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

You stop and stare…. Let him talk and you stare. Let EVERYONE ELSE know what’s up for one would assume that everyone knows what type of time you and them are on (especially if you are getting those hands just as dirty). When that “Shipmate” is done, you say: “Apparently you didn’t understand what we will be doing… “ It may be that this new boot doesn’t know the work and effort their leaders are putting in.

Finish the formation, have first sergeant send the E2 to my office ASAP and commence what can be the worst and best part of being a leader. A monumental butt chewing that has the idiot quivering on his feet.

In the old Army Pvt Shithead would have been introduce to wall to wall counseling. Since this is the kinder and gentle Army that isn't an option I might do this:
1) Have Pvt Shithead and his sqd leader to go to my "office"
2) Inform the rest of the troop that they all have extra duty for the next 2 days and they can thank Pvt Shithead for that, ,then dismiss them
3) Explain to the Sqd leader my wishes and he is to ensure that they are carry out.
4) Inform the Pvt. that for the next week he has extra duty AND if he has a problem with that, we can see the CO to find out what he think about it
As much as I hated "mass punishment" it tend to work

Office hours! I would not tolerate blatant disrespect or risk total failure in discipline.

Well, when the SHIT BIRD awakens from his COMA ( self Defense, of course ), I would write him / her up for insubordination and make sure the charges are known as serious, all the way through the chain of command. Of course, I am an OLD SALT, and I understand, with the NEW CORPS being " WOKE " and all, I would sincerely apologize if I had in any way offended the SHIT BIRD and BEG for their forgiveness.

Pull the troop aside and tell them that they crossed the line. Depending upon the troop, give a few days a shit details and see if they get religion. If they complain, offer paperwork in lieu of AND continue giving them shit details because they could not see the wisdom of shutting up and coloring and taking more of my time. If they are a habitual dirtbag, then option 2 with no room for them to even "explain." Frankly, if they have problems affecting their comportment to the point of insubordination then tell them to go to the chaplain, on their own time and after their duties are all satisfactorily completed.

File the report have him thrown in brig and in front of board members for insubordination and dishonorable discharge cause it looks like he is gonna have a hard life and needs to learn

Had this issue before, smoked the whole squad. Ensuring that they understood why. His behavior was much better ….

WOWSERS! I started in the INFANTRY MAN and ended in the SIGNAL COPRS, first and for most if I am in charge I am in CHARGE. PUNITIVE ARTICLES 77 THRU 134 were under glass on my desk! I learned this from another Noncom "THIS AINT BURGER KING and You don't get it your way"
Times have changed since my time (RETIRED 1996) however Put the young soldier in charge of his peers and make him responsible for the task! Watch his attitude and demeanor change like the flipping of a switch. SECONDLY, counseling is TIME well spent, both positive and motivational
My last experience was the best! I was assigned as a STUDENT PLT Sgt E-5, I handed out latrine duties and this young buck told me he wasn't cleaning no urinlas so I marched into the first latrine and cleaned the urinal to the degree that I could have drank from it. Never had another problem! When I PCSED to Germany that young soldier was there and so were about 15 of the peer group. Reputation made! Several years later a young LT and wife came to visit me, she asked about the incident and was told the same story, she kissed him gently and said I know where you really get it from now! Point lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way! If you have to run to the PSG, PLT LDR , 1ST SGT, or COMMANDER you are ineffective as leader. One day soldiers lives will be in you hands for split decisions actions and WITHOUT RESPECT and Obedience to orders you are setting yourself up for FAILURE!! CONGRESS APPOINTED YOU, READ YOUR PROMOTION ORDERS. THE SECECTARY of The ARMY HAS RESPOSE SPECIAL TRUST (ECT...)
God Bless those who SERVE, HAVE SERVED AND WHO ARE SERVING TODAY!

What has the military come to? What is this individual going to do if he is sent into a combat zone and told to advance? Is he going to tell the sergeant to get someone else? Is this the type of person that is expected to defend the United States? This person should be given an article 15 at least. Let's go back to 1959, Fort Knox, and Let's see if someone would get away with this then. I did not know that it has come down to being able to pick and choose what you wanted to do in the military. Looks like we need to change some of the top leaders of the military to stop this and quit worrying about CRT and WOKE.

