What is the proper way of dealing with Senior NCOs as a Junior Officer?

As an E-5 I didn't have issues with the Lt's but I always saw the E-7's or E-6's give the new Lt's in the Infantry, I guess you could say a hard time because in my opinion an E-6 and up do know more the a new Officer. I know in my experience they didn't treat them bad just because, they did it to teach them faster then any Private is going to learn in the short amount of time the new officers have to be in charge of a platoon and so on. If CSM's are doing it to Capt. or a Major then yes I would say that's a problem.

Let me give you a purest Marine NCO perspective. I believe in the chain of command as much as I need air to survive. I have written countless Marines up for insubordination to 2nd Lt. and 1st Lt. Many times the officer's were not present and sometimes they were. And many times the write ups were never brought to full acknowledgement. Meaning no one was charged. The slang of butter bar Lt. when it was said in ear shot of me, guaranteed 30 days guard duty. Yes you may lack field experience but you are,an officer. As an nco, its not my direct responsibility to advise you, but rather to protect you so that you can complete the task or mission. Its not written but rather assumed that your a value asset. If a Lt ask my opinion I would give it, but offer in a private setting. Or if I though the Lt had options he may not have experienced I would offer it to my Sgt or snco. More likely then not, your best source of help and input will come from snco. But there have been plenty of situation as a Corporal where I was the head NCO. I would finish by saying you are a US Officer, while snco and above may know more about a given situation, you should never be talk to in an insubordinate manner. Speak with them privately, and suggest a better working relationship. If that doesn't work, write his ass up.

Take leadership courses yourself often as possible

Pull them aside and talk with them, one on one... Not the "I am the Officer" speech... You would be amazed how well that works...

2nd Lt. I'm a retired Senior NCO as my retired rank here portrays me to be. I was never the type of NCO to disrespect or show contention for anyone- not matter the rank. I think it comes down to this- at least in my experience. I will treat you as " I feel " you are treating me. My point of view is, a new or young Lt., needs to be taught the ropes- earn your bones, so as to speak. A good and/or professional NCO will take you under his/her wing - normally away from everyone else and teach you , give you tips etc... If you arrive to your unit as a newly Commissioned officer and have this idea in your head that hey, I'm an Officer and they will treat me with respect because I outrank them attitude, well, you will probably experience some resistance. Some NCOs perhaps, experienced over bearing - young officers long before they ran into you. Best practice is this- ask that NCO to meet you some place- a sit down kind of arrangement- coffee, a beer or even dinner or lunch. Have that important chat and express your feelings and thoughts to that NCO - allow that NCO to express his/her thoughts as well. The key here is team work Lt. and both of you supporting the others ideas in front of your soldiers is the only way. Final thought; you are not a tank commander as a Lt. but a tank rider- until you have earned your bones! So, put on your coveralls, get the wrenches you need and never fear getting down and dirty with your team! You want to see respect? HOOAH!

As a retired AF E-7 I always enjoyed mentoring and working with the Junior Officers. Most have attained 0-6 and have not forgotten me. I was never disrespectful and always gave them my opinion in private. All of them realized that if you don't take care of your troops, they won't take care of you.

For starters, don't be a dick.

How long is your career? I assume you may have some enlisted time. Did you experience this in your Reserve unit or while on active duty. Sounds like the command climate is out of control. I am not saying the disrespect is ok, but I see a bigger issue in the unit's over discipline and readiness.

Interesting post, their are many differences between a Senior NCO and a 2nd Lt some of those are certainly experience, and time in service, and dealing with soldiers in general. You should look at senior NCO's as mentors, and above all partners, a good PL, PSG match is essential in team development. No PSG wants a brand new PL marching in and changing things that may be working in any environment staff or otherwise. The company 1SG should have a handle on this issue for sure. However in staff positions its a different issue im sure. Senior NCO's do not want mirco managed, they typically do not enjoy change or rapid initiatives or doing things more than once, and expect you to understand and be in tune with whatever program that they have going, until its evaluated. You should be partners or strive to be partners with the Senior NCO's and they should be attempting to gain the same goal. If you take it as a partnership instead of who is in charge it will work out much better.

One thing that truly bothers me about an officer is shit spelling and grammar...