What would you do if you saw a more senior military member acting unprofessionally in public?

2015-04-08T07:15:03-04:00

I've witnessed some service members being absolute jerks to civilians. My one time traveling in uniform (wasn't my choice) I witnessed two separate gentlemen both out of uniform, one demanding a military discount at a BK that didn't offer the discount, and another yelling at a gate check agent and flight attendants because they wouldn't let him board the plane first. (He was listed as group 5)
Would you step in? I feel like as a uniformed (or out of uniform for that matter) member of the military, it is partly my responsability to try to step in and calm these kinds of people in situations where they are clearly representing us with poor tast. Maybe it would help them come back down to earth to have another service member try to calm them down instead of civilians (who they clearly feel are inferior at these moments.) of course I wouldn't jump in and start yelling back, that's not a good image either, but I could at least try to calm them down.

But here is my hesitation, both of these people clearly were older gentlement, most likely a soldier and a marine, probably junior NCO's. An I'm over here in my ABU's and my adorable little "masquito wings." Would it be appropriate for me as an E-3 to step in when it's an NCO being belligerent?

Or should I just stand back and watch? Which I admit is what I did in these cases, I was honestly just in shock, and extremely embarrassed to be in uniform around these people.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 7:21 AM

2015-04-08T07:21:13-04:00

You could try to tactfully address them and see if you could talk some sense into them but, disengage if they started yelling at you unless you wanted a confrontation that may come to fisticuffs or them trying to make you stand at ease, or something like that.

I personally would f*cking crush them!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 7:48 AM

2015-04-08T07:48:35-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, there is a lot you don't know about these people that make it the correct choice to not impose yourself into these situations.
These two individuals, who may or may not in fact be in the military - by their conduct, I have doubts for both of them - are attempting to earn perks through their service. In the Army, our NCO Creed states that we will "not use our grade or position for pleasure, profit, or personal safety". Although the civilian world has gone out of its way to try to recognize service over the past several years with these types of perks, we are not entitled to them. Browbeating clerks at counters is not how any service culture teaches us to act.

My advice: after witnessing something like this, go to the counter, let the clerk know that what just happened does not represent all of us, and where appropriate tip them as if you were doing it for both checks. It is important that the civilians involved come away knowing that all service members are good, decent people and that we give in kind gratitude for their support while they express gratitude for our service.

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Apr 8 at 2015 8:09 AM

2015-04-08T08:09:50-04:00

I would do exactly as 1SG Jerry Healy recommended.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Apr 8 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-04-08T08:36:07-04:00

This happens a lot now days. The new generation of kids joining the military have no respect whatsoever. I remember seeing a couple of kids hanging out the Navy base. There were in their Navy dress white jumpers. However, they had their dixie cover (sailor cap) rolled down to look like Gilligan's hat. Had their neckerchief warped around their cover with their blouse tied around their waist.

I didn't confront them because they were holding liquor in their hand. So I called 411 for the Navy base MP and let them know that there were two rowdy sailors just outside the base in dress uniform at a certain store. As I drove off, I can see two Navy MP sedan pulled up to the store having more than a few words with them.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-04-08T11:27:43-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I don't blame you for not wanting to step in and potentially escalate the situation, if they tried to then shift the attack to you. I would probably stick to 1SG Private RallyPoint Member's suggestion and represent the service as it should be.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:26 PM

2016-06-15T13:26:33-04:00

It is very understandable, and a very touchy situation. If you see it happen again, just go over and speak to them or ask a question. Here is an example, Hi, so you are a Soldier also? What a great feeling? Did you say you can get a military discount from this place? I didn't know that.

The point is to make them aware that you are observing their actions. If they are any type of a professional they will cut it out, because of the shame they are bringing on the NCO Corps and the Army.

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Jun 15 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-06-15T14:07:28-04:00

I have seen it. I tried to break up a fight between one of my soldiers (E-4) with friends against another group with a fully dressed SFC. The police we called and that piece of crapp NCO took his top off and hid. I called him out the moment his top came off. As far as I was concerned he was trash. In the end I was the only person the police wanted to talk to. I was yelling at my soldier to show more respect for the police officers and that got them to notice me.

And yes I did all the right things. Contacted the chain of command and pulled my Joe from the fight and let the other dipsh$ts go at it. And corrected my soldier every time they gave any hint of disrespect.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 11:58 PM

2016-06-15T23:58:01-04:00

That's one great thing about being out. You can call out a high ranking serviceman for being an asshat.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 7:43 AM

2016-06-16T07:43:22-04:00

You need to say something to them. They are a direct reflection of all of us due to wearing this uniform. You are covered under general military authority to police them up regardless of rank. Just do it tactfully

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Jun 16 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-06-16T10:32:23-04:00

Unf**k him...in a tactful way.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 12:48 PM

2016-06-16T12:48:09-04:00

I would ask them to produce their ID cards. If legit, remind them of their rank and position and politely suggest that they apologize. If no ID, I would let them to continue acting out and explain to any nearby civilians that they are not military and just mooching.