Does rank play a part in how you view individuals after you have left the service?

2018-02-23T23:04:39-05:00

Whether it be on social media or in person at the local Veteran Service Organization (VSO), does the rank that you left the service with and the ranks that other veterans left the service with play into how you view, associate with, or speak to other veterans? The highest rank that I ever had was Sergeant and I still find that I address those that I know were officers as "sir" or "ma'am". (I also address all generations of older veterans as "sir" or "ma'am".) I still hold a certain level of respect for all those who attained a rank higher than I did, but I do speak to them as if we could have been old friends. I consider us all on almost a completely even field after leaving the service. Does anyone believe any different?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 23 at 2018 11:09 PM

2018-02-23T23:09:46-05:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson: Depends on how well I know the person.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Feb 23 at 2018 11:16 PM

2018-02-23T23:16:58-05:00

No. I like to view everyone as a human being, get to know them for who they are as a person and not by some position they held years ago.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2018 11:30 PM

2018-02-23T23:30:43-05:00

The only time the thought of rank enters my mind is if the conversation is steered in such a way as to relate to their service; for instance, if someone was to speak as an authority on the internal operations of a squadron's front office (CO/XO/Senior E) or how flawed the evaluations system is, but the highest rank/rate they achieved was E-3 (no contact with CO/XO, never wrote an evaluation), I'd be unlikely to put much stock in their stance on that one particular subject. Same goes for the career officers who never directly led junior Es when they try to speak with authority on the door-kicker E-3s out there. Otherwise, they're just people like everybody else. Hell, they're probably smarter than those of us who stay in and embrace the suck every day - they got out and enjoyed their lives, after all.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Feb 23 at 2018 11:44 PM

2018-02-23T23:44:12-05:00

Not really, unless they are an office holder of some organization. Otherwise, we all signed on the line, view us all equally.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 24 at 2018 12:27 AM

2018-02-24T00:27:51-05:00

It lets me evaluate potential skillset and experience if they profess expertise in a given field, but that's about it. I mostly agree with LCDR Private RallyPoint Member with the caveat that I outlined in my response to him. I respect anyone who served, and absolutely don't mind addressing vets and retirees by their rank or 'sir' or 'maam'. But then, I do that last for anyone older than I, that I don't know.

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 24 at 2018 12:33 AM

2018-02-24T00:33:31-05:00

Good question, SGT Joseph Gunderson. I guess it depends on the environment and the topic. As a general rule I treat everyone as if they outranked me until I know different. That said, it doesn't change how I interact with most ex/retired military though. I feel that until they cross me they earned and deserve my respect, regardless of rank. E-9s and Colonels and above always deserve the courtesy and respect that they earned while active, but everyone likes to be treated with respect. Rank is a title or position, the person is what counts for me.

As a member the CVMA (Combat Vets Motorcycle Association) I always run into folks that are ex/retired, and unless they have some rank indicating patch or pin I treat them as brothers and sisters, and it's usually mutual. I have a special place in my heart for WWII-Vietnam Vets because they blazed the trail we followed. It feels right as well.
Kind of a long answer to your question I guess. Respect earned, loyalty returned.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 24 at 2018 1:46 AM

2018-02-24T01:46:52-05:00

Aside from a 2 month private veteran that wants to lecture me on anything military, no I don't see rank after ETS.
The 2 month private with a mouth just entertains me.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 24 at 2018 2:34 AM

2018-02-24T02:34:01-05:00

No. That was then, this is now.

Response by SGT Steven Jones Sr. made Feb 24 at 2018 3:11 AM

2018-02-24T03:11:40-05:00

I do the samething.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2018 4:06 AM

2018-02-24T04:06:05-05:00

Not unless you retire as a general. There is a guy at work who retired from the army as an 0-6. I call him Jim. It’s his name. People being adressed as sir or ma’am depend in their level in the organization. Dave was an E-5 ground pounder years ago. He rates a “sir” because of his level in the company when compared to mine.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 24 at 2018 4:09 AM

2018-02-24T04:09:16-05:00

The rank they left tells me about their service and a little bit about them however it is not the know all end all. I would never refer to a vet that got out less than an E9 (or Chief Navy) by their rank after the military. It is a snapshot of their life.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Feb 24 at 2018 4:49 AM

2018-02-24T04:49:54-05:00

I think it's more a matter of your training and upbringing. Your addressing elders as sir or ma'am is common respect and former officers, that is part of what was drilled into us in basic. I find it a courtesy to address former officers of flag rank by their rank.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2018 10:53 AM

2018-02-24T10:53:05-05:00

I can honestly say that it doesn't make any difference to me. One of my closest friends in the world was a Petty Officer on my last boat, and the groomsmen at my wedding were a mix of former enlisted and commissioned ranks who I served with...all of us around the same age and place in our civilian lives today.

I try to follow RP's conventions on rank, owing to the presence of AD personnel...but the way I look at it, our former ranks and grades only speak to our relative experiences. In that sense, as a civilian, I'm more inclined to defer to a former SNCO than a former peer.

