Commentary - Why enforce the standards

News > Commentary - Why enforce the standards

Why enforce the standards

Posted 6/7/2013

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Commentary by Master Sgt. Vincent Brass
8th Operations Group first sergeant

6/7/2013 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- In the military we constantly refer to "the standard." Most standards are developed within Air Force instructions or technical orders. They are what sets us apart from our civilian counterparts.

Webster's dictionary defines a standard as "something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model, or example." We weigh our performance reports and sometimes administrative actions off of our ability to meet the standard.

As a first sergeant, I consistently find myself reminding Air Force members from all Air Force specialty codes of the standards. Most times I get a similar response; the member corrects the action and continues on.

Sometimes I get asked, "Shirt, is it really that big of a deal to have my hands in my pockets?" I ask you, is it?

What or whom will be impacted by the staff sergeant or captain with their hands in their pockets? Honestly, probably no one.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is, which standard is OK to deviate from? The Air Force uniform standard, Air Force instruction 36-2903, was developed to provide us with guidance on how to maintain a professional image at all times.

How we wear our uniform is not only important to how the population of our great nation views us, but also how we pay respect to the men and women who have worn it before us and will continue to wear it long after we are all gone.

In my humble opinion, there should be no standard too small to enforce. Whether it is in a uniform standard, a security forces instruction, or a technical order that tells our maintainers the correct torque specification to prevent catastrophic failure while our pilots are in flight; all standards are developed to ensure mission success.

One of my mentors in the Air Force, retired Chief Master Sgt. Atticus Smith, used to put it to me in a manner that has stuck with me ever since.

"When we begin to pick and choose what standards we will enforce, we begin to accept mediocrity as the standard," Smith said. "When mediocrity becomes the standard is when the mission will fail."

I ask you now, why is it a big deal to enforce the standard?

Comments

6/21/2013 2:38:47 PM ET
The standards are the standards. Period. Certainly there can be a little leeway when conditions demand it but even then remember the standards don't change. The core values mean something. I wish more of my contemporaries understood that....

Lt Col in CAP, Florida

6/20/2013 10:29:41 AM ET
I wish everyone posting on these boards had the intestinal fortitude to use their real name. If you post respectful comments there is no reason to hide. But people like MSgt Statesidefornow tend to post unprofessional comments while hiding behind fake names. Sad to see.

SMSgt Todd Winters, Scott AFB

6/19/2013 10:46:53 PM ET
MSgt Polvin you are in direct violation of AFI 36-2903 for breathing while in uniform because the AFI does not specifically list it as being authorized which means it is unauthorized. That's the rule and there is no allowance for common sense.

Roger Ramjet, Wild Blue Yonder

6/19/2013 4:44:51 PM ET
OK folks you heard him. Chief B the new moderator of this website has proclaimed that we are now limited to one comment per article. Please Chief spend your time writing an article for this website. We all need some mentoring.

E-10, Reality

6/19/2013 12:48:10 PM ET
Potvin I stand corrected. The AFI clearly says states that if it is not listed as authorized then it is UNAUTHORIZED. The AFI says you cannot consume food while walking but it does not authorize you to consume food while sitting. I will notify Gen Welsh that we are closing all DFACs.

Handy SNCO, Scott

6/19/2013 9:57:16 AM ET
This article has generated a lot of pro/con responses. Several responses are centered around how it is written or not in the AFI. What is your stance when it comes to keychains hanging on a belt loop exposed below the ABU blouse How about a knife with the clip exposed on the ABU trouse pocket These are common item seen daily at my current assignment and at previous assignments.

Maj T, Conus

6/18/2013 10:59:48 PM ET
MSgt Polvin you need only post your comment once and then step aside for others to post theirs. This is not the proper forum to argue your subjective interpretations of AFI 36-2903. Carry on.

