Posted on Feb 17, 2017
Similar to the E-2 question, how would you react to a young 2LT who is being unprofessional with a strong sense of entitlement?
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Here's the background. You are an experienced Soldier. You walk in to the commissary to see a young 2LT shopping with a headset on. You professionally and politely get the 2LT’s attention and address the deficiency. They blatantly are rude, dismiss your comment, and tell you that those rules do not apply to him as an officer. Whether you are an Officer or Enlisted, how do you react?
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 445
As a young E4 Specialist, I had this experience which could have gotten out of hand. I was called to assist the communications section with a problem. Upon my arrival, I was briefed by the SFC of the situation. Even though I held a different MOS, I built radio systems as a hobby. After troubleshooting the tank, I discovered ezposed wires were shorting out the entire system. At that point, 5 radios had burnt. I asked, why 5 radios were allowed to burn before asking for help? The SFC advised the new Plt Leader gave the directive. I removed the tank from service and began taking the turret apart. In the middle of the repair, I overheard yelling and cursing outside. The 2LT was yelling at the EMs to put this f**king tank back on line. I respectfully introduced myself to the 2LT and advices him the CDR requested this vehicle be fixed ASAP so I directed the tank be offline until the repairs can be made. At this time,, the 2LT became verbally abusive towards me. I advised the EM to leave the area as I seen this issue is escalating. At the time, military bearing began to go out the window and I adviced him that I will not stand here and argue with you. Until you wear Signal Flags, don't tell me anything about the electrical systems of the tank! As this was said, the Brigade SIGO walks over to stop the confrontation. After listening to the situation, the SIGO corrected me regarding how I handled the situation and advised me if this should occur again, to excuse myself and inform the SIGO or Commander. The SIGO then turned to the 2LT and schooled him on military bearing and professionalism. After the repairs, the CDR completed a statement of charges for the 2LT to pay for 4 524 radios he allowed to burn knowing their were major issues. $$$ Karma is a mother! Respect is everything! Keep your cool and report any unprofessionalism using your chain of command.
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Even as a corporal I have corrected a 2nd LT (privately, calmly and politely)... It may just be a head set but the troops are supposed to be led by example. I won't mention her name but I found her with hands in her pockets in Okinawa at a motor pool with some other officers. When she walked off from the rest of them I put my hands in my pockets and spoke to her about it.. She got it... Never happened again. Not only that she was appreciative of the concern... Because at the end of the day its corporals fault when my platoon looks like a shit sandwich.
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As a retired CSM I have handled this by being respectful and reminding the 2LT who I report to
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Been there done that. Told my cwo3 and he told him basically that he's not gonna tell me how to do my job and that, as a Pfc, I could basically tell him to fuck off if I wanted
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I remind this 2d Lt. that the rules apply to all ranks, both enlisted and officer. Then if this young man is in uniform, I write down his name and ask which unit he is in. Then report to my unit first sgt about this officer, give him/her the information I collected.
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My answer would always be the same, if the 2nd LT is in uniform that head set is definitely out of uniform and I would get his name unit and name of his commanding officer. And then report him for his uncoming behavior as an officer.
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By demonstrating tactical and technical proficientcy I would get thier attention that I am the real deal and they usually followed suit,not bad people just need a little guidance,thats all.
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Same thing I USED to tell them. I had more time in the damn latrine than THEY had in SERVICE and NO, I will NOT DIE because of their STUPIDITY.
Simply start with this line " SIR, No disrespect to your RANK AS AN OFFICER but SCREW YOU as a PERSON and YOUR IGNORANCE "
Simply start with this line " SIR, No disrespect to your RANK AS AN OFFICER but SCREW YOU as a PERSON and YOUR IGNORANCE "
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