Do you address others by their rank on Rallypoint?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:11:21 -0400

Rallypoint, as some of you may know, is a social media platform designed specifically for servicemembers. Everybody has their rank displayed in their profile, however this is still a social media website. You wouldn't address a Facebook friend by their rank, but that's also a more personal connection. My question for you all is, do you address others by their rank on Rallypoint? If somebody doesn't address you by your rank, do you take offense?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 9:15 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:15:17 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I do out of respect, as some on here are still currently serving, as well as my self.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Jul 14 at 2020 9:15 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:15:31 -0400

Some times participants address each other by rank, some times the rank comes Titled, some times its an Opps! I forgot to present their ranks but I never heard of anyone get angry

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 9:36 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:36:00 -0400

No, just call me at chow time and it's all good. Military courtesy is a hard habit to break, but it's less prevalent here. Active or former still calls for a level of decorum and mutual respect. It's up to your own set of rules, and TOS apply.

Edit: Thanksgiving 11/25/21 stripes, bars, leaves, eagles, and stars are there to maintain good order & discipline at a minimal cost.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 9:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:52:27 -0400

As I am still serving, I address folks by their rank, retired or not. It's too ingrained into my brain. I still address my old platoon leader as "Sir" and he has been a civilian for years. There are a few that I can now address by their name....but it took me a long time to get there.

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Jul 14 at 2020 9:53 AM

Sgt Jordan Foster — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:53:40 -0400

Being that your active you should just out of respect. The knowledge you seek from here is more times going to be answered by higher ranks than you. When your out it’s a different understanding.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Jul 14 at 2020 10:00 AM

SSG Dennis R. — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:00:02 -0400

I quit wearing rank over 30 years ago. My first name is right there, use it. If someone isn't drawing a paycheck for wearing a uniform anymore, they're not wearing rank either.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 14 at 2020 10:02 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:02:33 -0400

If they're actually service members, yes. If they're civilians who just happened to serve in the past, then no. Civilians don't have rank.

Response by SPC John Tacetta made Jul 14 at 2020 10:05 AM

SPC John Tacetta — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:05:23 -0400

As a veteran I've moved beyond that and always omit the rank. Though I won't deny the urge. Even 40 years later that's some hard training to put aside. It might be different between active duty personnel due to fraternization regulations, however.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 10:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:18:14 -0400

I do, for the most part. But at the same time i am more informal than i would be through email or in person

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 10:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:26:17 -0400

I address people on RP by first name. I have no issue with being addressed by my first name. #KeepEgoOutOfIt.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 14 at 2020 10:29 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:29:07 -0400

This would have been a great posting to include a survey. Personally, I neither refer to defer to rank nor expect it, although I will not make a point of complaining about it. We’re all PFCs here

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 14 at 2020 10:36 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:36:53 -0400

Our Rank is noted at the beginning of each post. That’s sufficient for me. I never use Rank in my posts exchanges with lower levels, but prefer first names and tell them no need to use mine. My respects to all for serving, regardless of former level. JMHO

Response by SGT Morrison (Mike) Hogwood made Jul 14 at 2020 10:37 AM

SGT Morrison (Mike) Hogwood — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:37:27 -0400

I would address by rank until you get a you do not have to do,but as others have stated it is so ingrained you do it out habit,just like the Salute,when in doubt whip out.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 10:38 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:38:09 -0400

I’ve been out since 2002. Some people outside of RP still call me Staff Sergeant Lamb, and I still answer to it. My auto insurance is with USAA; they call me Sergeant Lamb and thank me for my service everytime I call. My former commander and I are on a first name basis, but if we’re around other military members or in a military setting, it always falls back to Lieutenant Colonel and Staff Sergeant. The Captain that took his spot and I have been friends since we were junior enlisted, but around the troops we address each other by rank. Especially for him, the junior enlisted need the structure of rank, as it helps maintain his credibility as commander.

Most of the people I associate with on RP are professional contacts. I can call them by their first name, but usually resort to rank. Old habits die hard.

