Do you stand at parade rest for a NCO of another military branch?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:24:35 -0400

I was just doing some thinking.... does a private in the army have to stand at parade rest for like a NCO in the Air Force / other branches? Also lets say a Air Force NCO tries to smoke a private in the army can that Air Force NCO (or other branch) do so?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 20 at 2021 11:42 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:42:33 -0400

Yes you honor the rank from other branches. Just like you would salute an 0-3 from another Branch.

As for "smoking" I would need to know the context. If I am walking by and a random cat from another branch tries to make me do pushups? Yeah that's not happening. But you would see that reaction across the board even if it's the same branch. But if you are working in a joint environment and that individual is in your chain of Command then that's different.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2021 11:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:44:47 -0400

General military authority applies to all branches. Just like you salute officers of all branches

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 20 at 2021 12:47 PM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:47:57 -0400

Respect, doesn't matter the branch. As for "smoking a troop" that one is more difficult to remark upon. For instance, a Marine NCO might if the troop was the assigned Naval medic to that unit.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 20 at 2021 1:07 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:07:41 -0400

The smoking first, you should never be put through drills by an NCO outside your COC. If there is an issues they will handles it appropriately, by correcting you and if necessary informing your COC. As for part one, yes you should pay the same respect to seniors from every service.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Apr 20 at 2021 2:18 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:18:10 -0400

Its all about context. If you are in an assignment where you are reporting to an NCO from another branch (formal school, etc.,), extend that NCO every courtesy. If you mess up, accept the smoke session and move on.
If you encounter an NCO from another branch or unit that has no authority over you, treat him or her with respect. If for some reason they try to pull your punk card, or conduct a smoke session or have you stand at parade rest just to clown on you, its time to practice your MMA skills.
For more complete guidance, talk to the NCOs you are assigned to. If some dickwad NCO from another unit or branch was jacking with my guys I would want to go have a talk with them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2021 2:37 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:37:53 -0400

It is appropriate to render the proper customs and courtesies for different branches, even of allied military forces.

It would do you well to study what the other branches rank insignia looks like, the Marines mirror ours fairly well. The Navy and Air Force may cause you some trouble, but as you study and interact with them you'll pick it up.

Officers are easy, they all wear the same brass. Allied officers not so much, so if you find yourself interacting with allies just make sure to study beforehand.

As for an Air Force NCO smoking an Army private... I would say no as it's likely to create friction for them. I've seen NCO's outside of a Soldiers formation get hemmed up for attempting to conduct corrective PT on a Soldier that isn't theirs, so I imagine the same may happen for someone outside your branch. That said, not showing the proper customs and courtesies can get you hemmed up as well.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2021 3:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:11:57 -0400

Hell yes if your in the wrong! Remember your oath? Pretty simple!

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 20 at 2021 3:13 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:13:09 -0400

In a word; YES

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Apr 20 at 2021 3:25 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:25:18 -0400

Simple answer is "Yes". Just like you would render a salute to an officer from another service as well. Additionally, if you ever serve in a NATO assignment you would be expected to also extend the same courtesy to foreign military as you would your own service. I've saluted French, Australian, British and Italian officers and would always address them as "Sir or Ma'am" if they were senior to me. It never hurts to be respectful and courteous.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 20 at 2021 3:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:31:42 -0400

Yes. Foreign allied military Officers and NCO's as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2021 4:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:45:17 -0400

Yes, you should stand at parade rest no matter what branch that NCO is in. Live up to the Army values, and the word "smoke" is not a thing, it's "Corrective Training". Good luck!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 20 at 2021 6:33 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:33:25 -0400

Surely you don't need to go back to basic.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 20 at 2021 8:28 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:28:32 -0400

You will never be wrong showing respect to people and a good motto to live by, if you do not know a person's rank refer to them as senior.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 20 at 2021 11:12 PM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:12:44 -0400

Yes, customs and courtesies but make sure that you know the ranks. Not all services ranks are the same. IE a Sergeant in the Air Force is not an E-5 but an E-4.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2021 12:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 00:03:58 -0400

Yes, you do. Provide the same customs and courtesies to NCOs and Officers of other branches that you would for the Army. As for an Air Force NCO smoking an Army Private....sweet Baby Yoda....you know how bad someone has to screw up for an AF NCO to smoke them?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2021 1:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 01:01:46 -0400

Most of the time in any join service area there is a certain amount of grace so to speak when working because of each branch's nuances of verbiage and customs and courtesies. Navy you don't call senior enlisted sir, but it is acceptable in the Air Force etc...

