How many of us had trouble distinguishing the rank of approaching commissioned, non-commissioned or warrant officers on field uniforms??

2015-11-13T11:58:48-05:00

Fatigue, battledress and other work and combat uniforms had subdued rank most of the time. Some ranks are very distinctive such as Captain [double bars], Colonel [eagle], and General Officer [black star or multiple]. However 1st LT and Warrant Officer looked very close and sometimes Majors and Lieutenant Colonels looked very close especially in the rain, snow, etc.
When I was a private in the 1970s I couldn't tell sometimes if a LT or a Chief Warrant Officer was approaching me. I would salute usually and wasn't sure at that time if I was supposed to salute Warrant Officers.
Did you have trouble recognizing officer rank?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 13 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-11-13T12:02:09-05:00

When I was a private I had trouble distinguishing 1LT from Warrant Officers. Later after I got commissioned I had trouble as well. I generally saluted 1LTs when I was a 2LT. Later after I was promoted to Major I sometimes had trouble figuring out if the person walking towards me was my rank or one rank higher. Sometimes I saluted somebody who held the same rank as I had which made for some interesting short conversations.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 13 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-11-13T12:02:28-05:00

Need to add "CPO's, MCPO's, and SCPO's" to this list. In khakis and working blues, I've saluted many-a-Chief Petty Officer. Nothing like hearing "Carry On, Sir" as they returned my salutation. But that's OK... these leaders rate a salute anyway. As we often heard, "When in doubt, whip it out."

Response by LTC John Shaw made Nov 13 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-11-13T12:14:13-05:00

Only on occasion did this become an issue, most important was the officer's attitude if you made an honest mistake, In 30 years only once did this become an issue and it was a newly promoted LTC who thought I was dis-respecting them. (I was a MAJ at the time.)
I rendered the salute as soon as he laid into me and he vented for about 30 seconds, returned the salute and walked away.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-11-13T12:32:24-05:00

I never really had an issue, but I once (back when I was a SPC) got saluted by a PFC from about 75ft away because he thought my rank was LTC.

Response by SFC Jim Mergott made Nov 13 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-11-13T12:33:33-05:00

I remember as a private ducking into buildings if it was an officer I did not like.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-11-13T12:44:22-05:00

Mine was always Navy Chiefs and Naval Officers. No clue how many Chief got saluted outside the NAS North Island Chow Hall.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-11-13T13:07:10-05:00

I would always render a salute and address them as Sir or Ma'am, but it was difficult at times to tell.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 13 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-11-13T13:18:18-05:00

I did with a Naval Officer once - in the NWU uninform I was at the commissary and saw one walking and didn't salute. Looking back they were wearing their officer rank on one side and I believe a branch insignia on the other. As I was walking, he said HEY! then saluted and all was well. I did salute a A1C once...this was when BDU's were still around and being phased out in the USAF, I thought he was a Captain because he had two lines from the BDU pattern that were going down like subdued captain bars. Other than that I think I saluted a Navy Chief once in technical school.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 13 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-11-13T13:37:21-05:00

I learned early on to do what I could to look at their covers this way I could tell. I to have saluted Chiefs but as we got closer we would make a joke out of it.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 13 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-11-13T14:20:52-05:00

LTC Stephen F., I don't remember having That experience per se; but I Do remember a very funny meeting up with a General.
I was a Squad Leader, and I had the members of my squad, marching/walking behind me.
We were on a side walk.
When I saw a soldier approach me, all I could do was to gaze at his massive chest of ribbons. I had forgotten to salute him. This was a full-fledged General; mind you. When I looked up at his face, he was beaming- from ear to ear. I, of course, quickly saluted him; and he saluted back.
I don't remember a Word being spoken.
I will remember THAT experience for as long as I live. HOOAH!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-11-13T14:22:01-05:00

Those darn CPO, SCPO, MCPO of the Navy. Confused me for a while!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 13 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-11-13T14:35:59-05:00

I once thought a s2tars insignia on his jacket made him a LTJG(O2). IT's much harder these days with the trend of putting a single small rank patch on the middle of the uniform, ala ACU... I think sleeve stripes for enlisted and collar devices or soft shoulder boards (like the Navy, with visible stripes) should be the norm, even on battle uniforms. It's just too confusing otherwise...

Note that I am not a ground combat vet, and there may be over-riding reasons for it being the way it is, but that doesn't make it easier for any of us...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-11-13T14:55:36-05:00

LTC Stephen F., In my day, the rank was on a ball cap, so you didn't have to guess. There was this one time at Fort Campbell , I was walking down the steps at the PX and a Vietnamese officer walked by and I didn't salute. I didn't recognize him as an officer. He reamed me out pretty good. I told him Thank you sir, and started to walk off. He stopped me again. Can you tell why he stopped me again?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 13 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-11-13T14:57:15-05:00

The only time in the Navy I had a problem was, once I saw a Chief Petty Officer wearing a gold warfare (breast) insignia so I saluted him. I had been trained that only Officers wore gold insignia and didn't recognize the "Air Crew" insignia. The Chief laughed after I explained and trained me on what his meant.
Fast forward to 2002. Chiefs recently started wearing their rank insignia on the shoulder boards of their Eisenhower jackets. Prior to that they wore them on the collar and only Officers wore them on the shoulder. I saluted quite a few Chiefs before I got used to it.

