiers duty to correct it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-03-31T19:38:01-04:00

I believe the best way to correct someone is to be direct but respectful. Always identify yourself first if they are unknown to you and then state what is incorrect. Try to keep the interaction between yourself and the other person and try to give them an opportunity to make corrections without embarrassing them. The worst thing in my opinion is to make a scene and draw others into the situation. You risk losing an opportunity to train as well as the respect of the individual that is deficient.