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 10 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 115
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The only times I addressed a Lt. as Lieutenant, was when he screwed the pooch and needed a reminder that he was not a god, but a rather fallible person and needs to listen more and talk less.
As for all the enlisted, why is being addressed by rank a problem? Beats beieg called hey you or shithead.
My biggest problem came the CSM's who insisted on being addressed as "COMMAND SARGENT MAJOR" . Oh well, that's all behind me now.
As for all the enlisted, why is being addressed by rank a problem? Beats beieg called hey you or shithead.
My biggest problem came the CSM's who insisted on being addressed as "COMMAND SARGENT MAJOR" . Oh well, that's all behind me now.
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If they don't like their Rank get promoted and be addressed by a different Rank. We need to stop being so damn sensitive. It is their Rank they earned it. We don't address by first or last names.. Yes of equal rank it is different. Higher to Lower or Lower to Higher we address by Rank.
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I guess the term butter bar is not ok either? I think this view that some of these terms may seem derogatory may have more to do with more experienced people getting frustrated with newly enlisted and commissioned personnel. Kind of like the term "LT proof".
I'm from the Air Guard so we really don't address people with rank until they are at least a Major or MSgt or we are doing something in an official capacity. For us it has nothing to do with a lack of respect since we show that respect by getting the job done.
I'm from the Air Guard so we really don't address people with rank until they are at least a Major or MSgt or we are doing something in an official capacity. For us it has nothing to do with a lack of respect since we show that respect by getting the job done.
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Never shrink from calling a member by their rank - it is always correct to do so . . .
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Will the bitching and constant looking for offense please stop. I am sorry Sir, is this what your time at University taught you?
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MAJ (Join to see)
SPC Aaron Stephens, I didn't learn that Soldiers feel more respected and valued when they see their leadership go the extra mile to speak to them in a respectful manner while I was at university. I learned it during my 12 years while I was enlisted, leading Soldiers as a noncommissioned officer.
There was no bitching or looking for offense in this post. I was simply discussing the value that I have found in making the extra effort.
There was no bitching or looking for offense in this post. I was simply discussing the value that I have found in making the extra effort.
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SPC Aaron Stephens
But that has nothing to di with adressing them by the rank they earned. Each rank does have a specfic connotation based on sterotypes such as the one I made seeing a 1LT making a statement filled with leftist SJW rhetoric.
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I was called by my last name, my first name, rank or whathaveyou. As long as they did not call me late for the weekend, all was good. I never made E-5 at all, but as a specialist, I did all right and did my jobs. People should get over it and just get on with it, I am sure it is nothing personal.
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BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!! Stop crying about the stupid crap and do your job; how about that!!!
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MAJ (Join to see)
It is very apparent that this response was not intended to add any value to the conversation.
I see this was your first post on RallyPoint. Hopefully, you'll find a topic where you can provide valuable input instead of spouting off ignorance.
I see this was your first post on RallyPoint. Hopefully, you'll find a topic where you can provide valuable input instead of spouting off ignorance.
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SFC Chris Gomez
I'm sorry I hurt your feelings, but that the type of garbage the Military focuses on instead of the real problem, "poor leadership"... And don't ever question what is valuable input and then turn around call someone ignorant... You are just a kid wearing silver bars who thinks he has accomplished something... I justed retired with over 25 yrs of service, you were not even a twinkle yet when I entered in to the military... I believe I earned to say whatever I want to say...
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I never took it that way, its just part of our names in the military. come here "lefler" come here "lance corporal", it made no nevermind to me. I'd listen for tone, that ment more.
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I'd prefer being called by last name by a familiar NCO, officer, etc. But if a higher-up I'm not familiar with addressed me by anything other than my rank, I think THAT would come off as slightly unprofessional.
Maybe those who find their rank derogatory are afraid to put in the work to get a better one?
Maybe those who find their rank derogatory are afraid to put in the work to get a better one?
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Suspended Profile
In the Navy/CG/USPHS there are two that are weird by themselves:
Ensign
Petty Officer
To me these always felt awkward without a name attached.
Also, it is appropriate to address officers LCDR and below as Mister/Ms vice rank. "Mister" said with lots of dripping sarcasm has always been an attack...
Ensign
Petty Officer
To me these always felt awkward without a name attached.
Also, it is appropriate to address officers LCDR and below as Mister/Ms vice rank. "Mister" said with lots of dripping sarcasm has always been an attack...
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