Fast forward to 2007 when I was stationed in Hawaii. I sometimes had to go over to Schofield Barracks. On the ACU uniforms, Soldiers wear a rank tab in the middle of their chest, verses the Navy who wears them on their collar of the NWU. So it looked like I would be staring at a person's chest when I was trying to figure out if I had to salute them or not. One female Captain got upset with me, either because I didn't salute quick enough for her or she thought I was looking at her assets. I said "Ma'am, I'm not used to Army uniforms."

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 13 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-11-13T15:05:45-05:00

After I had 12 years of continuous good conduct, I rated gold Petty Officer chevrons, and wore them on my coveralls while underway. I was on an Amphibious ship, so we carried Marines. Boot Marines (LCPL's and PFC's) would see gold on my collar, jump out of my way/hug the bulkhead, come to attention and shout "Good Morning Sir!!!" At first I tried to train them and say "I know you're trained to salute gold so it's a bit confusing, but I'm a Petty Officer. The easiest way to tell is look at the color of my belt. If it's black I'm not an Officer or a Chief. If it's khaki colored, that's an Officer or a Chief." Eventually it got to be easier to just say "Good morning Marine, carry on..."

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 13 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-11-13T15:10:11-05:00

When I was in tech school, I had trouble with the Navy guys as we all thought every member of the Navy was a Colonel. It was funny really.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Nov 13 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-11-13T15:16:45-05:00

MAJ and 2LT subdued ranks blend better into to the OCP pattern than it did into the ACU pattern.

We probably need to go to the copper color like the Air Force.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-11-13T15:28:39-05:00

In the Army, 1SG and SGM can be hard to distinguish at a distance. I empathize for the Marines...their officer rank is small. The Navy was always the hardest for me...ranks & rates...and the CPT would be a COL with that full bird in any other service!

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Nov 13 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-11-13T16:42:34-05:00

I don't know, from the old "c##t" cap, tanker's cap, baseball cap, sauser hat, to berets, I lost track of where to find rank.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-11-13T16:55:58-05:00

I have a hard time seeing the Major Oak Leaf on the OCP and feel like I am staring a would-be officer down until I can see it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 13 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-11-13T18:48:47-05:00

Army, never an issue. Navy, Marine salute um all and smile...was just easier then having to stare, think and take a stab at getting it wrong...LOL

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 13 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-11-13T19:30:49-05:00

On occasion I'm sure we all have made that mistake. I have; although generally it's if the other person is backlit. That's my alibi!

A couple of times when I was a Specialist (and perhaps also because I was a tad older than the average SPC) I would have a young private whip up a quick salute to me as I approached; presumably they thought a was an LTC or something. Normally I'd ignore it as most guys do, but I once responded to a salute with "you've got to be kidding me" and this poor kid was totally confused-I'm not sure if it ever dawned on him.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Nov 14 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-11-14T14:28:07-05:00

every unit crest on a beret in the right light can look like officer rank - and every officer rank on a beret in the right light can look like a unit crest - I got into trouble so many times because of that confusion

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-11-14T17:07:43-05:00

I couldn't see what the person was and I ran into a tree while looking for his rank. Turned out it was a Private!!! Then I got yelled at by this very buxom Butter Bar for staring at her chest, even though I just trying to detect her rank (for fifteen minutes). I can't win for losing. AND I'M RETIRED!!!

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Nov 14 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-11-14T17:15:33-05:00

Without my glasses, SPC and LTC ranks look very similar.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 14 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-11-14T17:19:06-05:00

Interesting challenge is Army LTC and Sp4 when worn on front of battle uniform. From distance both are a black blob. Easy to distinguish close up.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Nov 14 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-11-14T17:50:56-05:00

In the AF, enlisted and officer ranks on field uni's are pretty hard not to recognize. In the mid 90's we went to the aircrew style name patch on BDUs and that left a lot of officers without a salute, but it didn't last long.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Nov 14 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-11-14T17:54:19-05:00

The only ranks that are hard for me to recognize are Air Force E7 through E9.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 14 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-11-14T23:22:43-05:00

From a distance, it is hard to tell the difference between a specialist, a LTC, and a BG (especially is the specialist is an older Soldier). All you see is a black mark that becomes clearer hopefully soon enough to render or not render a salute.

Response by CMSgt Richard B. made Nov 14 at 2015 11:51 PM

2015-11-14T23:51:48-05:00

I was usually pretty good at catching it. I did see a flight suit moving towards me one time and quickly whipped out a sharp salute...to a fellow Staff Sergeant! I did fail a test in Basic Training at Fort Jackson. One of the DS would wear a helmet liner with Major insiginia to test soldiers on "reporting to an officer" during our soldier stakes. I was coaching some of the guys in my platoon to make sure that we all had it down pat. My turn comes and after initially reporting, I recognize the drill sergeant as an NCO, and forget to salute at the end of our conversation. I had to re-take the "test". Embarrassing for the guy who helped his buddies pass the test!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 12:56 AM

2015-11-15T00:56:18-05:00

It can be difficult to see with the subdued hues of rank at a distance. Only when I was maybe 2 paces away could I see and distinguish, then I rendered my salute.

