How do you deal with the soldiers/NCO's who hate Officers?

The military is similar to a team sport (think High School football) but with much more responsibility to one another with more serious consequences on the line. As indicated by SSG(P) (Join to see) & SMSgt Lawrence McCarter above, these fine folks will self select/identify and give you more reason to have that established relationship with the remaining team. People are people, they will either come around when they realize you operate as a values based professional or are so stubborn that they will not appreciate you until they no longer have you as their leader and unknown to you, they will talk you up without your knowledge...I've seen this many, many times!

CSM Michael J. Uhlig - I could not agree more. Rank is given by the military, respect is earned by the individual, and in a perfect world the individual holding higher rank would also hold the admiration of those both above and below. Though I can't speak much in regard to holding high rank (admin flag due to PT issues due to injuries), I did have the rare opportunity to be a leader without the leadership positions. Even years later in the reserves, there would be soldiers who would let a bit of rank go to their head, but the ones who were taken seriously, myself included were those (usually privates) who did not cry out "take care of the soldier" to their superiors, but rather led by example, had the respect, followed the mission to the end, and not only took care of those of equal and lessor rank, but those who also made sure their superiors were taken care of as well. There was many a SGT, SSG, SFC, etc, who were pleasantly surprised that I didn't expect anything that was not needed, and made sure that their needs were put before my own. I had everything that I needed to perform at my best, so it was my opportunity to give back as a way to ensure they could do what they needed as well.

There are plenty of people who are self absorbed, and only interested in what is best in their self interests, and the military is no exception. There were some that I didn't have to worry if things were getting done, that I didn't have to babysit, or God forbid blow the place up if I let them pump their own fuel. When I was on active duty, I was the only Petroleum Supply Specialist for my unit for 9 months. Both of the sargeants that were supposed to train me were cut orders for Korea within 2 weeks of me arriving at my unit. I did not have a replacement POL sargeant during that time, and although the supply sargeant was an amazing woman, she was not familiar with my MOS. I was very luck that the Motor Sargeant was familiar with most of it, and that he had a very good friend in an adjacent unit who was a SFC and was willing to take me under his wing to teach me the hands on part of the MOS. AIT gives a basic understanding, but the expectation is that the unit will conduct unit specific training. That usually works well, when military flukes don't happen! It wasn't perfect, but it was the perfect opportunity to gain extensive expertise in my field that I may not of otherwise had the opportunity to gain at that point. Apologies for the long reply, but I felt that this would also help others who may also encounter similar rough situations, and although it didn't seem like it at the time, it was most definitely the opportunity of a lifetime simply because I became good enough (even as a Pv2 that I was able to help teach others outside of my unit and help other units as well. All politics aside, as comes with any kind of Govt work, it was great duty, a great way to learn new skills, and I haven't found a skill yet that hasn't come in handy even now, almost 7 years after my ETS.

PV2 Daniel Sullivan - great input & spot on!

CSM Michael J. Uhlig - Thank you :)

Sir,

I was enlisted before I came on board. I'm still learning to approach all situations in a the best way but I felt like this guy was really disgruntled with the way previous leadership was. Being called a butterbar according to my instructor insinuates that i'll melt as an LT and the context of his side of the conversation was not of flattery nor did it seem like training or counseling. Engagement sounds like the best plan of action.

Also use your Senior Cheif as a guide through this mine field. The NCO in question may have a history and be on short leash from above. CPT (Join to see) -

Just read your profile and saw you are Army vs Air Force. Sit down with your 1SG and get his/her thoughts. CPT Tom Monahan -