Posted on Feb 13, 2019
SPC Squad Member
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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).
Posted in these groups: Rules and regulations RegulationB04bb539 Marines
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Responses: 16
GySgt Retired Marine
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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.
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GySgt Retired Marine
GySgt (Join to see)
5 y
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P Yeah I have seen it a few times amongst services. When I was overseas and dealt with a Sergeant First Class, I kept addressing him by his full rank. He then said "Bro, it's just Sergeant." He was like you Marines are so disciplined with the rank. When I went to a Joint School at Lackland, I ended up just asking in the class how to address everyone of different ranks and services E-4 to E-7 all branches. I have never been mad about not knowing by other services. I just politely correct them. Now Marines who mess up a rank. Well they got chewed up and spit out. Lol
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SFC(P) Drill Sergeant
SFC(P) (Join to see)
5 y
How everything changes over time. I bust balls every time I see staff sergeants. I purposely call them Sergeant. I had one try to correct me at Fort Knox back in 2009. I looked at him said when did you join the corps he said 2005. I said devil pup I was already getting off my first Active duty contract with 2nd mar div when you where at the island. calm your tits. ha we got to speaking come to find out we both were attached to the same unit with 3rd LAR. But yes when I was in Gunner was the term for cwo5 with the busting bombs which was infantry chiefs, Master Gunns for master gunnery sergeant, Gunney for Gunnery Sergeant. But I find it hilarious when I hear fellow marines say we call everyone by rank.... No you don't the Corps has slang too. lol
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SMSgt Thor Merich
SMSgt Thor Merich
5 y
Excellent advice Gunny. I always found it important to be able to identify the ranks of all the services. Knowing the customs of other branches is just as important. I learned a lot about the Marines when they were assigned to platoon in MP school.

Important tip. Staff Sergeant in the Air Force is an E-5, not a E-6 as in the Army and Marines.
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GySgt Retired Marine
GySgt (Join to see)
5 y
SMSgt Thor Merich Completely agree. Working in a joint capacity/enviorment is fantastic. It gives us all an opportunity to learn about the different branches. It's great to know how other services view things like their customs and courtesies. It makes us even more dynamic and powerful in the long run. It is great to still learn how everyone operates. There are many differences and sometimes it is mind boggling because we as in other branches of service cant necessarily comprehend what or why other branches do it the way they do and those services tend not to think it was a big deal.
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MSG Preventive Medicine Specialist
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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?
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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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.
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