I’m fairly certain this question applies to American and Commonwealth armies. Not sure about others.
It is frequently said that a newborn second lieutenant should listen to his sergeant’s advice, and follow it. The 2LT outranks the SGT, but the SGT has far more practical experience.
Are there any circumstances where a 2LT reasonably should overrule his sergeant? If there aren’t, then why doesn’t the rank structure reflect that?
If seen like an ordinary job Enlisted are “workers” and Officers are “leaders” and NCOs lead sections of enlisted under their control. Kind of like middle management.
NCOs don’t do big picture mission planning, lead a group of tanks, etc but they do execute the mission and they usually know what a good plan looks like. They can help a new officer understand how things will go and avoid rookie mistakes. Once the officer gets experience NCOs will still be there to advise them of course.
It’s like teaching someone how to drive. When they are new you ride along to help them learn, but ultimately they the one actually behind the wheel and you are a passenger.
Doctors and nurses, outside hire managers and the seniority worker they manage.
The most experienced person under you is the greatest asset in navigating the expectations placed upon you that only your team can make happen.
Ask for their advice, trust their council, make the hard decisions that get the job done and understand you will seldom win both camps.