Response by SGT Dana Williams made Nov 15 at 2015 4:35 AM

2015-11-15T04:35:26-05:00

I always went by the adage "when in doubt, SALUTE""

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Nov 15 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-11-15T17:14:38-05:00

The biggest problem I had distinguishing rank was in Afghanistan where the Air Force had their rank the same color as Major's rank. I can't remember how many SSgts and TSgts I saluted at BAF and KAF lol.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 15 at 2015 10:57 PM

2015-11-15T22:57:33-05:00

The C/Amn epaulettes at the USAFA looks similar to a full bird. At night from 15 feet was very misleading. I was once saluted by a major he could have been a LtCol - in either case he was not trilled with my "as you were sir."

Response by PO1 David Adams made Nov 16 at 2015 5:38 AM

2015-11-16T05:38:26-05:00

I saluted a (Master/Senior) Chief Petty Officer on a couple of occasions, away from my command and in poor visibility conditions, but they just saluted back and didn't even say anything. I have heard others tell similar variations, and it happens occasionally to just about everyone. I remember one of them gave a knowing smile as he passed me.

Response by SSG John Mitchell made Nov 16 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-11-16T13:52:36-05:00

I had it easy. The greeting for ANY Officer was always, "Airborne. Sir" Simple. We didn't have to determine their Rank until we were close enough to tell.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 17 at 2015 4:55 AM

2015-11-17T04:55:30-05:00

When I arrived at my first unit in September of 1984 my first formation after Headstart I was sent toe Range 301 in Grafenwoer to be an ammo guard. I did not know about leader tabs and wearing the unit crest on the old green field jackets. I was saluting everyone that walked by the pad wearing that combo. Finally the 1SG of the unit on the range, I think it was K-troop, asked me why the fuck I was saluting all his NCOs. He then gave me a lesson on the green field jackets and leader tabs.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 17 at 2015 5:00 AM

2015-11-17T05:00:22-05:00

And another good story. When I retired and was on my first contract I was in Habbainyah in Iraq. The Marines were trainers and mentors for the Iraqi Army and coordinated for me on Maintenance and getting the Iraqis to bring in their vehicles. There was a Marine Warrant Officer That everyone was calling Gunner. I did not know that was a nickname for Marine Corp Warrants. I thought his little red bar was Lieutenant rank. One day I needed to talk to him so I went to the Marine 1SG I dealt with all the time and asked him where I could find 'Lieutenant Gunner'. Once again education for me from the First Sergeant and a Marine Staff Sergeant. No pushups this time. Just lots of mocking and laughter.

Response by SGT William Howell made Nov 17 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-11-17T10:43:50-05:00

PFC rule number one, "When it doubt, whip one out!"

We did a joint training in South Dakota several years ago with some Navy guys. I had the benefit of being prior service Navy so Chiefs were not an issue for me. Now my fellow soldiers were all the time saluting CPOs on up. We had to have an impromptu training session, because they were embarrassing me.

Response by Lt Col Robert Canfield made Nov 19 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-11-19T11:33:21-05:00

Remember, If you can recognize the rank insignia of an NCO or Officer from a long distance away, then so can the enemy (or a terrorist).

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jan 14 at 2016 1:01 PM

2016-01-14T13:01:47-05:00

Only times I've ever confused rank was a Navy PO3 and an O-6....because from far away they look pretty damn similar. Army SPC and LTC can sometimes be confusing too, especially if there is a dark background behind the rank insignia. CW4/CW5 and 1LT could potentially be confusing, but since I'm a LTC, I would react to either of them the same way in passing (ie wait for them to salute).

Response by Maj Daniel Pempel made Aug 8 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-08-08T12:52:55-04:00

In ACUs, 2nd Lt and Major are very light and tend to blend in with the pattern, so it can be hard to pick those apart until you get close. At a distance, both specialist and lt colonel just look like a black blotch, especially if the patch is a little worn. If the light is hitting them so that there is a good glare, it can be hard to tell if an oak leaf or bar is gold or silver. You also have to get up close and personal to tell if that's a diamond or a star in the middle of the stripes (on ACUs) with Army E8s and E9s.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Aug 8 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-08-08T13:05:14-04:00

When I was a Petty Officer First Class my unit (a Seabee detachment at the time) was conducting training at an Army National Guard post. As a group of us were entering the chow hall we encountered a bunch of junior soldiers (E-1 to E-4s). As we passed them they all rendered smart salutes with "Good morning sir" which I smartly returned with a "Good morning Private/Specialist". The other guys with me were dumb founded and quickly caught up with me and asked what was going on. Having been prior service in the Army I knew exactly what had happened and passed it on to the other 5 PO1's. The soldiers had only seen the "crow" (eagle actually) at the top of our rank insignia and not the stripes underneath. They thought they were passing 6 full bird Colonels going into the mess hall as they were leaving. Probably thought it was the biggest gathering of Colonels they had ever seen. Rather than correct them I just chose to satisfy their desires to salute.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-08-08T15:30:40-04:00