Maybe it would be different for flag ranks...they're usually pretty "high up" in civilian status, and I don't really know any personally to begin with.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Feb 24 at 2018 12:56 PM

2018-02-24T12:56:19-05:00

Go do some work at your local VA. You get the quiet old vets who were PVTs at the Chosin Valley or a LCPL at the battle of Hue. Then you get the loud, demanding ones, I was a Senior Master Chief or Colonel & I need to get my cookies first first. I'd always ask if they saw any combat. No but they spent 26 years in & got a high rank. Sorry folks. I have more respect for the junior enlisted guy who went thru sheer hell than the senior ranking person who had a cushy job for their entire careers. When I run into former officers & worked with, I still call them "sir" & especially when I run into active people of higher rank than me, I still give them the courtesy though.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 24 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-02-24T15:00:50-05:00

I occasionally call folks by their rank, but more often Sir or Ma'am- I will answer to Top, SGM, but that is normally for folks who have known me a long time. I am much more comfortable with just Bill since my rank is in my shadow box and not on my sleeve anymore.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Feb 24 at 2018 6:59 PM

2018-02-24T18:59:11-05:00

It doesn't.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Feb 24 at 2018 7:30 PM

2018-02-24T19:30:40-05:00

Nothing wrong with addressing retirees, veterans of any branch as "sir" or "ma'am" in the civilian world; that just shows your maturity and respect for others. Did you ever call your First Sergeant or Company Commander by their first names before? Probably not. If you know Mr. So-and-so was an Officer or a Senior NCO, it wouldn't be wrong to refer them by their previous rank, unless they specifically say, 'call me by first name, Joseph.'

Response by SSgt Brett Ontiveros made Feb 25 at 2018 7:23 AM

2018-02-25T07:23:12-05:00

To me the rank structure stayed in the service. I call officers Smgts everyone by their first name now.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 25 at 2018 9:44 AM

2018-02-25T09:44:05-05:00

I'm not a member of a VSO, so I can't speak for those who are or the organizations. Yes, a person's previous rank, retired or otherwise, does influence my treatment of them for a while. First impressions are very important. If I know the person held a senior enlisted or officer rank (E-7 or above, O-4 or above), I have a different initial opinion of them than if they held lower rank. If they were a general officer, not only do I have a different opinion, but I normally display differential behavior toward them. HOWEVER, that initial opinion can be, and often is, changed as I get to know them.

Here's a couple of cases where my opinion of the person changed. Had a lady who worked for me who was a retired USAF Tech Sergeant (E-6). At first I viewed her as the highly skilled technician and middle manager type. She quickly demonstrated I has grossly underestimated her. She knew far more about automation that I did, learned new software rapidly, and quickly showed she was ready for management responsibility. I pushed her to complete her Masters Degree, which she did, and encouraged her to seek jobs of increased responsibility and compensation within our company, which she did. Unfortunately, the company didn't understand her potential and she took a job elsewhere. She remains a friend and is doing quite well. Second case is a retired major general who I once worked for and attended our church. He had always called me Jim after I retired. I was always differential to him and never knew what to call him. General seemed a bit much, Mister was absolutely not appropriate. After about 5 years, I used his first name, Jack. He accepted that with the grace and dignity he had shown throughout his 40 years of service. He and his wife left our church to live in an assisted living facility on the East Coast. We parted friends.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Feb 25 at 2018 12:20 PM

2018-02-25T12:20:50-05:00

well, for those who have attained higher rank, I do expect more out of them, etticute, professionalisim, etc. I do try to look at the whole person, but as we attain more rank and time and service, professional attitudes become more ingrained in our daily habits usually and helps me read others around me.

Response by SGT David T. made Feb 26 at 2018 9:41 AM

2018-02-26T09:41:31-05:00

Not at all. Rank for the most part has absolutely no meaning for me anymore. I am David, not Sergeant Thomas so I don't have to worry about rank except in very few circumstances (due to my job).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 10:11 AM

2018-02-26T10:11:20-05:00

I think time matters.

For example, I work with a retired Marine O6-- he retired about 2 years ago, and I knew him before he retired. He is still 'COL' to me. He doesn't like it (because he doesn't want to be 'intimidating' around the office such as to squelch the free flow of ideas), so I go with 'sir'. Maybe I'll be able to back-off once I am retired as well, but so long as I am in a uniform-- I still see his whether or not he wears it, and it drives me absolutely bats**t CRAZY to see the young LT's address him as if he is one of the 'boys from the block'. (They all know he's a recently retired COL, and think it is 'cool' that they get to be so casual with him... makes them feel more important or something.) Per his preference-- I don't say anything, but it drives me freaking nuts.

I think there is potential for 'undue influence' if you are too close to the problem timewise. Once you've been out for a while and all the contacts you had are now also retired or enough time has passed that you wouldn't appear to a junior person as someone who might be able to 'influence' someone in their chain of command on their behalf type scenario-- then you're fine dropping all semblance of rank. I would remain cognizant of rank while you are still plugged in to the matrix, so to speak.

Just my thoughts.