Tony. Lamb. Staff Sergeant. I’ve been called much worse.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jul 14 at 2020 10:38 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:38:10 -0400

Some times by rank and other times by name. Depends on the person and the topic of the discussion. Hard to explain but some members just deserve the extra respect of addressing them by their rank.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 14 at 2020 10:47 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:47:59 -0400

For me, it's kind of a situational thing. Sometimes I'll address a member using their rank, sometimes not. I do tend to use it more with higher ranks though. Regardless, I always try to maintain basic manners, courtesy, and mutual respect until someone proves by their own actions to not be worthy of such.

As for me, I'm retired and no longer have "rank". I'm fine with "Steve", "Stone Cold", or even a "Hey you!". I've certainly been called worse over the years..... lol

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 14 at 2020 10:50 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:50:34 -0400

I tend to address those who are still serving with their rank just as a common courtesy but it's probably not needed.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jul 14 at 2020 11:20 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:20:15 -0400

I generally just tag them, which includes the rank.

Response by SPC Ray Rigsby made Jul 14 at 2020 11:33 AM

SPC Ray Rigsby — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:33:45 -0400

My service was a long time ago and I'm still in contact with some of the people I served with including my XO from Vietnam. He was my superior while I served and my respect for his rank was deserved and given. Today we are just friends and he places no expectations on me to call him by rank. We've been on a first name bases for fifty years. And that is also true for the other officers I served with. While rank does play a major role in the service, in civilian life it means little. Out here my respect is earned not given because of military rank. While that may not be a very popular opinion, it is mine and worth exactly what you paid to read it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 11:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:40:30 -0400

Offense? No.
But it is the culture of the site to do so.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 14 at 2020 11:43 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:43:56 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member: Specialist McGrath: I address; other people on Rally Point; by their rank; if I don't know them. If I do know the person, I will address them; by their first name; and, with Love.

Response by SgtMaj Robert Burke made Jul 14 at 2020 11:48 AM

SgtMaj Robert Burke — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:48:36 -0400

I do not use rank normally in my postings but when I first came on board I did use L/Cpl . USMC. Somehow I have been listed since then as Sgt.Major. I have tried on numerous occasions to refute this title to no avail.
Could have used the extra money the rank paid back then.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jul 14 at 2020 12:01 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 12:01:42 -0400

Most of the time I do as I hit reply and their rank shows up. Some of the hard chargers here respond in a more calm manner on issues that are sensitive if I show them the respect they earned the hard way.
Writing for myself, I was only active for 4 years. I drove out the School of Infantry gate as Cpl. Morris. I never stopped being Cpl. Morris. It is strange. As I have tried. Now, this Pandemic and riots have me squaring away my gear like I will be back on line of fire any moment. I even train. I don't know how to explain it any better. So, when I am addressing those that I can tell have served much longer than I, I wonder if they are feeling like I do. Out. But, not out mentally.
Since the CPT wrote we are all pvt's. I am making myself an Honorary General. Don't eye ***k my picture either!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 14 at 2020 12:48 PM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 12:48:38 -0400

If higher in rank, I will use as a courtesy. If peer or lower rank, I use first name or other title, if listed.
I don't expect anyone on the RP forum to use military courtesy, if they do, I do appreciate it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2020 1:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:01:27 -0400

If you are actively serving, customs and courtesies still apply, regardless of the site.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 14 at 2020 1:33 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:33:07 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member The use of Profile names and titles keeps RP a step above other social sites that lack a measure of respect and dignity.

First names are very effective in the ‘Message’ area of Rally Point. The use of other terms of familiarity smack of someone insinuating they are personally acquainted with you.

Titles on Rally Point are different than the salutation, ‘Battle’, which is a appropriate form of address for someone you are close to or have relied upon for support.

All IMHO and not well said, so what!

Response by MSG Don Burt made Jul 14 at 2020 3:01 PM

MSG Don Burt — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 15:01:38 -0400

As a common courtesy, yes....

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 14 at 2020 4:09 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:09:23 -0400

If you are active duty, and interacting with someone else on active duty, military customs and courtesies still apply. If either you or the other person is separated, rank doesn't exist. Let your conscience be your guide.

Response by 1SG Alan Boggs made Jul 14 at 2020 8:42 PM

1SG Alan Boggs — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:42:31 -0400

I am an old school Marine. I do not know nor do I seek to know the first names of my peers. I have good friends that I laugh with over food and beer yet never call them by there first name.

