Would you make a uniform correction on a member of another branch of service?

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 06:19:58 -0500

I work with a joint operational command and during deployments I worked a few joint operations. I never even considered making corrections of other branches, but I'm curious to know if they happens and what the RP community feel about it

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Dec 17 at 2014 6:28 AM

1LT William Clardy — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 06:28:31 -0500

I sure have, SFC Michael Jackson, MBA.

It's part and parcel to being an NCO -- you are helping a servicemember be more professional by correcting an oversight on his or her part. Good leadership doesn't stop with a change of uniform.

In the worst possible case -- should you exceed your knowledge of the proper wear of another branch's uniform -- you will find yourself corrected and your own professional knowledge enhanced. Hopefully that will be done with the same level of professional courtesy you demonstrate when initially making your correction.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Dec 17 at 2014 7:11 AM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 07:11:07 -0500

Nope, because I have no idea when it comes to other branch uniforms. Especially with all of the different uniforms we all have now.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 17 at 2014 7:55 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 07:55:58 -0500

Only if I knew I was right by their Service's reg.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 17 at 2014 8:49 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:49:41 -0500

There is in my opinion a time and a place for it. As an example, in Garrison, and you know, not think, know what is correct. And because it is cross service, I would use more tact than I normally would-in the spirit of relations. Of course at my advanced age in the service, I doubt that I am going to catch much flak from many folks when I approach. More likely though, I would see if there was another member of the same service near by to ensure that "correction" was a required one.

As an example of when not to, again, in my opinion, is the deployed environment-or at a transit base where the troops are returning from who knows where and have experienced who knows what, and quite possibly have suffered casualties of very close friends/unit members. I personally leave that to the their respective services/units. That is unless they are causing a disruption, in which case, I have stepped in.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 17 at 2014 9:12 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:12:08 -0500

My last deployment was as the JOC SGM at RC East, Afghanistan. It was a Joint operation.. I had Ops officers and enlisted from the Marines, Navy, Airforce and Army... As uniform regs can very so much between services... If (when) I noticed something that did not look right.. say Ear rings on an AF officer wearing Army ACU, I would spend a few min to educate myself on that service reg and then take it up with an NCO from that branch to address. Or for the senior officers on the floor, just deal with it directly. Never had any push back and I must say the conversations were always professional.. often one or both of use learning something along the way.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Dec 17 at 2014 10:30 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:30:38 -0500

Generally, no I wouldn't. First, you'd better be right, and regs and instructions are always changing. Second, you better already be friends with the guy or girl you need to correct, because it needs to be a FRIENDLY reminder to help them avoid embarrassment, not as a poke in their service's eye.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Dec 17 at 2014 1:20 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:20:54 -0500

It is appropriate, but you better know their regulation and any supplemental policy that exists...and above all, be courteous and professional I.e Airforce members PT gear and wear are very different from those of other services; (pt shirts untucked), I don't know if that's the case anymore, but When I was in a Joint Command a few years ago I attempted to make that exact correction to an Airman. Turned out it was an authorized composition even though it looked like hell and unprofessional...if you absolutely have to make a correction, know the reg and take the person off line with their supervisor and let them know you are looking for them, otherwise defer your grievance to their supervisor. Army Strong!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 1:23 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:23:58 -0500

I have worked around a few different branches and if I notice something that seems incorrect because I don’t know their standards I will bring it to their attention. How I approach them will be a little different, I usually ask about the deficiency. Now if they straight up lie and tell me it is within their regulation I wouldn't know and would let it go unless it is blatantly obvious they are incorrect.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 4:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:15:28 -0500

If I was working only with Marines I would probably do so, but here where I am with the Navy and their multiple uniforms and the Air Force that has basically no uniform standard is almost impossible for me. Before I get crucified, I have seen many examples of this in the Air Force, just this morning I drove by their morning formation, and there were Airmen in their ACU type uniform, others were in their flight suit, every variation possible of their pt uniform, and then some in civilians mixed in.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Dec 17 at 2014 4:33 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:33:54 -0500

Absloutely... Of course, that presupposes that I know that service's uniform regulations.

