Are there regulations regarding talking to military members of a different branch?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:53:16 -0500

I am currently working in a TRADOC unit, because of this I also help marines on occasion. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to any army regulations regarding talking to members of a different military branch (specifically NCOs).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 6:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:55:07 -0500

When talking to members of a different branch, just remember your military bearing and observe all military customs and courtesies. What is the issue you are facing to pose this question?

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 7:00 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 19:00:18 -0500

You can talk to who ever you want. Customs and courtesies will still apply. Make sure you know or learn how to appropriately address them. Doesn't hurt to ask if you dont know. For example there is only one rank in the Marines where it is acceptable to call them Sergeant and that is a E-5. E-6 and above is by their full rank name (Staff Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, etc) good luck.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Feb 13 at 2019 8:09 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:09:02 -0500

No regulations that I know of, just normal customs and courtesy.

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made Feb 13 at 2019 8:29 PM

SSG Lyle O'Rorke — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:29:03 -0500

TRADOC reg 350-6 I believe

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 13 at 2019 8:55 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:55:37 -0500

No. Just follow customs and courtesies. What would you say that would have you worried? Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Should help you stay between the left and right limit markers

These pubs may answer other questions.
600-20, Army Command Policy, paragraph 4-3
AR 600-25, Salutes, Honors and Visits of Courtesy
DA Pam 600-60, A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 8:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:55:57 -0500

You're allowed to talk to other branches SMs. Just remember if it shines, salute.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Feb 13 at 2019 9:00 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 21:00:11 -0500

If for some strange reason you should happen to meet someone from the Coast Guard, don't talk to them. They will be a bad influence on your Army career.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Feb 13 at 2019 11:31 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 23:31:53 -0500

Can we make a deal Specialist? You show me the regulation which can tell me how to talk to women and I will show you the regulation on how to talk to members of other services. While going "by the book" can be helpful in many situations, like PMCSing a vehicle, there are other situations were common sense will give you more answers.
In this case, you should understand a few things about the culture of other services. (I will focus on the Marines as you specifically mentioned them.)

1. Like the Army they are professionals. They work hard and take pride in their work. While the stereotype is that Marines are dumb they are not. They are simply more direct in getting their mission accomplished.

2. In the Marines, NCOs are addressed by their full rank. Its "Staff Sergeant", "Gunnery Sergeant", "Master Sergeant" etc. - not just "Sergeant". Don't ask why - it just is. Officers, like in the Army, are addressed as "Sir". Easy.

3. Marine rank structure is very similar to the Army's with only a few changes. Find a military ranks poster and study it. You should be able to learn everything you need to know in few minutes.

4. While the Army places a lot of emphasis on personal appearance and physical fitness - the Marines do even more. If you are working with Marines, cut your hair shorter, workout more, and stand straighter. If you present a good image they might consider you worth talking to. Might is the key word.

5. Marines use naval terminology. If you don't know what the words deck, bulkhead, cover, port, starboard, forward, after, grinder, head, swab and watch mean - I suggest you find out.

If, and only if, a Marine busts on you for being in the Army you can then say, at the risk of getting beat up, that MARINE stands for My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment! (Other retorts can be, "They found out my parents were married." or "I wanted to join the Marines but I scored too high on the ASVAB.")

Semper Fi!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 11:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 23:53:00 -0500

You can talk to anyone you want. When speaking with Marines you generally address them by their full rank. If you are familiar with the Gunny you may be allowed to call them "gunny" but otherwise address them as "gunnery Sergeant" on your first meeting. Just like an E6 is addressed as a Staff Sergeant, not as Sergeant. All E4s in the Marines are Corporal.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 14 at 2019 12:10 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:10:15 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Just as Long as You Don't Say "Oy CTO1 Kiss My Ass" We'll Probably Get Along Fine!

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 14 at 2019 5:55 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 05:55:12 -0500

Don't worry if you do something incorrect, spontaneous human combustion is supposed to be relatively painless.

Seriously, just be courteous and respectful. You'll get the same in return.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 6:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 06:28:06 -0500

As everyone has stated, just follow your customs and courtesies. I dont know Nav ranks so I just ask them

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Feb 14 at 2019 7:23 AM

SPC Jerry Jones — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 07:23:00 -0500

All you have to remember is to KNOW their rank according to what branch of the military they are in and address them accordingly. If you are going to be working in that position, it is best to quickly learn all of their ranks and where they fall in the chain of command.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Feb 14 at 2019 9:30 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 09:30:53 -0500

The Army is not allowed to initiate conversation with the Navy, they must wait until they are spoken too...;)

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 14 at 2019 4:04 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:04:21 -0500

I don't know of any Army regulations (or any regs for that matter) that particularly address this issue. With the exception of normal customs and courtesies required by all members of the military. Its always a safe bet to always refer to the Marines by their full rank though. You cant go wrong by being extra polite.

I had Marines assigned to my MP Company back in the early 80's. Both the Navy and Marines sent their folks to Army MP school back then. They had to meet with their Gunny (Gunnery Sergeant) every day so that they "wouldn't forget that they are Marines."

Marines have a very distinct culture. Its important to remember that when dealing with them.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Feb 15 at 2019 4:48 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:48:56 -0500

Whatever you do, I'd advise you to not call a Navy Chief "Sir". It was confusing enough when we wore khakis... the new duds must make it unbearably difficult to tell if you're approaching a Chief, or an O-5. I think the other comments have the Marine Corps covered well.