Do Officers "earn rank"?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 12:09:59 -0500

While looking at a reference provided in another thread, I came across this and it struck me as odd.

" FM 7-21.13 4-18. A soldier addressing a higher ranking officer uses the word sir or ma’am in the same manner as a polite civilian speaking with a person to
whom he wishes to show respect. In the military service, the matter of who
says sir or ma’am to whom is clearly defined; in civilian life it is largely a
matter of discretion. In the case of NCOs and soldiers, we address them by
their rank because they’ve earned that rank. "

This just strikes me as just plain wrong to have in an official FM since it strongly implies that Officers do not "earn" their rank.

what are others thoughts?

http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm7_21x13.pdf

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Dec 14 at 2014 6:54 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 18:54:50 -0500

Just a general response to all these "officer" posts. Things must have really changed since I was in, granted it was a long time ago. All of the officers that I knew were professional, intelligent and honorable people. I'm not saying that they were perfect, but certainly not the image that I gather from reading posts about them on RP. So I'm not really sure what is going on. Furthermore, all of the posts by officers on RP seem to fit my experience of them and not a lot of the posts by enlisted servicemen about current officers so I am really at a loss. Is it just the fact that the internet allows anyone to post immediate thoughts to everyone or is something else going on?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 14 at 2014 8:16 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:16:47 -0500

It appears to me someone is looking to find a way to be offended, where there is no offence.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 14 at 2014 9:34 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:34:42 -0500

We have FMs for everything. After all, (from the movie "Gettysburg") "Some officers couldn't pour piss out of a boot with instructions on the heel" :-)

I don't see it as an implication that an officer has not earned their rank, but merely a throwback to the old caste system where officers generally came from among the wealthy and commissions were often bought. (maybe in that sense officers didn't earn their rank) Yes very archaic and somewhat discriminatory if based in the modern world, but born in tradition none the same. I felt more comfortable when known subordinates referred to me by rank, "LT", "CAP", "MAJOR P" as it was less formal and still showed respect. IMHO, if its good enough to refer to Es by rank its good enough for Os. Os and Es call a 1SG, "Top" and sometimes SNCOs we are familiar with are referred to as "Big Sarge", more of a familiar type of respect.

The conundrum to addressing Os as sir or ma'am, from what I've been taught, is when they become royalty, you use their rank not sir or ma'am. I've been corrected on a few occasions for addressing GOs and even full Colonels as sir or ma'am unless they are familiar to you - go figure.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 14 at 2014 10:14 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:14:41 -0500

Earned, just as much so as Enlisted Rank is earned. Those who are eventually "found out" as having not actually earned it, get the big boot. Unfortunately, for some really good officers, that is also the case (the boot) due to force shaping.

I do not think that FM shows/sends a message that rank is not earned.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 14 at 2014 10:24 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:24:51 -0500

Both the civilian and the military "superior" (using the term in the sense of hierarchy only) have "earned" their title. The distinction, which the manual makes clear, is that for the civilian that assessment and determination regarding titles of address is voluntary.

I called my civilian boss for the last 16 years "Bob" since the first day I met him. Currently I work directly for him (well, currently, I am on ADOS orders...) but in the bast I was 1 and 2 levels removed, yet he was always "Bob", not "Sir", "CIO", or "Mr. L____".

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 10:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:54:59 -0500

I may be misguided here, but I think it goes back to the British Empire and colonial America. British officers were gentleman and of a noble lineage. Early Americans eschewed nobility as a birth right, but they still maintained the "nobility" that came with title and position. Those early Americans were referred to as "Sir" and when Washington stood up his Army in defense of America, his officers were men of education and privilege. They had land holdings and title and social positions. They were referred to as "Sir" by Soldiers. That's not to say that officers were never called by their rank. I just think the culture or respect and protocol of the Army developed in a way that "Sir/Ma'am" became the appropriate manner in which to address a commissioned/warrant officer.

I believe that officers do earn their rank, and I've never interacted with an officer that had an issue with being called Sir or Ma'am.