Response by Sgt David Hesser made Feb 26 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-02-26T16:33:00-05:00

I have always call everyone that was a 06 or above sir, I am in the collision business for 40ty years in San Diego and Tampa Fl a lot of retired Officers, one incident sticks out in San Diego about 20 years ago a retired Army General was getting his car fixed and my employees thought he was pulling a fast one over the insurance company and it sure looked that way, well he wasn’t so I took care of the problem and drove 75 miles to his house expecting a ass chewing up one side and down the other, after many Sirs and I am sorry,s he just looked at me and smiled and told me I owe him lunch.

Response by SFC Daniel Zelch made Feb 26 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-02-26T20:49:33-05:00

My old platoon had a reunion this past summer.I was the Plt. Sgt. I retired in 2001. Our LT. went on to retire as a Major ( he had been prior service enlisted) I discovered one of my worst problem child back in 2000 is now a !sgt. We leave rank out. We all just call each other brother. Even though it had been 17 years since i last saw any of them, it took a little getting used to when one of my men called me brother and not Sgt Zelch. I adapted. WE were a very tight Infantry Platoon. They are in every sense of the word "MY BROTHERS"

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Feb 26 at 2018 9:00 PM

2018-02-26T21:00:04-05:00

Nope. I'm a retired SSG/E6 and I golf with retired officers, 1 of which was 2 star. Nobody really cares anymore. I was president of a council for awhile with a retired LTC as my secretary. I respect what they accomplished and all, but we are all just people once out of the service.

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Feb 26 at 2018 9:00 PM

2018-02-26T21:00:09-05:00

Not usually. All though I still "yes ma'am, no sir" when speaking to an officer I know or served with.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 26 at 2018 10:39 PM

2018-02-26T22:39:24-05:00

Sergeant,

Yes is has an effect. It contributes to how I evaluate the person. To be totally honest, I have viewed individuals before and after my time as a active duty soldier it totally different ways. Before I was a soldier, I pretty much stayed to myself and assumed that if someone wanted something from me, want to talk to me, or needed anything else they would address me. I was pretty much brought up under the "Children should be See and not Heard" era. And I am / was fine with that. Since I became a soldier (and I will always consider myself a soldier... maybe not as qualified as I once was be a soldier just the same), I look at how a person presents them self. I listen to what they have to say and I watch how they evaluate their surroundings. After, I have met someone, if i learn that they were military, I usually raise my opinion (biased as I am to those whom have walked a similar path) and I look, listen and evaluate again. Now the Higher the rank (both as an enlisted and / or an officer) along with my evaluation sets my opinion. It can change but it is a base line. It is how I am and how I have been for 44 years.

~ole Sarge~

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Feb 27 at 2018 5:58 AM

2018-02-27T05:58:05-05:00

SGT Gunderson,
I'm with you on this one. But I only refer as "Sir" or "Ma'am" if I don't know the person, or meet for the first time. I do have a lot friends who were my NCOs which I consider as friends especially in my career field so small as the one I worked on while in the Army...I address them by their names. Other than that, I still render the proper respect.

Response by CPT Thomas Cofield made Feb 27 at 2018 7:09 AM

2018-02-27T07:09:35-05:00

It does and it doesn't. The longer the time has been since I left the service the less it influences me. I don't expect those that were enlisted while I was commissioned to ever call me 'sir' just like those that I know that were Commissioned when I was enlisted seem to care whether I call them sir or not. One good friend of mine online was my platoon leader when I was a young PFC and actually pinned on my Captain's bars almost 12 years later. I tend to respect those that I knew for what they did, not necessarily for their rank. There are a lot of E4s and E5s that I personally think I should be saluting.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Feb 27 at 2018 1:10 PM

2018-02-27T13:10:46-05:00

I like to address those who i have known to be officers or CSMs as such (Sir or Ma'am). I only do this because i respect them for the leadership that the provided me. But as far as myself is concerned, i like to remember what a great CSM that i once had the privilage to serve with, told me. "Dont take yourself so seriously, once you retire, the rank that is on your ID card wont get you a cup of coffee anywhere". I make it a point to introduce myself as Frank. I no longer hold the rank i had in the military and i have no control over others. That chapter of my life is over, time to move on.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 27 at 2018 2:03 PM

2018-02-27T14:03:22-05:00

Pretty much an even field in my mind on the part of social interaction. I have a tendency to call anyone older than me sir or ma'am and the older retired CSMs I address as Sergeant Major as that's how I've known them since I met them as a young Soldier.

Response by CPL Evelyn Safe made Mar 10 at 2018 11:05 PM

2018-03-10T23:05:47-05:00

Higher rank does not make you a better soldier I knew a SSG who was promoted after she disrespected the !SGT shoved a full timer and failed to do her job. It took me over a year to get paid for Drills I attended from September to December of 2007 I didn't get paid until October of 2008.

Response by 1SG William Rodman made Mar 11 at 2018 6:43 PM

2018-03-11T18:43:19-04:00

I have a lot of respect for former military based more on what they did then what rank they wore.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Mar 23 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-03-23T12:48:29-04:00

I am part of a group of retired officers and NCOs that have breakfast regularly and occasionally lunch. We rank from full colonel to master sergeant and address each other by name. It works for us.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 23 at 2018 5:42 PM

2018-03-23T17:42:51-04:00

If it's a former officer I knew yes, I still use military courtesy, NCO's I call by their first name.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 23 at 2018 5:47 PM

2018-03-23T17:47:15-04:00

If you're out, I don't ask what rank you were when you got out. That's none of my business. I can respect you as you are; as you want to be or how you represent yourself.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 23 at 2018 8:27 PM

2018-03-23T20:27:00-04:00

Immediately on discharge we are all promoted to the same rank... civilian.

