Experience vs Work Ethic: Which one is more important in an E-4 and below?

I was in this position before. My squad leader gave me the slot as a SPC and I was in charge of a SGT and he ended up losing his rank in a reduction board later on. I'd mentor that SPC as much as possible and if that SPC showed no progression, that PFC would be in charge next.

i would say the pfc, because i was him no matter what my rank was at the time i pushed to learn and to become a better soldier. When i had my first AT with the guard i took control of setting up our tents and fighting postions because no one else knew how to properly do it, and i did it not to show off but because i had the ability and the support of my Superiors.

While I would prefer to give the PFC the position, most people just don’t respect a PFC over a SPC.
Both work ethic and experience hold so much value in the military. Having somebody who knows the job and has been put through many different situations is always a treasure, as they may have been able to experience and learn from something that nobody else did.
However, a solid and strong work ethic is also very valuable. A solider who knows their duty and knows how to do it effectively is so very important. Especially these days when it can be some-what of a challenge to find a motivated and hard working soldier.

Overall if I had that decision to make, I would do my best to give the position to the PFC as they seem the most deserving and capable.

You by rank have to give them a chance to prove themselves- if they fail, then you go with the best person for the job- that is why they are SPC (mafia) to prove if they are worth advancement.

This becomes a double edge sword as the military’s rank structure has not really been designed to support such a posture. As a Marine Sgt, that was put in charge of overseeing operations for personnel two and three ranks above me. I grew to resent the way the promotion structure was design. If I was out performing senior leaders two ranks above me why then was I at least not promoted to a higher rank. It also made it difficult to overcome the rank difference as senior leaders would at many times attempt to circumvent others due to there higher rank. Luckily, if you have taken the time to understand the intricacies of the billet you could always find the publish orders to substantiate your claim and that was something not even rank could help them disregard. The problem was the way the promotion system was designed at least in the Marine Corps much emphasis is put on time of service rather than capabilities.

PFC all the way, does not mean I will stop mentoring the SPC.

I read all the field manuals I could get my hands on to help the troops and if I knew more the the other person I offered my "2 cents" just to help out.

I think that if there is an E3 that shows more potential for leadership and enthusiasm about their job more than a lack luster E4 who doesn't want promotion or responsibility, then maybe having a lower ranking soldier in charge of them will light a fire under them and get their priorities in order. Or it will just piss the E4 off more and they will lead just lead themselves down a path of destruction that will ultimately end in a chapter packet. Either way the weak will weed themselves out if the leadership is willing to put in the paper work that will allow this process to run its course.

I think it's a shame you have to pick one. I believe with one should come the other and a good work ethic should be a must.

rank comes First... has to