Posted on Sep 17, 2018
Is calling a Master Sergeant by their full rank showing higher respect, or is just extra?
96.6K
983
373
275
275
0
I know what the regulation states, and that is that E-5 through E-8 (except for 1SG) is addressed as Sergeant. However, I continually see soldiers addressing MSGs by their full rank. Is it a sign of higher respect for the rank they earned, or is just being extra? I can see both sides of the argument - regulation vs respect towards the rank they have obtained - I want to hear all your thoughts!
MSG
Rank
Sergeant
Customs and Courtesies
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 234
1
1
0
I believe when referring to a Master Sergeant it is proper and desireable to refer to him or her as Master Sergeant. If respondding to in inquiry by a Msgt., I also believe the answer should also include the full title of Master Sergeant. Ex: "Yes Master Sergeant" is much more desisreable and respectful than " yes sergeant." I re c all the words of wisdom once shared with me by a First Sergeant. He said " Officers Command the Army. That is What Officers Do. "This Companyi is commanded by CPT XXXX but I run the sun of a bitch." And so it is. Sergeants run the Army and Master Sergeants are at the top of the game.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
You can say that by addressing a MSG by its full title just shows respect. I've been called Sergeant Elias, or MSG for short. I responded to either one. All is in the intent of title used.
(1)
(0)
TSgt Daniel Lediard
Every time I had someone refer to me simply as TSgt, or whatever, I sensed: "Now what the hell." It felt demeaning and somewhat aggressive. Most often, I was correct.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I was always told, if they don't have anything in their chevron's, you just call em Sarge.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
It's ok to call them master sergeant. Regulation says no. Other branch you have to address them by their ranks specially Marines or you get your @#$ chewed.
(1)
(0)
TSgt Daniel Lediard
coping with ego's is a real pain. The bigger the ego, the less respect they were worthy of.
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
I found that those whom respected me referred to me as Master Sergeant, those that didn't, Sergeant. My troops always (without being told to) referred to me by Master Sergeant. Now, my 1SG and CO Commander who had little respect for me (and it went both ways) made sure to refer to me as Sergeant in front of the troops. In the end, it comes down to respect. Either way is acceptable, either is appropriate.
1
1
0
Suspended Profile
From day one, I called every E5 and up by their full rank. No one admonished me, ever. Oh, the few who I DID call Sarge(you now, a shit eatin fish that lives on the bottom of the sea) never had a clue they were being disrespected. As a Staff Sergeant, I still did it and yes, the fools who I addressed as Sarge still had no clue.
TSgt Daniel Lediard
I like your style, Are you referring to attorneys when you mention bottom feeders?
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
If you were in long enough, you know the useless oxygen thieves I speak of
1
1
0
1
1
0
A good NCO is not wrapped up in titles. That being said I feel it is an indicator of the quality of the soldier rendering the added respect.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google