Chief B, HQ

6/18/2013 3:31:41 PM ET
@ Khonshu you are exactly right. I'm glad to see that there is someone else who can actually read the AFI. A simple topic has stretched into a waste of time because some folks just can't read.

MSgt Brian Potvin, Deployed SWA

6/18/2013 3:09:54 PM ET
Continued all that needs to be done to fix this interpretation is for the OPR to just state When in uniform or civilian clothes in an official capacity the following actions are prohibited. No need for the formation or walking part since three sub bullets spell out walking and none of us are going to eat or smoke in formation. That is how you spell it out.

MSgt S, Buried

6/18/2013 2:46:58 PM ET
Yes it says that as a SUB BULLET of what is unauthorized while IN FORMATION and while WALKING. This means while just walking and while walking or standing in formation hands can not be in your pocket. Just like we can't eat or drink while just walking or while walking or standing in formation but we can eat and while just standing around.

MSgt S, Buried

6/18/2013 11:56:42 AM ET
MSgt Statesidefornow you are clearly right. Potvin you are clearly wrong. 2.13.7.1 is a subbullet to 2.13.7 which is for walking or formations. You can't take 2.13.7.1 as stand alone. It only applies in the situations dicated by 2.13.7. Thanks Statesidefornow.

Handy SNCO, Scott

6/18/2013 8:40:00 AM ET
Keeping something always in your pocket will disarm the hands police. Oh I was just pulling this rabbit's foot out for good luck. The end.

PentaKev, Pentagram 5

6/18/2013 8:00:21 AM ET
Wow the back and forth between teh SNCO's about a standard spelled out directly in the AFI is insane It states specifically in 362903 paragraph 2.13.7.1. Do NOT stand or walk with hands in pockets unless to insert or remove an item. Seems fairly cut and dry to me but perhaps I am missing something.

Khonshu, Ancient Egypt

6/17/2013 5:03:46 PM ET
MSgt Stateside I cannot believe that you can't read. In addition to that generic clause paragraph 2.13.7.1 states you may not stand or walk with hands in pockets. It's useless to argue with someone who fails to accept that they may be wrong.

MSgt Brian Potvin, Deployed SWA

6/17/2013 10:07:26 AM ET
No MSgt Potvin you are the problem. You use that generic statement as the gotcha clause. I'm now sitting at a desk. 36-2903 doesn't state that this is authorized so it must be unauthorized by your logic. Blindly following and agreeing with faulty courses of action and logic are what is wrong with the SNCO corps and if you can't see that you are most definitely the problem.

MSgt Statesidefornow, Buried in AFIs

6/14/2013 3:29:38 PM ET
@MSGT Stateside Why do you have a problem with El Shirt pointing out that you didn't correctly read the AFI before posting about it. I'm not sure why you still think that not being allowed to put your hands in your pockets is up for interpretation. It is CLEARLY not. The brutal truth is that SNCOs like you are the ones who make it harder for the other SNCOs to enforce the standard. The AFI does not say that you CAN stand with your hands in your pockets. The AFI clearly states that if it is not listed as authorized then it is UNAUTHORIZED. Therefore standing when not in a formation with your hands in your pockets is also UNAUTHORIZED. I cannot believe that this kind of thing has to be explained to a MSgt.

MSgt Brian Potvin, Deployed SWA

6/13/2013 4:05:38 PM ET
@Jason AFI 34-1201 states that it is customary to stand clap and join in singing of the AF song based on the nature of the ceremony. Customary is defined as based on custom and tradition rather than written law. @Capt USAFA you are exactly right in your approach to standards. I do the same thing pull out reference. It does two things one makes sure you are right and two it teaches others to always look at the source document.

A SNCO, An AFB Near You

6/13/2013 3:34:11 PM ET
Ahh you are that guy in the Diamond Council when I wore one and the reason I took it off. Fine walking or in formation. So since you corrected me in that regard why are you correcting people for standing with hands in pockets outside of a formation Is it because you interpret it that way My point stands. There is no place for interpreting a standard. Spell it out

MSgt Statesidefornow, BuriedinAFIs

6/12/2013 2:47:42 PM ET
AFI 36-2903 states on page 2 Dress and personal appearance standards that are not listed as authorized in the publication are unauthorized. Since it is not stated that standing or walking with hands in pockets is authorized it is unauthorized.

