Posted on Jan 21, 2015
Can addressing junior service members by rank alone be considered a derogatory term?
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Throughout my career, I have noticed that certain rank-titles have been continually used in a derogatory manner. The most glaring of these are 'Private', 'Specialist', 'Cadet', 'Lieutenant', and 'LT'.
Here are a few examples:
- "Hey ________, come here!"
- "Hurry up ________!"
- "What are you doing ________?"
You would never hear someone use those phrases to an NCO or officer of the rank of Captain or higher, especially without adding their name to their rank when addressing them, so why talk down to someone just because they're of a certain rank?
This has always bothered me; especially when it was directed at me while I was serving at each of those ranks. So, as a tiny effort, for the past 10 years or so, I have avoided using those rank-titles in a stand-alone manner.
Here are a few examples:
- "Hey ________, come here!"
- "Hurry up ________!"
- "What are you doing ________?"
You would never hear someone use those phrases to an NCO or officer of the rank of Captain or higher, especially without adding their name to their rank when addressing them, so why talk down to someone just because they're of a certain rank?
This has always bothered me; especially when it was directed at me while I was serving at each of those ranks. So, as a tiny effort, for the past 10 years or so, I have avoided using those rank-titles in a stand-alone manner.
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 115
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That Soldier is not a mister anymore he is a private, specialist, or lieutenant in the United States Army. From my perspective those titles outweigh mister. Anyone can be mister but you need to raise your right hand to be a private, specialist, or lieutenant. You're doing your Soldiers a disservice by not addressing them by their proper title.
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Sir - I understand the intent and I have seen it used by field grade officers at the BDE CDR level towards captains and majors, even some battalion commanders. It's kind of like the "word" Hooah, it has different meanings ranging from yes to go pound sand. A bigger issue that needs to be addressed is calling or referring to an enlisted Soldier or NCO by their pay grade. We are all guilty of it, commisioned officers and enlisted alike. E-5 is just a pay grade a Sergeant is a leader, we need to do a better job of addressing/referring to one another by rank. You should want to be a leader instead of a pay raise. Good post!
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I was always under the impression that if the troops called one, "L-T" (pronounced, "Ell Tee"), it was a term of endearment and he/she was well regarded by the masses. If one was just called "Lieutenant", then uh oh. Stink eye runs amuck. O_o
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MAJ (Join to see)
Cpl Andrew Tucker, there is no confusion between friendship and leadership within my teams.
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Cpl Andrew Tucker
I have to respectfully disagree Sir. As you stated, the SSgt told you that some of your troops were making fun of you behind your back. That is the epitome of confusion within the ranks. IF your junior NCOs do that, even light heartedly because they know you and know that you will see it as a joke and a junior soldier hears that, especially a new join or someone who doesn't like you, then you have a command failure. Respectfully, you should nip this in the bud and follow your SSgt's advice. He's only looking out for your best interest, like any good SNCO should.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Cpl Andrew Tucker, the NCOs that decided that they would make jokes about me saying "Yes Sir", "No Sir", "Yes Ma'am", and "No Ma'am" to Privates are not part of my team. Never-the-less, they can feel free to make jokes if they wish. They are the same NCOs that are constantly belittling their own Soldiers. They are poor examples of what a professional Soldier should be. Everyone knows that they are the bad apples. Their opinions are meaningless, not just to me, but to just about everyone else.
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