What is the most appropriate way to correct a Senior NCO?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:40:08 -0500

Being a lower ranking enlisted member, would anyone have some tips on how to pull aside either an NCO, SNCO, or Officer if you notice a slight problem with their uniform. Example say one of their pant legs are either untucked or something similar but nobody else has either noticed or pointed it out to them.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:02 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:02:39 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member just approach the SNCO and say something like...

Excuse me SMSgt Snuffy just wanted to let you know that your trouser leg came unbloused.

He/she should reply something like...

Thank you Airmen Williams I appreciate that.

Every rank in the military has the general military authority to make an on the spot correction and if the SNCO or officer is a good leader they will appreciate the tactful correction. I hate being all chewed up and nobody will make a correction because they are afraid of repercussions. Nobody is perfect we all need a little help sometimes.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:08 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:08:03 -0500

CSM Private RallyPoint Member gave an excellent example, but if it's a correction you need to bring to their attention in a private manner, something like : "Rank Name, could I speak with you offline for a moment" and direct them elsewhere, once there inform them of the correction and if necessary something like "I asked you aside as I didn't want to bring it to everyone's attention". Has worked well in the past for me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:13:12 -0500

Just pull them aside and talk to them. I've never had an issue with that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:29:50 -0500

Always check yourself first, before approaching someone who outranks you. Don't correct him or her in front of their own peers, it might embarrass them. Approach them and ask for a private word with them. They should take your correction the wrong way, you're after all, making them look better after a slight lapse, perhaps a bootlace fell out, or a charm on a necklace is hanging out (that's my downfall).
Good luck and I'm sure you'll do just fine. Oh yeah, don't be nervous, SNCOs are people just like you. They've just been around longer, no big deal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 02:37:32 -0500

I have personally ran into a situation such as this. My entire unit was at a soldiers memorial ceremony, and I noticed that our Battalion CSM's shoulder board had become untucked from under his collar and was sticking out. I simply approached him and in a quiet voice as to not draw attention, I said Sergeant Major, I noticed that your shoulder board is sticking out from under your collar, I wanted to let you know before the ceremony got started. He replied with a thank you and even asked if I could assist him in tucking it back in as it was not easily reachable to him. No harm no foul and it kept him from looking bad in front of the whole unit. He was very appreciative.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 12:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 12:25:07 -0500

Just make a tactful on the spot correction. As a NCO I don't want to look "jacked up" and I'm certainly uproachable enough to accept the on the spot correction for what it is.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:41 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:41:40 -0500

"Excuse me, Sir/Ma'am/MSG/Chief... Sorry to bother you, but it seems that your boot is untied/hair has fallen out of its bun/nametag is coming undone... ((politely insert issue))."

It is ofttimes the approach that lends to success.

Sometimes one is met with ego, and that is when they usually get snappish. If so, one just politely excuses oneself. (e.g., "Again, sorry to bother you. Good morning/afternoon, Sir/Ma'am/MSG/Chief.")

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 3:04 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:04:57 -0500

First, I would be very thankful if I had an infraction and some one told me about it. I would rather correct it than look stupid(er).

As for correcting, use tact and be specific about the infraction. "Sir/Ma'am, wanted you to know your pants seem to have come untucked from your boots." Then go about your business.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 19 at 2015 1:22 AM

SSG Sean Garcia — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:22:48 -0500

SFC McConchie is right, always make sure your good to go before you approach a ranking person. Personally, if I'm wrong and a Soldier came up to me and corrected me, I'd have more respect for that Soldier. As long as they used tact, I never felt it necessary to embarass anybody.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 19 at 2015 1:25 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:25:53 -0500

VERY CAREFULLY!!! ** Just kidding! ** As with all things, be respectful and professional. More than likely, that Staff NCO will appreciate that you pointed out the problem.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 6:58 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:58:23 -0500

With respect and tact.

Boom. Next question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 2:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 02:47:42 -0400

coz some of them have egos