TSgt S, Offutt AFB

6/12/2013 2:34:28 PM ET
Hey MSgt Statesidefor now. If you read the AFI correctly you will see that hands in the pockets are a sub-bullet about what is not authorized while WALKING or in FORMATION. AFI 36-2903 para 2.13.7. Prime example of poor SNCos shooting their mouths off. Hopefully we start boarding E7s soon.

El Shirt, CONUS

6/12/2013 1:11:56 PM ET
Standards and personal interpretations of it came about when they changed from Air Force Regulations to Air Force Instruction. The AFIs only suggest by the words maycanshould versus the Air Force regulations mustshould. The AFI is subject to interpretation different interpretation. I don't know what the rationale about changing it from regulations to instruction maybe it is offensive

Chief B, south

6/12/2013 11:25:56 AM ET
Hmm why no question marks or quotation marks in comments question mark... heart breaking.

Thor, Asgard

6/12/2013 9:07:31 AM ET
Funny about hands in pockets. If you read the AFI correctly hands in the pockets are a sub-bullet about what is not authorized while in formation. We enforce it as we interpret it. When personal interpretation is removed from the AFI standards can be enforced.

MSgt Statesidefornow, Buried in AFIs

6/11/2013 11:35:10 PM ET
Ill put my hands in my pockets on the flightline when its below zero not to include the windchill if thats a lack of integrity so be it. Its called common sense.

Ryan , Conus

6/11/2013 6:46:10 PM ET
Jason you are right about folks enforcing what they think is the standard but in fact are wrong. Right when I commissioned I had a supervisor who was on me all the time about standards but would take the time to sit me down and show me where the item was in the AFI. It seemed silly at the time but she was always right and she was a great prior-enlisted officer and leader. Then I've had E-3s and E-6s literally yell at me about standards where they were 100 percent wrong. I think the best route is to do what my old supervisor did. It was respectful but firm and hammered the point home.

Capt, USAFA

6/11/2013 6:19:35 PM ET
It would be far easier to enforce the standards if some standards weren't so arbitrary and stupid. How exactly does one get on the uniform board Also how does one make SMSgt withour being able to spell article and enforce properly Looking at you Kight. Keep Thor in Thursday.

Thor, Asgard

6/11/2013 3:09:29 PM ET
I think it's safe to say that many don't mind being corrected the problem is the person correcting them does it with an attitude or no tact.

SJ, Florida

6/11/2013 3:07:13 PM ET
In my opinion the reason why it is hard to reinforce standards now a days are the leaders who themselves disregard standards. Standards that kept changing because we want to cater to the whims of those who regard them as nonsense. We cater to those who can lawyer themselves out of standards. When we stop being push overs to these peanut galleries and enforce the existing standards then there is not even a discussion whether or not we need to enforce standards.

Chief B, South

6/11/2013 2:08:01 PM ET
I think the Shirt has made excellent points in his article. Standards are not nor were they ever meant to be optional.Here's where the real trouble begins I may feel as though not wearing my hat from the driveway to the house is no big deal. Another may feel as though not rendering the proper respect to the flag is nothing to be concerned about. Yet another may feel as though the standard regarding the proper pre-flight inspection procedures aren't really a big deal...My perception of which standards are not important may differ wildly from someone else's reality.That's why we have standards It takes all of the guess work and misconceptionsmisperceptions as to which one's are important and which are to be disregarded.I am saddened this conversation even needs to occur. This issue lays squarely on the shoulders of our leadership. I am not just talking about our AF Senior Leadership but the front-line supervisor and how heshe enforces standards. If a NCOSN

Don M., Powhatan VA

6/11/2013 1:53:58 PM ET
I find it interesting how many people think they know a standard but are simply wrong and they will not change no matter what you show or tell them. For instance how many of you have endured that awkward moment at the end of a ceremony where some start clapping for the Air Force Song and others will hold fast at attention not daring to move because they think its against the rules It makes the whole thing seem disjointed and uncomfortable. Can we just all agree from here on out to follow AFI 34-1201 and sing and clap for the Air Force Song its smoother and more fun that way.