Response by SFC John Wright made Mar 25 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-03-25T14:47:31-04:00

Only if you want it to. I may prefer to show the utmost respect for that private first class who is a recipient of a medal for valor....and cuss out that POS colonel who got good men killed. It all depends on the soldier, sailor, airman or marine. Either you choose to dignify past rank....or you don't. But it is YOUR choice.....not theirs.

Response by MCPO Michael Bush made Mar 30 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-03-30T09:51:01-04:00

Respect shown to all Veterans.I do brighten up if they were a member of the Chiefs mess.

Response by SFC Kirby Cordell made Apr 2 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-04-02T14:32:33-04:00

Not in the least. When I run into someone I knew before I retired & they are still serving I still give the the respect of addressing them with their rank and always show respect to everyone that served with the exception of a few bullshit posers that were never achievers. No respect for those types.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 3:54 AM

2018-04-04T03:54:38-04:00

I'm still serving and all veterans get respect from me. I'm always fast to acknowledge those that mentored me and are retired regardless of their rank being higher or lower than mines. I also believe it depends on the subject matter. Some of us, retired or still serving like to believe we know things that may have changed or that is inaccurate. At times, I may try to correct or if I see it's going nowhere, I tactfully remove myself from the discussion. Either way, I find myself more and more using the terms brothers or sisters in regards to all Soldiers both serving or retired. We truly are family... that's my belief.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 3:04 AM

2018-04-06T03:04:13-04:00

If I knew they were an officer and we served at the same unit then yes I still refer to them by their rank or sir or ma'am until they tell me otherwise BUT if I'm at the VA and talking with someone , I don't care if they are a retired MCPO or full bird Captain , now we all fight the same cause, getting health care from the VA.

Response by CPO Mariah Whitaker-Almeda made Apr 6 at 2018 6:49 AM

2018-04-06T06:49:16-04:00

No . I view them as they are human I'm not quick to judge I like to take the time out and get to know them and treat them according to that .

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Apr 9 at 2018 12:41 AM

2018-04-09T00:41:07-04:00

Sure. Maybe not in the same fashion for everyone. I suppose I have my own little perceptions of how an individuals rank, specialty, and with officers rank, education and intellectual sophistication.
I am sometimes surprised.... most often by Majors. Only insofar as I am a bit baffled when I see one on here who pretty much acts like an ignoramous with low intellect and reasoning skills.
Just something I never understood. How someone could make field grade officer and still act a fool.
It’s more the exception than the rule by far yet it always seems to surprise me.

Response by SSgt Randy Waters made Apr 12 at 2018 8:46 PM

2018-04-12T20:46:44-04:00

I grew up in the Marines......rank will always matter to me.......especially senior rank. I was a SSgt in the marines and retired as a Cpt. from the Texas Army National Guard.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Apr 18 at 2018 4:35 PM

2018-04-18T16:35:35-04:00

Nope....rank and what you did in the service of your country is temporary at best and best kept as a found memory. I base my friendships on the character of the person. What are they doing and how they are acting today matters more than what was in the past. Respect, loyalty, and friendship has to be earned each day and it accumulates over time.

Response by SSG Roger Fiest made Apr 24 at 2018 4:04 AM

2018-04-24T04:04:11-04:00

No that was when I was in but since I retired from the service I want to know the person as they are not in a uniform

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Apr 24 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-04-24T12:18:52-04:00

I have many veteran friends and colleagues and to be quite honest I know what rank they were when we served together but have no clue where they ended up since many just got out while others retired. Usually never ask and neither do my friends.

Response by PO1 Mike Dean made Apr 26 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-04-26T17:49:32-04:00

I address former staff NCO's and senior officers by their former rank. I address active duty likewise. They earned it. It's just plain respect on my part. Of course I call my grandson "Boot" because he's a Seaman. But he still calls me "Grandaddy" and that's perfectly fine with me. Do they warrant special privileges? That depends on the circumstances.

Response by PO2 William Kennison made Apr 28 at 2018 5:54 PM

2018-04-28T17:54:53-04:00

The biggest thing that was reenforced in me was being color blind toward different races. Before I joined I chose to not notice any difference between races judging people on their contributions to society. Now, I recognize we all have different attitudes and there are assholes with big mouths in every color, social level and religion. Fortunately there are far fewer of them than people that are just trying to get by in life.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 6:02 AM

2018-04-29T06:02:20-04:00

Regardless of our achieved rank we all have earned a certain level of respect for our service to our country and to each other. It makes no difference to me whether you're senior or junior to me I will most likely address you by your rank at least until we have known each other for some time. I don't care if you were a Petty Officer or an Admiral we all did what we were called to do.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 29 at 2018 7:17 AM

2018-04-29T07:17:10-04:00

They are fellow veterans first. He or she may have a higher rank but after retirement that's gone. Treat them as you want to be treated. All career field didn't get promoted as well as other and i as a E7 and had friends because of their career field could only dream of promotion.

