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

Pull the punk out of formation, have a little one-way conversation about the organization he signed the dotted line in order to join and is stuck in for four years, have said conversation documented (because now we have hurt feelings and paperwork instead of real men and women in today's military), and if there's a future infraction, push for public NJP and make an example of them in front of the entire company. I'm entirely against paperwork and ruining careers for potentially fixable Marines, but that's how we must conduct business per today's standards.

For the private to react in that manner, he/she did not get fully oriented in Basic or advanced training. So now you are stuck with getting his attention, and explaining his role in the rank structure. Then of course if he has a problem with that then you ramp up your response to get his attention, as to what will happen if he further refuses your orders from this point forward. Then if that doesn't work then threaten his career with punitive actions. Wall to wall therapy from the old days get you in trouble, but self defense is always necessary if he is stupid enough to swing on you. Old ways are not always dead, just smoothed over with red tape.

See me after quarters

In the old days some "fan room counseling" would have been the order of the day ... in today's kinder, gentler military?

As an E2 who mouthed off in basic, I can tell you that no matter what you do, it's not going to change that shit bricks mind. This entitlement process has fucked our military. You're not going to be the only one who has this happen. As an E4, deployed to Iraq, it was my job to keep my gun trucks running. I had a fresh off the line truck scheduled to leave the wire. I couldn't and wouldn't let anyone else from it or even operate it in the motorpool until I test drove it. I was written up by A CPL because if insubordination. I couldn't care anyways. If they died it rolled over, it was my ass, not theirs. Team/Squad leaders gotta know what's going on long before this shit happens.

To answer my feelings on it, fuck his life up. Fuck him up so bad he's wished he was swallowed. Communication goes both ways and orders are only orders when they're clear.

Hold PFC Smart Ass after formation with his Squad/Team leader. Bring down the path of God upon him and explain what will happen to him the next time this happen......doll out a few reminders, EPD etc., release him then explain to the Squad/Team Ready my expectations and ask him if he likes his job......if it happens again, drop kick too PFC all the way to the brig, seek admin discharge then counsel the Team/Squad leader and give him some guidance on how to handle troublesome Marines. Of course I'm Old and cranky so i might be a little out of line.

You gotta Ask?? Maybe you shouldnt be E-5? Bust this asshat to E-1 and give him an Article and talk to the commander through Chain of Command of course about dumping him back on the street. Looks in every way he don't wanna be there...make it happen!

Tell him, "you obviously lost your mind." Pull him aside, counsel him. Inform him that a pattern of misconduct would result in recommndation for UCMJ. Then put him on every shit detail for a month.

Speak to him in private. Make it clear in no uncertain terms that you will NOT tolerate this insubordination. Make sure he knows the consequences then follow through as appropriate.

There is a 1980's reaction and a 2000s' reaction. When I was a PFC in the early 80's. I told a young Sgt. I couldn't stand his ass, due to him badgering me constantly......When I got off the ground and dusted myself off from being bodyslammed I realized that I may have gotten too comfortable with him. Most leaders by their Bearing and demeanor will rarely run into this scenario, so I would say take the young man to the side and explainined to him how things are. Don't ruin your career over someone else.