The biggest ones are First Sergeant and Sergeant Major at a distance though if they're from my unit no problem whatsoever. After that it's Major and Lieutenant Colonel but only when they use the Metal pins on their PC's because the pins become tarnished over time and the Oak Leaf kinda looks the same. When it's on the chest no problems at all, but sometimes it's covered by a strap or something so you look at the PC.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 30 at 2017 10:23 AM

2017-05-30T10:23:04-04:00

It was easy as an enlisted Man, any Warrant or Commissioned Officer rated a salute. One thing I learned long ago was what the rank insignia was for all enlisted, Warrant and Commissioned Officers in all branches of the service. There was no confusion there at all and its something everyone in the Armed Force should know. Of course if You are in doubt its better to salute anyway, its still a sign of respect.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 6:38 PM

2017-07-21T18:38:40-04:00

Because of my poor eye site, I saluted several eldely SPC (s) when the ACU came out :)

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 15 at 2017 7:45 AM

2017-10-15T07:45:03-04:00

Want to see confusion? As a Army CW5 go to an Air Force base. Junior officers not sure what to do. One who knew about Army warrants saluted and called me " Sir Chief".

Response by CPO Ed Hoover made Feb 6 at 2018 10:13 AM

2018-02-06T10:13:46-05:00

Never had that problem ,in the Navy, til now. Previously, officers wore their rank on their collars, enlisted on their sleeve. Now we want to be like the army and marines, and go with these stupid, camo unis, and put a tiny rank designator in the middle of the chest. If its a female, ya gotta look straight her breasts, to determine her rank. Stupid as hell. Stay with collar ranks.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 22 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-03-22T12:43:27-04:00

It was worse when some one had the brass E M rank on, a couple of guys did it during Basic, got their rears chewed.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 22 at 2018 12:48 PM

2018-03-22T12:48:17-04:00

I ran into my first warrant officer when I was at OCS. I hesitated saluting and he expressed his dismay that enlisted weren't being properly taught. That's when I learned my lesson, when in doubt, salute. After commissioning, I saluted all officers without waiting to distinguish their rank, until I reached captain. Then I stopped saluting anyone with bars...

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Mar 22 at 2018 1:20 PM

2018-03-22T13:20:30-04:00

Count me in until they drew closer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-03-22T13:42:51-04:00

If it didn't look like enlisted rank they got a salute and were addresses as Sir or Ma'am. If they stopped to talk, I don't recall ever not being sure about rank.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 22 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-03-22T14:22:56-04:00

When in doubt, salute. It never hurts to render a respectful salute.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 2:33 PM

2018-03-22T14:33:40-04:00

When you’re enlisted, does it matter? You just got to sniper check them all!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 3:14 PM

2018-03-22T15:14:50-04:00

I really have a tough time with 2LT and MAJ in OCP camo. I can't distinguish the rank until I am literally within a couple feet, so its a but awkward when its a MAJ and I'm fumbling a salute last minute. I think the army should go to the same shade of thread as the navy for the gold insignia.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 22 at 2018 3:39 PM

2018-03-22T15:39:10-04:00

As my old platoon Sergeant used to tell in us in Basic” If it don’t look like one of you dumb assed privates Salute it”!

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Mar 22 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-03-22T15:52:07-04:00

Maybe because I am getting older I remember a few times I walked up on a deployed ARNG SPC and saluted him saying all the way Sir then I realized it was SPC rank instead of LTC. In my defense some ARNG SPC are about the right age, Called a 1SG a SGM and a SGM a 1SG. I wish the Army would go back to chevrons on the field uniform for us older folks who have decreasing vision :)

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Mar 22 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-03-22T17:04:38-04:00

LTC Stephen F. it always confused me

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 22 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-03-22T17:15:14-04:00

I am none of the above and don't care

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Mar 22 at 2018 5:26 PM

2018-03-22T17:26:10-04:00

I saluted everyone. Easier to get an ass chewing from an enlisted soldier if I saluted him then to not salute an officer. The sergeant he just chewed you out with a one liner like "I work for a living son", the officer on the other hand told me about the history of the salute as if it was important to me at the time and made me late for a formation! Thank you very much sir! LOL

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-03-22T18:12:39-04:00

Never had a problem of identifying the officers, TOP always told us that as enlisted men, we were responsible to know all our officers, and to recognize an officer with respect.
And don't even let the CSM, get on your case about not respecting the officers, he spit out FIRE.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 22 at 2018 6:53 PM

2018-03-22T18:53:29-04:00

I probably did: if the Active Duty Soldiers were in field uniforms.

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Mar 22 at 2018 8:07 PM

2018-03-22T20:07:46-04:00

Just make the ranks a little larger. They are difficult to make out in most cases.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Mar 22 at 2018 11:05 PM

2018-03-22T23:05:11-04:00

New uniforms have gone to cloth insignia, so this problem may not exist now. But when working around ammunition or high voltage motors/switchboards, I removed all metal from my uniform. Not uncommon to go hours without any insignia aboard ship. When conducting boardings at sea, entire team would remove insignia to not make rank obvious to the detainees. While in port, I would briefly leave the ship in plain navy blue coveralls without collar devices, but wearing a ball cap with the CG officer "Eagle" device. It would confuse many on Navy bases. Never bothered me that few new I was an officer.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 22 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-03-22T23:29:02-04:00

Ft Irwin, 1972, (before it became NTC), atop Brigade Hill 3 ? klics N of main post.

