Posted on Mar 28, 2014
Do we need to capitalize the words Soldier, Sailor, and Airman?
88K
102
60
15
15
0
I noticed that some people capitalize the word Soldier, so I researched it and found that in 2003, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker decreed that all internal Army correspondence should capitalize the word "Soldier". Army Regulation 25-50 says that the words Family and Civilian should also be capitalized. <div><br></div><div>I know that the word Marine needs to be capitalized to make their troops feel special, but should I capitalize the word Soldier when I'm writing in a non-official capacity, like when I post here on RallyPoint? If we capitalize the word Soldier, shouldn't we also capitalize Sailor and Airman, and do we really need to capitalize Family and Civilian?</div><div><br></div><div>EDIT: I've concluded from this discussion that it's best to capitalize the word Soldier in both official and unofficial correspondence to show respect, because it's a title, and to maintain writing good habits. I'd encourage other junior enlisted Soldiers to read this thread if they're unfamiliar with this rule.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
Posted in these groups: 
AR 25-50
AR 25-50
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 27
6
6
0
Marine is not capitalized to make me feel special, it's capitalized because it rates it.<div><br></div><div>If you were the U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, or Airmen then it would be capitalized along with soldier, sailor, and airman. You are in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force and are not called individually as Army, Navy, or Air Force.</div><div><br></div><div>Now I am part of the U.S. Marine Corps or U.S. Marines, my name is in the title and therefore when addressing me as Marine or speaking to Marines, it will always be capitalize because its a proper noun. That's also why you may have heard "earn the title, Marine!"</div><div><br></div><div>For the U.S. Coast Guard, guess what? Their Coast Guardsmen is capitalized as such as well.</div><div><br></div><div>Common nouns = no capitalization = soldier, sailor, airman</div><div>Proper nouns = capitalized = Marine, Coast Guardsman</div>
(6)
(0)
GySgt (Join to see)
i guess folks need to start referring themselves in a way where it's not just an occupation but a real title of who they are. im no english major so thanks for the example!
(2)
(0)
Sgt Ballard Hall
@Sgt Amanda D. -- are you saying that Marine is a new term? I didn't realize that 1775 was so recent. Also, are you referring to the difference between Marine (military) and marine (aquatic nature)?
(1)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
SGT, I am using the term "new" in reference to how old the English language is as well as how old the term "marine" is in reference to anything relating to the sea and before it's usage in 1775 as a title for a group of military personnel. The term "marine" was first used in English around the 15th century and it came from the Latin word "marinus" which is a great deal older but still means "of or belonging to the sea".
(1)
(0)
MSG Tom Conner
Gunny, I was privileged to serve alongside several top quality Marines. Subsequent to my retirment, the Flag Code was changed and I am now privileged to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. DoD policy states that the proper nouns referring to members of all of the military services are to be capitalized when referring to U.S. military. DoD VI Style Guide July 2018. It is good to keep up with the times.
(0)
(0)
6
6
0
SPC Thundercloud, <div>I wasn't aware of Civilian and Family! </div><div>The Amy is leading me towards more and more capitalization of things I wouldn't capitalize otherwise. It's pretty interesting, giving the "grammar nazi" posts going on in other threads about poor writing. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh, well, when in Rome....</div>
(6)
(0)
SFC Harry H.
I hate grammar Nazi's. Specially the one's who will only comment about your grammar and not the actual post. I often write quick posts without proof reading on my phone and via the RP app. The app does not allow me to edit. I feel people become grammar Nazi's when they are loosing an argument or highly disagree with your statement.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
LOL @ "I know that the word Marine needs to be capitalized to make their troops feel special,..." That's hilarious. I'm glad you was able to give me my one good laugh for the day; I thought, with the time running out, that I wouldn't achieve it.
To create some conversation though, why exactly do we "need" to feel special and what made you conclude to this thought? Do you have any statistical data or scholarly research to prove your point?
To create some conversation though, why exactly do we "need" to feel special and what made you conclude to this thought? Do you have any statistical data or scholarly research to prove your point?
(3)
(0)
Sgt Ballard Hall
So you are telling me that a "point of pride" equals the same connotation of one having the "need to feel special?" I would say that is rubbish. If anything, I think the fact that Marines are noted for and well known for the level of pride that is carried with the title Marine, is a good thing; yes? Shouldn't all service members carry this level of pride?
I understand your point of view and appreciate it; but, I disagree with the context in which you place it. No Marine needs to feel special, we already know that we are. After all, we are the only branch of service that has the global recognition that is carried with our EGA, nicknames like Leatherneck, and those beautiful Dress Blue Alphas.
Yes, a little bit of that Marine Corps "special-ness" just came out I guess; I blame the pride associated with it. Semper Fi!
I understand your point of view and appreciate it; but, I disagree with the context in which you place it. No Marine needs to feel special, we already know that we are. After all, we are the only branch of service that has the global recognition that is carried with our EGA, nicknames like Leatherneck, and those beautiful Dress Blue Alphas.
Yes, a little bit of that Marine Corps "special-ness" just came out I guess; I blame the pride associated with it. Semper Fi!
(2)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
SGT Hall,
My apologies if my poor wording came off as being disrespectful. That wasn't my intention.
(3)
(0)
SPC(P) Mark Newman
I thought my fellow specialist was being funny in that joshing way the Army and the Marines and the different branches sometimes tease one another. For example, joking that the Air Force is like a country club. Or that grunts are dumb. Or that the Navy isn't as cool as the Army. A good natured rivalry. But then we support each other when the SHTF. Funny. Like the old joke that ends: Comment: "You know, pal, in the Army, they teach us to wash our hands after we take a piss." Reply: "Well in the Corps, they teach us not to piss on our hands."
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google