CAP on Fox News

[Stonewall]

Reference the Fossett search, Fox News had a Major Ryan from CAP on for about 5 minutes discussing the search.

Very professional, but one small detail was wrong, her wing patch.  It was at least 1", possibly 1 1/2" from the seam. 

Nationwide coverage, and we can't get the wing patch right.  Not like anyone outside of CAP would catch it, but still.  It's not that hard people.

[pixelwonk]

That's not the worst of her fashion faux pas.

[♠SARKID♠]

Wow, you must not watch CNN.  She's been all over TV and the web since the search started and she's had more wardrobe malfunctions than a room full of Janet Jacksons.

[LtCol White]

Wow, you must not watch CNN.  She's been all over TV and the web since the search started and she's had more wardrobe malfunctions than a room full of Janet Jacksons.

HAHA...good one

[DogCollar]

Okay folks...I for one vote that we cut the Major some uniform slack.  Truth be told she has been a terrific PAO!  She has been a terrific "face" and "voice" for CAP.

[SDF_Specialist]

Okay folks...I for one vote that we cut the Major some uniform slack.  Truth be told she has been a terrific PAO!  She has been a terrific "face" and "voice" for CAP.

Everyone's complaining about the uniform issues. Here's a way to solve this. In reference you your post, as long as they show just her face, no one will have anything to complain about. I do have to commend her on an awesome job though. Let's not let that go unnoticed.

[DogCollar]

Yes, she has done an awsome job, and in this instance, that is the important thing!

[pixelwonk]

Everyone's complaining about the uniform issues. Here's a way to solve this. In reference you your post, as long as they show just her face, no one will have anything to complain about.

Until the next time she wears those pretty hoop earrings. 

[SDF_Specialist]

Until the next time she wears those pretty hoop earrings. 

I know they are against 39-1, I just don't have a problem with them. Now if she had a chain going from her nose to the hoops, then I'd start making phone calls.

[jeders]

Until the next time she wears those pretty hoop earrings. 

I know they are against 39-1, I just don't have a problem with them. Now if she had a chain going from her nose to the hoops, then I'd start making phone calls.

So it's okay to break the rules, as long as we don't have a problem with it, gotcha.

[SDF_Specialist]

Until the next time she wears those pretty hoop earrings. 

I know they are against 39-1, I just don't have a problem with them. Now if she had a chain going from her nose to the hoops, then I'd start making phone calls.

So it's okay to break the rules, as long as we don't have a problem with it, gotcha.

Never said that. I said I don't have a problem with them, not that I support her wearing them.

[pixelwonk]

Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Making it a point to express the fact that you don't have a problem with her wearing hoop earrings is in effect, supporting her wearing them, in uniform, on TV no less.

[Eagle400]

You know, I don't know which is worse... the loop earrings in uniform or this:



In my opinion, both are just as embarrassing.  What can CAP members do to prevent things like this from happening in the future?   

[SDF_Specialist]

You know, I don't know which is worse... the loop earrings in uniform or this:



In my opinion, both are just as embarrassing.  What can CAP members do to prevent things like this from happening in the future?   

Uniform inspection before they go on the air. Of course it helps to be familiar with what is a legal move and what isn't.

[cnitas]

For the record, the LTC is an Air Force officer, not a CAP officer. 

[SDF_Specialist]

For the record, the LTC is an Air Force officer, not a CAP officer. 

Same goes for him.

[pixelwonk]

In my opinion, both are just as embarrassing.  What can CAP members do to prevent things like this from happening in the future?   

look in the mirror before one goes in front of millions of people.
Not to mention one's own unit.

[jeders]

In my opinion, both are just as embarrassing.  What can CAP members do to prevent things like this from happening in the future?   

look in the mirror before one goes in front of millions of people.
Not to mention one's own unit.

Agreed. I don't even wear a uniform if I know that it's way outside of regs for whatever reason. I can't imagine going on national/world television with a uniform that I knew was way wrong. Which is probably the problem, not everyone knows what is and isn't way wrong.

[CadetProgramGuy]

ok now that we tore Maj Ryan apart, tell her what she was good at.

That my friends is how criticism is supposed to be done.

[SDF_Specialist]

ok now that we tore Maj Ryan apart, tell her what she was good at.