Having served in Joint assignments, I know how tough it is to discern uniform violations of other services, however, the obvious ones stick out, regardless of service. Any NCO or officer ignoring the obvious violations and not taking corrective action is derelict in his/her duties.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 17 at 2014 6:53 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:53:28 -0500

If i knew the service uniform regulations i would. Why would you let your brother or sister walk around in an improper uniform you are failing them just as much as they are failing themselfs

Response by LTC Benjamin Gonzalez made Dec 17 at 2014 9:37 PM

LTC Benjamin Gonzalez — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:37:21 -0500

Absolutely. Especially since I served in 2 different branches of service. The real reason is simple: It is to keep the standards high among all the branches. No other reason. Honest corrections are always appreciated.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Dec 17 at 2014 9:39 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:39:44 -0500

Yes, Possibly, but unless it was something glaringly wrong I would probably phrase it as a question.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 11:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 23:29:44 -0500

unless it was glaringly obvious, like unbloused or unbuttons, I don't know if I would directly...I might, if I suspected a correction but unsure, approach someone else in that branch and see if they can assist.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 7:21 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 19:21:13 -0500

I used to make corrections of other branch's uniforms all the time at my last command. I was at a tri-service training command with Navy, Army and Air Force students. I would routinely correct students of other branches on the wear of their particular uniform. Granted, this is a little different environment in which we were tasked with teaching newer Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen how to properly wear thier uniforms and all of the staff was expected to be at least familiar with the other branch's standards.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 20 at 2014 11:24 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 11:24:59 -0500

If you know their regs, yes. I was a squad leader for some field exercises out at Presidio of Monterey language school. I was a careerist NCO student who volunteered to mentor a squad of trainees during a required field problem. One of the times I did this, I was assigned a Navy student and a Marine student, both of whom were junior enlisted trainees as well. The Marine had a swollen ego and wore his fatigue pants so that they weren't bloused. This being an era before 9/11, this wasn't something you went around doing in that type of environment. I corrected him twice and he ignored it. The third time I took him aside, well out of ear-shot, and squared him away to my satisfaction.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Dec 20 at 2014 5:22 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 17:22:19 -0500

I would first ask if *that* is the way the uniform is supposed to be. Since I don't know other branches' uniforms well enough, I feel asking would be the best way to approach the issue.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 5:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 17:26:47 -0500

I've served in many joint-ops situations, and have done this more than once. Hell, I was wearing the new APFU today at Belviore and had an air force guy ask me where my PT belt was!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 6:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 18:52:31 -0500

This is a tough one....I would say no to uniform corrections, as it is hard to completely understand the regulations of each service to make an accurate correction. An example I recently learned here serving with the Marines is that when it's cold and they wear a beanie cap with their MARPATs, they don't salute. Not exactly a uniform correction, but a difference between services that had to be explained to me. Now multiple this across all services, would be difficult.

Plus, most of us have a hard time understand exactly how to wear all of our uniforms correctly.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 9:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 09:53:05 -0500

I have done this before. I have served in two branches so its easier to correct people given my slightly larger depth of uniform knowledge.

If I know it is wrong I ask the question. "Hey Airman, Sailor, Petty Officer, SSG, LT, MSGT etc...did you know your belt, cover, ribbon ect...is backward's, upside down, not there etc..."

I know I have never forgotten anything and wear everything perfectly every-time I walk out the door. And I have never had to have anyone correct my uniform issue's. "Sarcasm!"

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 6:43 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:43:45 -0500

Don't really see a problem with correcting someone's out of regulation uniform. So long as you know the proper regulations for that branch and know they are in the wrong. If you are serving in a joint environment and feel uncomfortable doing it go to a senior enlisted in their branch to make the correction. But I believe it is our duty as NCO's to make sure our enlisted folks comply with uniform regulations. Unless of course you are in a deployed status in a hostile environment and don't have the opportunity to worry about such matters.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 8:51 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:51:48 -0500

Agreed I would not know the exact placement of every insignia for every service.

People should be careful when approaching and make sure they understand what is correct. In the Air force we are authorized to wear friday shirts. Those are shirts of different unit colors underneath. Your first impression when seeing an AF guy wearing a red undershirt on friday in ABU or Bag might be WTF???? Then you would proceed to ream that guy and find out that he was within regs that day.