As an aside, I find it very irritating when senior leaders refer to Soldiers by their last names alone e.g., "Get Jones to pull guard.", or call lower enlisted Soldiers "Joe's" or "Joe." I respectfully asked my old Brigade Judge Advocate (MAJ/O-4) to refrain from generically calling Soldiers "Joe." It's demeaning and has the connotation that they (lower enlisted Soldiers) don't matter or are essentially faceless conscripts who only have a purpose to do a senior's leaders bidding. Once she heard my reasoning, she thanked me for my NCO insight and made it a point to call Soldiers by their rank and name or just refer to them, in general, as "Soldiers."

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 8:46 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 08:46:39 -0500

I think what is saying is Officers will be addressed as sir or ma’am, which is shwoing a sign of respect. In the case of NCO's and soldiers, "who are not Commissioned Officers'' will be addressed by there rank, showing respect in that regard. I dont think it is implying that one is earned while one isnt.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 5:11 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:11:54 -0500

Respect is an Army value, and it's not very pleasant to work with people who don't value your contribution whether it's as an officer, soldier, KATUSA, Cadet etc. So, I think that's the reason why we use titles to address each other-- moreso when we're unfamiliar with those we're addressing. As soon as trust develops, and as the setting allows I think professionals can use different words that show genuine respect and affection without being very formal. Some units get to this stage very quickly. For example, a lot of special forces units use first names. I was shocked when first exposed to this and thought that it meant disrespect. As in a lot of things, context is key. For instance, the use of a first name on an official report or award indicates that the person receiving recognition was known intimately to the senior or recommender. So, whether it's Colonel, boss, Bob, KATUSA Kim, Sir, Top, Chief, men, gentlemen, Rangers, or whatever, just make sure that it respects both the person and the institution. I agree that calling Soldiers Joe or Johnny or Charlie can be demeaning, but it can also be used affectionately and appropriately as well. Same for LT and Old Man.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 5:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:14:52 -0500

In my experience, if you were addressing a specific officer from a group of service members, you would start with rank and name. Ie; "Capt. Greene, may I ask a question?" Just like you would any Enlisted.

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Dec 30 at 2014 7:30 AM

MSgt Jim Pollock — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 07:30:55 -0500

Its the rule to call officers sir/ma'am and enlisted by their rank. Frankly, I like the standardization. It removes the social uncomfortableness and lets business move along without any question about convention.

I wish it were more like this in civilian life.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 2:15 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 14:15:23 -0500

If I had to guess, it is because they discuss how to address officers, then go on to describe how to address NCOs. Especially since the FM seems to imply that "sir or ma'am" is the correct address, rather than by rank for officers.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Mar 31 at 2015 3:19 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 15:19:09 -0400

I think it applies to both types of officers; commissioned and non-commissioned.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 6:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 06:54:49 -0400

It's a matter of respect, courtesy and custom. I personally respect all ranks from the PV1 to a General. If respect is lost the lead is lost.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 2:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:43:41 -0400

I can definitely understand your thought process there. I don't take insult to it because it is an oversight of writing but I can tell you that I have worked hard and earned every rank that I have ever worn.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Apr 1 at 2015 4:13 PM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 16:13:54 -0400

It reads "we should respect officers just because they are people and they deserve it" and "we respect NCOs and soldiers because of their rank"

Semantics.

.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Apr 1 at 2015 4:18 PM

BG David Fleming III — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 16:18:49 -0400

The form "sir" is first documented in English in 1297, for males who have been given certain honors or title such as a knight or baronet. The equivalent term Ma’am or madame was given for a knighted woman or baronetess. In this country, we call it a commission. While the title may be given, it is earned through rigorous testing and qualification.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 5:55 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 17:55:32 -0400

...or it may imply that they earned it...when perhaps they did not.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Apr 1 at 2015 6:57 PM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 18:57:42 -0400

In my opinion all service member earn rank and the appropriate respect should be rendered.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 2 at 2015 11:17 AM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 11:17:05 -0400

As an enlisted soldier I was very proud to earn those seargent stripes, but I was just as proud to earn the captian's bars. Rank in earned not awarded

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Apr 22 at 2015 11:19 PM

CW4 Brian Haas — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 23:19:19 -0400

Honestly, I find it stunning that anyone that has made it through basic training has to ask this. There are so many better discussions that could be had to help people become better Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, or Marines.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 29 at 2015 7:47 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 19:47:30 -0400

So this is what I have been doing wrong all these years. You mean I don't need to work hard to get promoted? Should I just lounge around with a coffee cup and wait for the oak leaf to fall into my lap?

