How would you react to an E2 who "smart mouths" you in formation?

Smoke the hell out of him

I would give that assignment to somebody else, and then take 3 assignments from 3 other troops and give them to him. So maybe the next time his trap will stay shut when given a mission.....

"Senior E5" ? Hahha oh Lord.

Praise in public and punish in private. Remind the private that they volunteered for the army and as long as it is a morally and legally acceptable task it is a direct order. No task that follows those guidelines should be disobeyed unless life or limb is iminent. Do the corrective training on them required and remind them that disobeying a direct order is punishable under UCMJ under:

Article 91: Insubordinate conduct toward warrant officer, NCO, or PO

Article 92—Failure to obey order or regulation

You got this, I hope this helps and wish you the best.

Have them stand fast after formation with their team leader and ask the private why they feels the task is "below him/her". Then briefly exercise some corrective training. Upon completion remind them of why they are in the military and remind them that you are issuing a task which as long as it is morally and legally ethical is a direct order, give them a quick brush up on
Article 91: Insubordinate conduct toward warrant officer, NCO, or PO

and

Article 92—Failure to obey order or regulation

I know you got this covered, hope it helps.


"We work as a team or we die as a team"

I have always believed in "Praise in public, punish in private." Since he has questioned my authority for all to see, then his punishment will be for all to see. It would be something that would leave no doubt in the minds of the rest of my people that doing what he did will not be tolerated or accepted.

I don't believe this is a real question. When I was in service, NCO's knew how to handle E2s and when necessary how to elevate. Obedience to orders is part of the contract for which all service members are paid. Have we completely forgotten our duty?

oh good, pfc wants to PT. Good to go. Everyone push-up position do it now move!

Smoke session...there is no room for in subordinating soldiers...First of all I was taught in basic that you do NOT tell a senior rank no....and if you do...you get to see a really bad grass drill session...

I am not sure in these answers why people are taking a soft white glove approach, talk is cheap and counseling statements even worse....

Let him know he's GOING to do it or face an article 15.

You have to set an example for the other Soldiers that are watching...