Posted on Sep 13, 2016
Would an E9 comply if ordered to attention by an O1?
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I was enlisted, made E5 before OCS and retired out as an O5... I have seen some E* and E9 troops that should be locked up and read the riot act, but likely not by a 2LT unless it was an issue of serious injury... but some of the comments about Jo are funny... last I remember you take an oath to take orders of those appointed over you... also different mentalities in combat arms and non combat arms units... in a cav squadron I was assigned to before OCS, the CSM would great newly assigned company grade officers... he always addressed them as "sir" but would highlight the need for a haircut, uniform issues, spit shined boots, etc. and tell them to come check with him before they meet the commander as not to have them embarrassed if the old man ate them up on the initial visit... he was squared, hard but did not talk down to the JOs just helped them look squared away... and to realize the "cav standard"...as I was leaving for OCS, called me to ask why I did not want to work to be a CSM one day... then found a LT that had recently graduated OCS to tell me what to expect... then when I was leaving to Benning he called me in and gave me a butter bar, said he was proud of me and to put that bar inside my helmet liner and when times got hard to look at the bar and focus... then told me he did not want to see me again until I was commissioned... bottom line I was more scared of CSM and did not want to let him down vs any of my tactical officers or RI's that I ever met... but as an O3, and as a field grade locked up a few SGM/CSM who truly needed it; normally out of site of troops, as well as a few WO's that needed it... same with troops, but again normally not in front of others unless absolutely necessary.. as a commander 4 times my senior NCOs new that I had their backs when it came to supporting UCMJ issues... that way troops didn't come before me for silly shit, that is easily handled by the NCO Corps, as troops knew it would be hammer time... and the NCO leadership could truly run the unit as needed... I truly believe all Officers should do two years enlisted time until they pin on their O1... when your enlisted you are trained in your specific MOS and JO's receive a little about their specific branch, but also have some training in personnel, logistics, operations, communications, etc.... just enough for orientation and the idea you will learn more specifics depending whatever job you are assigned... thus some JOs come across as book smart but no military knowledge... lastly, had a friend that was an E7 (P), and took a direct commission to 2LT... was an SF stud, Vietnam vet...Silver Star, 6 Purple Heats, master blaster, Ranger, bla bla... anyway hilarious to see him in dress blues with all his warrior awards and medals walking @ field grade officers that looked naked in comparison to this "butter bar"... he was the oldest 2LT, 1LT, CPT, and MAJ on AD... was a great Soldier's Soldier at all grades he held...
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SGM (Join to see)
LTC Steve Jordan, You have laid out some great points and I thank you for your service on both sides of the ranks. I salute you "Sir" and I am sure you can reference my comments and see the ladder ones as comments a Combat Arms Soldier would say, especially since I grew up around a lot of Vietnam Era Senior NCOs and Officers. By no mean was my comments to degrade or take awake from respecting officers or even other NCOs. I know what a professional leader should do and how to conduct myself in such a manner. If anyone new our Former Chief of Staff "GEN Casey", he was a great leader as a Battalion Commander and an Outstanding Leader as the Army Chief of Staff. I knew the UCMJ manual from cover to cover so as AR 600-20 "Army Command Policy" as well. Those were the key manuals that always kept me on the straight and narrow in which I knew the do's and the don'ts. It was my duty to respect the rank but I didn't have to respect the person, I lived and breath the UCMJ, Military Customs and Courtesy Manual and would eat others lunch for not abiding by them. Thanks for your outstanding comments "Army Strong".
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SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates
The thumbs up was in direct response (and cheers) to the part about not disappointing your SGM/CSM, especially those who went to bat for you, bragged on you, or arranged for you to get special recognition based on a high opinion of you. I put my body through more abuse just so I could maintain the perceived high standard set by my SGM/CSM. I made sure I was always prepared to face them, especially since I had to work with them or meet with them on any given day. I was less apprehensive about any one officer I ran across than the senior enlisted I worked with.
