There is the way of coming off as a bossy PL that has no right telling his soldiers what to do because they have been in country and doing actually fighting while McDonough was still at West Point. However, if LT were to come out and asking many questions, this would immediately give his men the impression that he is a classic butterbar with no actual knowledge and was going to get them all killed.

Where do you think a Lieutenant gets his “right” or authority to give orders and make decisions? Does longevity in a situation give someone authority another?

Asking appropriate questions is important and an understanding of your situation is essential in a situation like LT McDonough is in. Your Soldiers will have an expectation you have basic military and tactical knowledge, but they know you will have gaps in your experience that need to be filled.

Be care with terms like L.T. or butterbar.  You are all going to be Lieutenants, some good, some bad. Using those terms or allowing others to use them will only degrade your authority.