I have served in two branches and unless richly deserved I don't smoke anyone. I was stationed at a joint base(Navy/Air Force). After leaving the Navy to join the AF. Had an encounter with a Navy 3rd class who was grossly out of uniform standards. I pointed out to him his uniform failings(base-wide uniform inspections before SECDEF came in) told him he needed to correct them before his navy chief gave him a nasty ass-chewing. I pointed out that I was a prior-service navy and knew the uniform regulations at that time. He was junior and not standing in a proper military stance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2021 6:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:05:44 -0400

Your assumption that I know Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps rank well enough to distinguish who is an NCO is flawed.

Response by MSgt Matt Hancock made Apr 21 at 2021 10:56 AM

MSgt Matt Hancock — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:56:54 -0400

I don't understand the question as it comes to simply providing a bit of respect, regardless of the branch of service you are engaged with. If someone approaches you of a higher "rank" then give them the courtesy you would expect others to provide to you. Also if you are being "smoked" as you put it...listen to what is said and if you believe they are in the wrong, run it up your chain of command. Overall it appears simple courtesy is missing from our society as a whole, but we should be able to keep it intact in our military community.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2021 12:14 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:14:20 -0400

Those are 2 distinct questions with 2 distinct answers:

1) You are required to extend the same customs and courtesies regardless of one’s branch of service.

2) Does the individual of another branch prescribing said smoke session have any command authority over you. If yes, then they can smoke your a$$. If not, they can’t, but make sure you stay respectful when informing them that their order isn’t legal, or you may end up on the wrong side of the UCMJ.

Response by Brig Gen Rob N. made Apr 21 at 2021 1:44 PM

Brig Gen Rob N. — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:44:18 -0400

You never go wrong treating others with respect regardless of service or rank.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2021 9:41 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:41:59 -0400

As one on the other side of the question: Do as you were taught/trained to do. Safest course of action. Had a soldier I worked with (not for me) do this and I questioned him about it (Why do you do this) and his response was "It is a sign of respect as you outrank me" Good enough for me. Eventually, he learned my personality and was a bit more relaxed, but still would stand when I came by to check on the equipment.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 22 at 2021 3:47 AM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 03:47:18 -0400

Seriously how do you even get out of boot without knowing this???!
Yes.
Naval petty officer OUTRANKS your private ass, and you DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD unless it's an unlawful order.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2021 9:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 May 2021 21:23:30 -0400

I’ll tell you if you’re talking to a Marine and you don’t you’re going to have a bad time

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Jun 2 at 2021 3:34 AM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:34:48 -0400

Respect for the uniform and rank are imperative no matter what service. They are all under the secretary of defense. The exception is the Coast Guard. They come under DHS. They are still considered an armed force and garner the same recognition and respect.

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made Jun 5 at 2021 2:25 PM

SFC Cynthia Eyer — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 14:25:14 -0400

Um, YES to the respect of standing at parade rest until otherwise directed, and to an officer you best be at the position of attention if she/he is speaking to you. As for "smoking" you, if it's in violation of a regulation, then yes. One never knows who was previously in the Army or working in joint tandem with the Army in previous assignments and missions. I worked with all 6 branches of the Army in a joint command, so I was aware of all of the regulations for every branch as a personnel Sergeant. You are a Private, so sit back, don't take anything personal, and learn as much as you can so you can "raise up" other Soldiers with your empathetic guidance. Sometimes it isn't what we learn to become from others, it is what we learn NOT to become. Know the difference for yourself and your future success.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jun 13 at 2021 12:48 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:48:41 -0400

The answer to your question is YES a private has to stand at parade rest for NCO's and Officers in other branches. This is known as military Customs and Courtesy.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 17 at 2022 8:51 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 20:51:14 -0400

You go to parade rest when ordered to do so.

An NCO from any branch out ranks you so you give respect where it's due, who smokes another brother for no reason? No way unless your in school or training.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2024 11:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 11:44:12 -0400

I don’t “smoke” people that I don’t “own”, but I would make on the spot corrections/give guidance to anyone and if they are subordinate in rank regardless of branch and I expect the appropriate courtesy just as I would give that same courtesy to to anyone in any branch senior to me. If it’s something that deserves torque applied to a service member because they need tightened up then that’s worthy enough of me seeking out that members supervisor and giving them a heads up and letting them handle it. I handle my Soldiers a certain way and other NCO’s from a different service might handle their’s differently. That’s Senior NCO perspective. When I was junior enlisted (E1-E4) if ANY NCO told me to do something I was moving. At the end of the day corrections make smarter and push-ups make you stronger.