Does the Sergeant Major of the Army/Marines have to take orders from a newly commissioned 2nd lieutenant?
Theoretically, yes. A commissioned officer outranks each and every enlisted and warrant soldier or Marine. I say theoretically because the work of the Sergeant Major of an armed force of the United States works directly for officers with much higher standing (colonels, general officers) than lieutenants. The rule stands as I stated but the practicality of that rule is overcome by actual circumstances. And, a lieutenant would be roundly castigated if he/she were air-headed enough to order a Sergeant Major around just to show off his/her authority – a short career would be in store for that officer, you can be sure.
