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

The first thing I would do is ask the E-2 if everything is going well in his/her personal life. I would want to make sure there isn't something personal that is cause the backlash. If everything is going okay with them I would start order him/her to do extra duty until they understand the chain of command. I'd also remind him of what the legal consequences that will follow due to disrespect and refusal to follow direct orders.

Yes even in the AF in the 60s a old ass kicking was in order i got mine. Smart ass New Jersey punk in basin, real tough guy until a skinny little 5' E5 kicked my ass, no more smart ass answers from me all yes sir.

Well, 20 years he probably would have gotten drugged across the compound. In todays Army you would have to handle it a different. The action I would take is this, obviously this Soldier must have something going on in his personal life for him to act out like that. The fact that he did it in front of a formation in front of Soldiers can't be over looked, because Soldiers would try to do the same thing. So if PV2 Joe Snuffy is having personal problems I would try to assist him with that but at the same time counsel him and reduce his rank. Let him know to choose his next actions wisely because his next pen to paper will be recommending discharge. This way you are trying to help the Soldier but at the same time sending a message.

End that silliness right now.

Take him and his team leader into the 1SG’s office posthaste and explain the error of his ways. If the CoC has your back, and I hope it does, there should be several options on the table for him, both career ruinous and non-ruinous.

Letter of reprimand in his file, followed by article 15 if problem persists followed by chapter out of service at third violation.

Sounds like punishment is the answer. WTF is going on in the military today. We are more concerned about the rights of soldiers who want to change their gender.

My first response would be:"WHO THE HELL YOU THINK YOU'RE TALKING TO PRIVATE?!?!" Next response:" EXECUTE THE TASK I ASSIGNED YOU, OR FACE UCMJ ACTION!!!!

FRONT LEANING REST POSITION..... MOVE.

But, seriously, I'd hand off my section to the most senior E4 and PVT and I would be having a serious conversation about his future. He would then read about that conversation and sign for it. Document these cases early, so you can deal with them easier. The more documentation, the easier it is to push for NJP or Article.

The E-2 in question needs a private “motivational” talk from the E-5, preferably out of earshot with other troops. His (or her) options need to be laid out. If this fails then a trip to the commander’s office (MY office) is their next destination. From there we can do a number of things... most likely non-judicial punishment would head the list. If that fails then JAG involvement would be needed for potential court martial proceedings. From there it might be some jail time with a dishonorable discharge. One thing for sure... this insubordination needs to be stopped dead in it’s tracks before it spreads.

Article 15 for insubordination,loss of rank,afterhours duty were some of the things used to fix any dumbass who disrespects his superiors when I was in
What's up with this being an issue?