Should O-1s really outrank Senior NCOs?

Instances like that happen when you have weak NCOs and/or a weak CDR. As a PSG, I would never allow my PL to get involved in minor issues like lunch. Any company commander worth a damn would've put that LT in his place.

However, the level of responsibility that a PL holds is befitting his pay and standing as the senior person in the PLT. Most of the shit that officers go through is behind closed doors. I have never, and would never consider going to OCS because experience had shown me that the pay is NOT worth it. Would you volunteer to take over a 5-40 million dollar property book? Be answerable for 100% of everything your PLT does or does not do? Attend countless mind numbing meetings?

What that PL needs is a PSG that will show him where his place is. Be his guide and mentor. His right hand. I, as a PSG am responsible for any skull-dragging that takes place. We NCOs do the dirty work. I don't want his job and he will never have to do mine.

You're not going to like this, but this sounds like a "hurt feelings" report.<div><br></div><div>You've got apples and oranges going here. &nbsp;The NCOs are in charge of the platoon, but that LT is responsible. &nbsp;That's something different. &nbsp;You cannot be responsible if you do not outrank the NCOs. &nbsp;"No, sir, I was just 'shadowing' the NCOs...," how would that wash?&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>This is the same argument in the civilian world where line workers complain that their manager doesn't know how to do their job. &nbsp;That's because the manager's job is completely different.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>If you think the college degree is the big distinction, it sounds more like you are the one that lacks an understanding of the officer/NCO role, even in spite of your "years of experience." &nbsp;Don't become the typical NCO that hates on officers because you imagine that they are just more senior NCOs that, in your estimation, don't deserve to be. &nbsp;I promise you, it is a totally different job.<br></div><div><br></div><div>As far as the idea of giving LTs no responsibility until they are CPTs and then handing them a company, well, that has me smacking my forehead. &nbsp;You might have headaches breaking in a new LT, but I have seen CPTs who manage to take over a company with no prior troop leading experience and it's bad (search "monkey with an AK" on YouTube to get a visual). &nbsp;Things are set up the way that they are for a reason. &nbsp;Generally, the system works; maybe not for this specific LT, but for most, and I bet in time, this LT will figure it out too.</div>

Since I moved to the commissioned ranks from the Senior NCO ranks I can't help but share my disappointment with how often I hear SPC-SFC complain about officers. Is it so hard to accept that a commission from the President gives a certain level of authority? Why would an NCO, a Soldier who has enlisted under contract, be allowed to ignore a person who has been appointed, let me say that again, appointed to an office within the Army? &nbsp;Just look at the two Oaths. Enlisted Soldiers are expected to obey orders of officers period. An officer takes an oath to do their job. "I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the OFFICE upon which I am about the enter. So Help me God" think about that. How can a 22 year old SGT compare themselves to a 22 year old 2LT? There is no comparison. You know how much my 17 years of enlisted service helped me to prepare to serve as a commissioned officer? Barely. I knew Army regs and basic stuff, but I had no appreciation for how hard LTs work. When is the last time you saw a LTC chew a SSG out? Now I will tell you an LT gets THIER butt chewed everyday by either a CPT or MAJ or LTC. It's a higher level of expectations.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>You have to look at the big picture when make assumptions about LTs flying off the handle. When I was at a field exercise I had directed a SGT to ensure services where conducted on our DRASH trailers. The next morning when I asked him how the services went he said they didn't get done. I asked why and he told me that a SSG told him not to do it. I asked him since when does a SSG trump a 1LT, let alone the XO? I went and found the SSG and asked him why he contradicted my order. He said it was cold out and it was too dark. I calmed myself and calmly said "SSG what is one of the company's METL task?" He just shook his head. I said "To conduct maintenance services in a combat or field environment. I wanted these done because we are not trained or practiced at this task." His face turned white when he realized what he had done. So I feel your frustration SGT Hill. I hate it when someone who clearly has no idea what we are supposed to be doing trumps an order. But it is less acceptable when that person is outranked. But it happens in both worlds, the only difference is your not in the BCs office when the LT is getting lit up by the Boss. Just think about perspectives before you generalize.&nbsp;</div>