how do you address a First Class Sergeant? “First Sergeant (last name)” or just “Sergeant (last name)?

Isabel Moritz — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:00:54 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 10:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:16:25 -0500

Well if you are referring to an E-7 pay grade, in the Army it is sergeant first class (SFC) and it is Sergeant, in the Marines they are called Gunny. Now if you are referring to an E-8 pay grade and they have the diamond they are called First Sergeant, without the diamond they are called Master Sergeant.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 10:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:21:38 -0500

Sergeant thru Master Sergeant are called Sergeant when speaking face to face. If referring to said NCO from Sergeant thru Master Sergeant in the 3rd person, then you refer them by their full rank title. The rank of First Sergeant (or 1SG) is addressed as First Sergeant regardless. There is a caveat to this though. When speaking to said NCOs via txt message or even email, it is best to use their full rank title abbreviation (SGT, SSG, SFC, MSG).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 1:18 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 13:18:30 -0500

The E-5 and above verbal collective of Sergeant doesn't apply to the Marines... unless you want to be really, really, really strong... just sayin'.

Response by Sgt Eric Plebuch made Jan 27 at 2018 4:07 PM

Sgt Eric Plebuch — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 16:07:56 -0500

This really does depend on the service you are a part of. In the Marines for instance, E5 and above are all Sergeants. Speak to any GySgt E7 as Sergeant and you will either look like Schwarzenegger or be completely ignored. Their correct term is Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny. To add confusion often times E9 SgtMaj and MGySgt are called Sir as a matter of respect although not officers. Sergeant is a no fly zone in the Corps.

Response by Jacen Meyer made Jan 28 at 2018 4:25 PM

Jacen Meyer — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 16:25:43 -0500

If you are a lower rank then you will address him or her as ma'am or sir but it varies with the different branches

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jan 29 at 2018 3:38 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:38:10 -0500

US Army SFC Retired, Formally the Correct Address is Sergeant First Class. If you are a member of my Platoon then Sergeant will do...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2019 11:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 May 2019 11:36:57 -0400

Exactly what MSG Private RallyPoint Member said.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 17 at 2021 1:24 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 13:24:30 -0400

Even better, how do you address a really first class Sergeant First Class?

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 19 at 2022 5:24 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 17:24:59 -0400

As Sergeant!