Posted on Jan 8, 2020
SGT Michael Overholt
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Served in Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. I am not retired but an Honorable Medical Discharge. How would I use my rank in my signature block? Not sure if I am authorized to use "Ret.". Thank you in advance.
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MSG Gary Eckert
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Edited >1 y ago
Retirees maintain their retired rank as an honorary title. When using that title they must identify themselves as retired. When a retiree works as either a federal government employee or contractor they may only use their honorary title in official correspondence if the the correspondence pertains to the retired status. For example if I am corresponding with the MTF concerning an appointment I can I identify myself at MSG(R) Eckert since the appointment is predicated on my retirement. If I am replying to an email concerning Army Doctrine that was sent to me as an Army Civilian, I cannot use the MSG(R) designation since the correspondence does not pertain to my retirement. Adding an edit, while you do not have your rank as an honorary title, there is nothing to keep you from identifying as a veteran in you signature block.
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SGT Michael Overholt
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Let me clarify. I am not looking to stroke my own ego. The company I work for does a lot for veterans and wounded soldiers. My boss mentioned putting it in my work email signature block. If this is not something normally done then I will not do it. I apologize if anyone was offended by my question. Thank you for all of your responses.
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MSG Logistics Analyst
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SGT Michael Overholt The problem I see is that your not retired, so you cannot use that in your signature block. Just like you cannot use SSG because you were not a SSG. Does that make sense? I'm not begrudging your service to our country, as a matter of fact, i thank you for it. But you just cannot use something if you weren't what it is your saying. I hope that makes sense.
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SPC Stewart Smith
SPC Stewart Smith
>1 y
Couple things:
- As MSG William Watschinger said, you are not retired. I know of no law stating you cannot use it, but I just wouldn't use it for general customs and practice.
- I don't think you should be apologizing for asking a question, especially if you're intent was not to offend. If someone is offended, then who cares.... you meant no ill will so I feel you shouldn't need to apologize.

- Stewart: constant offender
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MSG Thomas Currie
MSG Thomas Currie
3 y
Given the circumstances you describe, I would NOT include it in an automatic signature block that would be added to all your emails.

I _might_ include a mention of former service in an email where it felt particularly relevant to that specific email considering the addressee and the content. I probably wouldn't use my former rank but just a reference to the relevant aspect of my service, something like

JOHN J JONES
Present Job Title
Former Artilleryman
or "Former 13B20" or perhaps "Past Redleg" if writing to another artilleryman.
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SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez
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I would let this one go. I've been retired from the Army for over six years, and have been working for a private company in a federal building. No one cares to tell the truth. Most of us go by first name basis even through emails. The only time I brought up the fact that I was retired and a veteran was when I first applied to the job I currently hold. Civilian world is so different, it is what it is.
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How would I use my rank in an email signature block?
CPL Gary Pifer
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Normally it's a field grade or flag officer gig... maybe SGTMAJ.
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LTC Program Manager
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I've not seen it done but possibly:

Michael Overholt
Job Title and Organization
Veteran, SGT, US Army
Or
SGT, US Army, Veteran

Personally, I'd just not include it.
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SGT Dave Tracy
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After reading the original post and your clarifying post, I think that while your boss may believe it's a good idea--and I'm sure it's for benign reasons--this falls under the category of "That was then; this is now". *I wouldn't put it in a signature block.





*Confession: I used a modified version of my old rank twice, both times where when recruiters emailed me at my school email address to let me know about the benefits of joining the Army. I thanked them for the email and let them know I agreed with those benefits of enlisting having been there/done that, wished them luck and signed it "(Former) SGT..." But that doesn't really count as a signature block. ;-)
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SrA John Monette
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if you are not retired, i would not use rank or retired in a signature
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SGT Michael Overholt
SGT Michael Overholt
>1 y
Aren't combat vets allowed to acknowledge that information in a signature block? Or would that be overstepping and running in to the realm of ego?
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MSG Logistics Analyst
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SGT Michael Overholt - Why would you want to use any Rank or Ret i na signature block? Your not a SGT anymore in the civilian world, nor are you retired. Are you looking for some recognition for your service? Your DD214 should be recognition enough. Just let it go. I am retired and never would think to use Ret in my signature block, plus most places have business rules of what you can use anyway. If its for your personal use in e-mails, im sure nobody would care, except if you use Ret in your signature block when applying for a job, then they find out later that your not retired, that wouldn't look too good for you. Just let it go.
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SrA John Monette
SrA John Monette
>1 y
MSG (Join to see) - if you use retired on an official form, that could be a criminal offense
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SrA John Monette
SrA John Monette
>1 y
SGT Michael Overholt - sounds like ego to me
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