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

I was never an NCO but I can tell you that respect is due to that NCO. He earned his rank! If I was In that formation and heard that shit whether I was an NCO or not I would personally put my boot up that E-2's ass. There is no room for that kind of disrespect.

in my day his ass would have been beat

Immediately pull him or her out of formation take to office and councel. Remember, praise in public discipline in private.

Simple. I bring it to his attention infront of the formation, tell that person come see me after formation, get statements from others in formation and then council them. Take the counseling to the first seargeant and start Article 15 proceedings. Hit them in the pocket, they may think twice.

Well LTJG (Join to see)… insert combat boot into rectum. ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ Repeat liberally.

EMI After 20 or 30 fighting holes are dug the lips will seal. Or wall to wall counseling if you are so inclined.

In the Air Force, we work within the concept of "progressive discipline", and while that's the prescribed method in other services, I think the AF adheres pretty strictly to this doctrine. But I'm old school (been in the military since '87, prior service US Coast Guard... come from a family of military members ranging from Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy). My first instinct is to conduct some "wall-to-wall" counseling with this PFC. But not wanting to be standing tall before the man answering to abuse charges, I'll defer to verbal counseling, followed by paperwork.

Just recently I had to do something along these lines. I have a troop who does not seem to know how to manage his time or schedule. Has stood up our commander and superintendent (E-9) on one occasion, been late for training meetings, and blown off others in our unit for meetings and briefings HE coordinated. This newly-minted Staff Sergeant is a good guy and knows his stuff, but he just can't seem to manage his time or schedule wisely! My big beef with him (and I made it known to him already) is not being updated on his screw ups, so that when the Major asks me where he is I don't have a dumbfounded look on my face. I also said the next time he misses a meeting or screws up his schedule and doesn't fix it ahead of time, I'm giving him paperwork. This will be in the form of a letter of counseling (LOC), which goes into his permanent record. He knows this, and is trying hard to keep his record clean.

Would I handle PFC Dumbass the same way? I don't know. As other posters have said, this all depends on the situation. If PFC Dumbass can turn himself around during this "counseling" session, then all is well. I know many people who started off as arrogant assholes, but through proper mentorship and guidance, turned out to be stellar Airmen. I would enjoy nothing better than to help this Staff Sergeant (and other people like PFC Dumbass) become valuable and contributing members of our force!

The problem is both ways, Soldiers need guidance , but some leaders don't know how to lead, I have seen these changes spoken here but i am telling you that most of my counseling and mentoring and disciplining ids with Jr from all level. Leaders need to learn to lea and leading is not pick and choose it is leading in all. Soldier loose confident and respect where they see week leadership. Yes today's Military is changing to where one can't scream at Soldier's but there are leadership style's that make up for that and some just don't have it. SO we need to focus more on how we grow and our future leaders and remove those that ca't lead. Our Soldiers and country deserves better.

Based on the original poster, I'm assuming said E2 is a Sailor. Bring the formation to attention and cease all chatter. Hand out the rest of the assignments and have seaman schmuckatelli stand by after the division is dismissed. Keep it professional and explain adverse counseling chits and the chain of command. Tell him that the assigned task is one that you did when you were his rank and that he will follow the order or face disciplinary action. If you continue to get push back from him, have your LPO or Chief back you up.

1- Direct in-subordination- (failure to follow orders from a senior NCO despite a calm explanation by NCO to the Soldier, i.e., a Soldier disobeying a lawful order despite a calm explanation to the Soldier by the NCO. and continues to disobey AND shows disrespect to said NCO, and fails *refuses* to follow orders (a must))
2-SGT to Private- "Private, this is the United States Army. This is not your living room at home, or your old high-school. "Private, position of attention, Move! Half right face, Move! Front leaning rest position, MOVE! IN CADENCE, 1, 2, 3, ONE, 1,2,3 TWO...Do that until I get tired, Private, or the MP's will be here in 5 minutes along with Top and the CO.
3- Assign another nuetral (Specialist preferably) Soldier to ensure that the other Soldier keeps pushing until you return.
4- Return with a counseling statement that he must (or refuse) to sign
5- Allow Soldier to stop, "Position of attention, MOVE. Half left, face! AT EASE!
6 Bring Soldier and all relevant paperwork, counseling statements, complete history of Soldier to your company area and have him stand at ease and wait.
7- Inform your first line of the incident with all proof.
8- Go to Soldier and instruct him not to move until you and your First line come back to get him.
9-Ask a fellow NCO to make sure he stays there, and you Follow 'your' First line's instructions.
10 - Watch and see if he learns his lesson. Assuming this is his first offense