I know what you are implying with the thread and I think it is just an amusingly poorly written (or edited) regulation.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 8:42 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 08:42:58 -0400

To me this doesn't imply that officers don't "earn" their rank and I think this is a case of reading too much into what is going on.

There are lots of FM examples that provide examples about rank and courtesy...

"4-5. Most forms of military courtesy have some counterpart in civilian life. For example, we train soldiers to say sir or ma'am when talking to a higher ranking officer. Young men and women are sometimes taught to say sir to their fathers or ma'am to their mothers and likewise to other elders. It is often considered good manners for a younger person to say sir or ma'am when speaking to an older person. The use of the word sir is also common in the business world, such as in the salutation of a letter or in any well-ordered institution." ..."

"4-6. Military courtesy is not a one-way street. Enlisted personnel are expected to be courteous to officers and likewise officers are expected to return the courtesy. Mutual respect is a vital part of military courtesy. In the final analysis, military courtesy is the respect shown to each other by members of the same profession. Some of the Army's more common courtesies include rendering the hand salute, standing at attention or parade rest, or even addressing others by their rank."..."

"4-8. Some historians believe the hand salute began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. By 1820, the motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the hand salute used today. You salute to show respect toward an officer, flag, or our country."

"4-18. A soldier addressing a higher ranking officer uses the word sir or ma'am in the same manner as a polite civilian speaking with a person to whom he wishes to show respect. In the military service, the matter of who says sir or ma'am to whom is clearly defined; in civilian life it is largely a matter of discretion. In the case of NCOs and soldiers, we address them by their rank because they've earned that rank."

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 10 at 2015 10:36 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:36:46 -0400

Correct me if i'm wrong, but most officer earn they ranks through ROTC/Officer School.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jun 21 at 2015 6:20 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 18:20:10 -0400

When I enlisted in 1971 I put on E-2 the day I graduated basic. Some guys were already E-3, the ones who signed for six years. Now, all things being equal, did any of us "earn" that rank? Nah, we were just fortunate that Vietnam was still demanding 700,000 new troops that year.
Promotion to E-4 was automatic at 2 years if you were a good troop and didn't get more than a few LoRs and if you cleaned toilets without complaint. I tested for E-5 at 3 years 6 months service and made it first time. I don't do this to brag, just to show I like to read and take tests well. Did I earn it? I don't know. I certainly took the test and had my 5 level.

When I got my commission (after 3 years of grad school and taking/passing the bar) I routinely worked 12-14 hour day and often longer during Wartime NATO exercises. I was augmented to intelligence. I also worked weekends on alert, or ORI prep. I prosecuted courts-martials while running a claims shop -- all so I could get experience. I was shot off on TDYs with very short notice and sometimes put into bizarre circumstances. The hours never got less, once you have the task there aren't a whole lot of people who can support you, it's just dig in and go. Sometimes you work completely without a net. Sometimes you wind up being the guy who has to make a call and if you get it wrong bad things can happen, like if you are the legal advisor and there is a death involving airmen, perhaps in a Muslim country. Maybe alcohol is involved. Fair amount of work to that.

In later life I escorted VIPs and dignitaries as an assistant Protocol officer and along with a very fine Army Lt Col we were human door stops and gophers for 4-star generals and admirals who loved to visit at end of the month and spend a week with the troops. I've whistled up a complete set of Desert BDUs with 3 star rank & name tag, boots socks and underwear and had it all sewn on then pressed and hanging on his door in 3 hours to no particular "Gee thanks." Did we help our VIPs better understand the region? I don't know. I do know that those days were especially long and you haven't seen long until you've watched a C-17 take forever to get moving and put that gear up at the end of a 24 hour stretch. They always gave me a coin, like a tip I'd earned.

