Posted on Jun 6, 2014
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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Should a LT stand at ease for a 1SG or CSM?
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CMSgt James Nolan
72
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There is nobody in uniform who should not respect and provide some deference to the various E-9s (regardless of the level-I.E. Brigade, Command etc) If you make it to E9, no matter what, you have steered your career in an amazing fashion. The percentage who make E9 is so small. The E9 mafia can move mountains and are a force not worth angering (because they can/will cause heartache).

That said, the bootest, greenest, rookiest 2ndLt out ranks the crustiest E9. Just the way it is.

An E9 can and should do damn near anything they want. That does not mean LT goes to parade rest. It does mean that less than 3 years of service should pay a hell of a lot of attention to more than likely 20+.

Just sayin'
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LTC Pete Moore
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LTC Pete Moore
LTC Pete Moore
8 y
NCO's model the standards, discipline, and expertise that a young LT must achieve. However that LT is responsible for EVERYTHING that happens or fails to happen. If he fails his NCO generally his PSG is culpable. NO officer, WO1 or above should stand at ease or parade rest before any NCO, however they should treat EVERY NCO and indeed E-1 / PV1 with respect. Being senior in rank means YOU set the tone in professionalism. I was commissioned as a SSG and was a little uncomfortable with my CSM- one day my Team Sargeant and the CSM pulled aside and said, "Sir you're f$&@ing charge, you are responsible for everything that happens or fails to happen. All I have to do is advise you and carry out your guidance." It was great advice and a great example of the relationship of a senior NCO and a young officer. Captain not certain if you're trying to prompt discussion or if your's was a real question but get in the regs and be a professional - don't want to be an autocrat but grab your junk and be a leader. The only times I've ever seen this debated was between "ate up" officers and NCOs. "NO" an officer does NOT stand a parade rest and any NCO that has to talk about his time in service and "earned" rank is most likely a weak NCO. Be professionals set the standards and drive mission accomplishment and your damn rank won't matter. Captain be in charge or "go to the house"- the only thing worse than a BAD NCO is a WEAK Officer!!!!
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CSM Felipe Mendez
CSM Felipe Mendez
8 y
As a previous CSM, I never expected from any officer to do such, I gave my respect tonal the same.,regardless the rank/grade, they earned it. I let my LTs know that my door was always open for them. When I saw something that maybgonthe wrong direction, I did approach such LT and let him know that if he/she trust in his/PLT SGT things can go smoother for her/him. I have to said, the LTs that I had the privilege to work with, they were and still are very professionals, and care for their soldiers. I am still in touch with must of them, some have made it to GEneral officer rank and stay have the time to say hey once in a while.
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CMSgt James Nolan
CMSgt James Nolan
4 y
LTC Paul Labrador without a doubt. (And to be honest, that green LT can still teach the old guy some things. )
My original response was meant to be saltily sarcastic, with truth thrown in.
Because the bottom line is that none of us were successful “alone”.
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COL Jonas Vogelhut
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Respect for 1SGs, SGMs, and CSMs does not end at 1LT or CPT. Many of us LTCs and COLs defer discussion when a SGM is talking. That respect continues...they have earned it. It may not be written in regulation, but I compare it to the same respect to parents, teachers, clergy, etc.

As for the silly question above about saluting, I bet the SGM will be quick to salute the LT..that is the discipline the Army has taught us all. So that LT better be ready to return the salute...and a crisp one!
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CSM Battalion Command Sergeant Major
CSM (Join to see)
9 y
Indeed. I would never not salute a 2LT. They have met the requirements for a commission and deserve respect. When I see a new 2LT I make some assumptions:

1. They have completed college so they should be able to complete multiple tasks at once. So when they are waiting for a PLT to open up I expect them to be able to manage writing simple OPORDS, manage the BN OPS calendar and take on an additional duty and be an investigating officer for a 15-6. They just finished juggling multiple classes/projects in college, managed a social life, in many cases had a job, completed their military science classes etc.

2. They have the ability to be a critical thinker so they should understand intent with just a little guidance. College SHOULD have developed this to some degree.

3. They will take ownership of a task. When given a mission or tasking they will put maximum effort into it.

I don't expect any of that from a brand new Private, and sometimes I am disappointed with a new LT, but GENERALLY they can accomplish those three things.
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SGT Richard H.
SGT Richard H.
9 y
I can't imagine why any NCO, especially senior, would not salute a 2LT. You can even take respect out of the equation if you want. It's basic customs & courtesies of the Military, and NCOs are the example-setters in that.
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CSM Jose Maldonado
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1LT Rich Voss
1LT Rich Voss
8 y
COL - please see my comment above.
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MAJ Matthew Aiken
45
45
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Of course the LT should not stand at ease for the E8/9, however; the LT should know when to yield the floor to pay attention to the lesson the senior NCO may bestow.

Quick story:
I received a commission after my first full enlistment and a job I competed for was Aide de Camp to a 1-star. I got the job and everything that came with it; to include the CSM. I learned so much during that job from both the Old Man and the CSM. It wasn't about reminding each other of rank; it's on the collar. It was about earning each other's respect thru deeds, dedication, and duty. I also learned the importance of having 2 ears and 1 mouth; to listen twice as long as I talk.
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CSM Michael Gallucci
CSM Michael Gallucci
>1 y
Major, proper perspective-well said. As I recall, it was mutual respect!
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MAJ Mark N.
MAJ Mark N.
8 y
NCO's are indeed the backbone of the Army. "Stand at ease"? No. Be respectful, quiet and eager to learn. Yes!
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