Response by Col Jonathan Brazee made Apr 29 at 2018 9:56 PM

2018-04-29T21:56:54-04:00

I am proud of my service, and on my ballcap, I have my rank and branch embroideried. I also have my rank on those books of mine that deal with the military. However, I sign things with my first name, and when others call me "sir," I tell them I am Jonathan. On the other hand, I call older vets than me "sir." I paid for a WWII vet's lunch a while back, and I was happy to call him sir.

At my VFW post, we never refer to anyone other than by their first name.

To me, "sir" does not mean someone is better than someone else. I never let my subordinates call me a "superior" office. No one is superior. I was a "senior" officer, nothing more. I never referred to my senior officers as "superior officers," either.

Response by SPC Phillip Norton made Apr 29 at 2018 10:20 PM

2018-04-29T22:20:16-04:00

I still do it just because I believe if it wasn’t for the men and women before me I would never have had the chance to join and follow their legacy.

Response by SPC David S. made May 1 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-05-01T12:15:17-04:00

After 20+ years of living in a military environment kind of a hard habit to break - Father and grandfather were both career officers and then I signed up, however I tend to treat any individual with respect as a common courtesy.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 1 at 2018 12:20 PM

2018-05-01T12:20:08-04:00

I take the view all of us are Veterans and served our country within the US Armed Forces. I have addressed some people by rank to acknowledge their accomplishment and that I know it took effort on their part to be there. Sir or Mam are in My vocabulary as being respectful and its not dictated by rank. In the American Legion Post where I've served as Commander We have people that were Senior Officers and people in lower enlisted positions, We have no rank here, they are all My fellow Veterans and friends.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 1 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-05-01T12:34:12-04:00

Response by LT Ed Skiba made May 1 at 2018 12:38 PM

2018-05-01T12:38:14-04:00

Not intimidated, but respectful.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 2:30 PM

2018-05-01T14:30:36-04:00

No, it shouldn’t but in some occasions it can be. Everyone who has ever been in the military past, present and future should be respected and honored not by rank or position held but by the virtue of who they are. Their character and judgement comes into play everyday of their lives. So rank shouldn’t be as how individuals are viewed after they left the military service.

Response by SGT Denny Espinosa made May 1 at 2018 4:30 PM

2018-05-01T16:30:39-04:00

While on TDY I bumped into my old Drill Sgt at an airport terminal. When I was in BT this guy was God (yeah, I was once young & dumb) but a few minutes of chatting made me realize how similar we were. As my experience with Officers and Senior Enlisted grew, the mystique of rank shrank. People are people. Some good, some bad, most in between. When I returned to the civilian sector "Sir" was reserved for those older than me - and that list is gets smaller with each passing year.

Response by COL William Oseles made May 1 at 2018 5:03 PM

2018-05-01T17:03:57-04:00

A veteran is a Brother or Sister.
I will tease Uncle Sam's Misguided Children that I know well but I respect fellow Veterans for their service.
I may not agree with their politics, but then Politics and Religion were banned from the Mess for a reason.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 5:55 PM

2018-05-01T17:55:03-04:00

Depends on age. Experience is frequently an indicator of knowledge. I was only an E-5, and when I had just gotten out - that's what there was to me. Now, however, I've done a few other jobs in life and learned a few more things and matured a bit. So, I figure the same when I look at others.

But age and rank/status don't tell everything. For a non-military example, I became a full-time software developer about 4 years ago and some of the people I work with are 10 years younger, but have 8-10 years more experience programming than I have. So, I listen to them.

When I was working for a defense contractor (here, in the States), I encountered lots of veterans, most of much greater rank than I ever earned. Some of them knew what they were talking about, and some not so much. This did not always correlate with rank.

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made May 6 at 2018 1:11 PM

2018-05-06T13:11:39-04:00

I show respect to other Veterans and active duty, just like I would anyone else. I do catch myself saying sir/ma'am, but that's the way mom would want it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2018 2:26 PM

2018-05-06T14:26:41-04:00

I have seen alot of people wear their rank. I don't have an issue with it. I'll call them Sir or Master Sergeant or whatever. There was only one instance a long time ago when someone tried to use their rank after being retired to attempt to get his way (I worked in ID cards and he came in with his wife 15 minutes after we closed, barged into the secure area and demanded I hook his wife up with an ID card, what was funny is I always took care of people like this because all of them asked....but not that retired Navy O5). Didn't work out too good for him.

Response by Cpl Kenneth Ledbetter made May 6 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-05-06T14:47:24-04:00

I have as much or more experience in my field than they do and as much or more education than any officer or NCO that I knew. I will call any Medal of Honor recipient sir, but that's it. They can call me Cpl. if they'd like.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2018 3:18 PM

2018-05-06T15:18:20-04:00

Not at all. I work with allot of people that I worked with in at the base I spent my whole career at. We usually yell our former ranks at each other when we’re trying to get each other’s attention. The non vets think we’re funny.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2018 6:58 PM

2018-05-06T18:58:33-04:00

It is usually hey brother, unless they are older or a business setting then sir / Ma’am. That is just how I was raised.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 7 at 2018 9:16 AM

2018-05-07T09:16:25-04:00

Nope, The rank ends with the DD214. The respect that those who were my superiors while I was in remains, because they earned, not because they were a certain rank. SGT Wager hung up his chevrons almost 18 years ago.

