Being addressed/addressing others by rank after retirement

I've seen it both ways - if its someone I served with, I usually default to sir/ma'am and/or rank, because that's the frame of reference of how I know that individual. More often than not, once retired, I'll get the response of, "please call me Dave..." Those are the officers I respect. However, there is one individual I flat out REFUSE to call by rank or with 'sir' because he DEMANDS it. Yes, he was a high ranking officer prior to retirement, but he's been retired for quite a long time and is someone I don't respect, regardless of his prior rank, based upon his actions.

Well, as a Major (or any officer), you should be addressed by rank for the rest of your life, since Officers retain their Commission until they die.

I don't harp on it, but I firmly believe that once you've earned the rank/title of leadership; that is yours forever. No man can take that from you, once you have earned it. I think, anytime I meet an old veteran (or someone I served with that ETS'd) that it is essential to let them know that they still earned/have my respect. Branch does not matter either. Though I may not have served in their branch, A Navy Captain (Ret) still deserves the respect I would show a COL; A Marine SSG has earned the right to for it to be known that they were a leader not to be trifled with then....and from then on, because they had to work hard to get there and earn it (some having been tried by fire) and they will never loose that character once they've performed the duties of that office. The Militarty would have us recognize them for what they are by issuing them a corresponding rank, so I say that you do well to honor those who have served by letting them know that the respect they earned goes beyond the moment in time they donned the rank. So I say to you,Sir; to me, if I ever meet you -you will forever be Major Petrarca....even though I know you would tell me to call you Bob (assumng we knew one another on such terms Sir).

First let me say it is not improper to use some one's retired rank in most circumstances; however, there are civil service rules that prohibit it in the workplace. I'm generally uncomfortable with it because I believe the rank address should be reserved for those currently serving. I've been there done that, now I'm retired and my name or "Mister Coe" will do just fine.

If people want to call em IT1 or Petty Officer I don't sweat it. I do tell them that I prefer to be called John.

Likewise I generally call other retirees by their first name as well though once in a while I will call one by their rank.

I almost always use rank when I am aware of the individual's rank and the setting is appropriate.
On rare occasions I have intentionally failed to use rank when I am personally aware of circumstances that lead me to believe that the individual specifically has a background that has caused them to lose my total respect for them and their "service". On very few instances, in both my Military and Law Enforcement careers has this happened, but it has happened.

I would say that when I am aware that a person is retired with rank, I use it unless I have strong feelings that the respect is not due based on specific knowledge.

Rarely have I felt that a person has fallen into that latter category, but there have been a few in both my law enforcement and military worlds.

in the Legion we have no rank how ever I use it where I feel it is appropriate always I use all honor and respect we are all Brothers and sisters in arms GOD LOVE TRUST AND HONOR

Option D) If the retired individual is serving in an official capacity where their prior rank is relevant, or at an official function that requires the use of his/her uniform, then yes, addressing them by rank is appropriate.
If you're at the local Applebee's screaming at the waitress that you're a retired CSM/COL that wrote a blank check for their freedom and demanding a discount, I'd say that's an inappropriate use.

There are times in which I address folks by rank, just like there are times I say "sir"
or "ma'm". There are other times whereby I address folks by nickname or first name. It is really dependent upon the situation we find ourselves in.

I have two General officer friends and formally I address them with their first name -- General. In informal situations depending on what's going on, I may address them by "sir" or by first name. As a subordinate even as a retiree, I am still greeted by several as "sir" or "Colonel" (the "telephone Colonel" greeting), "Walton", "Mike" or by "Blackeagle" or "BE".

As long as you don't address me as "asshole" I'm cool with just about anything you want to address me by -- addressing me period is a sign of respect; when you address a person by what they have attained is even better. I still call medics and physicians "Doc".