Response by SPC John Waisman made Jul 15 at 2020 12:07 AM

SPC John Waisman — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:07:59 -0400

Being I was just a PFC, I don't take offense if my rank is left out. :-)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2020 3:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:27:25 -0400

The programming of the @Rank Name feature kind of drives how I address another person. I will out of courtesy, address an officer that is not retired as Sir/Ma'am.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 15 at 2020 3:35 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:35:25 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Back when I actually had a Facebook, I addressed folks by rank there, too. Except for a couple of folks who I didn't address by rank in person, either (People I knew through my wife and had no working relationship with - 2 of which I still don't even know their rank).
But yes, I address with rank or "sir" usually. I am retired. Recently my old 1SG called me for job advice - he recently retired too. I still called him 1SG. Maybe I'm wierd, but to me it is courtesy to do so. Even if it isn't REQUIRED anymore, it costs me nothing and may help the other out.

Response by PO3 Cricket Knighting (McColloch) made Jul 15 at 2020 9:00 AM

PO3 Cricket Knighting (McColloch) — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:00:40 -0400

No, and if you're they type to get pissy over it then you need more hobbies. I'm in FB groups that are a mix of active and veteran, only 1 group insists on it for active personnel. I feel like if THAT'S your hang up on social media you're no better than the former high school football player that is talking about 'that one pass 20 years ago'. Get some other priorities in life. Be respectful, but also don't be a douche if someone doesn't address your rank.

Response by CPT Thomas Monahan made Jul 15 at 2020 4:20 PM

CPT Thomas Monahan — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:20:21 -0400

I’m a PDRL retired CPT. I still can use my rank when appropriate (which is seldom). Now how do you handle calling a person by rank is situational. National Guard and Reserve soldiers deal with this all the time. A private firms owner and his/her employees are also in the local unit. The maintenance manager of that private firm is a MAJ and the owner is a SFC; what the hell do you think they call each other on the civilian job site.

Response by SSG Eric Mawabi made Jul 15 at 2020 4:44 PM

SSG Eric Mawabi — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:44:27 -0400

Absolutely

Response by SSG Eric Mawabi made Jul 16 at 2020 6:38 PM

SSG Eric Mawabi — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:38:26 -0400

I would, and still do, address people by their rank on RallyPoint and also on Facebook. Its Respect and Common Courtesy.

Response by SSG Jim Husselman made Sep 12 at 2020 10:37 PM

SSG Jim Husselman — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 22:37:29 -0400

I retired in 2007 from 24 years active Army. I still if I know they served Honorably I will give the respect of thier rank. I feel they earned it and i respect that however i do not expect that from others but i was raised in the Army by old school nco's and i feel that it is the right thing to do. HOOAAH and God bless

Response by MSG Michael Gay made Sep 14 at 2020 8:28 PM

MSG Michael Gay — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 20:28:33 -0400

I am retired and I do not presume that I should be addressed as Master Sergeant but it is nice to be recognized by the rank that I EARNED. I address gate guards, service members in uniform by their rank. I have been asked why I do that I always reply “rank is earned therefore that is the respect that I show for their rank.

Response by LTC Charles Patchin made Sep 15 at 2020 9:01 AM

LTC Charles Patchin — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 09:01:56 -0400

Rally Point is a military related site. We have earned a rank and some of us are still working our way up or have decided to fold up our tent for the last time. I earned a nickname when I was a CPL because I was the old experienced guy. I was 21 finishing my first year in combat. As a matter of my upbringing and my manners, if I do not see a rank, or a company nametag I pretty address everyone as Sir, Miss or Ma'am. It occasionally throws some kids off.. For some of us there is a bond and it is service. We call each other Joe or Bob or CPT or 1SG or Wolfman or Midnight because that's who we are to each other. If I don't know you and on Rally Point you are Sgt Blank that's how you are addressed.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Sep 16 at 2020 10:00 AM

PO1 Mike Wallace — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:00:18 -0400

We all put our pants/slacks on one leg at a time. Given my post Navy career I was on first name basis with a number of flag officers. If someone is no longer serving and expects everyone to address them using their rank or sir it is they who have a problem.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 19 at 2023 4:57 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Fri, 19 May 2023 16:57:42 -0400

Good afternoon @SPC John McGrath. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this. I've been doing it since joining RP.