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

I am old school... knock his ass out.

Take their time. Physical punishment isnt gonna solve squat. They do PT every morning anyways so that’s free. Have them write an 5 paragraph essay on the importance of following orders and the consequences of insubordination, give them a due date and start a paper trail. This not only teaches military style writing early on but helps with his mindset. His refusal to follow orders is a mindset. True leadership is inspiring the solider to change his mind on to why he should follow you not because you have stripes on your chest. That’s call ego and no one follows ego. Once YOU change your mindset that you aren’t the best thing since sliced bread because you have stripes and start leading by inspiration that’s when this won’t become a problem. Yours truly, the E4 Mafia.

Dude you gotta absolutely crush that expeditiously. Forget this whole "senior E-5" bit...you're an E5 and he's a brand new out the box boot E2. Take him somewhere and smoke the shit outta him. Let him know if it happens again, you'll take it to the tree line.

He would be doing the task, or he will fear the reaper. Article 15, of letter of reprimand. If he wants a career he will do what he's told. If not he's in for a troubling times

Nip it quickly. Either through event oriented counseling or other..

We would need to have a discussion in the woodline. For me, I will let the smart ass comment slide in formation. I'm a believer on not airing families dirty laundry. But rest a sure even though we don't air our families laundry we damn will learn how to wash it first.

I am an " Old Salty Marine " ( SSgt, 1973 to 1994 ), I have actually had this experience back in 1986 with a young Lcpl.

It took me a while ( About 15 Min. ) in hand to hand combat " Training " to square him away, but, it worked. .. He Immediately turned a " New Leaf " and became a Great Marine.

I understand and realize fully, that not all such circumstances require such a direct path to attitude adjustment. In my particular case, the young Marine was worth those efforts. Had he not been worth my time and effort, based on performance or other underlying issues, I would have had him stand fast along with my NCO ( Sgt ) and had that Marine written up for conduct unbecoming a Marine and failure to follow a direct order. In short, I don't have time to waste it on Marines that don't want to be there, so, I would have helped him along towards a ride home !

The Corps, along with all other branches is changing. Troops " FEEL " they are entitled to rebuttal of orders, reasons for those orders and that they be provided a voice in how those orders are carried out. I do NOT agree with what OUR SERVICES have become and where they are headed.

I'm just glad I retired BEFORE those changes took such a dramatic control and position, from the Commanding General wishing to make a political statement to the " NEW WOKE " Commanding Officers wanting to gain favor with that General.

Stand Your Ground, Honor Your Oaths
SEMPER FI

You can (1) drop the Hammer of God on the mutineer, or (2) lose all moral authority over your command. Forever.
No, I was never permitted to serve (bad eyes), but I have been a manager at several companies, and the principle is the same.

Let him push the ground until he learns he's not dealing with his weak parents anymore

All depends on the person and can’t recognize their people. I was a smart ass and known to make the comment . Almost always corrected work assignments and well respected by my E5 and motor Sargent. Won the division maintenance award and maybe the only E4 in the Army with a double MOS of 63N and 45N. Tankers of E6 or E7 had zero problems with me and most friends. Heater goes out in your tank during winter in Germany? Back ordered and may see by summer. Had Chief order my parts, tankers removed their own heaters, I rebuilt, they reinstalled and heat the same day.

It’s teamwork and knowing your people. It depends what is coming out of the mouth and deciding if valuable. It’s also a NCO’s job to educate and make that kid a man with all different personalities. Worse person to serve with is a dumbass lifer who always pulls rank. Earn respect and teach then most stupid problems go away.

Everyone remembers who the best people served with and the dick. Don’t be the dick. Everyone knows how to pull rank, it’s the talk afterwards teaching someone to be a man and future NCO.