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The best thing I ever witnessed was on my first day at my first duty station. I was a E-2 Airman and didn't know anything. As I was walking up the stairs to report into my SQ, there was a brand new butter bar in front of me. Coming down the stairs was a Chief (E-9), who saluted the 2nd Lt and said "good morning Lt." As they passed the butter bar thought it was his job to stop the Chief and bring him to attention and "fix" his salute. After being dismissed, the Chief put his stuff in his car and went back up the stairs to the SQ. About an hour later, I was sitting next to the same butter bar doing some inprocessing on the computers. A Capt came into the office and asked for the butter bar to come with him, saying " the Commander would like to talk to you." The LT walked into the office and gave a reporting statement, the CC turned and looked at the couch and asked the Chief sitting there if he would like some more coffee. The Chief said no, I am good Sir. The CC asked the Chief to go about his day and he would meet up with him later. The LT was still holding the salute as the Chief walked by and then the CC asked the Chief to close the door behind him. The door and walls were thin enough to hear ever word that was being said to the LT and where he rates in this military. I believe the phrase, "The man you corrected his salute has more time in this military than you have alive."
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Way back when I was a 2LT (1969, Ft Bragg, Airborne), I watched the Bn CSM just completely ream out a PFC for failing to salute the Co CDR. "Good," I thought. We need discipline . Not one minute later, the same CSM walked past me, looked me in the eye and didn't salute. Yes. I locked his heels. And There were no trips to the Bn CDR or any such nonsense. I had his respect from that day forward. No matter what you might think of 2LTs, they are officers and SGMs and CSMs are enlisted and there is protocol. Throughout my career, I always relied on my NCOs and I always had their back. I would never have tolerated any of them disrespecting even a 2LT.
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Yes, the CSM/SGM would have to comply. But there is much more to this issue. Why are the SGM/CSM and 2LT having a disagreement? What could they possibly be talking about where there is disagreement? Where is the 2LT's PSG and why isn't he involved in this? If the SGM/CSM and 2LT are disagreeing and it comes to the 2LT pulling rank, things have already gone downhill where really the only option the SGM/CSM has at that point is to snap to, say "yes Sir!!", and move out. THAT is what a squared away SGM/CSM would do. Disrespecting the 2LT is not something I would expect from a SGM/CSM.
NOW, the 2LT can most likely expect a chat forthcoming from the SGM/CSM's commander (a LTC at the least) and depending on what the disagreement was, it will be a learning experience for the 2LT. SGM/CSMs don't get to where they are by not knowing a lot of stuff. I imagine an apology from the 2LT to the SGM/CSM would be forthcoming after that chat. I have had 3 CSMs during my command time and 2 of them were outstanding. My subordinate officers understood that if the CSM was telling them something, 99.9% of the time the CSM and I had already discussed it and he and I were on the same page. The other .1% of the time the CSM knew my intent and command philosophy and they would be wise to listen to him. The Bn CSM and Bn XO are what I call freebies. Subordinate officers should seek out their counsel and do it often. That said, I would personally get a kick out of a 2LT with the balls to lock the heels of my CSM and would probably rag my CSM mercilessly (behind closed doors of course) if it happened to him. But if that ever happened, unless my CSM was so wrong as to violate UCMJ or get somebody injured, the 2LT would learn to never do that again. My approach when disagreeing with any subordinate is to hear everything, make a decision, then have them execute. The only time you should have to pull rank is when someone is disrespecting a superior. When that happens, the subordinate has lost military bearing and the superior has allowed conditions to fester where the subordinate feels it is acceptable to disrespect them. Not good no matter how you look at it.
Regarding addressing Soldiers, I always call them by their rank and last name. No first names. They earned their rank and whatever it is, deserves respect, a Private as much as a General.
NOW, the 2LT can most likely expect a chat forthcoming from the SGM/CSM's commander (a LTC at the least) and depending on what the disagreement was, it will be a learning experience for the 2LT. SGM/CSMs don't get to where they are by not knowing a lot of stuff. I imagine an apology from the 2LT to the SGM/CSM would be forthcoming after that chat. I have had 3 CSMs during my command time and 2 of them were outstanding. My subordinate officers understood that if the CSM was telling them something, 99.9% of the time the CSM and I had already discussed it and he and I were on the same page. The other .1% of the time the CSM knew my intent and command philosophy and they would be wise to listen to him. The Bn CSM and Bn XO are what I call freebies. Subordinate officers should seek out their counsel and do it often. That said, I would personally get a kick out of a 2LT with the balls to lock the heels of my CSM and would probably rag my CSM mercilessly (behind closed doors of course) if it happened to him. But if that ever happened, unless my CSM was so wrong as to violate UCMJ or get somebody injured, the 2LT would learn to never do that again. My approach when disagreeing with any subordinate is to hear everything, make a decision, then have them execute. The only time you should have to pull rank is when someone is disrespecting a superior. When that happens, the subordinate has lost military bearing and the superior has allowed conditions to fester where the subordinate feels it is acceptable to disrespect them. Not good no matter how you look at it.
