Does a sergeant Major take orders from a Lieutenant,Captain or Major?
As you have noted, according to military law, even a lowly 2nd Lieutenant can give an order to a Sergeant Major. Any commissioned officer outranks every non-commissioned officer. In practice, it’s a bit more fuzzy. Consider the working relationships between officers and NCOs at the various levels of the chain of command. A 2LT (0-1) is in “command” of a platoon. But if he’s smart, that 2LT will treat his platoon sergeant, typically an SFC (E-7) with at least as much respect as he would give another 2LT. At the company level, a CPT (0-3) works with a First Sergeant, typically 1SG (E-8). While the “Top” has to offer a salute to the CO, and call him “Sir,” the CO (if he’s got any brains) will regard the First Sergeant as an equal. The same relationships extend all the way up the chain of command. So, how does a Sergeant Major deal with an uppity Butter Bar? He smiles and nods, salutes and says “Sir!” After the encounter, he speaks privately with the senior NCO who has a command relationsh
Yes a SGM takes orders from a LT, CPT or a MAJ. First a LT or CPT or MAJ maybe prior service and have just as much time and experience as the SGM. Second the SGM did not make his rank by not following orders. That being said, a smart officer listens to the advice of his senior NCOs. This is because the officer assumes full responsibility for the success or failure of his unit. A good SGM will follow orders but usually they do it in a way that does not cause harm to his enlisted soldiers. Also, a field grade officer will ream a junior officer who bullies his senior NCOs.