First, I’ve never heard of a Senior E-5 so E-5 will do. If an NCO gives a direct order and an E-2 refuses then the counseling and paperwork begins. Tracking everything is essential in today’s environment and when rules or regulations are broken there is a process for that.

I had that happen once but the guy was an E4 who somehow arrived at the conclusion that he had special privileges. Basically I EXPLODED right there, in his face and told him in no uncertain terms what I would do to him if he EVER spoke to me in that tone or manner again. Sure it wasn't exactly 'professional' demeanor (especially in today's military) but it damn sure was effective, the dumbass practically shit himself and fell all over himself apologizing and excuse making at which point I told him to go get himself together and then report back to me when he had regained his self control. We set things straight between us and for the remainder of our time together he was a good troop.

What the hell has happened to the Military? In my day, if an E2 said anything other than "yes Sgt" he would go to the firing squad.... ok, not quite but damn close. I'm assuming this really happened.... Seriously, what has happened to our military?

Frankly this is not a reprimand in private situation as cpl P mentioned. Complaint and insubordination was public making it seem to the rest of the squad that assignments are optional and that disrespect will be tolerated.
1st inform the insubordinate E2 of the consequences of disobeying a legal order, in front of the team. The reason to do this is one, to have multiple witnesses of the incident if needed in the future, and also impress on the rest of the team that you are handling this within regulations and will be handled the same way if any other individual feels the need to be insubordinate. 2nd- Time for some team motivating activities or restrictions to allow the team to assist in adjusting the error of the the E2's ways. Squad punishment has a way of impressing the right attitude on problem children. Lastly, if there is not a conciliatory response from the E2 move to formal article 15 ( or similar) punishment. Zero tolerance for this type of BS since the next time he refuses could mean the safety or lives of others. The military is a dangerous business and not time to let individuals think they run the show

I agree with the praise in public, punish in private EXCEPT in the field or on deployment. Set the expectation of this difference when they join your team. In garrison, excuse everyone except the mouth & their squad leader. Junior enlisted will get what they need and their peers will know what is coming as the example they need. In the field, snap their head back with quiet fury and rip them and their squad leader a new one after the mission. In garrison it degrades morale: in the field it can get people killed.

Well... I’d get that shitbag to grab his e-tool. Because I NEED to know he knows how to dig a fighting position correctly. Then I’d make sure he knew how to dig a second one correctly then a third, because you don’t really know how to do something right until you can do it on your own correctly at least twice, if they refuse then it’s time to start paperwork. No second chances let him be an e-1. F@&$ him.

No problem. I call them to the position of Attention and then march them to the 1SG's office. I leave them at Attention while I explain their transgression to the 1SG. I feel confident that the 1SG will assist them in seeing the errors of their ways.

Pull that maggot right out of formation and take him/her behind the paint locker and express your leadership skills until that little shit shows respect. The military is no place for coddling momma's little spoiled and selfish brat. If that military personnel behaves like that, someone will die in a war type situation in the future if that situation is "ignored," not to mention that leader will lose the respect of everyone currently and in the future under his/her command. Think about it.

Article 15. As a non-commisioned officer I expect immediate compliance to all my orders. If you think you are in a democracy in the military you might just as well learn now that is not reality. Stripe losing time, period.

I would offer them two choices, just as my old 1st Sgt would do. I would tell them this is an order. You can choose to obey the order or you can choose to ignore it. I would then tell them if you obey the order, everything will be fine. If you choose to ignore the order or disobey the order, I will recommend you for an article 15. I will then explain to them that once they have been found guilty at the Article 15 hearing, I will make sure they are aware they will be found guilty at the article 15, they will suffer loss of rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duty and restriction to post. I will then ask them, what will it be, doing what I order you to do right now, or suffer the consequences later. I have not found anyone yet stupid enough to opt for an article 15. Should they have ever been stupid enough to opt for the article 15, the way I would ensure they would be found guilty is by calling another NCO over to witness me give them this order. Having a witness ensures that upon the hearing for the article 15, it won’t be my word against theirs.