Regarding addressing Soldiers, I always call them by their rank and last name. No first names. They earned their rank and whatever it is, deserves respect, a Private as much as a General.
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According to regs yes but reallity, no, never seen it, won't happen. There was a LT whom during a 101st division run tried to pull that on the division SGM, that SGM not only put him in his place but that LT also received a GOMOR for the division commander
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The best example I can think of under these circumstances was one I personally experienced ... back as a young airman working in-shop maintenance on sensitive electronic equipment, in the middle of a delicate calibration, the shop was called to attention when a visiting general was escorted through .. I alone didn't stop, nor did I stand. Someone came up behind me and asked me what I was doing, I explained without taking my hands or my eyes off of my job ... over my shoulder I heard someone arguing that I was disrespecting a general officer ... the next question I received was 'what would happen if you stopped in the middle of what you're doing right this moment' .. I replied, still not looking over my shoulder or stopping, 'loss of several manhours, & the delay of a mission waiting on this repair Sir. This equipment calibration would have to be restarted from the beginning, and this is a time sensitive need' ... all those behind me moved away & moved on ... with the general admonishing his escorts as they moved away, that he wasn't there to interrupt the mission, he was there to observe how we do our jobs meeting the mission! Apparently I fulfilled that, because other than the usual break table give & take later on, I never heard anything else about it, LOL. I believe it comes down to prioritizing protocol vs reality - as others have mentioned, RESPECT! Know the circumstances & who or what you're dealing with!
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As an NCO with near 8 years experience in the Army. I have seen several E-9's, all of them I would dare say we're the epitome of professionalism. We're I in their shoes, I will do as instructed. Even as a young SGT, I find myself consistently educating new PLs/Pilots about they way we operate in the hangar. I do not tell them how to do their jobs, that is the CDR'S role. I ensure they are educated and advised so they make the best decisions for the unit, as is their role. With these experiences, utilizing appropriate tact and respect will never get you Locked Up, especially if they understand what an NCO really is... keyword is BACKBONE.
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I would say no, primarily to stir it up, and say what we all really know.
It is true that enlisted swear to uphold orders from officers appointed over them. If you are a Sergeant Major, there is a distinct line of who is appointed over you; you are by no means "second in command" as is a common misconception but at the same time... You technically don't fall into the chain of command at all! You answer to the Commanding Officer- your sole purpose is to ensure that he is safe, looks great, and is able to make the best decision possible through your advice... A 2nd LT is not involved in that system, nor is one ever appointed over an E-9 (if so, a rarity). SNCOS in general are there to advise the commanders to make the right decision. Demanding this in public or private is doing the service, well, a disservice, and will ensure that the senior enlisted may think twice about molding a good officer.
Essentially, if you are a commissioned officer, you better have a damn good reason for putting anyone above E-6 at attention in public. It has it's place and time, to be sure, but keep in mind what messages that sends to juniors, because there is a lot, like: do I respect this senior enlisted now? Do irrespective this micromanaging officer now? Do I want to get promoted? Do I want to reenlist? And many others.
It is true that enlisted swear to uphold orders from officers appointed over them. If you are a Sergeant Major, there is a distinct line of who is appointed over you; you are by no means "second in command" as is a common misconception but at the same time... You technically don't fall into the chain of command at all! You answer to the Commanding Officer- your sole purpose is to ensure that he is safe, looks great, and is able to make the best decision possible through your advice... A 2nd LT is not involved in that system, nor is one ever appointed over an E-9 (if so, a rarity). SNCOS in general are there to advise the commanders to make the right decision. Demanding this in public or private is doing the service, well, a disservice, and will ensure that the senior enlisted may think twice about molding a good officer.
Essentially, if you are a commissioned officer, you better have a damn good reason for putting anyone above E-6 at attention in public. It has it's place and time, to be sure, but keep in mind what messages that sends to juniors, because there is a lot, like: do I respect this senior enlisted now? Do irrespective this micromanaging officer now? Do I want to get promoted? Do I want to reenlist? And many others.
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As an enlisted service member, he/she should. That being said, any o-1 who gave that order would have to have the largest pair GOD ever put on somebody.
