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

In my first platoon any amount of back talk like that would get said shitbag jumped by all the team leaders in his squad. If it continued then it turned into a haze fest from the squad leaders followed by an ass beating by the entire platoon in the MCMAP pit.

Smoke smoke smoke !!!

First find out what's in his head. If catastrophic issues send for mental health counseling. If attitude, immaturity, have him at attention, and the rest of the formation do a couple hundred push-ups on his behalf. If this is ongoing recommend to board him out

I would have Pvt/Amn Dipstick stand fast after the formation was dismissed. Now we would proceed to the First Sgt's office, where I would present my case against Mr. Funny mouth and make the suggestion on Mr. Funnymouth be on extra duty for a couple of months. Say as grease trap cleaner, before and after all meals. Then cutting grass with sissors for several weekends. Or I would just take him down to the gym one afternoon and kick his ass.

Start with some remedial PT and restriction...if that doesn't work, an Art 15 might cure the no time in the Army punk's problem!

Basically you verbally fuck him/her up in front of peers and then lean on them HARD

This is exactly why I got out. A long, long time ago. Right after Vietnam, it was not the military I grew up with as my father served his long career. Saw an E-4 tell a Captain that he was not going to the field for training. He eventually got out of the Army, which is what he wanted anyway I suspect. Enjoyed my time and many times I have regretted not continuing that part of my life but as they say, hindsight in the best sight.

Tells me to "shove it"? That E2 would be counseled on the importance of discipline within the ranks, my expectations for my team members. The E2 would be briefed on the task, condition, and standard and then directed to ensure the task is completed within standards, failure to meet the standards would result in additional tasks that some may considered "punitive" in nature. Any future transgressions of the UCMJ will be met with aggressive intervention by unit NCO's to ensure that the E2 fully understands their place in the food chain.

Lol, that Private and i would continue our discussion from the front leaning rest position, both of us . Pushups are a great training tool when used properly

Pfc Asswipe will be immediately told in front of the everyone that he is now Pvt Asswipe. He will stand tall before the man. Insubordination must be nipped in the bud then and there. That backtalk will destroy the discipline and effectiveness of the unit.

Now, who knows, I retired in 1988. That said I went by the rule of praise in public and criticize in private. But if this person mouthed off at quarters, USN name for formation, I would address him "I'll discuss it after quarters so belay that (stop that in Navy speak) now. I private this person would be given a brief chance to explain what the problem was and then it would be a one way, my way, conversation from then on. Minimum finger in the face ... MMCS(SW)(SS) USN Ret.

smoke session

In my days in,there were certain things you didn't do. You followed protocol and that was that. Seems this E2 thought he knew more than the E5, looking for favoritism can land you in a whole lot of trouble. Possibly a letter of reprimand or extra kp duty was sufficient for most.

I would of slapped the shot out of him!

These are the guys that ask why in combat and get people killed, UCMJ immediately.

smoke the squad make sure they know pvt shithead is the reason do it every day until his peers soove the problem

Land on him with both feet. You CANNOT allow him to blatantly disrespect your authority that way, or the whole unit will start to unravel.

Yes and if they still Refuse then have them stay and start with a Documented Counseling Statement and explain to them on why they are here and that they have a responsibility to do there assigned tasks and unless it a clear safety issue that's its not a negotiable matter

I recall what one of my JROTC Instructors once said “to lead you must motivate, and for that you must communicate. Know the mission, weigh your options. For at the end the option you take is yours, the decision you make is yours, and whether you succeed or fail the consequences are yours. I spent almost 38 yrs in the service and I retired a SGM.

I now work security at a local high school. And have taken those words and adjusted them so they can be applied to kids. You can ask almost any student or teacher of Gabe’s Options Rule, which is: “You have a choice of 2 ; Option 1: Do as I’ve asked/directed and we’ll be fine, and earn respect; Option 2: Do not take Opt 1, you will be written up and referred to your Dean. Either way the Option choice is yours, the decision is yours and the consequences for your decision will be yours and yours alone.” 95% of the time they choose Opt 1.

I always segregate the problem student before giving them the Option, it shows them that you have some respect for them and are willing to work with them. After that if they persist, well it’s time for that “Coming to meet Jesus” meeting.

Totally unacceptable behavior. the E2 must be disciplined at a level that will make sure he understands his position relative to his supervisors, and pays a price that makes a strong impression on him/her, but not so strongly (yet) that he is drummed out of the service.