Upon entering a ‘command van’ on ‘Brigade Hill’, after removing my Raybans; while my eyes were still adjusting to the ‘shady environment’ of a command van, a LTC burned me for addressing him as MAJ, and not recognizing him as a LTC!

That was cool. Later in 1972, I spent time at Ft Carson observing how the Army was in such bad shape while recovering/considering recovering from negatory personnel problems created by Vietnam!

Then, to enter a barracks after hours, the CQ or OD was accompanied by a another, armed Soldier/Officer.

Toilets I observed in Army barracks at Ft Carson in 1972 were more than deplorable!

Response by SGT Lee Jamison made Mar 22 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-03-22T23:29:20-04:00

The only ranks I have trouble distinguishing at times are 1SGT and SGM. It’s hard to tell if it’s a little bitty diamond or a little bitty star until your up close and personal.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 11:36 PM

2018-03-22T23:36:40-04:00

I never had an issue when Army officers wore the shiny stuff on their headgear.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 22 at 2018 11:59 PM

2018-03-22T23:59:48-04:00

Marines do not salute in the field.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 23 at 2018 12:50 AM

2018-03-23T00:50:19-04:00

I know where to look when they come in the store and what they are and give them that respect no matter what the rank but address them appropriately and in Huntsville AL a military town I always get the respect back. And we take care of our active and retired military whatever we need to do...

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 23 at 2018 1:01 AM

2018-03-23T01:01:56-04:00

I never had any problem recognizing the ranks and knew what every branch of the service used for Officers, Warrant Officer and enlisted. I do think the collar is a lot better place to put rank insignia than the middle of the chest where esp in combat gear it may not be able to be seen at all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 2:48 AM

2018-03-23T02:48:48-04:00

I never had an issue with officers (warrant or commissioned) because they all rate a salute and a "sir" anyway. My main issue has always been SGM vs 1SG and SPC vs LTC. Those can be difficult to tell apart from a distance or in the dark, however its generally easy to figure from their age wether its a SPC or LTC

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 23 at 2018 1:02 PM

2018-03-23T13:02:04-04:00

I can't recall ever having trouble distinguishing between a 2dLt and WO. The main reason being I knew all the officers at both battalion and regimental level and knew there were no WOs assigned to those particular commands. My limited career did not take me to the higher reaches of varied joint or unified commands where I might likely run into a WO I didn't know.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Mar 23 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-03-23T15:40:19-04:00

For all enlisted, in the Navy, ALL Warrant Officers are commissioned Officers (we do not have W-1's), ALL Commissioned Officers get Saluted. If you do not believe what I say, don't salute a Navy Chief Warrant Officer and then you can spend the rest of your day getting your head out of your ass!

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Apr 8 at 2018 4:39 PM

2018-04-08T16:39:44-04:00

SGT Groth,

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 8 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-04-08T17:36:25-04:00

Took me a while to learn, but once I had them figured out, I was good to go.

Response by SFC Bosun Frusher made Apr 8 at 2018 10:45 PM

2018-04-08T22:45:28-04:00

While in the cav we had bareas with a cab flash and our rank in brass. Some troopers would salute us as all they saw was the gold flash. We would replay at ease we will be in the area all day

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Apr 10 at 2018 10:33 PM

2018-04-10T22:33:07-04:00

No problems at all.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-04-11T11:18:03-04:00

Know what's the worst? When older SPC/E4's have large rank on their OCP's. From a distance they look like LTC's. I've saluted E-4's before at rank-heavy installations.

Response by SGT John Partridge made Apr 12 at 2018 9:34 AM

2018-04-12T09:34:56-04:00

When I was in training (AIT) at Ft. Lee, VA I saw some ranks that totally stumped me. I, of course, had all the Army ranks committed to memory and I was at least generally familiar with those of the other services, but these were entirely different, and appeared to be totally non-regulation. One dress uniform, as I recall, had five or six big silver stars not only on the shoulders, but even on the lapels of the dress coat as well as other decorative clusters and ribbons that I didn't recognize. Knowing that I was still pretty green, and thinking I must have missed something important, I asked one of our company NCOs. He laughed, and then calmly explained that next door was a training facility that was often attended by military members from Central America and other nations friendly to the United States. All sorts of unusual variations were possible. His advice stuck with me for the rest of my military career:

"When in doubt, salute it."

Saluting an NCO is rarely a problem but failing to salute an officer is almost always going to cause trouble. It's safer just to throw up a salute and hope for the best.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Apr 15 at 2018 5:22 PM

2018-04-15T17:22:27-04:00

I just used the when in doubt Salute. Most would not complain.

Response by SCPO Scott Welch made Apr 23 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-04-23T16:15:27-04:00

Chiefs don’t rate salutes. We work for a living. I know if you’re an Army or AF NCO and can address you by your rank (although I sometimes get confused by the “new”
AF chevrons). So it should be easy for those in other branches to do the same.

Response by MSgt Thomas Welch made Apr 29 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-04-29T16:31:31-04:00

USAF Army and Marine not a problem. Navy that buzzard they have would get me.

