How do you feel about Soldiers not referring to our President as President Obama ….instead they just say Obama?

2014-02-22T21:08:39-05:00

When talking at work how do you feel if Soldiers don't give the President the respect by calling him President Obama? Do you correct Soldiers that don't use the term president? Why or why not

Response by SCPO William C. made Feb 22 at 2014 9:42 PM

2014-02-22T21:42:50-05:00

You don't have to like him or his policies but you MUST respect the office that he holds. He is the President of the United States; the Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces. As long as one is wearing the uniform, it is only proper that you bestow the proper courtesies of his office and title. Plain and simple.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-02-22T22:30:48-05:00

This has been something that's been on my mind practically since our president took office, and it's not just within the militaries ranks. When it's ubiquitous among the media and common citizens to refer to the president simply as "Obama" it's hard to fault a soldier for doing the same.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 3:51 PM

2014-03-15T15:51:01-04:00

I correct junior Soldiers, just so that they aren't set up for failure and they know what right is. As for the NCOs and Officers, they have already decided how they're going to refer to the President and all I do is try to set a good example when I can and refer to him the way he should be.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 10 at 2014 1:26 PM

2014-04-10T13:26:18-04:00

Not in a Position to correct anyone since I am retired but yes I find it offensive and contrary to everything I learned in the Military. Now as far as me personally I belong to a group of 71 Thousand Veterans that Campaigned for President Obama.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 10 at 2014 3:40 PM

2014-04-10T15:40:06-04:00

Not to knit pick here, but this isn't a situation isolated to President Obama.  I was on active duty from 1983 - 2006 and can not think of a single President that wasn't referred to or discussed in the same manner (last name only).  Not saying that it's proper, we all know it isn't, but this isn't directed solely towards our current President.  To take the discussion one step further, a former President is also to be addressed as President "Name" or former President "Name"... how often does that happen? 

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 10 at 2014 3:48 PM

2014-04-10T15:48:26-04:00

It annoys the shit out of me... but it isn't isolated to Obama.  When Clinton was in, he was Clinton, Bush, Obama.  It must be a social norm or something.  He's my Commander in Chief.  He is either Mr. President (via address) or President Obama.  Mr. Obama is acceptable in reference.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 10 at 2014 6:06 PM

2014-04-10T18:06:10-04:00

I will correct them.  No matter what I think of the man, I say President Obama. The President part is like his rank so saying President to me is like say Sergeant Smith.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-04-10T18:21:31-04:00

SGT Spencer, In uniform or civilian clothes on duty, it should be "President Obama". Period. In civilians, however, I really don't care. Wrong or right, I get far more upset by people calling each other by their first names while in uniform. Also, I get frustrated when I am referred to as "Needham" rather than "SPC Needham". In civi's I don't care. I could be wrong, and probably am by regulation. I, for one, will never make an on the spot correction for either of these issues when I make E5. I think there are far more important issues to concern myself with. Especially now, as a Jr. Enlisted Soldier. V/R SPC Needham

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 10 at 2014 6:23 PM

2014-04-10T18:23:34-04:00

I have heard and probably referred to many of the POTUS I served under by far worse terms than just their last names soooooooo, it never bothers/ed me.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 28 at 2014 6:49 AM

2014-04-28T06:49:13-04:00

We are Soldiers first. We should not let our personal political views be shown when in uniform. He is currently our Commander in Chief and should be addressed as President Obama.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 1:47 PM

2014-04-28T13:47:46-04:00

I would offer that in any context where your comments could be attributed to your service (and especially in uniform), any elected civilian representative should be referred to by the appropriate title (President, Senator, Secretary, Chief Justice, etc). It has nothing to do with agreeing with theirs policies or positions, but has everything to do with the civilian control of our military, as was intended by the founders of our Nation.

Private conversations are obviously different and service members are entitled to whatever opinion they want, but I would just be mindful that many people could attribute your comments to your service.

I once knew a Major who insisted on calling any civilian he spoke to while he was in uniform as "sir" or "ma'am," even teenagers. While that might be a bit extreme, I think it hits at the core of the obligations we have to ensure civilian control of our military.

Response by SSG Mark Ives made May 2 at 2014 3:19 PM

2014-05-02T15:19:39-04:00

It's inappropriate behavior. It'd be like them calling their Company, Battalion, Brigade or Division commander by their last name. While we all have our opinions (you know what opinions are like... :), I believe you give it (opinion) up publicly when you took your oath and put on a uniform.

