Disprect of a Noncomissioned officer

I was directed to write an essay on, "The Importance of not disrespecting a Senior NCO/accountability and informing your Chain of Command". I will begin by reciting the event oriented counseling statement, covering the incident at hand, defining disrespect and it's punishable offenses, covering the importance of accountability, and finally explaining the conflict which resulted in all of this confusion.

On 1 August 2009, I was given an event-oriented counseling for "Violation of Article 91 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice". This offense falsely accused me of disrespecting and disobeying SFC Murray, my current supervisor. Let's begin with a brief background to explain these extenuating circumstances that led to this particular incident.

At approximately 0615, 1 August 2009, I was asked to check the whereabouts of PFC Baker. As I was proceeded to contact the Soldier, PFC Baker approached the area where our company was conducting P.T. As I questioned the Soldier on his tardiness, he began stating that he knew there was no excuse for his absence. The SM explained that he went to the wrong location in error and when he realized where he was suppose to be, it was too late. Concerned, I then inquired about not only this incident but previous incidents that have been occurring with him within the last week. He proceeded to explain that he was overwhelmed and listed a few of the additional responsibilities that were causing him to feel this way. I then responded that we would talk about this matter further, and requested that he go to the office. As I proceeded back onto the football field, SFC Murray asked me what was going on. Because I knew she had physically seen the Soldier, I felt that it would be more appropriate to discuss this matter in private. So, I responded, "I will talk to you about it later". SGT Boddie then demanded to know why he was late and also asked why he was in the wrong uniform. Because of his demeanor and abruptness, I briefly repeated what PFC Baker explained to me, however leaving out the extra comments about the SM feeling overwhelmed. In addition, I responded, that I did know why the SM was in ACUs and walked away.

The definition of disrespect is lack of respect, discourtesy, or rudeness. In this particular incident, I was not, without a shadow of a doubt, disrespectful. The only person that was out line was SGT Boddie. Out of line, not for requiring an explanation of this event, but in his response to the situation.

In the United States Military, there are rules and regulations you must follow, one of them being respect to a non commissioned officer. No matter the circumstance, whether you agree or not, you are not allowed to talk back, physically fight back, or question judgment. As a fellow non commissioned officer, I agree with this to a certain degree. As a NCO, your not above these rules and regulations. The same respect you demand from one's subordinates, is the same respect that must be given to one's seniors. I've been in the military for approximately 12 years and have been put