Response by Sgt Trevor Wills made May 1 at 2018 10:57 AM

2018-05-01T10:57:24-04:00

The hardest time I had was when I first joined and my school was on a Navy base. Seeing all those Chiefs walking around with their shiny shit on their collars got me and my buddies a few times.

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made May 3 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-05-03T18:14:58-04:00

LTC Stephen F., when I got out of Boot Camp and was on the way home, I was saluting and asking Bi your leave sir to anything that even looked like an Officer, this included airline pilots who had dark jackets with a couple of gold stripes on the sleeves. Looking back I have got to admit just how funny that is. LMAO

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made May 3 at 2018 9:33 PM

2018-05-03T21:33:23-04:00

I was blessed with very good vision when I was young 20/14 I could read three lines below 20/20

Response by SSG Randall Ford made May 5 at 2018 11:37 PM

2018-05-05T23:37:35-04:00

When in doubt SALUTE, a little embarrassment is better than getting your back side ripped apart

Response by PV2 Kyle White made May 8 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-05-08T17:08:38-04:00

I actually ended up saluting a SPC a couple of times for that very reason as on a sunny day it's not always easy to tell the difference between a SPC and a LTC's rank.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-05-12T12:36:29-04:00

Hehhehe. As you may be able to tell from my pic, im/was not a "young" SPC. So, here I am walking into the motorpool, back straight, shoulders broad, crisp OCPs, and my aircrew wings sewn on. As i approach a group of 2LTs standing to the side of one of the HMMWVs, THEY snap to attention and render a salute. Im so confused I tell THEM to "Carry on". As I pass I hear "Is that our new LTC?" And the other goes "You Idiot, thats a randon dude from the Aviation companies"

Response by PO2 Pamela Perry (Sanders) made May 24 at 2018 9:28 AM

2018-05-24T09:28:43-04:00

I was an enlisted Coastie. I spent most of my time at DINFOS returning salutes from senior officers.

Response by PVT Rich Burns made May 26 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-05-26T14:56:43-04:00

My Drill Instructors banged it into my head, " When in doubt; whip it out." So if ever I did have a doubt I Saluted.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made May 26 at 2018 9:44 PM

2018-05-26T21:44:38-04:00

LTC Stephen F. whenever I was in doubt I saluted until I learned to recognize the insignia from a distance. When I ran into a problem I would be scrambling for my watch or just salute and walk faster.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made May 26 at 2018 10:17 PM

2018-05-26T22:17:45-04:00

my feels is a seen something that looked it was a bar i was thrown my hand up next to my cover

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 11:50 PM

2018-05-26T23:50:57-04:00

Having never been 'in', I was Never under pressure ! I always addressed LTC's as Colonel & once one explained that he was an LTC. I explained that I knew his rank but was also aware of the courtesy of addressing them as Colonels!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-05-29T14:07:10-04:00

From a distance, the SPC rank and the LTC rank look similar (both are black blobs in the center of your chest). But if I cant tell the difference, I generally just pretend I never saw them. Hahahahaha

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jun 8 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-06-08T14:42:16-04:00

Once as a lowly plane captain (E-3), we were sent to det at El Centro. El Centro had a CB detachment, and some ensign was walking around in his green UDT's. Now, the only time i was ever really in uniform at my home post was on the flight line, and we never saluted officers during flight ops (with the exception of the last part of the launch sequence). So as this ensign walked by me and my shipmate passed him, not even looking at him really, and he turns and says, "Don't you salute officers in your Navy." to which i responded, calmly, as I walked away, "No."

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jun 25 at 2018 11:16 AM

2018-06-25T11:16:58-04:00

Ma'am,
Yes, I did have a little bit of issues at the very beginning of my military career. One that always stood out was the LTCs or even CSMs sewed on ranks that were really thick for some reason which made it a little difficult to distinguish from the distance. Then I render the proper respect at the last second...hahahaha!

Response by CW3 Charles Morris made Jun 26 at 2018 6:28 PM

2018-06-26T18:28:09-04:00

Can't tell the difference between a Warrant and Lieutenant, it's easy, warrants are seasoned.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jul 1 at 2018 10:10 AM

2018-07-01T10:10:07-04:00

Never had a lot of trouble, at least not within the ranks of the CG, and Navy. Of course there nor a lot of subdued insignia back in the 70s and 80s. I did know that as a CG-6 I garnered a lot of salutes, especially on AF Bases. Guessing it is because our dress/undress uniforms were based on the AF blues. We had a large USCG devise on our hats, and gold and silver collar devices.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-07-01T12:36:04-04:00

After a long day a 1SG/SGM/CSM start to look alike and sometimes similar to a LTC. Army should consider moving the rank off the chest. When meeting someone for the first time, staring at ones chest isn’t the brightest thing to do.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2018 2:20 PM

2018-07-01T14:20:01-04:00

In the navy, on our NWU Type IIIs, impossible to tell unless your face is like 3 inches from the rank

Response by Cpl Derrick Francis made Jul 19 at 2018 8:41 AM

2018-07-19T08:41:48-04:00

Absolutely had trouble. Easy to see when it's nice and shiny but at that time we were only beginning to use desert camies regularly. Trying to distinguish rank with the woodland pattern and black chevrons wasn't easy in the field. Then if you were in garrison it became infinitely harder as it was only on the collar.

