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

I had a similar situation while deployed with an E-4 who thought it would be funny to disrespect me in front of the squad. My reaction was immediate and to say the least very very firm. In my mind your troops need to know you care but that your first name is and will always be SGT and follow any and all lawful orders you give.

Slap that FNG upside the head.

As a E-6 platoon sgt, the way I handled all my troops was to establish control right from the get go !! As new people come in I really didn't have to show anyone who was in charge the other plt members did the educating. I was caring, stearn, and demanding! However if I did have a problem, it was NEVER solved in public always in private. I don't think I ever had any serious problems with anyone, if it was minor a weeks worth of KP always served as a attitude check.

I di four years AFJROTC I would probably respond by yelling at him talking about how he was a accident like my DI'S. Would do at drill comps

He'd be feeling like he was back in hell week

throat punch

I have this very same situation happen to me. I pulled him into the office, closed the blinds and proceeded to go into DI mode on him. Told him this was his verbal warning, ever happens again he would be brought up for Office hours and receive a page 11 entry. I never heard another disrespectful word from him again

In the old days, before PC touchy feely sissification, his peers would have taken care of the problem. Period.

Well they will have to understand im higher rank and they have no choice but to do it and thats that

You destroy the unit while he watches. Smoke the dog crap out of his team leader. Then expect a counseling and resolution within the hour.