Similar to the E-2 question, how would you react to a young 2LT who is being unprofessional with a strong sense of entitlement?

Well, I Know They Hate It When You Call Them "Sir",
Then Ya Toss'em The Obligatory Salute.
While Laughing At The Same Time....

There are tons of personnel in the armed forces who exhib a higher sense of judgement than other temperament types. If you've had the courage to speak up and the jerk (oh, typo... 'officer') doesn't like it - move on. Karma will catch up to that person. I'll probably catch some heat for this, but where was the harm? How much damage was done by wearing headphones that the OP is worked up over it? Everyone makes mistakes, some people just want others to be corrected for the speck of lint on their uniform - but please ignore my wrinkled dress blues.

Pass it up the Chain Of Command.

Shake your head, tell LT to have a good day, walk away....... The power of his pin is mightier than your rank.... However keep in mind "Karama is a Bitch" .... Knowing that you can smile in your head and be happy that justice will happen.

I remember a time in 87 when my dad was an E 7 in Daegu SK. He was list In thought when a 2nd lt stopped him and asked him if he stopped saluting officers.(He was only a few years older than me) My dad thought for a second and said to him " I don't know whether to salute you or burp you. The 2nd lt looked like he was about to cry lol. If you want to fix a 2nd lt, sic a NCO on him.

I would ensure that he knows that there are bigger problems in the world than wearing the wrong color of socks. Being a Nam vet, I have utmost respect for warrant officers, many of whom flew medivac choppers that would do anything to save a fellow soldier. While in Nam, there was one soldier who when he saw me approaching would walk out of his way to avoid saluting. One day I asked why he did this. His response was that he did not like to salute officers. I told him that being from the south, he can just wave and ask how am I doing. Too many people worry about s**t that means nothing. While teaching at the community and university level, I told my students that I was not their mama and that I did not care who their daddy was and that their paid tuition only earned them to attend class and work their ass off. I failed no one- their lack of effort was the reason for their failure

As a civilian - flick him in the nose.

In late 1974 at Hohenfels, Germany we were having breakfast when our platoon leader came over to our table to say good morning. We noticed he had failed to put on his rank and corps of engineers insignia. Being the smart asses that we were we greeted him by saying good morning private! He came back a minute later wearing his cap (not appropriate indoors) with his 2LT bar prominently displayed. We immediately said good morning, Lieutenant! He was a very good platoon leader by the way.

Where are your NCO’s. I still there job to make sure these types of behavior don’t happen. I am a Retired 1SG and would put the 2LT in his place. You have to be professional remain cool calm and respectful don’t get into a shouting match or s team or yelling match. Speak to him the way you want to be treated. It will turn out properly. Make sure your Ncoic, PLT SGT, and 1SG in in the loop Hooah

I was a two year soldier of Vietnam War who had volunteered for the draft. There were many times I saw someone flex their muscles or rank for minor infractions. Why? Because, they could. And, did it without considering the consequences. I was assigned to Fort Dix NJ after getting discharged from St Albans' Naval Hospital after being treated for combat wounds. I had a profile excusing me from physical calisthenics. My duty section Sr NCO expected me to return to my duty section to tackle the brigade's backlog of work. When I did not return I told my NCO that my company commander told me, knowing my restrictions, to pickup cigarette butts (Me, a non-smoker). Yep, I followed the CO orders. My NCO said he'd take care of it, and, called his boss, the brigade commander whose was a colonel. The Colonel was the CO's boss. He reamed the CO out. When I got called into the CO's office, it was apparent from his watery blood shot red eyes he had been taken to task by the Colonel. Yep, the CO was within rank. I did as ordered. The CO was rifted from the army shortly thereafter. The army was rifting officers, so it made someone's choice easier. Yep, assert your rank or the regulations.