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By regulation yes. I once had the opportunity to see an O-3 attempt to "lock up" an E-9. I was in the SPT Plt in 1/33 AR back in 2000. We had just returned from a two week FTX and the BN CSM had held Bn formation and and put out that every swinging jack was to be out of Bn Ao in thirty minutes. The HHC Co had decided that because a work order for a pair of NVG's was not in the Arms room and until it was found. Well about twenty minutes goes by with the entire company standing in formation and the CSM pops his head out of the BN office and with some very colorful language asks what we were doing. The senior PSG proceeds to tell him and the CSM states that he will be leaving his office in three minutes and anyone still in the Ao will be trimming his grass because they can't follow orders. No sooner than CSM goes into the building then the Co CDR comes out and calls the company to attention. Halfway thru the commanders briefing then the CSM and LTC come walking out. The CSM is livid and Yells out "I thought I said for you F0*ks to beat feet. The Co turns and then proceeds to lock up CSM and tell him that it is his company and he will dismiss it when he is ready. CSM doesn't say a word just stands there at attention smiling. At this point we hear "Captain, A word please. CSM dismiss this company". You guessed it. The Bn Co standing off to the side wondering why a O-3 is dressing down "His" CSM and in front of the troops to boot. For the rest of that captains tour as commander he didn't go against anything that the CSM put out in a formation again
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CPT (Join to see)
Holy balls. To do that, in front of the BC!! Oh to be a fly on the wall during that convo.
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CSM Andrew Perrault
Let me get this straight to Co Cdr holds formation and is briefing the Soldiers and halfway thru the brief the CSM come out and interrupts his brief with colorful language? In my view the CSM was way out of line and so was his BN Co he should of never let the CSM dismiss the company and where the heck was the 1SG? All kinds of wrong here......
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SGT (Join to see)
CSM Andrew Perrault - I will admit that those of us in formation were unsure of what was going on. At the time none of us were really aware. The SNCOs were tight lipped and quiet about it. One of my battles did say that he heard our PSG mumble oh shit but since its second hand I can't substantiate it
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Everything depends on the situation, BUT that being said, if the 2nd Lt./Ensign was issuing a legal order. yes, the E-9 would have to comply, otherwise good military order and discipline goes right out the window. Now what would happen to that young officer is probably this: he would be counseled by a higher ranking office within his chain of command or department. Back in the old days, the E-9 would have a "chat" with some of the NCO's within that officer's unit who would "mysteriously" stop being so helpful to that young officer. Once he falls on his face a time or two, he might learn that you don't spit into the wind; you don't tug on Superman's cape; and you don't mess around with E-9's.
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I heard a story once....maybe some of you have heard it....maybe its factual, or maybe its one of those Old Wives' Tales, but I'll share it anyway:
At Quantico, VA, where among other things lies both the USMC Officers' Candidate School, AND the Marine Security Guard Battalion/School (read Embassy School) ... A freshly graduated 2LT was walking in opposite direction of the MSG SgtMaj during a lunch break (back to their work areas towards the end of their lunch times). The 2LT called out the SgtMaj for not rendering a salute.
(You can already see where this is going)
The E9 had another younger Marine walking behind him a bit...asked him to come with him as he needed a witness...and walked this young 2LT and the (E5 i think) to the HQ of the OCS, and demanded to see the BnCO, BnXO, and BnSgtmaj in the lobby. They all came down within about 5-10 minutes. The MSG-E9 tore into all of them, very sternly yet borderline respectfully...and said "I don't know what on God's Green Earth you are teaching these young Officers around here...but you don't get to be the SgtMaj of anything to do with Embassy units without being a bit heavy on the decorations, and as the rest of you can see, I happen to be wearing the MoH amongst my awards...and its been years that I've "had" to salute anybody, although I generally will return one out of respect...and now you people got me wondering just what in the hell else I have to do to earn some of my own damn respect around here...and I'm quite certain that both Enlisted and Officer training programs discuss what the MoH looks like and that it is supposed to be saluted even if its worn by a PFC..." Supposedly the young 2LT got recycled on the spot and had to redo his entire OCS, and some of their instructors were chewed out by the BnCO there.
I personally heard this from the specific E4-E5 "witness" himself (I know he made E5 at some point, I'm just not sure if he was a Corporal at the time). My guy tells me he wasn't exaggerating one bit. And I've been through the same MSG school myself...and I will tell you that nearly all of their instructors are highly decorated E7s, who have all done stints as DIs, Recruiters, AND (not and/or, but all of these) members of Embassy units as Detachment Commanders (usually an E6 billet at minimum, some higher depending on size/location of Embassy)...as those are the minimums to become an MSG Instructor. So it makes sense to me that their unit E9 would be even more "stacked".
