Posted on Jan 26, 2018
how do you address a First Class Sergeant? “First Sergeant (last name)” or just “Sergeant (last name)?
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First Sergeant
Rank First Sergeant
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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).
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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'.
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MSG (Join to see)
Once got to see what happens when an Army guy called a Marine Staff Sergeant "Sergeant." It wasn't very pretty.
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SSG (Join to see)
Haha! That’s hilarious. I learned that first hand. Before joining and learning the ranks I called a Marine Staff Sergeant “Sergeant”, and he was livid. I found it funny at the time but later on learned why he was mad. Lol
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Even better, how do you address a really first class Sergeant First Class?
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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.
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SSG (Join to see)
To be fair, Gunny is a familiar term. I address them as Gunnery Sergeant unless I've worked with them for some time.
So yes, to address the OP that is noting 2 different ranks. E7's are Sergeant First Class <lastname>, or Sergeant <lastname>. E8 being a Master Sergeant <lastname> or not incorrect to refer to them as Sergeant <lastname> though again, I would only do those I work with. If they hold the position as E8 of First Sergeant denoted with the diamond (technically a pierced lozenge if people care), they would be addressed First Sergeant <lastname> or just First Sergeant.
So yes, to address the OP that is noting 2 different ranks. E7's are Sergeant First Class <lastname>, or Sergeant <lastname>. E8 being a Master Sergeant <lastname> or not incorrect to refer to them as Sergeant <lastname> though again, I would only do those I work with. If they hold the position as E8 of First Sergeant denoted with the diamond (technically a pierced lozenge if people care), they would be addressed First Sergeant <lastname> or just First Sergeant.
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US Army SFC Retired, Formally the Correct Address is Sergeant First Class. If you are a member of my Platoon then Sergeant will do...
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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
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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.
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