Jason, Alaska

6/11/2013 12:24:16 PM ET
Often the NCOs in my career field have their authority taken away from them to enforce the standards and the civilians over us are the ones calling the shots. This makes a huge difference and we are struggling to keep control of the military structure with all of the civilianization of the career field. We also have the issue that all of the good NCOs were forced to retrain or get out with all of the NCORPs that have been happening for years. So what we have left is often the crap that couldn't make rank in that time or those that have just finally came on their promotion window that are good which are struggling to correct what the crappy SNCOs have left for us. It makes you feel like a dog chasing your tail.

Sgt R, NY

6/11/2013 8:36:25 AM ET
I agree with the Artical it is disappointing when you try to inforce the standards but your Chiefs and even commander say o you are just being to hard give them a break pick what standards you inforce total disagree with that just like F2F that is a area of not inforcing the standards.

SMSGT Kight, conus

6/11/2013 2:46:30 AM ET
I do have to agree on the downhill slide of standards. I think its too fold though. I think its primarily the amount of responsibility given at a younger rank. This drives a sense of entitlement in a more entitled generation. The second is the overwhelming amount of standard and I am not talking just the basics either. They all feel the same when being bombarded at you. People lose face when this should not be. This of course is an opinion and not a defense.

Brock, Europe

6/10/2013 11:22:07 PM ET
It is called lack of integrity if you fail to follow the rules. It does not matter if you are on base or off base. If the same people are failing to follow the rules and are always being corrected why are there so many people getting 5's on their EPR's This is why we are the laughing stock of the military...we have no integrity to follow the rules. If someone questions you they should be immediatly brought to their NCOICOIC and corrected but no not in the Air Force standards are not enforced. This is why there are so many problems.

Bama, Kadena

6/10/2013 9:41:01 PM ET
Just read AFI 1-1 if you would like an answer to why you should adhere to or acknowledge the existence of AFIs and standards. As I see it it portrays these mythical and subjective standards in an absolute nature therefore it doesn't matter what officers are doing or whether or not you're in your driveway.

Denethor, Minas Tirith

6/10/2013 11:28:59 AM ET
Absolutley agree Even nonrated flight test engineers especially in x coded positions seem to think that they are entitled to wear flight suit daily. IMHO deliberate misinformation by the member and lack of leadership can be solved only if we adhere to Core Values. It's already hard to do the right thing when no one is looking. But when it comes to uniforms it should be easy to do the right thing because everyone is looking especially if you're an O.

Observer, conus

6/10/2013 10:55:50 AM ET
Shirt great article you hit the nail on the head. @MSgtK could not agree more. LAFB is one of the worst bases I have seen for enforcement of standards. On my first day here I saw Amn and NCOs alike ducking for cover when retreat starting playing. Uniform violations are rampant....it is an embarrassing place to work. I agree with you about the Army and Navy...we could learn something from them but we won't.

A SNCO, Langley AFB VA

6/10/2013 10:09:13 AM ET
Compliance needs to start at the top. Every day I see officers in uniform with cell phones held to their ears while driving GOVs and POVs across base. Officers in uniform running for cover as the first notes of retreat begin playing. Officers in uniform without their hats while standing outside. Officers returning salutes as if doing so is an annoyance to them if they even bother to return the salute at all.

