Posted on Dec 30, 2014
SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
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I have been given the task to complete a 35 min power point presentation by my team leader. Apparently, the mannerisms that I use constitute as disrespect. I have never had the problem before, but I am also new to the Army. I am trying to complete this task, but AR 600-20 only speaks of the intentional disrespect of the flag. I have looked up Article 91 and 80. Is there a direct Army regulation that specifically talks about what constitute as disrespect, or is this solely just a perception? Any and all help would be appreciated- Thank you in advance.
Posted in these groups: Ar Army Regulations
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
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Article 91, 89 and 134 of the UCMJ
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SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
11 y
Thank you MSgt. I have read Article 91, I will try the other two.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
TSgt Joshua Copeland
11 y
Make sure to look at the "elements" of each Article and it gives a pretty good explanation.
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SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
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Thank you so very much. I appreciate everyone's input. It has taken some worry off my shoulders and have given me a better direction to go in. I honestly was not expecting such quick response. You all have been a tremendous help.
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SGT Maintenance Management Assistant
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Depending on the situation FM 7-21.13 CH 4 (Customs, Courtesies and Traditions) may assist you
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SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
11 y
Thank you
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SGT Maintenance Management Assistant
SGT (Join to see)
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You're welcome!!
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What regulations cover Disrespect?
MSG Parachute Rigger
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Sometimes you don't see what you do or say as disrespectful but to others it can be perceived as disrespectful. I'm extremely direct to the point that I've been addressed about it multiple times. I have since adjusted the delivery of my content. Some still view my delivery as a little too harsh, so when speaking to new people, I inform them that it is not my intention to sound disrespectful, but my delivery may be a little more direct than they're accustomed to. Most old CSM understand when I start off with that. Younger officers do not take it too lightly. Usually senior captains and majors. It sounds like this may also play a part in your corrective training. If it does, I would highlight this as well. I'm a glad that you are seeking guidance. There are a lot of seniors here on rally point that can provide you with much advice.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
TSgt Joshua Copeland
11 y
Piggy backing off of MSG (Join to see), here are some items that either I have been counseled on or have counseled others on.

Rolling of eyes (folks usually don't know they are doing)
Exhaling/huffing
Being too direct (just because you are right, doesn't mean you can act like an ass)
Too little eye contact (appearance of not listening/blowing off)
Talking too loud/talking over/talking "at" vs "to"
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SSG Human Resources Specialist
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Forms of disrespect:
a. The Wisconsin National Guard is investigating one of its soldiers for allegedly posting "inappropriate" photos on Facebook while on funeral detail
b. That sound you make with your tongue and teeth and the heavy sigh we did as kids
c. The eye roll
d. Mouthing off in silent mode mimicking what the other person said when there back is turned to you.
e. Inappropriate sarcasm
f. Speaking in a condescending or belittling way
g. Dismissive or negative gesturing when someone else is speaking
h. Talking over another person; poor behavior in meetings
i. Discounting the person’s thoughts or feelings (“Oh, that’s silly”) in meetings

Discipline is the glue that holds a team together. Without it, there is no unit cohesion, no espirit de corps, no coordination. However, discipline is a complex product of training, leadership, and respect.

Respect is treating others with consideration and honor. It is the expectation that others
are as committed to getting the job done as you are while accepting they may have different
ways of doing so. You don’t have to accept every suggestion to show respect; just expect
honesty and professionalism.

Today the Army defines RESPECT as (Quote) "The regard and recognition of the absolute dignity that every human being possesses; incorporates diversity and compassion." An even easier way is to think of it as The Golden Rule – treating fellow soldiers exactly the way you would wish to be treated.

So the "bad" behaviors you thought were ok in the civilian world are contradictory in the military environment you are in. Disrespect is opposite of Respect - an Army Value.

When I was first in, my team leader told me, "Disrespect is anything that I perceive it to be".
So I made sure I didn't do anything that could be perceived that way.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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Sometimes talk and look at yourself in the mirror. You can also record yourself and then see yourself as others do. But the best is simply the Golden Rule and you cannot go wrong with that. Also TSgt Joshua Copeland is a quick study and a good one to listen to.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
11 y
Anytime my friend.
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SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
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Thank you.
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SFC Josh Jackson
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Did your team leader give you specific examples of your behavior that others consider disrespectful? Article 91 gives a broad definition of disrespect: "...treats with contempt or is disrespectful in language or deportment toward a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer while that officer is in the execution of his office..."

Article 89 defines who gets to declare behavior disprespectful. Here is a link breaking down the legalese of the article: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/punitivearticles/a/mcm89.htm
Basically, it is up to the senior person in any exchange to determine if behavior is disrespectful.

Where someone can really make an accusation of disrespect stick is Article 134, which states "...all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital..." In other words, if the chain of command agrees or concludes that what you did was bad, you can get in trouble for it.
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SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
11 y
SFC Jackson,

Thank you for the information. I am hoping this will get me what I need to complete the task at hand.

I used to get talked to about talking with my hands. Wasn't taught not to do that in basic training, but I really didn't talk there either. Now it is my facial expressions. Half the time I don't realize I do them. So I do look up any more in hopes that fixes the problem, but not that makes me seem like I have a lack in confidence. Now it is the voice change. Although I do not notice the change in octaves. I am told that I have raised my voice, maybe I don't realize it because I am use to projecting my voice from years of singing. I am sure, but I have to fix this or I am in a world of trouble.

I am not a perfect soldier, I have to fixings, but I can't be this horrible. At least I hope not to be. I didn't have these issues at my last duty station/ AIT.
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SFC Josh Jackson
SFC Josh Jackson
11 y
Leadership is just as much style as it is substance. Leaders are people, and people are all different. While this might be obvious, your real issue might be one of leadership style. You and the senior you're having an issue with might just rub each other the wrong way. Your best bet is to articulate all of this to whoever is responsible for your professional development. Tell them what you're telling us.

I had a soldier, an E5, in the last shop I ran. She was brilliant at her job, but rude. I saw it as an opportunity to mentor her by teaching her tact. Seek out similar mentorship in your unit; let it be known that you are trying to improve your interpersonal communication skills. I've used that tactic in the past, with seniors who didn't like me. It was pretty effective in improving the working relationship I had with them. Hope that helps!
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MSgt Security Business Analyst
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Look into local policies and guidelines from your unit and Batt. The entire UCMJ speaks on disrespect and not fulfilling our obligations to the Uniform Service.

If you need help with this assignment let me know. I build lesson plans and PPs.
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SSG Trevor S.
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The basic interpretation I used when dealing with subordinates was if their language or actions toward me or other leaders caused or could be interpreted as:
1. An attempt to "take over" the authority of position of a more senior leader without being directed to
2. The actions or language used could possibly construed as harassment, hate, dismissal of importance, meant to incite reaction (fighting words), or bullying

This is a "barracks lawyer" interpretation (nowhere near official), your answer would be best found through research with your JAG and IG offices.
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CSM Assistant Field Office Director
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The Msgt is correct
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SGT Medical Laboratory Specialist
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Thank you CSM
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