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

Take them down right there...

I experienced this once, once. The soldier was a squared away Specialist, and my friend, but he chose to disrespect me with our platoon sergeant present. I treated him like a little brother, I grabbed his collar, pulled him away from the others, and explained to him quietly what was about to happen if he didn't move out. I never had a problem from any of my soldiers afterwards. He and I remain friends, the platoon sergeant was impressed, and everything went accordingly.

I would ask the Soldier to rethink his/her comment, then I would initiate the appropriate paperwork and ensure that the Soldier was well versed in the best way to clean a latrine by hand!

It is a question of is this the 1st time this PVT did this or has he done it to others before and got away with it and he thinks he can do it to you. You have to immediately ask them if they enjoy jail time and a BCD or are they just confused on how to do their assignment. This should be done in front of all the other soldiers in the formation so they know this conduct will not be tolerated and should be asked without screaming but in a steady loud voice so everyone hears your reply. Never show how angry you are with the PVT to everyone that can be done in private counseling session.

At the end of formation say E2 ___ and E2___ only stand fast.Fall out to orderly room for counseling.

Counseling Statement,up to Article 15

You used the avenue where you politely tell them again to do the job again. You are their direct superior. If you want to do simple counselling or maybe a physical motivator, I would say go ahead and if you want to cover your butt, ask the next person up in the chain (your boss) if it is appropriate to give said physical punishment. You could also have them go tell your superior that they refuse to do the job and that THEY should find a new person (I am assuming an E5s direct superior would either be the E7 for the troops or their Division officer [O1-O2]). I am sure that will go over well for the E2.

This is a great question and it gets my blood going just reading it.

As an NCO this scenario is a perfect example of needing to balance two ideas with your approach. The two ideas are "maintaining good order & discipline" and "praise in public, correct in private"

I believe the first idea overrides the second when it comes to such publicly displayed insubordination. The only way to compound their error is to be in a larger formation or commit additional offenses.
My approach would be to directly address the insubordination. They would quickly learn the current(you already f'd up) and future(if you EVER do it again!) consequences of such behavior. Counseling and further correction would follow after dismissal of the formation.

I would also take into consideration the rank and time in service of the Soldier. This could be a great learning and development opportunity for them. However that is dependent upon their attitude, their remorsefulness, and maturity.

Calmly tell him to come with me, take him into the Platoon Office with the Platoon Leader as a commissioned Officer there to witness and repeat the order as a Direct Order, as an NCO can give a lawful Order and not a Direct Order, when Dough head refuses both me and the Platoon Leader I start the packet, refer him for Courts Martial to the Company Commander, revoke his AIRBORNE Status and take him to JAG for a lawyer and if all goes well nail his little E-2 Ass to a cross and let him bleed to death. I will FIND things that he has fouled up on to add to the charge sheet. He will OWE the Army money when he out-processes.

I remember back in the day when at the end of the week Top would march the company down to the gym and anyone with PP would put on the gloves and get in the ring. It worked wonders for moral and nipping problems in the bud