Response by SN John Burkholder made May 12 at 2018 1:05 PM

2018-05-12T13:05:54-04:00

Well, I'd kind of get a sore neck if I looked up to all the vets out there who made more rank than me.

Response by SGT Louise Hawthorne made May 15 at 2018 11:15 PM

2018-05-15T23:15:54-04:00

I always refer to fellow veterans by their rank until told otherwise...
HOWEVER, I preface it with:
'Unless you like calling me Sergeant, just say Louise. I left the grid long ago.'
If the individual doesn't prefer the informal, they will say so. I then follow suit accordingly.

Response by SSgt Bruce Probert made Jun 1 at 2018 3:41 AM

2018-06-01T03:41:28-04:00

We all have indelible marks left on each of us by our service and it establishes who we were and a lot of times explains to those we have served with why we are as we are. Rank is only a part of that and is usually higher the longer one served. As a former S/sgt. and Marine by saying that tells people who I was. I have worked for and with some excellent officers with a lot of mutual respect. I don't think that I am that different from others in that Rank is some thing you should live up to and I hold my superior officers to a higher standard, that includes senior staff NCO's and Warrant Officers. Like many of my generation I have good friends who are senior to me and in an unknown environment my default will be to call a Sgt Major or a Col. respectfully by their rank. I would never ever be disrespectful to an active duty friend in the presence of their superiors or subordinates. That being said courtesy is a two way street and is expected, some of us honor the legacy we carry no matter how long ago was our service. If your pride doesn't show we probably won't be friends.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jun 1 at 2018 4:17 AM

2018-06-01T04:17:41-04:00

A lack of rank does.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2018 9:52 PM

2018-06-03T21:52:11-04:00

I never ask, but if they volunteer the information it's possible it subconsciously affects the way I treat them. But I like to live in the here and now, and I don't wish to be treated like I was by commissioned officers when I was in now, so I dont.

Response by CSM Tee Oden made Jun 3 at 2018 11:46 PM

2018-06-03T23:46:17-04:00

I always address everyone as Madam or Sir if I don't know them already by another name. Their former position doesn't dictate how I address individuals. How they present themselves will dictate that.

Response by Sgt Ludell Owen-Breding made Jun 9 at 2018 5:31 PM

2018-06-09T17:31:58-04:00

When I go to the VA for care, everyone there is a person. Not a rank. They are people who may have been a colonel or a private. Some served during a war and some during peacetime. We are all veterans who proudly served.

Response by Sgt Jean Civitarese made Jun 10 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-06-10T12:36:15-04:00

Everyone should be treated with respect regardless of their rank. I have my MBA. That does not mean that I am better than everyone else. When people joined the military, they did so to serve the USA.

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Jun 13 at 2018 5:23 PM

2018-06-13T17:23:27-04:00

In my view, I respect anyone who has earned a rank or position above the normal rate of such efforts. It really does not matter to me whether the gain was in the military or civilian life. In my world, a successful businessman, a learned scholar, or an Admiral deserves the same respect initially. Now, how, I treat the individual when I get to know him or her depends upon their value to others, attitude, and logic, the same values I look for in any person that I intend to spend any time with!

Response by Lt Col Stephen Wood made Jun 21 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-06-21T11:26:25-04:00

No.
My JROTC kids still call me by my rank; I'm in uniform every day, but I have told the faculty and administrators that my name is Steve, not Colonel. Rank...that was then; the day I took my retirement flag, was the day my formal first name, "Mister" came back into my life and my normal name "Steve" returned.
I learned as a child, and then it was reiterated to me throughout my career: treat people with dignity and respect, be a good person. As an officer, I followed that mantra and it served me well. It still does.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Jun 21 at 2018 8:55 PM

2018-06-21T20:55:19-04:00

No matter what your rank was when you leave the service in most cases you leave your rank behind.
I work with prior service members from E6 through 06 and respect them all the same.
In the civilian world a retired E6 can be in charge of a retired CSM or an officer.
The key is respect everyone and everyone will work together, be productive, get the job done and get along.

Response by SGM William Gabbard made Jun 24 at 2018 9:28 AM

2018-06-24T09:28:05-04:00

I'm a recently retired SGM. I live in a community heavily populated with both active duty, vets and retirees; I used to work at a church as a choir director, and a third of the men in my choir were all retired officers. They were always so gracious and gentlemanly, and always insisted on first names. I see officers that I used to work for occasionally, and I still address them as "sir," usually in the typical "sandwich" fashion ("Sir" at the beginning of a conversation, "Sir" at the end). Officers that I particularly enjoyed working for get a few more "Sirs" than those that I didn't ;)

The two officers closest to me, my sons, call me "Dad," and at home, I call them by their names :)

Response by SMSgt Allan Pochop made Jun 25 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-06-25T10:24:48-04:00

For the EM's, one finds that different AFSC/MOS, have many/less billets available for advancement.....this plays and very important part for those not selected and does not reflect badly on their experience or ability .

