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

Praise in a large group. Call for that individual to stand fast as you dismiss the rest of your people. Then tell that individual that you will not tolerate insulting remarks.

Tell PVT FUCKHEAD that his life as he knows it, just came to an end.

Office hours

I'm old school....but I'd have either had him doing pushups till his arms fell off, or beat his ass right then. That's something that needs to be squashed right then and there. But since this is the new touchy feely army, recommend an article 15 for failing to follow a direct order.

A little wall to wall counseling, then have his next in line help him pack his bag to go home. We don't need that type in today's military, and if that attitude passes on to someone else, they probably won't be as patient. Put him/her out of their misery early.

Make him push!!

Charged with disrespect to an NCO and refusing to follow orders. Semper Fi

My reaction internally is shock. Even though I was a specialist I had skill sets outside my pay grade and was often asked to take E1-E3 and get them either qualified to drive M113, 2.5 and 5 tons. clean, maintain and operate 50s and M60s, etc.

Basically free up an NCO to handle NCO shit. No butthurt, it felt pretty damn good to have my leaders have that level of confidence in my ability to train and manage. And almost always it went well, no pressure, group of grunts squatting around equipment and going through the steps. No sweat

Except one brand spanking new E2. I was prior service before returning as NG in my MOS, I was older than my peers and had no desire to seek E5. I was very happy with my pay and my flexibility as a soldier. E4 mafia for life. And before any of you lifers give me grief, at least buy me a beer so I can take you seriously (kidding, I've got nothing but mad respect for y'all).

Back to KIA E2 (know it all) I'm teaching the FNGs to quickly replace barrels on a 60. It's not difficult. 1. Gloves 2. Detach barrel and remove and let go of that 7th level of hellfire. 3. Replace and secure fresh barrel 4. Get back to feeding your gunner. Over simplified, but you get the idea of my teaching method. KIA E2, when I get to "are there any questions" speaks up and says "yeah, dude, why is a specialist teaching us this" ? No biggie. I remind him my address is either simply my last name (unique) or SPC name, and continue with the fact that last time we went out 2 60 barrels were deadline for overheating and I was asked to go over this with y'all. I am reminded, rather pointedly, "specialists have no fucking authority". Little does KIA know how the mafia works. I tell him he is factually correct, there is no actual authority in my rank, I'm little more than an overpaid PFC. However, our platoon Sgt, the guy with 3 stripes and 2 rockers has ample authority and I am following his orders. So, son, I need you to fully understand, before you say or do something you will regret, ask yourself "am I prepared to go up to my platoon sgts face and deny his authority"

Short version, the young soldier gained the benefit of experience at the hands of a reasonably patient veteran. Had he talked like that to the wrong NCO, it could have gone a lot worse than a simple explanation.

Just like cattle and horses, often the slow, measured approach yields more results with a lot less effort.

Had the little bastard kept it up, we would have been running with full gear and the 60s and heating up the barrels with blanks. The other FNGs would have squared him away.

Bring back discipline back to the military, just like when our former military was powerful. Full stop!

I was in this exact situation as a new E5. One of my guys actually told me to stuff it he wasn't gonna do anything I said to do. I went to my Div. Officer and asked how I should handle it. He tore me a new one then looked at me and said now you know. I promptly called everybody into formation and I saw him watching and I explained exactly who I wanted to do what and explained that these were lawful orders and if you refused I would make sure you were in a secure place until you got to see the Commanding Officer said butthead just laughed until base security escorted him out to their quarters. Never ever had to do that again. Said butthead said st captains mast that I wasn't clear in my directions Division officer asked him if he spoke English dummy looks at him and says Duh I'm talking English now ! It was just too funny to watch him dig his own hole. So yes shut it down or others will follow