Response by MSgt Peter Jahnke made May 20 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-05-20T11:29:06-04:00

Respect the Office, not the Man......

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 4:03 PM

2014-08-18T16:03:44-04:00

It's disrespectful and insubordinate, regardless of political affiliation. A PFC wouldn't call a CPT by his last name only, and the President is a hell of a lot higher in the chain-of-command than any O-3.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 18 at 2014 4:15 PM

2014-08-18T16:15:20-04:00

If it's a sideline discussion among a small group, no problem. If someone is addressing an audience or in a more public forum then proper decorum dictates.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 8:53 PM

2014-08-18T20:53:00-04:00

An old LTC I worked with while deployed (fast fact - he had the longest time in service in CENTCOM at the time, and his prior combat patch was from Nam) used to constantly correct people who said "Bush" with "If I had to say President Clinton, you sure as hell have to say President Bush."

The politics aside, the core sentiment was absolutely right, just as many others have observed here. We are a civilian-led military for a very specific reason, and those offices grant titles we are obliged to honor, no matter what we think of the person in it. I don't think of it as a rank, like SSG Martin said, but simply a recognition of a core facet of our Democracy that is worth honoring.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-11-14T11:52:56-05:00

I don't think it's a lack of respect thing just more of a simple response.! I don't refer to any president past of present as such.... Just their last name. Maybe you're looking too far into something that isn't there, just new times and ways of speaking

Response by SSG Jim Foreman made Nov 14 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-11-14T12:03:09-05:00

When I was a young man (17) enlisting into the Army my Dad ( a Master Sergeant) told me "You don't have to respect the man but you better respect the rank." So it's President Obama.

Response by SPC Denton Roth made Jan 23 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-01-23T15:59:04-05:00

I think the President has to earn respect just like anybody else, but you should have respect for the office.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 23 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-01-23T16:34:59-05:00

Regardless of how little I respect the man, I have great respect for the office.

For those who choke on the words "President Obama", I suggest "the President" or "Mr President".

I would highly recommend standing in his presence as a show of respect to the office, but see no need as a civilian to shake hands with President Obama if the opportunity ever arose.

In uniform, salute the office if not the man.

Notice, I always capitalize "President" when I am referring to the President of the United States in writing.

I use #POTUS only in Tweets for the sake of brevity inasmuch as I am limited to 140 characters overall.

I find it interesting that TV writers script actors to say "POTUS" when referring to the President in fictional stories. I wouldn't do that. However, I understand the need for code names to be used in radio communications between SS agents tasked with security.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-01-23T16:37:49-05:00

Meh. Meh I say. Meh.

I don't think it really matters whether they say "President Obama" or "Obama", as much as what they say immediately prior and immediately following.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jan 23 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-01-23T16:50:24-05:00

I was told his as a brand new private you must respect the rank (in this case the office of the president of the USA) and may not like the person but still be respectful.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-01-28T08:40:41-05:00

I don't care what people call him. Everybody gets way to hung up over words in our politically correct society. Can't people just talk without having PC police interfere?

Response by PO3 Devin Gallagher made Jan 28 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-01-28T09:56:28-05:00

I will care about that when he chooses to stop making salutes with coffee cups in his hand.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 22 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-02-22T10:42:50-05:00

I may be considered very wrong in my thinking, but in my thinking, when I say "President Obama" I am referring to his position as CIC, if I say Obama, I am only referring to the man, not the position or office he holds. To me there is a big difference!

Response by SSG Jim Foreman made Feb 24 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-02-24T14:29:26-05:00

I was taught by my Father (retired military) you don't have to like or respect the person but you better respect the rank. The POTUS is Commander in Chief, it is President Obama.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 24 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-02-24T14:31:41-05:00

About as much as I care about people referring to "Clinton" or "Bush" or "Reagan" or "Carter" or "Kennedy" or "Roosevelt", etc.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-02-24T14:45:31-05:00

I agree. Irrespective of the man, he does rank as the CinC.

Quite like Major Dick Winter said in Band of Brothers, "You salute the rank, not the man." (Greatest Sobel-a$$-face scene ever, btw.)

Also, I recall President Bush being called "Dub-ya".

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Feb 24 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-02-24T14:48:06-05:00

I got to admit, doesn't really bother me too much. Didn't really bother me when they did the same to Bush Clinton and Reagan who I served under.

However I would like to say this, I treat civilian political leadership like this, it's like the old saying goes in the NCO Corp. There is a difference between an NCO and the Sgt. one holds a position while the other holds a leadership and is granted the respect of that leadership.

