Posted on Feb 13, 2019
Are there regulations regarding talking to military members of a different branch?
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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).
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Regulation
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Regulation Marines
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 16
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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 (Join to see)
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) (Join to see)
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
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.
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 (Join to see)
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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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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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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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.
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SMSgt Thor Merich
Same can be said of the Air Force. Many a former Army soldier have switched to blue. Especially in the Guard.
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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!
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!
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SSgt (Join to see)
ROFL. "I wanted to join the Marines but I scored too high on the ASVAB." That is funnier than you know. While I scored really high on my ASVAB I still have appreciation for a great line! Thanks for the chuckle MSG John Duchesneau
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TSgt (Join to see)
Also, offering of crayons for "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children" are always welcome. I have heard they really like Chartreuse.
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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.
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.
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You're allowed to talk to other branches SMs. Just remember if it shines, salute.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Unless it's the navy and they are wearing peanut butters or khakis, chiefs and petty officers wear metal chevrons.
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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
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
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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.
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