Is it disrespectful to refer to junior officers and/enlisted Soldiers in emails by rank only?

I would say it depends on the tone of the message. If the message is formal/professional and I have not established a working relationship with the individual, I usually default to the "formal" approach (as in SSgt Soandso or A1C Whatstheirname). If it is someone I've known for a while, I might go with the less formal "SGT, PFC, A1C, SRA" depending on the purpose of the communication.

When in doubt, I always opt for the more professional/formal approach.

Much like every military question, there's already a doctrinal answer in the regulations.
Please see AR 600-20, 1–7. Military grade and rank, Table 1-1 (Title of Adress for each rank/grade).

Depends on if it is Professional Contact Email or a personal email - same rules as sending a letter. the tone of the letter is key. Are they saying, "Great Job" or "You're Poopiehead"?

The proper verbal decorum back in the day was last name only for E-1 through E-3 (shipboard necessity). Then it became Petty Officer Surname, and then Chief minus the surname. In memos and correspondence, it was different with Rate, Name. For officers it's verbally Rank and the same as enlisted for stuff on paper. Also aboard ship, neither rank or name but position/function is used. Helm, Boats, Guns, and the list goes on. Of course there were the nickname "honorifics" for the Boot and Bull Ensign. Finally you know you really arrived when a special nickname got hung on you. For me it was Forks, then Tox(ic), then Pinks. Some Lance called me Pinks up at MWTC Bridgeport. Gunny slapped him hard on the backside of the head telling him it's Lieutenant Pinks to you. Laughter all around because they were thrilled this Seabee was building them a new medical clinic.

In a professional email (business), it is most definitely unprofessional to address someone you do not have a personal relationship by rank only, or worse, last/first name. The courtesy should extend up and down the rank structure. If you are conducting professional business, be professional. Plain and simple.

LTC Pappaionou I get your perspective and second that thought.

LTC (Join to see) Yeah that does sound a bit Disrespectful, Now in Person, It would be Situational the BMs would usually refer to Me as CT1 No Name Necessary Unless all 3 CT1s Onboard were Present. We're More focused on Your Rate (Job Specialty) in the Navy..

On the contrary, rank only is never inappropriate. Although you should try and include the name whenever possible.

This can’t be serious… is it disrespectful? No. If I have a shop with a SPC, 2 PFCs, and a couple privates, if I’m writing an email to one of them, I will refer to them only by their rank. E4 and below, rank only unless there are more than one, E5 and above rank and name.

If you have time to type or say their last name, you have time to add their rank. Would you like your subordinates to start an email with just your last name? No? You would feel disrespected if they did it? Then be respectful to them. Set the example so you don’t become an example.

Also a word of advice. It’s not your job to make people like you, but if they don’t like you, they will fu*k you.


I’ll take a cheeseburger and large fry.