Posted on Feb 17, 2017
MAJ Company Commander
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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?
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SSG Roger Ayscue
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hide his GPS before the next field problem
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1stSgt Tim Martin
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I have had this happen as a 1st Sgt. Air Force. I politely and quietly explained to the Lt. that the rules applied uniformly regardless of rank. The person who signed the regulation was a Major General, so if he wanted to discuss the rules with him he was welcome to. I also explained that he was much better off with me providing guidance than to be corrected by one the the Colonels on base, who would certainly not be polite, and with them it WOULD make it back to his Commander. The Lt. saw the light. What I told My NCO's: Polite, Professional, Prepared.
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SFC Rick Brooks
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my thought would be to ask since when do uniform regulations change 670-1 describe proper use and wear of Uninform. I would also ask who he belongs to then approach his CSM with the situation
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SGT Jerry Palmer
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Edited 3 y ago
Yes, you follow him when he gets off post an tap on his shoulder then, slap the fire outta his ass, until he becomes compliant. Let me know and I would be glad to help you. The treeline is how we use to do it. He will of course bitch up and tell daddy, But enough times he will stop. Never admit guilt unless they show you proof. That's how you deal. When you go to the field is also a good time. Gets real dark at night time in the woods. Pota-Potties get strapped shut and tipped over, you know how it goes. Many ways to deal.
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SFC John Gilmore
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I remember when CSM Gaweda (505th PIR) said "Not every soldier has an officer, but EVERY soldier has a sergeant"...and let's face it... the care and feeding of Lieutenants is NCO business. They may end up as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs one day, so we as NCOs have what I believe is a duty to correct and mentor them even if it isn't easy.
Many years ago (when 81s were at company level) I ended up as an E-5 PSG. We got an Lt just out of IMPOC who knew everything in the world about mortar gunnery if you know what I mean... with an attitude!
We were practicing for the upcoming mortar SUEs and working on laying in the guns. I asked the Lt if he had declinated the Aiming Circle (he hadn't of course) and he gave me a ration of fecal matter for daring to question his competence. When we laid the guns... they were pointing exactly backwards.
Back in garrison the next morning, this young Lt found a 4" wide red line painted around his desk in the CP. When he asked "sergeant, what is this??" I replied "Sir, that is a Lieutenants line, also known as the line of decision". I explained that when he crossed that line into my AO he'd better start listening...or expect a round 2 mils outside the safety fan at the next live fire.
He turned white and sat down.
Years later I ran into him as a LTC, and after salutes were exchanged he shook my hand and told me that the Lt's line was the best thing that ever happened to him.
Never be afraid to correct, never fail to mentor.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
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Edited 3 y ago
WHAT Would I DO?
Somewhat Depends.
But It Helps To Know What Direction He's Looking In,
And Whether Or Not He Can Actually See Who
Smacked His Head With The Base Ball Bat.
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CDR Tom Davy
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I'm a Commander. I'd talk to him privately and educate him on the spot.
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1SG Ernest Stull
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I would do what any good NCO should do in he is wearing headphones. I would draw him by my side and out of sight and sound of others in the Commissary and quote to him with respect and intimidation the army regulation on the wearing of headphones. I would explain why he cannot wear headphones on duty. Furthermore, I would give him a PD class on leadership and setting standards. If all else fails, get his Name Rank and unit and call his command and let them deal with it.
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MCPO Hans Brakob
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You did your job by informing him of the problem.
Break contact and carry on.
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SPC EOTrees Myles
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As we read this we all agree that this 2LT is arrogant but being as professional as you could be, once he's reminded that he's unbecoming as a officer, trust me someone with much higher rank would notice and set this arrogant unprofessional officer at attention and give him the what for and what should he be acting as. Trust me if wouldn't fail that he's not being noticed. I would keep professional and always together, cool as a breeze.
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