That my friends is how criticism is supposed to be done.

Very true. She has been a great PAO (IO?) for this mission, and has done well of keeping the public informed without overstepping her boundries.

[CadetProgramGuy]

ok now that we tore Maj Ryan apart, tell her what she was good at.

That my friends is how criticism is supposed to be done.

Very true. She has been a great PAO (IO?) for this mission, and has done well of keeping the public informed without overstepping her boundries.

I Thank you, and I am sure she thanks you as well.

Anyone else?

[jeders]

ok now that we tore Maj Ryan apart, tell her what she was good at.

That my friends is how criticism is supposed to be done.

Very true. She has been a great PAO (IO?) for this mission, and has done well of keeping the public informed without overstepping her boundries.

As far as what I've seen, I would have to agree. Other than the uniform stuff, which has been thoroughly discussed already, from what I've seen she has acted professionally and did an overall good job.

[Stonewall]

Forgot I even started this thread until now... 

Okay folks...I for one vote that we cut the Major some uniform slack.  Truth be told she has been a terrific PAO!  She has been a terrific "face" and "voice" for CAP.

This is the problem.  Instead of taking action, we simply coddle folks and tell them it's not a big deal.  It's okay, you weren't 100%, but you were at 80%, which is good enough.  The major in question has absolutely been busy, doing a good job of speaking, but that isn't all she has to be good at.  She is the public face of CAP of the millennium, and of all things, she got a patch noticeably wrong.

Some will say, "it's just a patch, who cares", as I tell airmen in the Air Force when they give the same statement about not having something to write with, if I can't trust you to have something as small as a pen, how I can I expect you to back me up.  I don't care what anyone says, it's the small things that get you.

I'm not saying the major should be fired, reprimanded, made fun of or anything.  To the general public, she's practically a movie star, that's cool.  But attention to detail folks, attention to detail.

[♠SARKID♠]

Forgot I even started this thread until now... 

Okay folks...I for one vote that we cut the Major some uniform slack.  Truth be told she has been a terrific PAO!  She has been a terrific "face" and "voice" for CAP.

This is the problem.  Instead of taking action, we simply coddle folks and tell them it's not a big deal.  It's okay, you weren't 100%, but you were at 80%, which is good enough.  The major in questions has absolutely been busy, doing a good job of speaking, but that isn't all she has to be good at.  She is the public face of CAP of the millennium, and of all things, she got a patch noticeably wrong.

Some will say, "it's just a patch, who cares", as I tell airmen in the Air Force when they give the same statement about not having something to write with, if I can't trust you to have something as small as a pen, how I can I expect you to back me up.  I don't care what anyone says, it's the small things that get you.

I'm not saying the major should be fired, reprimanded, made fun of or anything.  To the general public, she's practically a movie star, that's cool.  But attention to detail folks, attention to detail.

Agreed.  You have to remember that people generally make up their minds about a person in the first few seconds of seeing them.  Its just human nature.

Also, when you talk about the "public eye", you're talking about the many thousands of servicemen and women who all know better.  I use the example of a while back when she had her ribbons and her nameplate on the wrong side of the uniform.  That "siding" is standard throughout the military.  Name on the right chest, ribbons on the left.  I'm willing to bet that any soldier who saw that raised an eyebrow in confusion.

[Eagle400]

I'm not saying the major should be fired, reprimanded, made fun of or anything.  To the general public, she's practically a movie star, that's cool.  But attention to detail folks, attention to detail.

I think her image should appear in briefings about uniform wear as an example of how not to wear the uniform.  

[JohnKachenmeister]

The interview I saw on Fox (Greta van Sustren) Maj. Ryan was in the service dress blue without jacket.  She was wearing a wing patch on that uniform?  Why?

[pixelwonk]

i]It's okay, you weren't 100%, but you were at 80%, which is good enough[/i].  The major in question has absolutely been busy, doing a good job of speaking, but that isn't all she has to be good at.  She is the public face of CAP of the millennium, and of all things, she got a patch noticeably wrong...

[darn] skippy, Kirt.

Guys, this isn't a thread criticizing the MIO's ability or inability to share news.  A MIO or anyone representing CAP to the public needs to look sharp.  That's in the training.