Just saying. =)
Semper Fi.
Im sure some of you might think this is a BS kind of story...but we ARE talking about the Corps here...and it does pass the initial sniff test. Especially on a SgtMaj who may have been one of those guys in for 30+ years and been around since 'Nam (this was around 1995 or so). I do disclose that i cannot confirm this however.
At Quantico, VA, where among other things lies both the USMC Officers' Candidate School, AND the Marine Security Guard Battalion/School (read Embassy School) ... A freshly graduated 2LT was walking in opposite direction of the MSG SgtMaj during a lunch break (back to their work areas towards the end of their lunch times). The 2LT called out the SgtMaj for not rendering a salute.
(You can already see where this is going)
The E9 had another younger Marine walking behind him a bit...asked him to come with him as he needed a witness...and walked this young 2LT and the (E5 i think) to the HQ of the OCS, and demanded to see the BnCO, BnXO, and BnSgtmaj in the lobby. They all came down within about 5-10 minutes. The MSG-E9 tore into all of them, very sternly yet borderline respectfully...and said "I don't know what on God's Green Earth you are teaching these young Officers around here...but you don't get to be the SgtMaj of anything to do with Embassy units without being a bit heavy on the decorations, and as the rest of you can see, I happen to be wearing the MoH amongst my awards...and its been years that I've "had" to salute anybody, although I generally will return one out of respect...and now you people got me wondering just what in the hell else I have to do to earn some of my own damn respect around here...and I'm quite certain that both Enlisted and Officer training programs discuss what the MoH looks like and that it is supposed to be saluted even if its worn by a PFC..." Supposedly the young 2LT got recycled on the spot and had to redo his entire OCS, and some of their instructors were chewed out by the BnCO there.
I personally heard this from the specific E4-E5 "witness" himself (I know he made E5 at some point, I'm just not sure if he was a Corporal at the time). My guy tells me he wasn't exaggerating one bit. And I've been through the same MSG school myself...and I will tell you that nearly all of their instructors are highly decorated E7s, who have all done stints as DIs, Recruiters, AND (not and/or, but all of these) members of Embassy units as Detachment Commanders (usually an E6 billet at minimum, some higher depending on size/location of Embassy)...as those are the minimums to become an MSG Instructor. So it makes sense to me that their unit E9 would be even more "stacked".
Just saying. =)
Semper Fi.
Im sure some of you might think this is a BS kind of story...but we ARE talking about the Corps here...and it does pass the initial sniff test. Especially on a SgtMaj who may have been one of those guys in for 30+ years and been around since 'Nam (this was around 1995 or so). I do disclose that i cannot confirm this however.
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LTJG (Join to see)
Great share! MoH recipients are honored above all else. I'm sure you could find the validity of this story by cross referencing the career history against any Marine MoH recipient in the last 30-50 years.
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There are Leaders and then there are managers. CSGMs and Command CMSGTs have been successful or they wouldn't hold the rank. True Leadership is a rare talent. Most folks just entering the service do not possess that talent(yet). Respect is a two way street. I was lucky enough to follow my Cmsgt on two different assignments. He was crusty as they come but he had the respect of just about everyone above and below him. He respected hard work and courtesy. He did have an exchange with a junior officer who was being disrespectful. He handled it with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, our squadron commander got wind of what took place, and the officer was reassigned. I asked the Chief about it and he said that it was a shame because he thought the officer had potential that he could help develop. My respect for the man grew even more.
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SSG (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) (just because you asked) - The phrase "do what your rank can handle" immediately comes to mind...
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) and LTJG (Join to see) - He's also SF. In big-boy-rules communities, if you have to pull rank, something has gone completely astray.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
SGT (Join to see) - You are absolutely correct. The only LTs in SF, are support guys. They respect us as we do them. There is no need for a Lt to try to lock me up. The only way this would happen is if maybe he wasn't in the unit and I crossed paths with him in let's say the PX. Even then most 0-1s are like 20 years old. They're rank will not suffice. If they were smart they would get they're point across without pulling rank. Then we can both go on our merry way.
