Skip to content
DUFFEL BLOG

Free military brief. No CAC required.

For more than a decade, we've deployed pitch perfect satire to service members around the world.

Join thousands of troops, veterans, and defense insiders who read Duffel Blog before breakfast.

“A must-read for national security nerds.”

—The Daily Beast
Subscribe form

Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

14years publishing
4,200+dispatches filed
20,000+readers briefed

The platoon Sergeant's guide to dealing with lieutenants

Tips to keep lieutenants powerless while still letting them think that they're in charge.

The platoon Sergeant's guide to dealing with lieutenants

Are you a Platoon Sergeant struggling to deal with a pesky young lieutenant? Do you need new ways to say "up yours" while still remaining superficially professional?

Every day, Staff NCOs just like you strive to find dubiously respectful methods to remind butter bars that they have no idea what they're talking about. Here are some tips to keep lieutenants powerless while still letting them think that they're in charge.

#1 - The Empty Compliment

Lieutenants don't often get compliments, because, let's face it, they don't often do things worth complimenting. Therefore, if you compliment them in front of others, they will be indebted to you no matter how meaningless the praise. You won't even lose face because every one except them knows you're kidding!

"Hey Sir, your platoon looked good out at the range!" It doesn't matter whether they looked good or not, or even if they went to the range at all.

More Stories

Your Cart

Your cart is empty

Browse the shop to find something you like.

Continue Shopping →
Subtotal

Add more for free shipping.

✓ You qualify for free shipping!