How, as a junior enlisted soldier, do I address an NCO in my section that has a terrible work ethic?

Invite them to a corner, stand at Parade Rest, and start by saying, "SSG, I didn't want to say anything but I think you have to know." At this point they'll be wanting to know what you have to say which will allow you to say, "Permission to speak freely SSG." Then they'll look at you weird but say, "Sure what is it!?" Then you proceed to lay in that ass...but please try to speak professionally and tactfully. Watch what you say and how you say it. They may attempt to cut you off at times (if they're a crappy leader which is what it sounds like) and that's ok, that usually means they know they messed up but are trying to pull the rank card. Simply let them rant while you remain a Parade Rest saying ROGER SSG,...ROGER SSG. Then once they pause, if you need to get more off your chest then do so. Rinse and Repeat as needed.

Very careful on how you approach the situation! Focuse on your job, demonstrate your mastery of the trade at your level (perhaps one or two higher), if possible take care of your peers, and after establishing your self as the leader who is really making stuff happen at the section -the former 2 times commander in me tells me - use that wonderful tool at your disposal call open door policy. Bring the issue to your superiors. As a future NCO you ought to care for Soldiers at all leves. Remember: "Competence is my watch-word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind: Accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers."

A lot of time soldiers are worried about what NCOs are doing if he or she is your section SGT then nine time out of ten he or she might really be handling business. I.e. Paperwork meetings things of that nature that has to be done especially if you are in a maintenance company. As a specialist u should be working at that nco level so that might be a reason y he or she leaves cause they trust that the mission can run continuously with he or she handling what they need to handle... Lower enlisted these days try to always check up when they really are the ones who carry the work load.. Now I'm not agreeing with them leaving u swamped but things do happen at the nco level that basically has to be done regardless of your approval or not..remember that you have your lane the nco job is to take care of your needs and train you to standards sounds like they trust u guys enough to handle your level work load without supervision now the other side of that is he or she can micro manage you all day dictating your breaks how long u work will hinder how you grow as a soldier.. one thing that people who responded forgets with all due respect is that is as leaders have our work load also and if a group of Spc can't handle they work load while they supervisor is i.e. At training meetings which last all day doing they job at that nco level then the soldier would have been failed So I charge you to be the standard barrier at your level show u are a leader by doing and getting the job done make that maintenance section depend on you to complete the mission and see how far you go with that work hard attitude then when u become an nco I guarantee you will see the difference cause your leader ship style will adjust from your experience or what you feel is wrong