Response by Lt Col Jim Bemis made Jul 1 at 2018 3:37 PM

2018-07-01T15:37:23-04:00

I treat my elders and former superior officers with "sir" or "ma'am" as well, unless and until they ask me to call them by their first names. I, however, do not stand rank or ceremony, and usually also request everyone to call me by my nickname.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 1:29 PM

2018-07-02T13:29:38-04:00

I feel the same, although I feel very uncomfortable calling them by their first name. I recently learned that a fellow employee is a retired Marine Corps master sergeant. When he found out I was a corpsman we really hit it off. However, I cannot bring myself to call him by his first name, John… I call him Top out of respect. .

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jul 8 at 2018 9:00 PM

2018-07-08T21:00:24-04:00

I think you have it exactly right. To be honest, I find it somewhat sad when a senior retired officer makes a big deal about former rank. I still believe in courtesy, but we are not still on active service any more, and are not frozen into the hierarchy from which we retired years ago.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jul 9 at 2018 9:47 AM

2018-07-09T09:47:46-04:00

Once out of service rank no longer matters. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Jul 14 at 2018 1:26 PM

2018-07-14T13:26:44-04:00

Hands down, Yes! I have noticed many times that retired military officers still think and act entitled. I will challenge anyone to go to a military golf course and see how the officers act like they're first and hoe they should be served. Even the bartenders have been brainwashed at 19th hole that officers are so much more special than anyone else. The post exchange or the base exchange, they have special parking, even vallet just for them. Personally, I think it's too much because that tipe of privilege carries over into the civilian world, and it's undeserving.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Jul 29 at 2018 8:06 AM

2018-07-29T08:06:44-04:00

Nope.
I'm in the American Legion, your former rank has no bearing on your current stature. We had a 3rd Vice President of our legion post that was only an E1 when he was on active duty. Got a medical discharge before he was ever promoted.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 3 at 2018 11:47 PM

2018-08-03T23:47:21-04:00

Since retiring from ZUSAF in 1991, I have been associated with many retired officers and enlisted persons. We seldom use our ranks amongst ourselves, but whenintroducing either of each other to an active duty member, we do use ranks. Of course we are former Special Operations/ Air Commandos personnel and we tend to be relaxed, foot loose and fancy free. (My butt is in for some serious chewing).

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Aug 5 at 2018 7:41 AM

2018-08-05T07:41:43-04:00

No, left that all behind when I signed out and drove off-post for the last time.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 9 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-09-09T22:48:59-04:00

In My view a Veteran is a Veteran and all have my respect for their service to the Armed Forces. I've addressed some by rank as a matter off showing My understanding of what they had accomplished and appreciation for that. I'll address people in whatever they indicate they prefer, that's not a problem. In public also showing proper respect for people tends to make it a lot easier to deal with just about anyone. As I often say, "To Get respect first You have to give Respect!"

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Sep 28 at 2018 11:14 AM

2018-09-28T11:14:14-04:00

Only those who serve dishonorably are viewed with suspicion. Whatever rank/rate a person has upon discharge is a story to be told.

Response by SPC Randell Pendley made Jan 7 at 2019 9:57 AM

2019-01-07T09:57:38-05:00

I only call one friend by his rank because he's a friend and CSM. And was a Drill Sgt. And Ranger In Infantry School when I went through Infantry School. But never
new him till after Infantry School. Met him at Martin Army Hospital. Where I stayed 157 days in 1977-78. He was checking on some recruits. And saw We were from the same County.

Response by CWO4 Michael Harding made Jan 24 at 2019 9:09 AM

2019-01-24T09:09:23-05:00

In my view, lack of respect for one another is what's wrong with today's culture. Lets stop comparing each others' accomplishments and start helping each other reach their goals. While on active duty I always tried to respect the person next to me and the uniform being worn by them, which included respect for the rank/rating which it represented as well as for the commander in chief and others serving for our nation under the flag when I took my oath. When I retired from the military I used the same principles at my new job and it worked well. Doesn't mean I agree with everyone in authority (including my wife) all the time, or all policies; it just means I signed up to join and serve something bigger than myself and being part of an organization means sacrifice, contribution and service. I like to think the part I played help make it better, not perfect. I leave that for God to help me with.

Response by SFC Michael W. made May 14 at 2019 4:51 PM

2019-05-14T16:51:33-04:00

For me, it's simply out of mutual respect...I'll either do that or call that person by their last name, especially if we served in the same combat zone! I know we're titled as "civilians" but I don't go by that. I don't hold it against anyone thinking differently, it's just my choice...but if the individual I'm chatting with prefer I don't address them that way I respect it and go by THEIR preference.

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made Jun 4 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-06-04T11:14:37-04:00

No, and Yes.
We are all just Veterans now.
But, I still refer to a former CO who I am on Facebook friends with as Capt. Dave.

At reunions, I sometime refer to shipmates by the rank or rate I knew them as, like Boats, or Chief, or Capt, or Asshole. but it's more a "term of endearment".

