Should PFCs stand at "Parade Rest" for a SPC?

Why not? We're told "put so-and-so on X-task." A lot of times, especially in today's army, if you're not an NCO, juniors don't respect you flat out. It's a professionalism thing, in my opinion.

Reserved for the officer ranks, both commissioned and non commissioned. E1-E4 are not officers of the armed
Forces. Understand?

SFC Eric Williams - I completely understand that and agree that it is traditionally reserved as such.

1SG, I agree with the lateral appointment. Keeps folks tracking for success.

I was taught this lesson by a former platoon Sgt of mine back when I was a mosquito wing who went on to become a 1SG.....

Respect is definitely a key component to this discussion. However, I do not feel that respect can ONLY be conveyed from a PFC to a SPC by standing at Parade Rest.

Yes, agreed, but I think you may have missed my point. If by the actions that the SPC displays day in and day out, emulates Leadership that lower enlisted Soldiers look up to and want to reflect then that SPC wouldn't have to ask/tell the PFC to stand at Parade Rest, he would have done it out of respect for the Soldier because of his character and leadership attributes and not just because he is an SPC. It's just my take on it. I'm not saying it's right for the SPC to tell a lower enlisted to do that.

Richard, the point I am trying to make is this... doctrine is doctrine. It is not what the U.S. Army uses (unless it has changed in the last seven years) to determine whether it is right or wrong to have Soldiers of lesser rank stand at parade rest when addressing a SPC. Actually, I think the Ranger Regiments routinely have subordinates of SPCs stand at parade rest when addressing SPCs. And as you state above, the FM provides clear guidance on the subject, and thus, my point, that it is only guidance and can be either followed or not, which regulations are not guidance but have to be followed or if altered by a unit, the alteration has to be more stringent than the regulation. The point I was making about UCMJ is you can't administer it based on the guidance from doctrine. When I was on active duty, I relied on my Non-Commissioned Officers to keep me straight on these matters. I would ask them if there is an Army Regulation (AR) that regulates customs and traditions. Thus far, no NCO has come on the net to confirm or deny the existence of such an AR. Therefore, as a unit commander I would either follow the doctrine or have a SOP just like the Ranger Regiments if this is what I thought was necessary to maintain and sustain discipline among the ranks. Now, I personally believe having PVTS or PFCs addressing SPCs at parade rest is not necessary in Cavalry or Armor units.

Fully understand Sir and got your point. There is no regulation just this FM.

LTC Mark Gavula , I appreciate your input on this subject sir. It is just Doctrine as previously stated. I have responded that in the absence of a specified unit policy or directive regarding this issue, enlisted Soldiers should fall back on the Doctrine and execute accordingly.

SFC (P) Gilley, SFC from the Grand Rapid Armed Forces Reserve Complex, TX and all the NCOs that have been reading the comments/opinions on this topic. I have repeatedly stated that doctrine is a guide. I stated that you can't use UCMJ on someone who fails to execute doctrine as written, I stated that unit SOP or policy can direct PVTs, PFCs to stand at parade rest when addressing a SPC as in Ranger Regiments and asked what regulation covered this subject. I learned early in my career as a young dumbass cavalry platoon leader to ask my right hand man, my PSG for guidance and council especially when it came to question like this. Back in 1985, my SFC platoon sergeant had 17 years TIS, was not only technically and tactically proficient but was very mature militarily. He told me to always ask a NCO. Since he told me that I, when given the time, (METT-T dependent) I always asked my NCO not SGT what he thought or for a COA to solve a problem. I did this as a staff offer, S4, S3, SXO, SCO etc and I continue to do it today. In this case I knew there was more than doctrine to cover this subject. You all were right but did not do your homework. I asked CSM (Ret) George DeSario former Thunderbolt 7 and Fort Knox CSM and I would Have asked SMA(ret) KJack Tilley if I had to for the regulation that covered this. The regulations are AR 600-25, AR 600-20. Everyone had the right answer but could not back it up with an AR. Please, don't let your officer down and say there is no regulation but only doctrine. There is a reason why SFCs are PSGs. This is the first time in an NCOs career where he is paired with an officer, a 2LT. He is to teach and train, to advise and counsel. Why is there a 1SG and CSM. Those officers depend and trust you for your advice and counsel, don't let them down. Why do you think some officers don't trust NCOs? It is because early in there career an NCO let them down someway or somehow. I was fortunate and I trust NCOs.

CPT Mike M. , I am with you on both counts sir.

Agreed.

Might help the relationship after....sounds like ass-kissing. If the relationship was good, it would be good before that promotion. It it wasnt, its likely going to get worse.