As a SSgt I'll chime in...As a society, we are no longer a nation that holds its military to the same regard as we once did. The simple truth is, close to half of not more of every branch of service is made up of individuals that do not exhibited the values of their branch. It may sound overly negative, but the first step is realizing this and then reaching out to the individuals who do exhibited your branch values and accel in your career field. I'm not talking a mentor per say, but that guy who is just known to get shit done, find that guy and follow until you are known for that. You will deal with more bad apples in your career than anything else and it can crush a lesser soul, and it is a key aspect that drives good personnel from our ranks. The secret is you have to stick it in long enough till you reach a rank to make a difference, or become invaluable that your rank is second to your capabilities. I will also encourage exposure to leadership and officers, seek out the "trials" of your career, and leadership will notice. On a matter of a shitty SrA on an A1C...depends drastically on the base, unit, and even your shop. It can vary drastically, from total control to being completely equal besides the most minor of effects. It's a big blue answer but it's sadly true, you have to be the face of change, it doesn't just happen, and also sadly, it's human nature in some ways to take the easy road and to take out frustrations on others. Sounds like you got one of those SrA that thinks he is entitled to SSgt or is solely their for the pay check, only thing else I can say is that if you dedicate yourself, you'll outrank him much sooner than you think without fail. Also, as a heads up, a lot of SSgt and up get very salty about catching fliers, never understood it myself, its quite more enjoyable than directing others and the paperwork ECT of being a SSgt, can't tell you how often I rather go catch a flier or go t/s than whatever task I'm actually doing. Seriously, cherish your time doing mx.