Posted on Apr 6, 2015
Is it ever appropriate to address a fellow Service Member by last name alone?
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I must say that I am guilty of allowing my battles to address me as Burns or Burnsy, etc. in the work environment. But had a SPC done that, I'd probably lose my ever-loving mind. Why is that? Are they not just following the example we set? Is it disrespectful or not? Does it matter the rank of the other person?
If my CSM called me by Burns would I correct him? Probably not. Should I? Probably not. LOL I want to know your thoughts on this.
Is this just an Army thing? I know in the Air Force which is almost the same as military, that they address each other by first name quite often. Say it aint so.
Side Note: This picture is the best I could come up with to illustrate this question. Everyone knows the relationship between Forrest and Bubba.
If my CSM called me by Burns would I correct him? Probably not. Should I? Probably not. LOL I want to know your thoughts on this.
Is this just an Army thing? I know in the Air Force which is almost the same as military, that they address each other by first name quite often. Say it aint so.
Side Note: This picture is the best I could come up with to illustrate this question. Everyone knows the relationship between Forrest and Bubba.
Customs and Courtesies
Respect
Disrespect
Leadership
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 71
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I once had a E-1 who was fresh out of A school address me by my last name only. When all was said and done she was crying and calling me Petty Officer. I have a rank there junior, recognize it. Likewise I would also on occasion "respectfully request" that an officer (usually a junior officer) address me by my rank. Most senior officers and enlisteds called me by rank, and I them.
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Well as you can see my last name is unique to the normal vocabulary lol. Probably 85% of every officer or enlisted of all ranked I've ever known called me "waiwai". Guess it's the perks of having a hard name to say! Other than that, I usually did it with peers or with others as the same level as me. But since I was in my command for about 5yrs I pretty much knew every single person in my company and almost every staff position in my battalion.
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It's not the whole Air Force that does that people. Lol, It's mainly in the medical field and flying field. While I haven't seen it lately those are the only places I've really seen it. I have also in my career field seen subordinates attempt to call NCOs and COs by their call-sign, and proceeded to be torn a couple new ones. But as far as the question goes, you as a leader have earners that respect to be called by your rank and name. We as leaders must teach our younger members they aren't entitled to anything except a paycheck and even that can be taken away.
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If my supervisor expects me to always address him with his rank, then I would want the same expectations the other way. In any more formal or professional manner I will always use rank and last name. I regular office work with the people I work with everyday we have frequently shortened down to just names or rank. Between peers we also don't tend to use rank. As long as no one is being disrespectful I see no reason to make a big deal out of it.
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Hmmmm. Well I'll add the stereotypical Air Force way of doing things. As aircrew members we usually addressed each other by crew position. In uniform in the squadron we usually addressed each other by short title (i.e. Capt, Sgt..etc). When senior officers were in the area, then it was full rank and last name. Out of uniform it was usually first names or nicknames.
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In some environments it's highly desired that you've gotten your shorthand down to this kind of thing. Even to nicknames that short circuit issues of having two or more folks named Joe.
Of course, Net Comms require a little more decorum so all can follow the conversation.
But generally in Office or typical outside the "workspace" Garrison environments I do think "Rank, Last name" should apply.
However, in p-p situations in the workspace it can be unnecessarily unwieldy to ask "Electronics Technician Two Johnson for a 3/ 16ths inch wrench", When, "Tim, 3/16ths?" can work just as well.
Of course, Net Comms require a little more decorum so all can follow the conversation.
But generally in Office or typical outside the "workspace" Garrison environments I do think "Rank, Last name" should apply.
However, in p-p situations in the workspace it can be unnecessarily unwieldy to ask "Electronics Technician Two Johnson for a 3/ 16ths inch wrench", When, "Tim, 3/16ths?" can work just as well.
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I think the first time I can remember being called by last name was high school football. Thereafter, bootcamp, and by some in my early years of service. Rare from an officer, and rare by all as I entered staff ranks. The forum, present company, and tone all play a part in how it will be received. Clearly, we do not out right use rank and name over a net. Aside from that most situations afford the time to use full rank and name. I'm not sure how I would take it today. I was never the most politicly correct guy in the world, but its important to remember that no matter the rank on a members collar.....they earned it.
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I have always felt that if you expect someone to address you by your rank, than you should address them by theirs. Senior or subordinate ... makes no difference to me (and never has). Frankly, nothing burns my butt faster than someone (junior, peer, or senior) calling me by my last name.
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MSgt Steve Miller
I think the first time I can remember being called by last name was high school football. Thereafter, bootcamp, and by some in my early years of service. Rare from an officer, and rare by all as I entered staff ranks. The forum, present company, and tone all play a part in how it will be received. Clearly, we do not out right use rank and name over a net. Aside from that most situations afford the time to use full rank and name. I'm not sure how I would take it today. I was never the most politicly correct guy in the world, but its important to remember that no matter the rank on a members collar.....they earned it.
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