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

Give him the blow he got, that is the right thing.

Even though I'm not anecessarily E5 and above, but I do as told by all no in my unit. They say clean, I ask where. They say draw weapons, I say Roger Sergeant, and go draw. That e2 needs a lot of corrective training

For the E2s blantant disregard and lack of discipline i would simply assign some extra duties such and sweeping the flightline or vacumming the hangarbay tracks, waxing the floors, cleaning walls, cleaning padeyes, cleaning the smoke pit, cleaning the head all while i watch and make him or her remember that they are an junior E2 and if they canot complete the assigned task, then why didnt they ask instead of telling an E5 to shove it.

I wouldn't

Loved the first answer. The second response is reflective of what is going on today. "Why?" is their battle cry and it isn't just in the military. Across the board, young people constantly question authority, whine, worry about everyone else instead of THEMSELVES! Drives me crazy! :)

I had a situation like that where I gave out four assignments to four E-3 and below who were on restriction already and extra duty. I told them from the get-go, first one at the site gets the best job, last one gets the worst job and explained the jobs. The last one to get there complained about his assignment and I reminded him of the entire situation and gave him another chance to do the work and he refused. I told him one more time to get in and do it or leave the space and answer to his CPO in the morning. He left, but that did not work out well the next morning.

Hopefully this would be the last formation of the day so I would have the soldier along with his squad leader and the rest of his quad standing at parade rest for considerable mount of hours after everyone else had been released. I would hope that the rest of his teammates could convince him not to wear glasses in formation.

Punc in the face that what we do in my army if someone is an ass

If I were the sergeant major, this private soon learn exactly how much authority a sergeant major as and he would be disciplined in writing and restricted from the post PX for a given time. I would also cancel the other soldier, and give him a better way to approach this situation.

I would remind him that I couldn't make him do anything that I could damn sure make you wish you done what I asked

The only sure fire way to nip PFC Shitbird in the bud, is to smoke his ass or report to your CO, which shouldn't have to happen. Smoking PFC Shitbird to your satisfaction will definitely show him the error of his ways.

Wow. Each one of you is dead-on! 40yrs ago that shit would've got you shot or your ads kicked depending on the moment. Fact remains, there's always going to be shit jobs nobody wants to do. Doesn't change the fact those jobs have to be done. Me personally? I prefer the shit jobs nobody else wants. I get left the fuck alone while I'm doing it! !!! Always always an up side to everything! And I do mean everything!

well i only made it to spec 4 but had the greatest respect for my nco's and no matter what the job was i did it weather i liked it or not if i had an issue with it i still did it then went to the nco that gave it to me and explained my position on it sometimes it helped sometimes not its the military you earn your rank by doing what needs to be done no matter weather you like it or not

He's so confused. First, you signed up, so shut up. Second, you don't want some shitty detail yet you're willing to go about it the really, really hard way. Maybe he just really, really loves getting smoked, or humiliated, or both. Pvt. Dumbass refusing to report for duty sir!

Ummmmmm,.....possibly help said apprentice find his way down a ladder well in a not so subtle manner!

I immediately let him know that the assignment goes as I say. It is non negotiable. His first little tirade buys him and his unit extra duties. Anything else not in compliance continues to add to that list. It's made very clear that his failure causes problems for more than just him. As it would be true in battle. And the others are reminded that getting him in the right frame of mind is more than just him and me dealing with it. A group that does rely on him also has a responsibility to help him keep himself in line.

He needs to beat his face for an hour... Am I worng????

First of all respect should be talked about to all new recruits in boot camp. It was us when I went to boot camp. You did not do that information. The E2 should have kept his mouth shut in formation. If he had a problem he could have took that up with his leader after. I have had this before and this should never be tolerated. I would have told the E2 to see me after. Then I would have disciplined him in private and the next day t formation he would be the example of how not to show disrespect while in formation or while wearing the uniform of the United States. I do not nor would I ever demand respect because I believe that respect should be earned. While in formation there should always be professionalism and respect for the ranks.

Oh

No hesitation take care of business. You have to show him " apparently " that he is not in control here