Just an E-3, Stateside

6/10/2013 9:41:31 AM ET
Folks who do not adhere to all of the standards are not all in. Maybe it is a supervisory failure or a bad attitude. Either way it leads to future failures. We need folks in our Air Force who are all in with every standard. Those who cannot meet all of the standards should move along so another can be found who is willing to do so. Airmen must adhere to the higher set of standards required and demand others do the same.

Retired Chief, Alabama

6/9/2013 9:18:12 PM ET
General Patton said it best...If you can't get them to salute when they should salute and wear the clothes you tell them to wear how are you going to get them to die for their country

KHM, OCONUS

6/9/2013 5:29:43 PM ET
Way to go nailed it on this commentary I'm not certain that disobeying standards is a new generation problem. I tend to believe that each generation has included and will continue to include some individuals who either willfully disregard standards or don't have the presence of mind or discipline to know and obey standards. Either way it's a problem we must continue to recognize and stem. In addition this is not only NCO or SNCO business as some may say. When people start walking past the violation of standards thinking someone else will deal with it or correct it we've all failed. And I'm afraid we approach that point of failure with greater speed each day. It's time to reset our focus on military discipline bearing and enforcing the standard.

Mark, USAFE

6/9/2013 4:53:02 PM ET
MSgt K one of the many reasons not to live on base. Everyone is up in your business and worrying about whether or not you wear your hat in your driveway.

Stan Dards, driveway

6/8/2013 3:46:56 PM ET
After serving twenty years defending our freedoms I attribute all the successes to standards and disciplines instilled by my parents and my supervisors in the military. I now supervisor 2500 level five inmates which are men confined within or prison twenty four hours a day and seven days a week. As Correctional Officers our teams enforce the similar standards to assist and develop our inmate population so they can focus on becoming good citizens and reflect a positive image. The techniques work very effectively and were developed using the guidance of military standards and bearings.

Paul Barone, Dover DE

6/8/2013 11:47:29 AM ET
Foolish standards undermine the credibility and value of standards and undermine the credibility of those who have to enforce them if you want to decrease respect for the law and regulations come up with nonsensical ones

Chris, USA

6/8/2013 2:29:54 AM ET
I agree 100 percent on maintaining and enforcing the standards. Too many times people from AB-Gen tend to complain about the enforcement of standars i.e. hands in pockets cargo pockets open not standing up and acknoledging a SNCO when they walk in a room. It's considered small and minute. But that lack of understanding for the little things leads to big things that we face because we don't take care of the little things i.e. MinotBarksdale 07 Inflated EPRs and Sexual Assaults.

TSgt Che Bain, RAF Alconbury

6/7/2013 5:26:53 PM ET
It amazes me how the new generation thinks what they were taught at BMT is optional I am so glad I retired in 2007 - I couldn't take the immaturity any more. No discipline no commitment can't even wear the a simple uniform correctly. I hate going on base - it is irritating to see uniform violations everywhere at Langley AFB. I don't see them at the local Navy or Army bases. There are a few good young troops but far and few between. I never thought I would see the day I would thank military people for wearing their hat from their car to their home but I do because it happens so rarely. As a 20 year AD I would be embarrassed to have a retiree catch me out of uniform standards but I don't think todays AF cares anymore. It's the E-5 and above I rarely see in compliance - how sad

MSgtK, Newport News VA

6/7/2013 3:27:42 PM ET
Shirt you are exactly right. Let me apologize in advance for those negative comments which we both know will be coming from the naysayers. Just remember you're doing the right thing. Without great SNCOs like you this profession would become nothing more than a civilian job. Keep enforcing the standard

MSgt Brian Potvin, Deployed SWA

6/7/2013 11:54:36 AM ET
Yep because first people put their hands in their pockets and then their putting their hands in other peoples' pockets and that is sexual assault.

Peanut, east coast

6/7/2013 11:41:24 AM ET
A friend of mine had a better quote follow the standards so that you can then yell at people who are not it makes you feel superior and is a lot of fun.

Sgt whoever, conus

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