Response by SSG Everett VanOrden made Jun 11 at 2019 2:45 PM

2019-06-11T14:45:45-04:00

I only care about their rank when I catch them lying about it.

Response by SGM Thomas Terebesi Sr made Jun 18 at 2019 12:49 PM

2019-06-18T12:49:36-04:00

I look at anyone who achieved a high rank in the military as I would someone who became a CEO of a large company. I also admire all that have served their country regardless of rank.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2019 9:56 PM

2019-08-09T21:56:44-04:00

Addressing Veterans at first, with Sir or Mam, is the proper thing to do

Response by SSG Lauro Jimenez made Aug 12 at 2019 12:22 AM

2019-08-12T00:22:38-04:00

It does only if the person is retired. I'm retired SSG, so I still am a SSG. That is my title, like Dr. ,Professor etc.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 12 at 2019 12:02 PM

2019-08-12T12:02:01-04:00

Depends... Someone who did 5 years and got out an E5? Normal. Someone who did 20 years and is an E5? I'm going to be curious at the very least...

Response by SP5 Ron Davis made Aug 12 at 2019 1:56 PM

2019-08-12T13:56:03-04:00

No, you view people as people. Be true to yourself and most people will follow suit. Smiles open a lot of doors. Nothing wrong with having respect for everyone, you can only hope the respect is returned.

Response by MSgt Ed Larson made Nov 30 at 2019 10:24 PM

2019-11-30T22:24:26-05:00

Not me but I have met some people that think there rank is carrying over, I put them in there place.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Dec 17 at 2019 9:50 PM

2019-12-17T21:50:06-05:00

Anyone who served gets at all the respect in the world. Thank only counts! Rank remains, but we all did our job.Thank you for your service

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Dec 17 at 2019 10:57 PM

2019-12-17T22:57:55-05:00

My father retired as a Col. I respected him always as the Col. OSS in wwII first advisers in Vietnam 1956. I went to Nam 13 years later. You respect the man for what he did and always remember their sacrife

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jan 16 at 2020 12:37 AM

2020-01-16T00:37:16-05:00

My American Legion chapter has all kinds of characters and I think all kinds of ranks and services, but I have never asked and don't care because we are all friends and veterans.

Response by MSgt Sidney Lichter made Mar 16 at 2020 6:28 AM

2020-03-16T06:28:46-04:00

Not really; as a retired E-7, I pall around on an equal basis with all grades.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 1:27 PM

2020-04-26T13:27:29-04:00

The playing field is level in the civilian world. I know a person, who only reached E4 in the service. But you would never know that, in the way he leads a large Veteran Based group in North Carolina. His mind set, and leadership is at least a First Sgt, if not a Sgt.Major.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jun 8 at 2020 5:38 PM

2020-06-08T17:38:12-04:00

Absolutely not. I will engage in conversations with them about their service but for the most part, it doesn't.

Response by SFC Dean Allen made Oct 2 at 2020 7:39 AM

2020-10-02T07:39:52-04:00

I have been a life member of the VFW for over fifty years now. The only "rank" most of my comrades care about is the fact they have elected me Post Commander four times. As for active duty rank, nobody really cares about that most of the time. They are interested in how well you are able to perform in any position you are elected, or appointed, to serve in.

I do still say sir to officers (the Post Commander who preceded me was a retired Army LTC). Contrary to popular belief, veterans rarely sit around "telling war stories" so former military rank rarely comes up. If you are a VETERAN and earned an Honorable Discharge, you are de facto a member of an elite brotherhood and have earned total respect.

Response by PO3 Jerome Wilson made Oct 16 at 2020 10:16 AM

2020-10-16T10:16:43-04:00

I believe I posted a comment on the ”rank card” and I'll add to that here. The military hierarchy and structure is set up based on rank which is what they used to grant authority and benefits to service members. The people who have served honorably and attained that rank should be given same deference and benefits they had when they left the military. but I have a caveat only on military installations and incidents involving the military. But civilian to civilian the same we should be treated no differently from a E1 to a O9.

Response by GySgt Lloyd Beckford made Feb 18 at 2021 10:07 PM

2021-02-18T22:07:59-05:00

It shouldn't but unfortunately it does in most cases. I wish that would change.

Response by PO2 Jo Wi made Jul 27 at 2021 5:39 PM

2021-07-27T17:39:34-04:00

Since I’m out, and everyone I deal with these days is also out I couldn’t care less what was another veteran’s rank back during service. We are all civilians now. Whether someone was an E-1 or an O-10, doesn’t matter to me: to the eyes of everyone else we are all the same now. Nobody who was a former high ranking military personnel can’t now go to Walmart (for example) and cut line like they could do at the commissary.

Response by PO3 Pamala McBrayer made Sep 17 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-09-17T16:15:40-04:00

With rank comes some level of access, authority, and experience…the perspectives may important and it can impact communication and leadership styles/decision making process. I see many as “big picture” or policy people…not detail or technical people. NCOs make that bridge between the doers and the planners. Those roles can persist into civilian life. More frequently I find that junior enlisted persons are underestimated, or esteemed “less than successful “…there is only so far you can go in 4 years….E-1 to E-4 in <2 should give some folks a clue.