What holds more weight an E-5 in a E-6 position or a E-5 with more time in grade? Also should the more senior E-5 be in the E-6 position?

SGT serving in a SSG position, while it doesn't impact like it may if it were a SSG serving in a SFC or SFC serving in a MSG/1SG position, it shows one's leadership that an individual has the abilities to perform at the next higher level. As far as most senior being in the SSG position, if the junior is more reliable and competent then no, however, the junior can not serve as the Rater of the more senior, that would have to be done by an actual SSG or above.

SGT,

Seniority generally rules the day unless there is a specific reason for the senior E-5 not to hold that spot. It is subjective though and sometimes seniority is overruled. In my experience the senior E-5 holds the vacant E-6 spot and is given a chance to prove he is capable. If he fails to produce then he is replaced by another soldier.

If the senior E-5 wasn't given the E-6 slot I would contact my SL or PSG and kindly ask why seniority was usurped. If they have their ducks in a row there should be a paper trail of some type indicating that you either weren't meeting the standard or the other soldier was superior. Either way, ask them to inform you why.

Obviously the E-5 in the E-6 position. It all depends on the ability to do the job. If I have a E-5 with more time in service but his performance is not up to the task then a junior E-5 will be put in that position if he or she is more proficient.

That E5 in the E6 position probably out performs that E6. That's why he was put there

Time and grade will always supercede Position. The one thing is assignment, hence if a E-5 is acting Platoon Sgt., then he was appointed by a officer, which gives him authority only with in his duty discription.

If the more senior is better qualified this yes then that person should be in the E6 position. I held several E7 positions as an E5 on active duty there was a more senior person but my knowledge help me take over that position quickly. He was not upset that he was a senior to me and he supported me as I were the senior in grade. Take Charge attitudes can take you very far but knowledge is the true power. Rock steady Sergeant

I had E-4s that held more weight than some E-5 and E-6 in the units i served. It is because of their character, values and how hard they work. Rank, time in grade, years of service are just numbers. At the end of the day the senior NCO will make his/her pick.

To answer your second question, I recall my tank platoon sergeant put his loader PFC in charge of his tank crew above the SPC gunner. Why? because of his character. A bit embarrassing for the SPC. he got the point, learned from it and 6 month later my PSG put him back in charge.

At the end of the day, "who do you trust for the job/task?"

Position. Perfect example: Division Artillery 1SG with 17 years in outranks a Battery 1SG with 21 years in. "Outside" these positions "General Authority" does. It's not that complicated.

Personally, only one thing really matters. Which is most qualified for the job. In the military, doing jobs outside your pay grade is nothing new, both up and down. If the Jr. E-5 is more qualified or shows better judgment and leadership, then the tilt should go their direction. If the Sr. is more qualified.... We all know those who are less qualified that get a position. As bad as that may seem, in my book, you should be helping to train them to become better qualified. Remember, learning and teaching isn't always done by the most senior person in the room, but the most qualified!

I was an E-4 SPC, due to college degree, and held 3 NCO positions simultaneously or so says my ARCOMs. I was tested daily and often put in parade rest because I was thought of 1st SGT favorite.