Response by SSgt Brian Brakke made Jul 29 at 2018 8:10 PM

2018-07-29T20:10:04-04:00

The 1st few months in, I am pretty sure I saluted everyone.. I sure didn't want to get yelled at (again!).. :)

Response by 1LT B. Long made Jul 31 at 2018 12:15 AM

2018-07-31T00:15:38-04:00

Great question. During my active duty days in the 1970's, I never had a problem recognizing Army or Marine ranks. But trying to recognize the Navy ranks make me pull out my military rank chart every time. I think the Navy rank system is the most difficult to keep straight and takes a lot of getting use to. Well what do you expect from an Army guy? One time I crossed path with a naval officer in his dress white. A magnificent sight to behold for us grunts. His shoulder boards had these crazy yellow stripes and I couldn't decipher it fast enough so I threw him a salute. He returned my salute and didn't laugh at me so I guess I got that one right. Now a day, when I see a person in a Navy uniform, I just address him as "Admiral." I think us old guys can get away with it.

Response by PO2 Dave Johnson made Aug 1 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-08-01T12:50:07-04:00

When I was in the navy as a Seabee we went to fort hunter liget for field training and we were suluted all the time

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 7:26 AM

2018-08-13T07:26:37-04:00

I love that AF still wear their stripes on their sleeves. I am really not looking forward to trying to find rank on the OCPs.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Aug 14 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-08-14T01:43:58-04:00

Usually because they walked right up behind me and caught me doing something stupid.
Like the time the LTCMD at nuke school walked in and sat down in the back while I was erasing the board and imitating the spastic LT1 who taught math. (This was the only man I ever met who ran a screw through his own hand with his Makita)
The LTCMD pretended he hadn't noticed when I turned around.
God bless the man. Had he looked right at me I probably would have died.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2018 8:22 AM

2018-08-31T08:22:46-04:00

Well at times it can be a little difficult to see until it is almost to late unless you of course recognize the individual, but it makes it almost like your staring the person down on approach.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made Sep 13 at 2018 4:26 PM

2018-09-13T16:26:08-04:00

It was never a problem when I was in; however, now that the location has changed from collar to center chest I often forget. Easiest way for me to remember 1st and 2nd lieutenants was it was the only time silver was worth more than gold. Same for Major and LT Colonel. It gets a little dicey with the higher ranking NCO's SM, CSM, CSMA That whole eggs and bacon and all the other antidotes used to remember never worked for me until I was right up on top of them. You put a diamond for 1st SGT why not something simpler for SM and CSM? JMO

Response by SSG J F Texas made Sep 25 at 2018 12:08 AM

2018-09-25T00:08:12-04:00

Back in the 80s and 90s officers were subdued on the collar and silver or gold on their cover in garrison making it easy to identify who was approaching. Transitioning to the acu with the mid chest rank and subdued cover rank does make for awkward situations. I don't see any reason to wear subdued rank from private to general in garrison at least on your cover.

Response by SSG Paul Newman made Sep 29 at 2018 10:49 AM

2018-09-29T10:49:23-04:00

Navy class A ranks baffle me with the stripes on the sleeve cuffs. I once mistakenly saluted a Navy chief when I saw an eagle on his cap. He saluted back with a grin and chuckle anf then I realized what I'd done. Drew a laugh and hoots of "dumb grunt" from some nearby squids.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Sep 29 at 2018 9:36 PM

2018-09-29T21:36:08-04:00

When I was stationed at my first duty station in 1981, there was a guy who we called Sarge (Can't remember his actual name) because he was in the Army in Vietnam. He was my supervisor an we were walking to the Chow Hall. What most people didn't know was, he was a Medal of Honor recipient. Back then we use to have to salute officers cars. Me being just an E-2 or E-3, I saluted a car right outside the chow hall and Sarge didn't. The O-3 stopped his car and confronted us. I saluted and came to attention, Sarge came to attention also. Not sure if he saluted that time or not. I was nervous! This 0-3 chewed Sarge up one side and down the other side! When he was finished and as Sarge what he had to say for himself. Sarge said Sir, do you know what this is on my uniform! The O-3 was still steaming but took a closer look. Came to attention and saluted Sarge! Sarge saluted him back and we went to chow. While in the Chow Hall, Sarge called the Base CO. After lunch we were to report to the CO.. When we got there, the CO had us come in and sit down. A few minutes later that O-3 report in. I have never in all my years heard a butt chewing like that! Not a rank mistaken, but I don't know why anyone in the services would not know what a Medal of Honor looks like!

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Sep 29 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-09-29T21:40:13-04:00

I'm still confused at the School House here at Fort Leonard Wood. I see in the halls, a Silver Oak leaf, a Black Oak leaf and a Gold Oak leaf. I'm sure of the Silver being a LTC, Gold being a Major. What I'm not sure of is the Black Oak leaf....

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 29 at 2018 11:36 PM

2018-09-29T23:36:50-04:00

As a Marine Captain, I once had my ass chewed by a Navy LtJG, brand new from nuke school, for failing to render a proper salute.

