On the spot correction at a security gate, would you stay or keep going?

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 06:47:39 -0500

Made a uniform correction to a defender at the gate this morning. He was wearing the sage green watch cap (fleece) but did not have it rolled or folded. I reminded him that the cap must be worn folded or rolled and he replied "Rodger that sir, thank you!" Here is my question, would you:

A. Think this is resolved and drive away because it's at the gate?

B. Stay at the gate until the Airman makes the correction?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 28 at 2015 7:44 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:44:04 -0500

If it is rush hour, press on as to not impede traffic but swing back trough on a "errand" an hour or so later.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 28 at 2015 8:45 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:45:57 -0500

First, thank you for making the correction. Many would not.

I think that my decision to stay until I saw that he had corrected it or not would depend on how I perceived his attitude when I corrected him. If he seemed genuine in his response (and, from the response he made to you .. "Roger that sir, thank you"), it appears that he was, I'd move on. If, however, he had copped an attitude with me, I would stay until it was corrected... both the uniform violation and the attitude. I would probably have become an impediment to traffic at that point.

Woe be on him, however, if the next day, or whenever, if I saw him and the same violation again....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 10:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:13:32 -0500

Whoa! The Air Force has standards? I thought that everyone just did whatever they wanted to do, lol. Just kidding. I would've made the correction and stayed until he fixed it. That correction would've only taken that young Airman about one nano second to accomplish. He/she could've fixed themselves with me watching and then I'd be on my merry way. The longer that individual took, the longer I would stay. Would traffic have been backed up? Sure it would've, but that's the guard's prerogative and not mine. But...as a former Drill Sergeant I'm kind of an asshole when it comes to enforcing the standards.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 4 at 2015 10:04 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 10:04:12 -0500

Trust unless given reason not to trust.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 4 at 2015 10:19 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 10:19:13 -0500

Make the correction, observe the response and make the decision to stay or roll.
people make mistakes people forget, an honest mistake followed by a professional polite, non sarcastic correction resulting in a "huh, what? Oh ya, no problem, thanks for saying something" Gets a head nod and on the way.
Accepting a correction for something you have been "caught" at is both a learned experience and often has a direct reaction based on how you are corrected.
"SGM, your laces are out" was responded with "Hey thanks, don't want to walk around looking like a dirt bag no do I, Thanks"
"What, SGM don't have to follow the rules" Was responded with "Excuse me?"
"Your laces are out" responded with " Oh, ok thanks for saying something I did not notice.. next time, just say that and not be a smart ass"

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 7:06 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 19:06:56 -0400

The uniform board must have disagreed with you because they removed that requirement recently! =)

Response by SMSgt David Popwell made Sep 26 at 2015 2:18 AM

SMSgt David Popwell — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 02:18:40 -0400

Ret Former Master Instructor, and SF E-8, Go on!...12 hour shift, on the gate, thank you we will handle go on to your nice warm office we will take care of our WARRIOR!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 4:12 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 04:12:26 -0400

B. Stay and finish the correction because it shouldn't take that long for the Airman to adjust. I think it's important to provide some guidance in addition to the correction. We can't walk around pointing out deficiencies if we aren't going to take the time to educate young airmen & soldiers "this is the correct way to wear your headgear" etc