Correcting up? How do you enforce the standard respectfully?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:30:47 -0500

Talking to my NCO, and from personal experience I've seen that many Soldiers in the senior enlisted and officer ranks are the worst offenders of Army regulations and policies. My NCO said he once corrected a Lieutenant who was wearing sunglasses indoors in uniform who replied "Correct down, not up Sergeant."

I've seen that Sergeants First Class can often get away with correcting up if they're crusty and personally savvy enough, but for Lieutenants it's often a different ballpark when the people you see are your raters, senior raters, are work above your chain of command.

I would like to know your methods of setting the example and holding others to the minimums the Army has set in place while remaining respectful and maintaining a higher degree of professionalism.

Response by MSG Ronnie Snider made Sep 10 at 2015 9:47 AM

MSG Ronnie Snider — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:47:36 -0400

Be professional. Wrong is wrong tell them.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 10 at 2015 10:00 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:00:41 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member First, before going out and making those corrections, one's own house must be in order. With a senior, I simply ask if we can talk privately for a quick second, and then respectfully point it out, as a "you probably did not notice..". Showing a little respect demonstrates to the senior 1. stones to say something and 2. discretion. Both are good traits to have in leadership.

What I have seen that does not work is the NCO who thinks that they can simply walk up to anyone and just blurt out what is wrong with (for example) the Colonel. It shows lack of respect. And for the senior being called out, is considered an attack.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Sep 10 at 2015 10:47 AM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:47:09 -0400

I always told my subordinates that if they saw me out of regs then don't be afraid to tell me, it was most likely that I was unaware of whatever was wrong. They respected me for it and saw that I was not afraid to address the same type of issues with my superiors. I showed them the proper example of getting the superior aside and quietly, with no public embarrassment, informing the superior of the problem. My superiors were mostly thankful and subordinates were educated on tact and how to deal with a potentially stressful situation.

Response by SGT William Howell made Sep 10 at 2015 12:44 PM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:44:05 -0400

When I was a contractor in Afghanistan, I saw SGM Private RallyPoint Member troops getting dressed down by a SGM for having their sun glasses on their cover while we were at a FOB during a mission (Huff was a SFC at the time). Huff came into the conversation to see what was going on with his guys. The SGM was correcting them in PTs and shower shoes. After the SGM finished Huff sent his troops on back to the truck. Next thing I know this SGM was walking off with Huff in tow. About 20 minutes later, Huff comes back to the truck. I figured this SGM went to go get our units POC so he could ream our boss for the guys being out of uniform.

I asked Huff what happened. He says, "After the guys left I told the SGM that he was out of uniform and could not be wearing shower shoes with PTs." The SMG then dragged him to to his hooch where he coined him for correcting him. It was one of the funniest things I ever saw in Afghanistan.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 10 at 2015 12:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:59:17 -0400

I had great NCOs who policed up the stragglers.