1. I was in full combat gear, and at the time Marines wore their rank on the flap of the Kevlar Flak Jacket. He clearly did not know that. I just stood there and smiled at him. Which fired him up even more.
2. We were conducting security operations in an area, where it was clearly posted upon entry, that it was a non-saluting area during security ops. He clearly did not know that.
3. The Chief of the boat (Senior SNCO aboard the submarine) kept trying to shut him down, but the LtJG was in full R. Lee Ermey mode and ordered the Chief "Be quiet and let me finish." The Chief just smiled and stepped back, only saying "Sir, I tried to warn you."
4. I told the Chief "Its OK, let him go on," which just fired him up even more.
5. When he finally stopped reaming long enough to ask me, "What the #*@% is wrong with you Marine?" I just pointed at the Captain's bars on my flak jacket. He then realized he was chewing ass on a senior. The Marines who were close enough to witness the event and the Chief of the Boat all started laughing their asses off. He did an about face without saying a word and stormed off. I asked the Chief of the Boat "Do you want to take him back to the Wharf gate and show him the " 2ft x 4 ft sign that says non-saluting area, or do want me to do it?" To which the Chief replied "Please sir, let me. I don't want to miss that, not for all the tea in China."

Response by SGT Floyd Shown made Sep 30 at 2018 10:54 AM

2018-09-30T10:54:29-04:00

I was in during the BDU days. Never had that issue until I started wearing a Beret. Our unit crest was similar to an oak leaf and I would get saluted all the time (as an NCO) My main issue is with the stupid tab on the new style uniforms. I keep looking at the collars and then have to do a double take at that damned tab. I believe it all started when the got the ECWCS system. The Goretex coat had no collars so the added the tab for rank.

But as to the main point of the question, if it’s gold or silver, I saluted. Who cares what the actual rank was. And sometimes I even saluted with all 5 fingers

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Sep 30 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-09-30T23:39:11-04:00

3d Cavalry's DUI caused me trouble back in the day... the gold bugle centered on the beret flash earned me more than a couple salutes from unwitting members of transient units going through mob/demob at Ft. Carson.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Oct 1 at 2018 12:21 PM

2018-10-01T12:21:47-04:00

I have more trouble with these new uniforms and where the rank is placed as a veteran than I ever did in our BDUs! I could differentiate an officer and enlisted on a BDU at distance (except warrant officers and 1LTs). Now I can't even tell with these new combat fatigues. I once called a light bird a specialist! Good thing I was a vet when I made that mistake, otherwise I surely would have been chewed out!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 1:07 PM

2018-10-05T13:07:14-04:00

I've accidentally approached officers or senior enlisted from behind to ask questions or because I think its one of my battle buddies many times. I have found that as long as you are polite and show proper courtesy as soon as you DO know the rank of who you are talking to, you never get in trouble.

"Oh, I apologize sir/Sergeant, I thought you were one of my team members, I wont bother you."
"not a problem specialist, carry on."
"thank you sir/Sergeant."

edit: I posted this when I was still a SPC.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Oct 29 at 2020 12:04 PM

2020-10-29T12:04:57-04:00

Generally not a problem...

Response by Wayne Soares made Oct 29 at 2020 3:44 PM

2020-10-29T15:44:57-04:00

Over my head but thank you for the share sir

Response by SGT James Murphy made Nov 27 at 2020 11:48 AM

2020-11-27T11:48:41-05:00

The difference in being able to spot a foreign type uniform can also be a big problem. I've been there!

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Nov 27 at 2020 3:05 PM

2020-11-27T15:05:02-05:00

It was never really an issue as long as you properly identified Officers and Warrants as such the rank didn't matter as long as you got that salute in and with in the right distance usually 6 paces before and 6 paces after you were golden, same goes for Medal of Honor recipients but rank doesn't apply on that one, it is any and all Medal of Honor recipients are saluted.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 28 at 2020 6:29 AM

2020-11-28T06:29:36-05:00

I've often written about my attitude that the salute is a gesture of mutual respect between comrades in arms in addition to the appropriate greeting to a senior. If I didn't recognize the individual approaching, I'd often initiate the salute. What's the worse that can happen? Some private gets confused and wonders what that colonel was doing?

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Nov 28 at 2020 10:50 AM

2020-11-28T10:50:41-05:00

I was enlisted. If it looked like the rank of an officer of any kind (warrant or commissioned), I saluted it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 28 at 2020 11:38 AM

2020-11-28T11:38:49-05:00

I knew a young soldier whose cap looked like it had a LTC rank on it. It really confused other soldiers.

Response by SSG Franklin Briant made Dec 4 at 2020 9:14 PM

2020-12-04T21:14:17-05:00

I have never had that problem.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Dec 5 at 2020 3:55 AM

2020-12-05T03:55:25-05:00

LTC Stephen F., I was trained in Basic “when in doubt, whip it out”! So, I always rendered a salute I’d I doubted what my eyes were seeing...I was taught it was a sign of respect and if one didn’t salute, they were subject to harsh (drop & push) consequences

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2022 10:35 PM

2022-07-13T22:35:46-04:00

Old thread, but I (a sergeant at the time) saluted a what I can only describe as a 60 year old National guard specialist on Bagram, mistaking him for a LTC. It was an awkward exchange and he told me that his favorite part about serving…