Can addressing junior service members by rank alone be considered a derogatory term?

It's not the most important thing in my life to think about this trivia. I was glad to be acknowledged at all as a Junior officer. Being called L.T., just like that, not even Lieutenant, made me feel kind of endeared by my superiors and subordinates.

I have mixed feelings about this.

Basic Training - I never once heard a drill use private as a derogatory remark. It never once crossed my mind as disrespectful.

AIT - Same thing as basic

First duty station - My leadership was awesome. Was called everything from 'private' to 'asshole' and never once did I feel insulted. The senior enlisted would even call E5 and E6 'Sergeant' in a sort of sarcastic 'you fucked up' sort of way. But I still never found this disrespectful and we all seemed to get a huge kick out of it.

Last duty station - Was called 'specialist' like it was the lowest form of scum on the planet after I crushed my foot with a dumbell. The NCOs and higher would call privates as if they were dogs. I didn't like my leadership there.

As someone in the Air Force this is actually pretty common. Higher ranking officers often address junior ranks by their first name or Mr/Mrs so and so. NCOs ALWAYS call me 'sir' (or LT which I think is also fine) even in casual environments, which I appreciate because I ALWAYS refer to NCOs as 'sergeant'. (A SSgt that I work with told me I can just call him by his first name so I'll do that for him because he prefers it).

I actually kind of prefer how the army does it. I think calling someone by their rank as equivalent to calling someone with an MD or PhD 'doctor'. Their rank is a deserved title and I think it shows respect.

But I see where you're coming from with people sort of confusing 'private' for 'dumbass'. I would just do what you think is best your guys, but maybe keep addressing your NCOs by their rank.

MAJ (Join to see). It bothers me, because you as an officer are treating an individual or individuals who are ranked lower than you as though they are equally ranked to you. I'm more than positive that a Major is not going to come up to you and say Mr. Slaughter please come to my office. He is going to look at you and say First Lieutenant in my office now. In the civilian world if someone calls me Mister, I look at them and ask them to call me by my first name for two reasons. One I was not an officer in the military and two I'm looking around for my Dad. I understand you are trying to portray a better example for your jr ranks, but they hold the rank they hold for a reason, just like you hold the rank you hold for a reason.
In the Navy I would refer to my e-4's as Petty Officer and my e-3's and below as Seaman, because that is the title they own. If I'm talking to a 1st class Petty Officer I would call him ET1 or IT1 or FC1, etc because he or she outranked me.
It's the same reason that we on the enlisted side address you as Sir or Ma'am, because it's a title you have earned. You may feel that it is derogatory, but when they quit showing you the respect that you deserve or don't address you correctly in front of senior officers you will understand why.

If someone senior to me addresses me solely by rank, I look at it the same way as if my mother addressed me by all three names (first, middle, last). Some of you will know EXACTLY what I mean.

Sir, the reg you posted says it all. Each rank should be addressed in the manner prescribed, however the tone in which the title is used shows how the speaker feels toward the intended subject. Granted, sometimes the use of rank only may sound derogatory and usually is with some folks, but it is the correct manner of address within the Army.

It did not bother when I was at those ranks. You are in the military and you call that soldier by their rank. It also gave me the motivation and desire to do the best I can to move up rank. Political correctness does belong in the military. IMHO if you are not comfortable calling lower enlisted by their rank work in the civilian sector.

Can it be of course, but I can use you name, rank in a derogatory manner as well..

When I don't know your name, yet i see you standing between a non moving vehicle and a moving tank,, I'll likely say "Hey ________, come here!" Its not derogatory, it's getting your attention so your not dead at the end of the day.
When I see a SSG standing in the MP and watching a tank move and a privet standing between the moving tank and a row of stationary vehicles I'd likely say "What are you doing ________?" Its not derogatory, its attention grabbing combined with you better think about what your job is and what your not doing right.

I found those most offend by being called by there rank were the ones that were doing the wrong thing, failing at their job and getting called on it. Then feverishly deflecting what should be personal responsibility for transference of blame to another in hops no one will notice how screwed up there were.

As a staff sergeant I liked hearing my rank called out. If it was the captain or another officer they needed my expertise...my guidance, my unique look on life, for whatever problem they need help in fixing. At least that is what I like to think.

As a private I hated hearing my rank called out because it was some sergeant that was looking for a body to accomplish a meaningless task that some captain or other officer needed done.

I do not believe there is any issue using rank either up or down the chain. It should be seen as an honor to hold any rank in our military.

Sometimes you just have to fire for effect. There are plenty of folks who need the mental jolt to get their head out and focus on what the heck is going on.