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MAJ (Join to see)
MSG, I hate to burst your bubble but rules dont change for Military Courtesy and Respect simply because a Soldier is SF. As a 1LT, I had a SF Team NCOIC disrespect me. At first I was going to let the situation go but I decided to address it as I was extremely bothered by his actions. I went in to the same room he did and found him. I informed him that is actions were not those of a SNCO and he should not continue to do so. He response was that he as a Team NCOIC and only answered to his Team CPT. At which point, I informed him that his actions had nothing to do with the team and he was wrong and as a SNCO he should know better.
Being a prior SNCO myself, I always inform the 1SG/CSM of the SNCO of what I did and why, this time it was a CSM who I worked with a daily basis. Anyway, when the SFC reported to the CSM for another subject, he was informed that I as a 1LT was absolutely correct and he was wrong. He also informed the SFC that I was prior enlisted with an extreme amount of prior services and he was extremely lucky I did not report the situation my Boss. I highly doubt that SFC would forget that lesson anytime soon. Military Courtesy and Respect doesn't change simply because a Soldier is part of SOCOM.
Being a prior SNCO myself, I always inform the 1SG/CSM of the SNCO of what I did and why, this time it was a CSM who I worked with a daily basis. Anyway, when the SFC reported to the CSM for another subject, he was informed that I as a 1LT was absolutely correct and he was wrong. He also informed the SFC that I was prior enlisted with an extreme amount of prior services and he was extremely lucky I did not report the situation my Boss. I highly doubt that SFC would forget that lesson anytime soon. Military Courtesy and Respect doesn't change simply because a Soldier is part of SOCOM.
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An O1 (Ensign -Navy) and an E9 (Master Chief- Navy) crossed paths in a Training command; the O1 stops and sees that he wasn't saluted and Turns around to the E9 to say "excuse me Master Chief did you forget something?" , The Master chief looks back perplexed then says "Oh I suppose I did", Master Chief reaches into his pocket and pulls out a Navy Coin and Tosses it to the O1, "Here" he says!, "tell your mother you met a real sailor today!" then goes about and carries on with his day.
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Yes the E9 would have to based on rank. How ever the E9 was promoted how many mor times than the LT.? Officers should not be in position based on the fact that they went to college. Most NCO's have more experience in lofe than most Officers have in Rank. You should not be able to be an Officer until you are an E4.
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CPO Robrandt-Paul Sy Go
What's the difference between a Seaman and an Ensign?
A Seaman has been promoted twice.
A Seaman has been promoted twice.
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Having been a CSM at the BDE level this would never happen but if it did I would comply.. I promise you it would never happen unless the E9 was a shit bag. That LT would be almost murdered by the COL or LTC..
There is a rank structure but when you have a CSM most officers respect that and know the boundaries and I as a CSM would never put myself in a position to cross that.
There is a rank structure but when you have a CSM most officers respect that and know the boundaries and I as a CSM would never put myself in a position to cross that.
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Respect for rank is one thing. Disrespect from a man child is quite another. I never stood up for anyone less the field grade in my orderly room BTW...
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SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates
Sometimes you have to sit down in order to service the person. I sat for a lot of SNCOs in my time. I had to in order to process their retirement packets. They were consistently glad about this.
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My father retired 30yrs Sgt Major USMC. In my late 20's I attended an event with my parents. Walking up to the building, I was beside my mother, not paying attention, my dad was coming around to walk curb side. The Generals car was approaching ... my dad almost knocked me down, telling me to get out of the way. He stopped and saluted the passing General. RESPECT.... for my dad.
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I know i got out as a PV2... But. I was in S3, was my commanders driver for a time, then was my S3 sgtmaj driver afterwards. I've seen fresh from westpoint butterbars rip into CSMs a few times, to very bad effect for the 2LT. On the same note, saw one tore up 2LT park in one of the "GENERAL OFFICER" spots at the PX and get his head ripped off by my Bde. CSM, guy tried to act like he didn't know what "GENERAL OFFICER" meant... We need more info on the realistic situation. I as a fuzzy corrected my SFC platoon SGT about his ACUs being jacked up, just said "SGT *******, your boot lace is hanging out, just thought you'd like to know." he fixed it, then thanked me for pointing it out to him in a way that didn't bring everyone elses attention to the issue. Tact people, tact.
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SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates
What kind of Private would you be if you did not politely let your Platoon SFC know this? You may have saved him from redface before a big meeting. Subtlety is always welcome.
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