This not only applies to uniforms. I have seen this issue with weapon regs. In the Air Force our enlisted carried M-16's at Joint Base. The Air Force rules were that the weapon had the magazine out with the weapon in a fire mode. The Army regs at that base was that the weapon needed to be on safe. One night I had a sensor operator who was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. We would goto the Army chow hall close to our side of the flight line.

One night an Army SSgt barked at my guy and said "hey you need to have that weapon safe." I stepped in to try to explain our rules. His response was that "I don't care this is an Army chow hall you need to follow our rules and his weapon needs to be safe." I said fine what ever sensor safe the damn thing and fix it when we get out. Not more than 5 minutes while in the chow hall or DFAC an astute Air Force MSgt sees my SO's weapon in the wrong configuration per AF standards. He gives my SO the riot act. I step in again let the MSgt know that the Sensor had just been chewed out by the Army SSgt at the door. The MSgt apologizes to the sensor and tells him to follow AF regs and fix it Then the MSgt proceeds to have a mutual discussion on cross service regulations with the Army SSgt and the issue was no longer brought up again.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 27 at 2014 8:53 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:53:09 -0500

It would have to be something obvious like taking off our battle uniform top and tying it around our waist. The Army does not allow service members to do that and I am sure no other branch is allowed either but like others said, I would need to know the regulation.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Dec 28 at 2014 11:17 PM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 23:17:25 -0500

I got to watch my son to make an on-the-spot correction up at the PX Mall at Ft Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), WA, when my son had just gotten stationed there as a young Pvt.. He had some what the same response that SGT Erin Wilkins had.
"Dad, I can't do that. That soldier just had his cover hanging out his cargo pocket."
"And the pocket is unbuttoned I added. What would your Drill do if you had a button undone?"
So he walked up, snapped to attention, introduced himself, pointed out that he Green beret was hanging out a bit and that the pocket was unbuttoned.
The Special Forces Commander, made the correction, and shuck his hand, coining him for making the correction as a young Pvt trying to do the right thing.
When my son came back over to me, he was somewhere between needing to puke or piss himself. He was white as a ghost, shaking like a leaf, spittin' and sputtering how I had sat him up for failure.
On his heels was the Commanders Aide, a Major, to hand my son a $20 AAFEE gift card for the ONLY one that day to make an On the Spot to the Commander.
I introduced myself to the Aide as Dad, and I had sat my son. The Major saw me goad or prod my son over to make the correction, and shook my hand.

That was a pretty good father and son bonding time.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 2:21 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 02:21:13 -0500

I would! But only if I knee the uniform regulations of said military service. Me being a former Marine, have no trouble telling anyone that they look 'ate up from the ground up'...but I would probably comment on something as simple as Irish pennants, again my Marine Corps mentality if sort of hard to suppress. It will probably get me into trouble some day, but hopefully long after I have gotten my 20 year letter.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 2:42 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:42:21 -0500

Maybe if it's blatant. But I don't spend enough time studying other branches' uniform regulations to be able to point out queepy details.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 7:35 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 07:35:02 -0400

That depends on my level of understanding of their regulation versus their level of perceived infraction. If it is a ridiculous infraction that I am certain I am right about I would step in immediately. If it is minor or I am not certain I would catch them by themselves and pose a question that makes them realize I am dubious of their legitimacy. ex. "SGT Smith is that really the way the Army wears their covers?" or "PVT Johnson is there really supposed to be a half inch between your medals and pocket?" Many find that approach to be soft but it keeps honorable SMs correct and the ones who don't give a f*** will be caught by their own service and deal with the consequences accordingly.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jun 7 at 2015 1:07 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 01:07:54 -0400

I wouldn't know where to begin. Other branches have such different criteria. Example, an Army guy can spot a guy with a fake patch and I wouldn't have a clue if its fake.

Marines don't generally carry anything in their cargo pockets, it seems to be common in other branches. Intact, many Marines I knew sewed them shut.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 12:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:07:59 -0400

We as Senior NCO's know what right looks like and I will not allow another member of this nations military to look jacked up

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2015 12:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 12:11:24 -0400

Go for it!

Response by Sgt Ken Prescott made Jul 12 at 2015 11:41 PM

Sgt Ken Prescott — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 23:41:16 -0400

I once (as a contractor) barked at a sailor, "GET A COVER ON THAT GRAPE, FREAK!"

