Posted on Mar 16, 2018
How do you handle a disrespectful junior soldier that doesn't belong to you?
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I recently encountered a junior soldier who wore a patch I didn't recognize who was walking around outside in a VERY ate-up uniform. I showed him my ID card and identified myself and explained to him where he was wrong and asked him to correct the deficiencies. At which point, the soldier told me to go f*** myself and then tried to fight me. Now, the grunt in me got really excited and couldn't wait to wall-to-wall this young soldier, but the professional in me simply wouldn't allow it. So I asked what unit the soldier belonged to, to which he responded "To your f***ing mama, b****." Now RP Leaders, how would you suggest I go about rectifying this situation, or should I simply leave it be and let the Karma catch up with him?
**ADMIN NOTE** I still have not been able to find the patch and it's corresponding unit, so I have no way of finding this soldier's Command.
**ADMIN NOTE** I still have not been able to find the patch and it's corresponding unit, so I have no way of finding this soldier's Command.
Disrespect
Military bearing
DA Pam 670-1
Leadership
Morals
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 238
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Sounds like a possible Stolen Valor issue. Probably wasn't a soldier at all!
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That situation happened at the Lawton Mall near Fort Sill in 1982. I was in civilian clothes. I showed my ID, identified myself, described the behavior, and described the policy. The Soldier wasn't as articulate as yours. But he did say "Stop harassing me!" and turned away. I was a Second Lieutenant at the time, but I was also a prior-service NCO. As all good NCOs know the final step in the "On the spot corrections" process is to follow up and ensure the correction is made. I didn't know his unit, but I knew his name and rank. One phone call to Post Locator gave me his unit and their phone number. I called his First Sergeant. The next duty day the greatly embarrassed Soldier and I met with his First Sergeant in their Company Orderly Room. "Top" assured me he would handle things from there and I am sure he did.
In all situations such as this it is important to remember the intent is not to destroy a Soldier. It's to correct behavior. Every Soldier is valuable. Be respectful and be professional. That young Soldier will learn and be a better leader someday.
By the way, I admire how you did not ignore the behavior.
In all situations such as this it is important to remember the intent is not to destroy a Soldier. It's to correct behavior. Every Soldier is valuable. Be respectful and be professional. That young Soldier will learn and be a better leader someday.
By the way, I admire how you did not ignore the behavior.
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I was a company commander of a 5th Army MP Company at Fort Riley, KS after returning from Viet Nam in 1970. I encountered one particular lad from the 1st Division (Big Red 1) that was apparently going to soon separate from active duty. I believe he thought he was already a hippy civilian, since his appearance was sloppy and he was disrespectful of anyone of rank higher then E-4. While at the base hospital for a disturbance call, I again encountered this solder giving a female 1st lieutenant nurse a really hard time, and politely ask him to back down and let the nursing staff do their jobs. He didn't think it was any of my business, that he was there for sick call and needed medication.
I noted his name tag and of course the 1st Div patch. When I returned to my company area I asked my 1st Sgt to contact the Division CSM and ask him if he would counsel this young man.
The next time I saw this young solder, about two weeks later, was after a meeting in the 1st Div HQ. The unruly solder was working in the Div CSM's office. He was no longer and E-4 but an E-2. Also he was saying yes sir and yes mame to any officer and hard stripper E-5 and above in close proximity. I do believe if the CSM told him to jump, he would ask how high on the way up. I have always found that senior NCOs have a nack or skill when dealing with these situations.
I noted his name tag and of course the 1st Div patch. When I returned to my company area I asked my 1st Sgt to contact the Division CSM and ask him if he would counsel this young man.
The next time I saw this young solder, about two weeks later, was after a meeting in the 1st Div HQ. The unruly solder was working in the Div CSM's office. He was no longer and E-4 but an E-2. Also he was saying yes sir and yes mame to any officer and hard stripper E-5 and above in close proximity. I do believe if the CSM told him to jump, he would ask how high on the way up. I have always found that senior NCOs have a nack or skill when dealing with these situations.
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When did dragging over an mp for a mcj violation for a dingleberry who clearly needs from PT so hid/her gets on straight.
With lack of maturity cones lack of common sense. This is the case with this lad who resorts to profanity in uniform . If he/she wants to attracr attention give him the attention cAll in your senior Nco or anothe aenior NCo passing or bring the MPs they love handling thise because the fool will act the same with them. Clearly needs some extra duty and extra PT
With lack of maturity cones lack of common sense. This is the case with this lad who resorts to profanity in uniform . If he/she wants to attracr attention give him the attention cAll in your senior Nco or anothe aenior NCo passing or bring the MPs they love handling thise because the fool will act the same with them. Clearly needs some extra duty and extra PT
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SGT Jake Miller
I have witnessed the national guard, I was one of the squared away soldiers in the national guard SFC.
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SGT David Whitley
If it wasn’t for the fact that patch was unrecognizable, I’d say you made a poor assumption. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also say that I’m sorry you got dealt a bad hand for a Guard unit, but just like the Army has some groups known for lack of discipline, the Guard does, too. Meanwhile, my Guard unit often out-performed 82nd Infantry, our Tankers took the Sullivan Cup, and we almost always have members as top 5 contenders for Best Soldier competitions against AD counterparts. Often our guys don’t even have EIBs.
Just had to throw that out there in case someone read your comment and applied it to every Guard unit. :)
Just had to throw that out there in case someone read your comment and applied it to every Guard unit. :)
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PO2 Michael Galey
SGT Jake, I'M a retired NG SGT and I take your comment to great offense. Since I retired my former unit 1/303rd Armor WAARNG has transferred into the Armored Cavalry now station in both Iraq and Afghanistan they ate the sand as regular Army due to their activation in the standing Army. Get your fact's strait Troop and clear your mind of what happened in the sixties.
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I joined the Army back in 1966 and retired in 1993 back then I would have kicked his ass and the best man will be left standing be left. These days I would lose ever strip that the Army gave me the first young solider that told me F---k you baster he would be eating my boot or having it stuck up his ass be safe Don't do as I do but follow your orders I am just from the old school. I loved my country and I fought for my country and I would do it today if they would have me stay sharp stand tall this is the best country in this world
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