The Army has counseled a command sergeant major after a firestorm of comments called her out on Facebook for alleged violations of the Army's appearance standards. But her unit, the 8th Military Police Brigade, has also called out soldiers for using social media to try and shame a CSM. Officials called it the wrong venue for corrections and warned against the "overwhelmingly disrespectful, degrading and unprofessional" wave of comments.

Command Sgt. Maj. Angelia Flournoy’s picture appeared April 26 and 27 on a pair of military-themed Facebook pages; the images appeared to indicate her hair was in violation of Army Regulation 670-1. In particular, the overall bulk of her hair (max two inches from scalp) and size of bun (3.5 inches) seem to be larger than regulations allow, with the bun extending well below the collar. Regulations declare a maximum volume of two inches of hair from the scalp and a bun that extends back no more than 3.5 inches. The post originated on U.S. Army Military Police WTF Moments, and was shared by U.S. Army W.T.F! moments a day later.

This photo of Command Sgt. Major Angelia Flournoy and her alleged regulation-defying hair sparked online outrage.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army W.T.F.! Moments via Facebook

The posts spawned thousands of comments, many expressing dismay that a senior noncommissioned officer would so brazenly break regulations. The Army acknowledged the violation.

"CSM Flournoy's hair was in violation of AR 670-1 in some pictures because it extended past the bottom of her collar," Maj. Leslie Waddle, spokeswoman for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command wrote in an e-mail response to questions from Army Times. "CSM Flournoy has adjusted her hair to make sure that it has the ability to remain in a tight bun throughout the day.  She has been very humble through this entire process and wants the focus to go back to the positive things her brigade is doing."

Waddle said there is no further investigation into Flournoy at this time, and that "we are not aware" of any punishment for soldiers who spoke up.

The MP brigade is a subordinate unit of the 8th TSC.

On Wednesday, a statement from Flournoy was posted on her unit's Facebook page. She said she "appreciate[s] those who have corrected me and expressed their concern about my appearance not being fully in compliance," though she did not directly admit to breaking the rules.

"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," her statement continued.

"No one can overcome a weakness until they see it in themselves. When that epiphany comes, and the decision to change is made, it is a moment worthy of respect," CSM Binford's statement said. "I believe CSM Flournoy has had that epiphany after our discussions about the important role we play as senior NCOs."

Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Binford shows his personal copy of Baron Von SteubenÕs Foundational Doctrine for Noncommisioned Officers (The Blue Book) from 1794 to Command Sgt. Maj. Angelia Flournoy while discussing the critical role of NCOs as the standard bearers for their organizations.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Binford shows his personal copy of Baron Von Steuben's Foundational Doctrine for Noncommisioned Officers (The Blue Book)to 8th MP Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Angelia Flournoy.

Photo Credit: via Facebook

The posts generated a mixed reaction. Some appreciated the recognition of the error and suggested people move on from the incident. But others panned the posts as disingenuous photo-ops that missed the point of the outrage. And several also said this was not a new issue for Flournoy, suggesting that there had been prior attempts to correct the senior leader's appearance — including hair and makeup violations of AR 670-1 — through other channels.

For many the issue stemmed from a perceived lack of accountability for senior leaders, with the Army only acting when its hand is forced by bad publicity.

"The sad thing is that this has gone on for a long period of time and it took social media to make any kind of correction. It should have been addressed a long time ago! That's what the uproar is about, and why there is such an issue," said Jamie Spencer Harbison, on the 8th MP Brigade Facebook page.

It's unclear if the incident will trigger repercussions for soldiers who spoke up online. 

Many comments were inappropriate, and included jabs at not only Flournoy's leadership style but her personal life. On Monday, the brigade's Facebook page warned it would block and delete any "violation of the DoD social media policy."

Army Times has asked the command whether it was investigating the commenters, but officials did not immediately respond. 

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