Posted on Jan 29, 2020
Can a SNCO authorize something that a junior officer has to enforce?
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I know officers out-rank NCOs, but if a SNCO temporarily authorizes something to a group of soldiers, does a junior officer have to enforce it? Example: SMA Grinston is visiting the 505th IR and is wearing a fleece cap because it’s cold out, therefore everybody in the battalion pulls theirs out. Although it’s on a questionably cool morning that a company commander wouldn’t normally authorize. Does he let it slide out of respect to the SMA, or is there a regulation that gives the SMA authority over CPT so-and-so? Completely hypothetical question out of curiosity.
Rank
Time in Service
Respect
Army Regulations
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 13
Some times, there is no logic, rhyme or reason...other than leaders want everyone to look uniform. For example, this one time at FT Irwin many many many moons ago, we were in formation with our sleeves rolled up. Someone saw 1SG making his way to the formation with sleeves down. Everyone in formation, to include the Officers, went sleeves down.
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PFC Jon Stoltzfus
Interesting that you said including the officers, especially since it was 1SG. Sounds like it is just a respect to TIS
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I would let it slide. Especially something so minor. The guy has earned my respect through his years in service. Too many young officers try to play the rank game I think. Just because rank says you can doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes you just need to pick your battles.
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Sometimes it goes beyond regulations. It is not wise for a junior officer to lock horns with a SMA (who no doubt has personal friends in a position to make the junior officer's life miserable). That said, I feel the SMA should choose their battles too. I know, this doesn't answer your question with regards to the legal part. I admit I haven't a clue on that part. Leaders should know when to get along to get along.
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MSG (Join to see)
SGT Robert Pryor , yes it is very unwise for a Junior Officer to lock horns with a SMA...or even a CSM for that matter. I once witnessed a fresh 2LT tell the Regimental CSM to stand at attention while talking to the LT. And yea, the 2LT was right.....but oh oh oh so wrong at the same time. Never did see that 2LT again after that situation.
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SGT Robert Pryor
MSG (Join to see) - I was hardly in the Army long enough for a cup of coffee, and just barely made junior NCO, But I was in the Army long enough to witness something similar to what you described -- in my case it was a 1LT against a MSG. It wasn't pretty. I accidentally walked in on the 1LT speaking with our CPT about it, but didn't catch much of the the conversation. The 1LT had tears running down his face and asked for any assignment -- anywhere else. Which he was granted. Being low man on the totem pole, I never told anyone in my unit about it. That was over 50 years ago. You may all find it incredible that they are both in my contact list on my phone, and put the incident behind them. Sometimes you just have to learn the realities of military life that go beyond regulations.
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