Why do I share this exotic tale of woe? Because officers earn those promotions. Some troop in for legal assistance only saw a lawyer in a chair and wondered why a good lawyer be in the military, but that was not the reality, well at least not mine.

Response by SSG Martin Reyna made Jun 22 at 2015 4:49 AM

SSG Martin Reyna — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 04:49:51 -0400

Officers earn there rank just like the rest of us. The manual does not state that the soldier must use the words Sir/Ma'am when addressing an officer.I personally would address most officers by there rank (ie. Captain Smith or simply Captain)

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jun 23 at 2015 8:10 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:10:33 -0400

In my opinion, officers do not "earn" rank. Rank is bestowed on us as authority to command, and, thus, to accomplish a mission. It is the service's vote of confidence, but is, at its core, a low-level political appointment, is decided by committee (board), proposed by the Executive, and approved by Congress. If officers earned rank, promotions would not happen in large swaths, and time in grade would be deemphasized. The first two promotions, to O-2 and O-3 are largely automatic, and there are no required tests of mandatory evidence of competence, which differs greatly from our early Navy, which required Midshipmen to demonstrate professional competencies to earn their Lieutenancies. Just my 2 cents.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jun 23 at 2015 10:47 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 10:47:46 -0400

Rank is authority. One is entrusted with authority, a tool to lead and to accomplish a mission. One cannot "earn" authority, therefore one cannot earn rank or be entitled to it, whether officer or enlisted. (What say YOU?)

Response by SFC Traveling Citizen made Aug 11 at 2015 1:38 AM

SFC Traveling Citizen — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 01:38:01 -0400

In the Army is giving to them up until the rank of LTC if they keep their nose clean. So with that said COL's and above does. http://wh.gov/i52uo

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Jan 18 at 2017 9:51 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:51:56 -0500

No; we sweat for it. We work hard to get there then sweat for it. We are held responsible for everything we do plus whatever our men do.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 12:38 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:38:54 -0500

Well that's food for thought. Maybe, just maybe the President of our United States of America and it's Congressmans and Congresswomens just rolled the dice and said you are hereby granted your rank with it's privileges bestowed upon you? Well if you believe everything that somebody somewhere wrote these words of wisdom, then I guess you're pretty much screwed. Have a good one Airman.
S/F,
James K.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Feb 16 at 2017 1:18 PM

LCpl Stephen Arnold — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 13:18:28 -0500

Absolutely; I worked with senior leadership in two different branches, and observed first hand the level of commitment and professionalism required to run a company, BN, Division etc.

The good ones deferred to their senior enlisted leaders, but also took the time to find out what was going on with "The troops". Bottom line, we all work our asses off, but for anybody to think Officers don't earn their rank is ridiculously foolish. hell, they even have to put up with being called "Zeroe's" for petes sake.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 23 at 2017 6:36 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 18:36:09 -0400

I would always address troops as the following Airman, Sargent, Lt, Maj, Col, Gen. I wouldn't say AIC, First Lt, Lt. Col. After the first acknowledgement I would simply say sir or ma'am after that.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 29 at 2017 2:08 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 29 May 2017 14:08:32 -0400

In the US Military each service member earns the rank they have attained TSgt Joshua Copeland. In other nations military history, royal family and nobility embers were given a rank commensurate with their status - in those nations that rank was generally not earned.
Since WWII at least, promotion from E-1 to E-2 to E-3 and O-1 to O-2 has been generally based on time in grade, however even those promotions are not automatic.
Certainly every promotion from E-4 to E-9, WO-1 to CW-5, and O-3 to O-10 has been earned IMHO.
Thanks for mentioning me SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Christopher Mueller Capt Seid Waddell CW5 Private RallyPoint Member SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt Private RallyPoint Member SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris Ramsey CPL Eric Escasio SPC Private RallyPoint Member SrA Christopher Wright SPC Margaret Higgins

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 30 at 2017 6:25 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 30 May 2017 06:25:47 -0400

