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

USMC Gunny -- Take him to a quiet private corner and "adjust" his attitude.

the same way it was done in my unit the dumb ass and his two leaders: (fire team and squad leaders) would all stay then the fuck up would watch as his direct leaders did the job then by next formation the problem would be fixed no questions asked and the higher ups didn't get involved the way it should be.

It would need to be nipped really quick there would be alot of pt going on and also looking up disrespecting a NCO and also in form him that if it continues that he will be given a article 15 cause of the way the militery has went to more paper than anything.

It is blatant disrespect and disobedience of a lawful order. In instances like this, "Praise in public, punish in private," doesn't apply. It should be an "On the spot," correction. No need to raise your voice. Look the person in the eyes. Firmly, "You were given a task, an implied direct order. You will carry that task out. Do I make myself clear? You have already crossed a line. One more word of defiance or disrespect will result in you being formally charged." When the formation is dismissed. I would pull that person to the side with your superior in attendance. Some form of non-judicial punishment administered. Documentation any further occurrence will result in formal charges. What this does is gives that one shot in case the Sailor was off keel this day. Maybe something going on his life. Yet he needs to know in no uncertain terms this will not be tolerated and can result in dire consequences. By on the spot correction. You've just let everyone in that formation know this will not be tolerated. By not screaming, cussing, but with firmness you've demonstrated sound leadership which is not tainted by uncontrollable rage.

Bettter question is, why were trained thinking that was an acceptable response?

Why do you call one person They and Them? I never had an E2 run his mouth at me but if I did, I would turn it over to the NCO chain of command. If they needed me to get involved, they would let me know.

in private find out what's really going on. could be a number of things going on, personal or private. but the bottom line is that Warrior must obey all lawful orders. but you must document, document that stuff.

PT FROM HELL

smoke his ass ..give him the crappiest work details..after duty work details

I had to chapter out a good SGT because he kept being late. I didn't know him personally. I was just handed 7 soldiers and told, They're your responsibility, get em out of here. Later I found out the real story. E5, 6 years in, arms room NCO. Suddenly he was late every time the arms room needed to be opened for any reason. 1SG loathed anyone who was late; it was his personal pet peeve. Before you could say Armorer, this E5 went from NCO to SPC to PFC. AND NO ONE EVER ASKED HIM WHY....until this young LT finally took him aside and had a talk with him. Turns out his wife left him And their child, only 3 years old. This soldier had no idea how to handle single parenthood. He had no resources or family and didn't know what to do with a 3 yr old when he had to open an arms room at 0200-0300 hours before day care opens. This LT gave him some phone numbers and resources and BAM! Problem solved. He was never late again. But it was too late. 1SG was determined to destroy his career. 6 years steller service...and resentment and stress and life and a really bad 1SG, only made it worse. All he needed was someone to talk to him once and offer him a hand. We're still friends even though I had to do my duty. He's a wonderful person, a good parent and on his way to finishing his bachelors. So when I hear some say we should expect soldiers to just obey and ignore their personhood...I say, No. That isnt your only job. Yes I need to accomplish my mission but a Good leader know the Welfare of their soldier is in that creed as well. And if you aren't checking the welfare of your soldiers, its just laziness on your part. I know my soldiers and will always place their needs above my own doesn't just mean letting them eat in the chow line first and asking them where they're from. No one gives a damn where you're from. Tell me where you're going and how we can get there, together