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

I think if a PFC is talking back to you and telling you to choose someone else, then that kind of paints a background story of how he was introduced to the platoon and squad. It tells me that there could be an underlying issue with Soldiers and NCO's being buddy buddy. That will never workout, if a Soldier will not take an order from you when there's very little on the line, then how will he obey your orders in a combat situation.

Easy. Just extend his working hours for a month or two and hold on to his qualification for advancement until he gets his act together.

Rip his head off and shit in his neck.

You tell him to stand fast and dismiss the rest. You then take him somewhere and smoke the dog shit out of him. After that, you tell him the next time he does it, it will result in UCMJ action.

How would I handle it? The old fashion way....

This is where I weigh in as a civilian with a 66 year career. So much of the daily activities of active members ( and Guard on drill) constitutes rehearsal for any occasions when things "get real". When I worked management jobs in the civilian world, telling senior staff to "shove it" was an excellent way to find the door in the worst possible way. From talking with my two military children, I know there are protocols for objecting to direction. That is no different than etiquette in the civilian world. Where it gets crucial is when lives are at stake.

When a trainee called me PFC I had him pushing ft. Benning back to Texas but for this a counseling statement 1st offense 2nd offense Article 15. Most will learn there military bearing quickly after 100 push up

"smart mouth" is really broad term .. its hard to answer because it really depends on the situation like if its just me and my team then I break his balls .. but as a leader whenever I got a task order etc for my team we would think it out and tackle it out as a team I obv would have full veto power .. now if we were in a company or platoon formation I would shut that person up and after I would remind that you cant do that when people are around.. you see as a team leader especially you need to know your guys very well which I did and they knew me very well . A lot of guys that get promoted to E-5 forget what it was like to be a Joe for some reason and go on a power trip ive seen to many times to count. they way I was that when were alone as a team or one on one etc we can say and do whatever but when people are around or there's work to be done we get after it.. I cant tell you how many times ive seen a shit job or detail come down and the E-5 just sends his joes out while he does nothing . like I said before when its just me and my team we all come up with a solution together and we cover for eachother .. Bottom line is it all depends on who is around and what the situation is .. like I said especially as a team leader you should know your guys like you would your wife and they should know you so if they just had a death in the family or a financial problem or their girl was cheating etc you know about it and lay off them if possible and let your squad leader know hell even the PLT sgt if you have to .. bottom line is and one in a position of leadership that leads through fear and intimidation is shit bag plain and simple and there is too many of those in the military .. YES I know my spelling and punctuation is atrocious

They will push until I get tired, during formation, Then I will explain my expectations for him or her again.

While still in formation, I pull the next highest ranking and direct him to go start the reprimand paper and confer with Command to start reduction in grade for refusal to follow an order, willful disobedience, and dereliction of duty.