I treat civilian political leadership the same. When they treat the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and We the People above their own self-interest, that I'll treat them with the respect they deserve.

Response by SPC Kimberley Kerr made Feb 24 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-02-24T16:29:52-05:00

Something an old 1sgt told me long time ago " you don't have to respect the man, but you have to respect the rank they carry" although he is the President I think the message still bares weight on the situation I don't like Obama one little bit but I still respect the the title he carries I would correct the soldier

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Feb 27 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-02-27T10:15:15-05:00

No matter what he's the CIC! You swore an oath! Respect the position the President holds.

Response by CPT George Stotz made Mar 5 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-03-05T13:13:37-05:00

I am not a supporter of this President, nor happy with the course our country has taken, since this administration has been in power. Though having said that and with my own feelings and political viewpoints aside. I personally believe we should respect to the office, even if we do not support the current occupant.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 25 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-03-25T15:09:03-04:00

I'm ok with it. The whole world does it. If you look back BUSH got the same thing... "W"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-03-25T15:20:48-04:00

One good thing here on RP is that when we address others here it is in deference to the service of other veterans by virtue of SGT Private RallyPoint Member as an example. Maybe we need a tag for the President(s). lol

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Mar 25 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-03-25T15:21:44-04:00

As a Veterans and no longer in the military hierarchy, I never really paid a whole lot of attention to this issue until President Obama became President.

I felt people were purposely doing this to disrespect the President. When I realize that I had not paid too much attention prior to 2008, I had to do a reality check. Non-active duty personnel may just do it out or habit or hatred. I can't make a determination for others, just myself.

So, if I have disrespected any prior occupant of the White House by not referring to them as Mr. President, or President *Name*, I am asking for your forgiveness. Please, count it up to my head and not my heart. I may have not voted for every President since 1972, but I definitely do not support disrespecting any of them. They hold the most difficult office in the world and deserve that respect.

For those who have been correcting individuals thank you. It is the right thing to do!

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Mar 26 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-03-26T17:06:48-04:00

You must respect the office and his position as Commander and Chief. All active duty/retired should refer to him as President we serve/served the President's Office as our commander and Chief, not the man in the office.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-03-27T20:25:39-04:00

I absolutely correct Sailors constantly. No matter whether or not you agree with President Obama's policies, we have all sworn an oath to obey his authority. His is a position of respect. You may not respect the person, but the title demands it, and when/if we allow anyone, regardless of rank, to talk despairingly about the President, it causes dissension in ranks. The lack of respect for the title, President of the United States, seethes with lack of discipline. Unless President Obama gives orders that are in direct violation of the Constitution of the United States, we are to obey those orders. Yes, I demand respect for our President's title.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Mar 27 at 2015 8:28 PM

2015-03-27T20:28:34-04:00

As you read down through these remarks a lot of them say you swore an oath. It was quite a few years ago, but I believe it was first to defend the Constitution of the United States. I will always respect to office of President of the United States. The man in that office now has brought disrespect here and all over the world, and does not follow the Constitution as it was written!

Response by SPC Denton Roth made Apr 2 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-04-02T11:37:33-04:00

The man will be gone in less than two yrs. Hopefully they don't vote for Hillary Clinton, we will be screwed. I really like Senator Ted Curz he seams to beleive in the constitition for all his decision he makes for this country, this is what we need. so keep your fingers crossed and hope for change back to normal.

Response by SSG Steven Rollison made Apr 17 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-04-17T15:48:22-04:00

I agree saying President first is the correct way to go about this when having a public discussion about our President but currently many SM do not care about our current President and therefore don't seem to care enough to address him in such away when discussing about him with brothers or sisters in arms. This may not be the right thing to do and should be dealt with in a suttle manner. Also we shouldn't be discussing politics in the work place, so this shouldn't even be a problem in the first place.

Response by PO3 David Miller made May 29 at 2015 3:51 AM

2015-05-29T03:51:15-04:00

Obama may be taking a little too far. However, I don't believe I have to address him as Mr. President or President Obama either. I could just say Sir and be respectful of the office just as would any other officer; and being technical, he isn't a military officer, he is an elected civilian.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 4:06 AM

2015-05-29T04:06:50-04:00

I do correct Soldiers that address him as Obama, as well as civilians. This is a problem within this country in general. So many people dislike the president and it's just a lack of respect for him. It's even common in the media, as well. I don't have to agree with the President's views, but I will respect him.

