A Command Sergeant Major who sparked a social media firestorm over out-of-regulation hairstyles, makeup and clothing has expressed regret over the distraction her appearance has caused. Sgt. Maj. Angelia Flournoy is receiving counseling and has issued a public apology.
[revad1]
Photos of Flournoy with hair hanging over her collar and wearing high heels while in uniform were posted to the facebook page “US Army Military Police WTF Moments”. The photos instantly sparked outrage and criticism. Flournoy is part of the 8th Military Police Brigade at Schofield Barracks. Commenters, who claim to know Flournoy first-hand, quickly recognized her from the photos and began posting the photos and other criticisms to the 8th MPB’s facebook page.
The social media outlash sparked the 8th MPB into action. Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Binford met with Flournoy immediately after her unit became aware of the pictures. Binford has been counseling Flournoy since then. He states that she has been humbled by the experience. She release the following statement on the 8th MPB’s facebook page on Wednesday:
“You are right to insist standards be set and met by all soldiers,I sincerely regret how this has distracted from the great things the 8th Military Police soldiers are doing around the world.”
The 8th MPB has removed the photos from their Facebook page. They believe that Flournoy has learned her lesson and will continue to work on how she represents herself and the 8th MPB. Some of the Facebook users that posted the photos claim Flournoy has long-ignored uniform “spot corrections” made by fellow soldiers. These claims have not been confirmed by military officials.
Do you think the online community overreacted to the out-of-regulation uniform of Flournoy? Was harsher punishment needed? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
