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1) Out of respect, should you call a higher ranking officer who retired sir/ma'am?
2) Within that same vein, should you call a lower ranking retired enlisted member who retired sir/ma'am? You normally wouldn't, but if you're an ENS like me, and they've given 20+ years, I feel like it's a sign of respect, regardless of rank (As well as a sign of respect to call any civilian sir/ma'am).
3) Does being retired vs serving your time and getting out change the above 2 scenarios?
2) Within that same vein, should you call a lower ranking retired enlisted member who retired sir/ma'am? You normally wouldn't, but if you're an ENS like me, and they've given 20+ years, I feel like it's a sign of respect, regardless of rank (As well as a sign of respect to call any civilian sir/ma'am).
3) Does being retired vs serving your time and getting out change the above 2 scenarios?
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Edited 3 y ago
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 17
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I tend to do that with anyone who served that I am not on a first name basis with
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I used "sir" or "ma'am" with officers, senior NCOs, junior enlisted personnel, and my commander, whether active duty, Guard, or Reserve. I also used "sir" with the 17 year old that took my order this morning at Panera Bread.
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