Posted on Jan 8, 2020
SGT Michael Overholt
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Served in Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. I am not retired but an Honorable Medical Discharge. How would I use my rank in my signature block? Not sure if I am authorized to use "Ret.". Thank you in advance.
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Responses: 7
MSG Gary Eckert
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Edited >1 y ago
Retirees maintain their retired rank as an honorary title. When using that title they must identify themselves as retired. When a retiree works as either a federal government employee or contractor they may only use their honorary title in official correspondence if the the correspondence pertains to the retired status. For example if I am corresponding with the MTF concerning an appointment I can I identify myself at MSG(R) Eckert since the appointment is predicated on my retirement. If I am replying to an email concerning Army Doctrine that was sent to me as an Army Civilian, I cannot use the MSG(R) designation since the correspondence does not pertain to my retirement. Adding an edit, while you do not have your rank as an honorary title, there is nothing to keep you from identifying as a veteran in you signature block.
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SGT Michael Overholt
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Let me clarify. I am not looking to stroke my own ego. The company I work for does a lot for veterans and wounded soldiers. My boss mentioned putting it in my work email signature block. If this is not something normally done then I will not do it. I apologize if anyone was offended by my question. Thank you for all of your responses.
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MSG Logistics Analyst
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>1 y
SGT Michael Overholt The problem I see is that your not retired, so you cannot use that in your signature block. Just like you cannot use SSG because you were not a SSG. Does that make sense? I'm not begrudging your service to our country, as a matter of fact, i thank you for it. But you just cannot use something if you weren't what it is your saying. I hope that makes sense.
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SPC Stewart Smith
SPC Stewart Smith
>1 y
Couple things:
- As MSG William Watschinger said, you are not retired. I know of no law stating you cannot use it, but I just wouldn't use it for general customs and practice.
- I don't think you should be apologizing for asking a question, especially if you're intent was not to offend. If someone is offended, then who cares.... you meant no ill will so I feel you shouldn't need to apologize.

- Stewart: constant offender
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MSG Thomas Currie
MSG Thomas Currie
2 y
Given the circumstances you describe, I would NOT include it in an automatic signature block that would be added to all your emails.

I _might_ include a mention of former service in an email where it felt particularly relevant to that specific email considering the addressee and the content. I probably wouldn't use my former rank but just a reference to the relevant aspect of my service, something like

JOHN J JONES
Present Job Title
Former Artilleryman
or "Former 13B20" or perhaps "Past Redleg" if writing to another artilleryman.
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SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez
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I would let this one go. I've been retired from the Army for over six years, and have been working for a private company in a federal building. No one cares to tell the truth. Most of us go by first name basis even through emails. The only time I brought up the fact that I was retired and a veteran was when I first applied to the job I currently hold. Civilian world is so different, it is what it is.
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