Posted on Mar 9, 2014
What is the best way to do an on the spot correction, whether utilizing General Military Authority or Command Authority?
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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?
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 41
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<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>
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SGT Michael Igel
I went "drill Sergeant" once, but it was on a group of soldiers working with me. About 5 or 6 of them decided to do their own thing on a job we had to do after I laid out the directions on what needed to be done. (By regulation and federal law). Otherwise then that I addressed professionally and individually.
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SFC Dennis Pettitt
If your dealing with a subordinate, simply point out the error and if time permitting, explain the standard that is not being met. The point is to prevent the error in the future. Continue Mission.
If your pointing out an error to a superior, the same rules apply, however (hopefully) the error is a simple oversight on the part of the perpetrator, and explanation USUALLY isn't necessary. If it is, the same rules apply explain the standard and if necessary reference where you are getting the standard from.
If your pointing out an error to a superior, the same rules apply, however (hopefully) the error is a simple oversight on the part of the perpetrator, and explanation USUALLY isn't necessary. If it is, the same rules apply explain the standard and if necessary reference where you are getting the standard from.
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PO3 (Join to see)
As SSG M stated, respect is key, above all else. As an MA, whether on patrol or standing as a sentry, my position grants me authority temporarily over all persons I encounter in a professional setting. Ultimately, the behavior of the person with whom I am interacting determines how our interaction goes (always professional, ofor course), but more often than not, treating others in a respectful manner, rather than being authoritative, typically makes for an easy, pleasant encounter. I've had greater success with "hey, do you mind..." and "can you do that, for me?" Than with "get it done, now".
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<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>
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SFC Alfredo Gonzalez
I'm a retire grunt (Strike Hold Paratrooper) and was going to give you my opinion, but after reading 1SG (P) E W comments, there's really no need to... Outstanding! Spot-on... AATW.
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SGT Benjamin J Bell
1Sgt I originally went in '86 i was out for a while came back in '08 there is an issue where a lot of soldiers are quick to move up in rank but do not want to take on all the responsibilties of said grade. Also there is a real lack of looking out for one another its fine if your in a squad or fireteam but outside that group Soldiers dont wanna get involved.
An issue not sure how to fix.
An issue not sure how to fix.
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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.
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