I think your putting too much into this, officers do earn their rank, I have a few books at home given to me by a former commander, they have far heavier requirements of training than enlisted personnel do. I salute all officers for the hard work and learning they go through to become officers.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made May 30 at 2017 8:10 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Tue, 30 May 2017 08:10:07 -0400

There are two forms of respect, one is for the rank and position a person holds, the other is for the actual person him/herself... both of which are earned.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 30 at 2017 10:09 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 30 May 2017 10:09:03 -0400

I haven't had problems using rank titles or words such as Sir or Mam. Keep it respectful who ever You talking to. In Military Police type functions even people I outranked I'd still call them Sir or Mam and retain respect for everybody. Its also a matter of good manners vs none. As to first names, depends on the setting or who else is around. Titles to ranking NCOs or Officers or Warrant Officers , they all earned that rank and addressing them by that rank and keeping everything polite and respectable is certainly proper.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 6:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 18:34:42 -0400

Officer rank is based on responibility and potential. Yes, one earns their way into the officer corps by completing a broad education, but promotions are not so much merit based. NCO ranks seem to be based more on skill, merit, and technical competence. This is just my opinion.

Response by Col Jincy Hayes made Sep 3 at 2017 8:33 PM

Col Jincy Hayes — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 20:33:48 -0400

I joined the Marine Corps in 1979. I am a woman and wasn't really heartily accepted. There were so few women officers back then. I can assure you that I worked my butt off and yes, I earned ny rank. I was proficient at my job, expert with my weapon, first class PFT, and had attitude!!!

Response by MCPO Mike Gardiner made Dec 3 at 2017 11:15 PM

MCPO Mike Gardiner — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 23:15:18 -0500

Commissioned officers “earn” their rank through submitted courses, fitness reports from superiors. It’s pretty simple to go from Ensign (O-1) to LTJG (O-2). Serve 18 mos staying out of trouble etc.
after that. It’s “Selection Boards” and they’re competing against other O-2’s for a far fewer number of O-3 slots in the fleet. And the higher the rank the more assignments the “O” has had to have had. Etc.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 8 at 2017 6:26 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 06:26:29 -0500

You been sucking at the over-used straw of liberal kook-aid, TSgt? Seems to be a vapor-lock in there s’where... prob’ly there are some that got it by doing all the right things and speedily moving up. Some do things by hook or crook.. at the expense of hurting others... don’t want to forget that we are saluting that bar or oak leaf or Silver bird or star, not the person who just happens to be wearing it.. enough said..

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 4:10 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 04:10:17 -0400

Truth is... the higher you climb... the farther you can either soar or fall. There is a greater responsibility, picture and spotlight when rank is obtained. In other words, it never gets easier and you earn rank on all levels. Some roads may have smoother pavement than others but you can't fake it or talk a good game forever. If you can't perform to standard eventually it will be discovered.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 4:28 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 May 2018 04:28:21 -0400

I think you’re reading into this exert too much. The context of the regulation is saying that officers are addressed as Sir/Ma’am by suborbital, but it’s also saying that officers should address subordinate Service Members by their rank, because they have earned it. I’m sure you’ve seen times when superiors simply address a subordinate by their last name only. I agree with the reg, it’s disrespectful. Call a Private, or Specialist by their rank, they earned it. I’ve even seen officers call NCOs by their last name only, that’s just disrespectful. Call an NCO or Petty Officer byvthe rank they have earned. It’s as simply as that.

Response by MAJ Fred Peterman made Jun 4 at 2018 4:00 AM

MAJ Fred Peterman — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 04:00:55 -0400

Been retired for years now. But still say Sir or Ma'am. As for earning rank, worked real hard to progress from Airman Basic to Tech Sergeant, but was still a "SGT". Retired as a Major, I think I earned that too. Remember it never seemed "easy". It was hard work and I earned it too.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 2:25 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 02:25:51 -0400

When I took JROTC in high school, I had a retired Major as an instructor who explained to me that officers are given rank (a commission is given so they can act on behalf of the president), and in addition to what you said about addressing NCOs differently, it's also part of the reason officers don't wear service stripes