Response by TSgt Jacob Sevdy made May 29 at 2015 4:36 AM

2015-05-29T04:36:06-04:00

I have a former coworker (believe he's retired now) who refers to him on Facebook as 0bama (that's Zero-bama). All he posts on FB is conservative extremist hate on the president. Yeah, he's one of those guys.

And yet he talks so proudly about his military service, while blaming President Obama for anything negative that pops up about the service. Iraq War? Obama's fault for not pulling us out (even though he praises President Bush Jr. for putting us there in the first place). Some people just can't be reasoned with.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-06-05T21:05:09-04:00

When you are in uniform serving you have to give the respect no matter what you think of the person in office, if you disrespect the idea you disrespect the history and the founding fathers of these great country.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Oct 15 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-10-15T19:13:31-04:00

Right, wrong or indifferent, it's been happening for quite some time, at least since I joined in 1980 and it was a mix of people saying President Regan or just Regan all the way to today, I seriously doubt any real disrespect is intended and I also know when people don't like a decision made by the POTUS your going to hear a whole lot of more disrespectful words used than just not saying President when referring to POTUS.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Dec 11 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-12-11T21:24:41-05:00

It's obama's fault. You can't legislate respect

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Dec 14 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-12-14T10:41:25-05:00

I'll hazard a guess and say It'll probably be more evident in right-leaning Soldiers for obvious reasons.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-12-14T11:12:51-05:00

This is not new or unique to President Obama.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 15 at 2015 8:38 AM

2015-12-15T08:38:14-05:00

If I were still in the Army and even now as a civilian it's just respect. I had a 1SG I didn't like and he didn't like me, I told him straight to his face, I don't like you top but I respect the rank that was it, as a man I would have whopped his ass if given the chance, but at the end of the day I had to respect the rank, so same thing goes with our President, don't have to like him, but respect the position.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 4 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-03-04T16:24:29-05:00

It is proper military decorum. Forsake one standard, forsake all standards.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Mar 16 at 2017 5:09 PM

2017-03-16T17:09:21-04:00

You respect the Office and yet hide your disdain for the person if you don't happen to agree politically or philosophically with them.

Response by MCPO Doyle Glancy made Jan 24 at 2022 12:39 AM

2022-01-24T00:39:49-05:00

Dang! How old was this article? I don’t remember President Obama being in office for quite a while. 01/23/2022

Response by SGT John Coppinger made Mar 6 at 2022 9:35 PM

2022-03-06T21:35:56-05:00

Does not deserve the respecy

Response by SGT Jeff Everhart made Aug 14 at 2023 9:25 PM

2023-08-14T21:25:23-04:00

The oath obligates Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines to defend the Constitution and follow lawful orders of superior officers, has nothing to say about how junior enlisted or junior officers address the President of the United States.

Response by SP5 Michael Lewis made Oct 30 at 2023 12:48 PM

2023-10-30T12:48:08-04:00

In my opinion, I think you don't have to call an ex president, president So and so, when talking about them after their presidency. We only have one president at a time and all of the others are "EX".

Response by SN Lawrence Worthen made Nov 5 at 2023 8:19 AM

2023-11-05T08:19:47-05:00

Obama is the equivalent to our true enemy! obama doesn’t deserve an iota of respect! obama started all of the hate and new racism we are witnessing right now! obama IS truly our enemy attempting to populate with the off with their heads crowd of anti American muzlams! obama nor the present Fraud-in-Thief do NOT deserve ANY honor or respect for destroying most good the previous president had enacted. Due to bidens jealousies of the successful previous president he death penned (executive ordered) a reverse of freedom, our constitution and my military oath to my nation of free America! I promised to honor and uphold our constitution that the two previous democrat idiots have attempted to alter in order to fill their pockets!!! The party of dims must be removed either by vote or force…

Response by LT William Pellegrini made Nov 5 at 2023 2:07 PM

2023-11-05T14:07:04-05:00

Hmm. Hard one. Since Obama is not the current President I am not sure that referring to him a President is correct. I can see former President but he is an "X" President so.......? Interesting thought. I guess I have a tendency to refer to all ex-President as President as long as they weren't forced from office for illegal behavior or indicted for serious crimes. I have no respect for people who would abuse the power of the President of the United States for personal gain and/or glory. The job of all elected people is to serve the PEOPLE. In fact, the only reason to actually have a government is to provide services to the people who reside in the country/state/county/city of the country. If they don't do that then they don't deserve to be looked upon with respect. And using the word President before a name implies respect for that person. Simple to say/write about. Not so simple to actually do on a daily basis.