Granted, I have been guilty of uniform infractions in the past ...And I've been embarrassed about them  ...And I've corrected them most riki-tik in order to keep the trust of others whom I respect and wish to serve.

Bottom line, take care of it and don't let it happen again.  This MIO has had a number of infractions during this mission, and it's really got me wondering what's up with the bloopers one after another.   If a MIO repeatedly disregards uniform regulations, how can I entrust them to share the facts that are appropriate, and withhold news that hasn't been approved for release yet?

[SDF_Specialist]

The interview I saw on Fox (Greta van Sustren) Maj. Ryan was in the service dress blue without jacket.  She was wearing a wing patch on that uniform?  Why?

Maybe she was so busy kicking *censored* as the PAO, that she missed the memo.

[SarDragon]

I'm not saying the major should be fired, reprimanded, made fun of or anything.  To the general public, she's practically a movie star, that's cool.  But attention to detail folks, attention to detail.

I think her image should appear in briefings about uniform wear as an example of how not to wear the uniform.  

Nope, that's NOT how it should be done. That provides reinforcement of the incorrect method. You might mention an incident as a part of a uniform discussion, without mentioning names, places or events, then tell and show them the right way.

This avoids potential humiliation of a valuable member.

[Stonewall]

I agree with Mr. Dragon.  Don't insult her or throw her name around in vain, but perhaps, if suitable for the discussion, talk about the importance of wearing the uniform properly 100% of the time because you never know when you'll end up on the TVs of millions of people.

Someone said she was too busy kicking butt to read the memo about wing patches on blues shirts.  I disagree.  It just isn't that hard.  Sure, she may have kicked butt verbally, answering all the questions professionally and accurately, but I expect more from a major.  She's not new to CAP.  She's been through Level I, SLS, ECI 13, CLC and quite possibly RSC.  Not to mention, she's a rated MIO.  Somewhere in her training, something was mentioned about properly representing CAP in public, to include wearing your uniform IAW 39-1.  I'm no MIO, but I'm sure I'm right about this.

Please, people.  I'm not here to bash the major.  Let's call this a lesson learned.  I just wish it was a lesson learned prior to the guy going missing.

[Eagle400]

I'm not saying the major should be fired, reprimanded, made fun of or anything.  To the general public, she's practically a movie star, that's cool.  But attention to detail folks, attention to detail.

I think her image should appear in briefings about uniform wear as an example of how not to wear the uniform.  

Nope, that's NOT how it should be done. That provides reinforcement of the incorrect method. You might mention an incident as a part of a uniform discussion, without mentioning names, places or events, then tell and show them the right way.

This avoids potential humiliation of a valuable member.

I never said her name should be thrown around, sir.  For that matter, I also didn't say that the place or event should be mentioned, either.  I should have stated that she would remain anonymous, as would the events.  Heck, I'd even blur out her face.

During the uniform wear class in AFROTC, one of my instructors actually used the picture of the Lt Col wearing his shoulder mark backwards as an example of what not to do.  So I am inclined to believe that it is a good method of instruction.  The officer's name was never mentioned, by the way.   

[O-Rex]

Can you imagine the ribbing that guy got from his peers at the office the next day?

[Major Carrales]

I agree with Mr. Dragon.  Don't insult her or throw her name around in vain, but perhaps, if suitable for the discussion, talk about the importance of wearing the uniform properly 100% of the time because you never know when you'll end up on the TVs of millions of people.

Someone said she was too busy kicking butt to read the memo about wing patches on blues shirts.  I disagree.  It just isn't that hard.  Sure, she may have kicked butt verbally, answering all the questions professionally and accurately, but I expect more from a major.  She's not new to CAP.  She's been through Level I, SLS, ECI 13, CLC and quite possibly RSC.  Not to mention, she's a rated MIO.  Somewhere in her training, something was mentioned about properly representing CAP in public, to include wearing your uniform IAW 39-1.  I'm no MIO, but I'm sure I'm right about this.

Please, people.  I'm not here to bash the major.  Let's call this a lesson learned.  I just wish it was a lesson learned prior to the guy going missing.

A Question?

Suppose one of our frequent uniform changes comes up and you are the only IC, IO qualified in a give geographic area?  You order from Vanguard and it is taking a while, the HOCK doesn't have it yet?

Then "FOSSETT II" happens, your are "first on the scene," the uniform change was a FLIGHT SUIT ONE...

