Being addressed/addressing others by rank after retirement

I regularly converse with a former section sergeant from 20 years ago. She was a SFC at the time and went on to be a 1SG before retiring. Even after 20 years, I find it difficult to call her by her first name. It just doesn't feel right to me. When I signed up, I thought I was getting in the Army. Little did I know that the Army would get in me too.

People, who were close to me in service I'll call by their first name. Others I call by their last name. But those officers I served under, whom I have a deep redpect, I call them by their rank, unless they prefer I use their frist name. I personally know three generals that rather I use their first names. There are a lot of senior NCOs I will to their faces I'll call lying sacks of shit, cock bites and several other names if this space would last for a couple of months.

I met several trainees from my time on the trail and their greeting after several years was "Drill Sargeant Martinez" Me being a retiree and in civilian cloths had no effect on them at all.

I'm like this, my name is Brian. If you new me in the army I don't care what you call me that's up to you. I will address any body as Mr or Mrs or sir or man. If I did know someone in the military and I respected them I will call them by their rank, if I thought you were a dirt bag it's hard to say what I will call you .

Reminds me of a story a friend of mine told me. Gary was on the 101st Airborne Division Association with Major General James Smith who we both had served under. At the first meeting, Gary kept calling General Smith, " General" etc. General Smith finally told Gary, "Gary, my name is Jim, I'm retired now". :-)

I fall into Cat 2 also...I mostly try to be respectfull and use rank but those that have known me or read my posts now thatI will not back down from someone that tries to pull rank and have been known to call them out to the community

As a Military Civilian it was wierd answering the phone as Mr. instead of SSG. I still slip sometimes.

I usually call my old shipmates by their first name. Sometimes, I'll still say Chief. There is one Master Chief Petty Officer that I respect so much. He is and always will be addressed as Master Chief by me.

I have always addressed retired personnel by their rank, unless they inform differently!!

Cat 2 all the way! First name basis is fine, if that's what folks prefer, but heck, I even called my high school coaches, "Sir!" It just feels good to give and receive respect. Ranks were EARNED not given. Hooah!

While in the military rank exists for a purpose, and fraternization is frowned upon. As a retiree that purpose no longer exists. While the time spent is respected I think it’s a vanity thing to hold onto it. I’ll use it when I deeply respect someone or in a professional setting if they insist upon it, but other than that we all wake up a civilian and put our pants on the same way.