Posted on Oct 16, 2016
How would you react to an E2 who "smart mouths" you in formation?
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Here's the background. You're a senior E5. Your troops are in formation and you're handing out work for the day. You hand out an assignment to a fresh E2 with less than a year in and only a few months at your command. They blatantly complain and tell you to choose someone else. You calmly tell them they will do this task and they tell you to shove it and give it to someone else. How do you react?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3697
Do NOT change the job assignment. The other troops need to know that, in the military, like it or not, you have the rank and you are in charge. There has to be a plan, beforehand, to handle this type of insubordination! Extra duty would be a good start. The chain of command should and must back you up on this. The alternative is a breakdown in authority. As far as the "shove it" goes, that's probably an Article 15 offense. Now we get into fine and loss of privilege!
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When I joined-Drill Instructor put you down and punished the whole platoon and the platoon punished you in private---everyone got the message real quick-you are one!!!!!!
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Smoke 'em all! The rest of the squad will make sure it doesn't happen again!
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Whatever was needed to motivate his arrogant ass back in line to perform his duties without complaining and being a disrespectful shitbag.
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Bring him to attention. Have 2 SNCO's Fall In alongside him and march him to the guard room to be charges with "Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Discipline"
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As I have transitioned into federal service since separating, I still have had the privilege of working with some great military servicemen and women. So I have seen this occur more often than I wish to.
For every 500 or so terrific military folks I have encountered over the years, you occasionally get that one E1 or E2 that struts around the workplace acting as if there were four stars on his shoulder. The majority of NCOs that have been subjected to this insubordination from what I witnessed generally handle it in a proper and professional manner. When I see a junior enlisted military member "mouth off" to an NCO it does bother me to some degree. But I know it is not my place to say anything and the NCO usually takes care of the problem on the spot. In some cases I have seen the NCO use his/her chain of command wisely to have the insubordinate airman, soldier, sailor, etc reassigned to another office or duty.
Unfortunately there have been a couple of instances where a junior enlisted member has demonstrated has tried to assert authority over me by basically telling me how to to my job. First, I remind the individual that he/she needs to re-read the UCMJ and learn where their line of authority begins and ends. Second, I inform them of my civilian pay grade to state that I technically outrank them and to never address me in an unprofessional manner again. Third, I inform the insubordinate individual's direct military supervisor and let them handle it from there. Like I said, it's not my place to enforce discipline in these situations and I leave that to the proper personnel.
I know there are some instances where using the chain of command doesn't always work. But within a professional office environment such as mine, it is usually the best course of action for an NCO when dealing with an insubordinate E1, E2, etc. This route has generally yielded positive results in favor of the NCO.
For every 500 or so terrific military folks I have encountered over the years, you occasionally get that one E1 or E2 that struts around the workplace acting as if there were four stars on his shoulder. The majority of NCOs that have been subjected to this insubordination from what I witnessed generally handle it in a proper and professional manner. When I see a junior enlisted military member "mouth off" to an NCO it does bother me to some degree. But I know it is not my place to say anything and the NCO usually takes care of the problem on the spot. In some cases I have seen the NCO use his/her chain of command wisely to have the insubordinate airman, soldier, sailor, etc reassigned to another office or duty.
Unfortunately there have been a couple of instances where a junior enlisted member has demonstrated has tried to assert authority over me by basically telling me how to to my job. First, I remind the individual that he/she needs to re-read the UCMJ and learn where their line of authority begins and ends. Second, I inform them of my civilian pay grade to state that I technically outrank them and to never address me in an unprofessional manner again. Third, I inform the insubordinate individual's direct military supervisor and let them handle it from there. Like I said, it's not my place to enforce discipline in these situations and I leave that to the proper personnel.
I know there are some instances where using the chain of command doesn't always work. But within a professional office environment such as mine, it is usually the best course of action for an NCO when dealing with an insubordinate E1, E2, etc. This route has generally yielded positive results in favor of the NCO.
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Lighter Fluid & Zippo. ( Cheap one of course, why ruin a perfectly good lighter. )
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Gentlemen, I admit, I'm an 'old guy', having started my military career (Navy, then Army) in 1970. I have twice had young, impressionable troops attempt to smart mouth me. Both were invited into "The Office" (usually behind a vehicle where the troops can't see) and I handed said troop(s) their ass. We referred to it as Wall To Wall Counseling. See, I'm 'old school'. I was taught that you praise in public and kick their ass in private. Worked both times, and an added benefit, no one else got the idea that giving me shit was a good idea. I expected my subordinates to lead by my example and backed them (if they were right). On the other hand, I had the respect of my company commander and when I went with a recommendation of disciplinary action, he would take a stripe right there in the field. (only went crying to the CO twice when the insubordination was egregious, to me and a commissioned officer). I had very few problems, but when I did, that's how I dealt with it.
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March his ass into the office, notify your Frist Setgeant. Ensure swift discipline action is taken to ensure you set the proper tone for your soldiers. Failure to comply with any order unless it is unlawful needs to be address immediately. This type of behavior should never be tolerated in a military unit.
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Understand praise vs. punishment, and sending everyone out except leader and person is perfect. Called out yet not. Else it's more for after leaving the service. I failed my physical yet knew what to do and how to respond to, what would become my superiors, I knew the ranks, regardless of service, and wanted a boat (again yes a submariner) early 80's but you know the ASVAB non coms used terms I'd never heard but figured them out. They were Army, yes I wanted Navy, but disrespect; never ever an option. They had a job, I did not. I was a civilian. They treated me as they should have. I have many friends who serve, or served, they shall ALWAYS receive my respect for their service and rank.
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Seaming you cannot touch anybody know days, there are sure fire ways to make this recruit regret opening his mouth to his superiors. Article 15 and some duties that are way worse than the one assigned. Restriction to any free time.
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I would take this individual to an office alone and explain that professionally they would pay for refusing an order. Then I would handle the issue of public incibordination with response that would make them never do it again.
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