Do you go in "blues?"  Do you go in "mess dress?"  Do you wear the out of date uniform?

This actually is pretty likely, we all don't live "down the road" from Vanguard?

Now, if need be, it it was a pacth...I could get some fabric and some fabric paint and "draw" a makeshift patch.  Or cut foil "bars" (get some Hershey's Kisses, in the gold wrapper and make major's insignia), insignia or build up a fake "nametag?"

Lord knows, I've visited the local haberdasher to strike up "blue nameplates" because long ordered ones would not arrive in time for a a cadet to attend encampment, and out of my own pocket.

[Stonewall]

No more cough syrup for you.

[Major Carrales]

No more cough syrup for you.

Well, no answer?

If this Major didn't have the correct patch, was she supposed to manifest it from the air?

Look at the this photo...



I see at least two flight suit uniform violations.  These pics can be "altered."

Now, live television cannot.

My main gripe is with the constant uniform changes that cause this to begin in the first place.  Like the new versus Old Command patch, wastes of money made worse by long waits from places from whence we order them.

[SDF_Specialist]

No more cough syrup for you.

Well, no answer?

If this Major didn't have the correct patch, was she supposed to manifest it from the air?

Look at the this photo...



I see at least two flight suit uniform violations.  These pics can be "altered."

Now, live television cannot.

My main gripe is with the constant uniform changes that cause this to begin in the first place.  Like the new versus Old Command patch, wastes of money made worse by long waits from places from whence we order them.

I only see one. Where is the other? I'm talking about the round USAF Auxiliary patch on the first closest flight suit.

[JayT]

Can someone post a screen shot of the SM in question.

[Stonewall]

The problem is, "Sparky", regardless of whether or not the patch she had on was off bay as much as an inch, the fact is she shouldn't have had it on anyway.  We don't wear patches on blues anymore.  Quick fix:  take it off.

[Short Field]

I was fortunate enough to watch Major Ryan in Minden as she provided the best public face CAP has had on the news in years.  She would have gladly adjusted her uniform if someone had pointed it out - back in September and not after it is all over.   I guess the Wing Commander and IC had other things on their mind back then than making sure everyone got a uniform briefing.

[Avery]

Maybe a senior PAO should have a junior PAO as an aid. Kinda like a PAO acts as a support staffer to a (oops, I'm showing my CAP ignorance, here - IC, maybe?)

In the navy we said "the PAO acts as a support staffer to a Line Officer." The junior PAO could keep an eye on uniforms and other side issues.  For good information on how to be a junior support person, see the flick "The Devil Wears Prada."

I have to admit I've missed all the TV coverage as I only use the TV to watch hockey - no use for the rest of it.

[D242]

I was disappointed to see that the thread about Lt Col Ryan's more recent interactions with the media got locked, at least before any of the more articulate posters here had a chance to respond to "Civilian Pilot".

Just browsing the board, looking for any other information on the topic, and I have to admit I got quite a chuckle out of this quote:

If a MIO repeatedly disregards uniform regulations, how can I entrust them to share the facts that are appropriate, and withhold news that hasn't been approved for release yet?

[Civilian_Pilot]

I was disappointed to see that the thread about Lt Col Ryan's more recent interactions with the media got locked, at least before any of the more articulate posters here had a chance to respond to "Civilian Pilot".

Just browsing the board, looking for any other information on the topic, and I have to admit I got quite a chuckle out of this quote:

If a MIO repeatedly disregards uniform regulations, how can I entrust them to share the facts that are appropriate, and withhold news that hasn't been approved for release yet?

Indeed

[JohnKachenmeister]

Ryan's out-of-date uniform was an INTERNAL problem.  Media people are clueless about military uniforms.  Most of them can't tell the difference between the Army and the Marines, when they are up close and personal with a soldier with "U.S. Army" sewn over his pocket.  I have been asked several times by "reporters" how long I had been in the Marines while wearing Army BDU's.

(And Col. Jack wonders why I have no respect for "Journalists."  How can they write a story when they can't even read what is written on my shirt?)

WE all noticed that her insignia was years out of date.  That caused us to laugh at her, sort of like the amusement derived from a doddering old man trying to use a computer.  The media, on the other hand, neither noticed nor cared.