I had a song in my heart and a spring in my step for the rest of the day. :)

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 10:24 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 22:24:50 -0400

only if i was very sure about it

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Apr 3 at 2016 2:02 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 14:02:40 -0400

If you know their policy, go for it. If I salute to a Navy officer, and go to parade rest to Navy NCO then correcting a e-1 in the navy should be the same way.

Response by PO1 Patrick Wiley made Nov 24 at 2017 4:52 PM

PO1 Patrick Wiley — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 16:52:25 -0500

No, other service uniforms are worn differently. The army and Marine Corps both roll up their sleeves but very differently. Army tucks legs into boots and the Marines add an accessory to blouse em up. No, I would not correct another branch’s uniform unless I was absolutely certain I was right AND I had some operational command of the individual I was correcting.

Response by Sgt Richard Griffith made Nov 24 at 2017 9:45 PM

Sgt Richard Griffith — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 21:45:59 -0500

No. Each branch is targeted to differing missions. Admittedly over the previous decade creep has set in and mixed up the mission originazation. But as was found with the development of digicamo each service seeks to procure the best and most effective gear for its members and the services run the gamut. Marines want light loads and quickness, Soldiers want maximum protections and utility. Sailors don't need either except for groups such as the SeeBees so they empathize comfort and wearablity. And Airmen differ from job to job in what they want and require.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Nov 24 at 2017 10:24 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 22:24:11 -0500

It is every soldiers duty to make uniform corrections, you may not know the other branches uniform but you can ask them if they are correct in the wear of the uniform, the power of Google on the cell phone is awesome, research on what may not know in advance.

Response by SSG Rick Austin made Nov 28 at 2017 12:41 PM

SSG Rick Austin — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 12:41:05 -0500

There is nothing wrong with correcting an improperly worn, or slovenly looking Military Man, but NEVER do it in public, pull them off to the side and correct them. Shake their hand and wish them well.. then move on your way. You have done your part and will feel good about it..

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 2:39 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 14:39:34 -0500

If I was aware of the deficiency per their governing uniform regulation, or an overall uniform regulation, like those on certain joint FOBs and camps. I currently work with the Air Force, so I’ve had the opportunity to study their regs and will correct a deficiency on their uniform if their personnel do not do so first

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2017 9:50 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:50:32 -0500

I would have to be very sure that I wasnt about to make a fool of myself for saying something. Something as universal as a haircut, shined shoes, or correct undershirt is easy enough; however, ribbons, devices, and anything more service related, I would need to do my research first.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 12 at 2017 12:44 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 12:44:18 -0500

Yes, I was stationed at Kirtland AFB in the old Defense Nuclear and Special Weapons Agencies in a Joint slot and it was expected that senior NCOs would know the uniform regs for the joint services and do NCO things regardless of what the troops parent service was.
At that time I knew what rite was for each branch and took actions accordingly.
The Navy was the hardest to get used to because it seemed they had a multitude of authorized outfits depending on rank and duties for the day.

Response by 1stSgt Daryl Allen made Jan 14 at 2018 6:48 PM

1stSgt Daryl Allen — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 18:48:03 -0500

As a retired Air Force First Sergeant and Security Forces it is difficult at times not to correct something I see wrong. I have worked joint services before and will check the current regs or instructions before making corrections. One of my pet peeves is not putting on a hat or cover when in uniform and outside. To this day I will correct this problem.

Response by Joey Damir made May 13 at 2018 12:02 AM

Joey Damir — Sun, 13 May 2018 00:02:43 -0400

yes i hate seeing unbuttoned back pockets.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 13 at 2018 12:05 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 13 May 2018 12:05:01 -0400

Only if you know their regs as well or better then your own.

Response by CW2 Scott Quaife made Aug 25 at 2018 1:14 AM

CW2 Scott Quaife — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 01:14:59 -0400

Absolutely, active duty or veteran, guard, reserve, it doesn’t matter. We all should take pride in the service of our country regardless of our service branch.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 25 at 2018 7:28 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 07:28:23 -0400

I'd probably phrase it as a question, instead of as a correction. If the answer was squirrelly. I'd educate myself on the service reg in question. If I was right to question the response, I'd inform the person next time I saw them.