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I am sorry...this is too funny not to share. So four seasoned combat veterans (including myself) are in the Commassary.
One of which happens to be an Ex- MSG which he chose to wear his old rank on his jacket lapel. ( Learher bomber jacket with large letters speliling out " Combat Veteran ...the 1% Club...or something similar).
A very very young green horned 2LT with a chip on his shoulder comes from behind the cashier and starts to chew out the MSG, 1SG, SFC, and myself SSG for wearing his rank on civilian clothing ...quoting Army uniform codes, etc., etc.
We all just smiled and laughed amongst ourselves and not directly at him...
He was informed that we know the regulations, and thank you very much for reminding us VETERANS about it. This kid had to be barely 19-20.
Now, he is red mad...so red his freckles melted away...and is acting unprofessional and un-officer like...demanding that we stop walking away and render him a salute as we are near the car loading the groceries.
Before it got too out of hand with this kid...and he was acting kiddish... Not like an officer at all. We called our ace in the whole over to clear his attitude and head up a bit. LTC Manson was parked right next to us and had heard part of the ruckus.
We calmy finished our business and drove away leaving the 2LT in the good hads of the LTC.
Now I ask you...even though we were very respectful to a point, where this kid could not be talked some sense into... We're we 'wrong' for laughing at him?
I tell you...had this kid done this off post... He would have been on the blotter report in the morning and reported as in the hospital he was being so arrogant and disrespectful. Sure we laughed... But it is easier to laugh at stress than to beat the stuffing out of it!
One of which happens to be an Ex- MSG which he chose to wear his old rank on his jacket lapel. ( Learher bomber jacket with large letters speliling out " Combat Veteran ...the 1% Club...or something similar).
A very very young green horned 2LT with a chip on his shoulder comes from behind the cashier and starts to chew out the MSG, 1SG, SFC, and myself SSG for wearing his rank on civilian clothing ...quoting Army uniform codes, etc., etc.
We all just smiled and laughed amongst ourselves and not directly at him...
He was informed that we know the regulations, and thank you very much for reminding us VETERANS about it. This kid had to be barely 19-20.
Now, he is red mad...so red his freckles melted away...and is acting unprofessional and un-officer like...demanding that we stop walking away and render him a salute as we are near the car loading the groceries.
Before it got too out of hand with this kid...and he was acting kiddish... Not like an officer at all. We called our ace in the whole over to clear his attitude and head up a bit. LTC Manson was parked right next to us and had heard part of the ruckus.
We calmy finished our business and drove away leaving the 2LT in the good hads of the LTC.
Now I ask you...even though we were very respectful to a point, where this kid could not be talked some sense into... We're we 'wrong' for laughing at him?
I tell you...had this kid done this off post... He would have been on the blotter report in the morning and reported as in the hospital he was being so arrogant and disrespectful. Sure we laughed... But it is easier to laugh at stress than to beat the stuffing out of it!
Posted in these groups: 
Officers
Customs and Courtesies
Officers Customs and Courtesies
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 17
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SFC (Join to see) You guys did well and absolutely nothing wrong in my opinion. Once the clueless 2LT had lost his bearing and refused to listen though, his ass would have needed a flak vest and helmet from the verbal round "return fire" I would have given him. Had a similar incident occur to me some years back (after retiring) I come a cross a 2LT in parking lot of grocery store right outside our installation, in uniform, no headgear and a civilan scarf wrapped around his neck. I stopped him, introduced myself and attempted to explain to him (polite but blunt) of his infraction. He attempted to inform me that since I was no longer on active duty and did not out rank I had no reason to speak to him, and he would do as he "damn well please". It was all down hill from there and I went into old form, "crazy ass 1SG" mode on him and as this was going on, a former Bn Cdr of mine (since proted to COL and a Bde Commander) walked up and said, "1SG Mack", is there a problem? The LT jumped to attention, saluted as I said, "No Sir, just trying to educate one of our Army's finest....when suddenly the Colonel realized what the LT had on and also no headgear. He immediately knew what was going on and began to "in the finest Old Tradition Infantry Colonel) rip him a new butt! I just stood there smiling in a "I told you so grin" until he was finished, offered the LT my hand and said, "Sir, anytime an old Soldier offers your young ass some advise, it might pay you to show a little respect and at least a little half ass attention....we've been there, we've talked and trained hundreds of you rocket scientistss! Also, you can expect to get a call from you Bn Commander as well, as I promise you Col XXXXXX, will give him a call and let him just what an idiot you've made yourself out to be! Have a nice day LT!" I walked away...SMDH and laughing! Some just have to learn the hard way!
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Got to love 2LTs. Fortunately, I have never had major issues with any of them..Mainly because I choose to shut them down if they get crazy.. I think you all handled it well. Glad you were not off post. He is probably salvageable and hopefully the LTC squared him away.
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