Should a LT stand at ease for a 1SG or CSM?

Not according to rank structure...lt still an officer....csm still enlisted....

I would and did as a LT and a Captain but remember that context is critical. I would do so when the CSM was addressing serious issues and problems with my men. The Sergeant Major is the right hand of the BC. You would be an idiot to be disrespectful and throw around your rank. It is also ridiculous. A CSM is a Seinior NCO with many many years of experience and knowledge that far exceeds anything that a new LT or Junior CPT has accomplished or understands. I hoped by showing proper respect and deference that my CSM would instruct my green ignorant butt and subsequently they usually would. Ignore a CSMs status and knowledge at your peril. The regulations do not require you to stand at ease but that is what makes extending this earned courtesy that much more meaningful. Young Officers be on notice that you can learn more easily from your NCOs that you can from your superior Officers who are often busy with other tasks where the NCOs are allowed to be ever present in the ranks with the soldiers. I found them to be my first line instructors showing me what it was to be an Officer and leader within the Company.

When I was a SSG my new 2LT told me to go tell the 1SG that he wanted to talk to him. So like any good NCO i relayed the message to my 1SG. My 1SG told me to go tell that snot nosed kid that if he wanted to see him the LT needed to come see him, cause in Top's army a 2LT will never outrank a 1SG. All that being said a mutual respect needs to be shown no matter what rank or position you hold.

CPT (Brian) Sir.....one should always be at ease when showing respect with those you truly respect. I wouldn't let you stand there for long!

I don't believe so. I would definitely look askance if I witnessed this. The LT outranks the CSM, but it would do for the new officers to heed the guidance of NCOs. I was taught that NCOs mentor... including officers. There is a dynamic relationship formed.

No. However, one of the platoon leaders kept standing at parade rest every time he spoke to me when I became a 1SG. After several days of this, as he was walking away, I asked the commander if he was going to "fix that." He quickly replied, "No 1SG, I'm going to let him figure that out." It went on for another week or so. I suspect his PSG educated him because I would see him shake his head every time the PL did it.

A question like this just shows how far we have devoted as an army!

Not No but Hell no. That being said I never stood at Ease for them either unless the situation called for it, ie they Locked my Heels ( and Trust me it would come back to Bite them in the Ass. LOL). But my Question is why this Question would even be Asked. We have Customs and Traditions that have worked for over 240 years why are we trying to Change it. I never, but for one occasion and he came to Regret that, had any Officer ever show me anything but Respect, and it was always a Two way Street.

CPT - I see that's posted in the "humor" section, along with 1SG, CSM, and LT. Thanks for the "hearty" laugh ! What you did NOT say, but what seems to be implied (to me), is that the "Top" or CSM gave that LT the order to "stand at ease". Am I correct, or not ? That particular situation never occurred during my service, but had it, I would have looked him (or her) right in the eye and said: "Excuse me Sergeant ?" Thereby giving them the opportunity to think about how they had erred. However, my first "Top" after graduating OCS and being assigned to a unit in Germany during Viet Nam/Cold War, walked in to our platoon officers "office", placed his hands on his hips and stated: "Don't you wet-behind-the-ears butterbars expect me to salute you !" "If you have a problem with that, we can meet behind the barracks and handle it off the record, like men." "If you win, I'll salute you". I'm from the South Side of Chicago...he saluted. LOL ! We never, ever spoke about it again, but I also never heard him make that "suggestion" to any other new butterbar in our unit. Senior NCOs during that period all deserved respect, because most, if not all, had already been in combat. AND had tons of experience, so I learned much from my "Platoon Daddy". Hated when he got severely wounded in 'Nam, but he's still alive, thank God ! Respect goes both ways.

There is no documentation stating so. They can if they want, but they're not in the wrong for not doing so. Same should be asked.. Should a CSM or 1SGT stand at attention for the 1LT? If following courtesy and customs, the answer is a definite yes. Should the LT show deference to the Senior NCO out of respect for their experience, knowledge? Yes. Are they required to? No... but that will come back to bite them in the ass usually...