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 7:53 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:53:29 -0400

The manner of address for officers as I understand comes from two perspective. First, even in the American version of our military, officers in colonial days were often land owners of better means. Today officers still buy thier uniforms and pay for food. Second, officer by education and commission at often a young age were placed in a leadership position entrusted by virtue of the commission the resources of the country, most importantly the life’s of those they serve. The most important thing IMHO an officer earns is respect from those the lead, but than again so should an NCO.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 11 at 2018 9:58 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 09:58:28 -0400

Please- Officers are commissioned by Congress, every one "earns their rank" hopefully, but officers also have automatic promotions just like lower enlisted. Sorry but I just don't care for PC

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 11 at 2018 10:15 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 10:15:11 -0400

I always thought it was kind of weird that usually the older enlisted would say don't call me sir, I work for a living. I know I'm probably wrong about this but to me it says that they don't want the respect that an officer gets, they probably expect more respect and to me it implies that in their opinion officers don't work as hard as they do. Which kind of goes back to the whole thing between officers and enlisted to the older days that officers were "more important" than the enlisted and things were better for officers than it was for enlisted. It's probably more of a tradition in the other branches to be called by their rank if they are enlisted than calling everybody sir or ma'am like we do in the air force.

Response by PO2 Karl Lehn made Jan 20 at 2019 12:08 AM

PO2 Karl Lehn — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:08:10 -0500

Looking at all the others comments I think we got off track. Yes, officers earn rank. They are required to continue their professional education, train inservice and meet certain criteria for promotion. Remember that officers are also parapoliticians in that they have requirements to attend functions where politicians are. They are evaluated on participation and conduct in those functions also.

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made Jun 14 at 2019 11:27 AM

SFC Cynthia Eyer — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:04 -0400

I have Business Law schooling and the FM, if you are quoting this verbatim, states “NCOs and Soldiers”, which implies all Soldiers. This FM has appeared to evolve as a manual for civilian employee instruction in a military setting. Simply guidelines to those not wearing the uniform and work with those in uniform. I wouldn’t put a lot of energy into this FM, as you know that as all Soldiers may earn their rank (yes, I said “may”), not all Soldiers earn respect congruent with their rank.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Oct 9 at 2019 4:48 AM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 04:48:43 -0400

It’s not the person, it’s the rank. It’s really difficult to render a salute to a person who is a real “d...” bag. It takes the understanding that it’s the “uniform” of which the insignia is obviously a part for we who serve to render respect. As to “earning” rank, is the piece saying that it’s wrong to require the other to earn your respect? If so I agree, as an individual officer I don’t have to earn your respect or else I’d have to be concerned with hundreds of service members under my authority. The fact that one wears the rank demonstrates that the Service imputes that respect. A measure for promotion assumes one has demonstrated the qualifications (is doing the job) of that higher position. Of course we’ve all seen the exceptions.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2020 2:09 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 14:09:34 -0500

I always treated every service member, regardless of rank, with respect, and treated them as if they earned their rank. Realistically, through my career, I had better things to worry about, for the collective benefit of the Army and the units I served with.
On my end, I believe every officer earns his grade... we all have to complete the Professional Military Education before being considered for promotion, and compete with hundreds, if not thousands of our peers.

Response by Sgt Steven Smith made Jun 7 at 2020 7:28 AM

Sgt Steven Smith — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:28:31 -0400

A lietenant has to go though and finish school, be instructed by an group of people that will be of lesser rank then they will be on entry only to go to a unit where the vast majority of they're subordinants passivly mistrust and likely dislike. Then they are told, to make them trust and follow them. Yeah, they earn it, maybe not as much as some of their peers. There is a reason they are "commissioned" and not "enlisted".

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 6:48 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:48:39 -0400

Technically speaking, yes, officers (and enlisted) earn rank. However, rank without respect is an empty shell. Respect is truly earned.

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Jun 21 at 2020 10:50 PM

CPT Carolyn Andrews — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 22:50:33 -0400

I feel as if I earned my rank both as an Officer and NCO. I worked hard to get where I was before retiring.