Posted on Aug 28, 2014
Is it offensive to call service members brother and sister?
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Is it appropriate to refer to service members as "my brother" or "my sister"?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 98
I don't personally find it offensive at all. SSG V. Michelle Woods is my Sister-in-arms as Cpl Brett Wagner is my brother from another mother-in-arms! LOL
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SPC Randy Torgerson
That's what I'm thinking. How could anyone be offended by essentially being part of a family.
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SFC Mark Merino
Oh, it happened SPC Randy Torgerson. I'll leave it at that. There are some angry people out there.
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SPC Randy Torgerson
Well of course it happened. But who cares. Listen, if there is one thing I was taught at the police academy, "you can't negotiate with crazy" or a drunk. But in this case it pertains to crazy. There will always be those that defy commonsense and logic. It is why in the legal system we have the "reasonable person" rule. And yes reasonable is actually defined. Basically it states that how would a reasonable person react in the same condition and situation? I think in this case, a reasonable person would be just fine with being called a brother or sister who is from the armed forces, law enforcement, firefighters, etc... Any time your job might require you to watch the back of a co-worker, react to save their life & depend on another to save your life, you are part of a family that no one can take away.
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It happened quite a bit in a few units I was with. Of Course I'm talking about EOD, then again, from top to bottom, we all went through the same training. It never was used outside of our "family". We seemed to use the Brother/Sister and "first name basis" out of earshot of anyone not EOD. I think anything other than rank, outside of your immediate "family" is a no go.
Now that I a retired, every person that is or has served is considered my Sister or Brother. But, that is one of the perks of retirement! ;-)
Now that I a retired, every person that is or has served is considered my Sister or Brother. But, that is one of the perks of retirement! ;-)
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SFC Mark Merino In informal settings we do this as a matter of course. We are brothers and sisters and we know who our friends are.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SFC Mark Merino - I am getting a new light sabre because Harry Potter get his new wand. The price of progress. lol
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SFC Mark Merino
SSgt (Join to see) "One-upsmanship" at it's finest. What color are you rocking so I can find you on the battlefield?
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I feel that anyone who has served, is my brother or sister. Not in any disrespectful means or manner tho. The military is a fairly closed group of people. We all wrote a blank check to our Country, to use us as you see fit to defend the Constitution. Some gave more, some less. It was an honor and a privilege to serve. I have been out for a while now, it still feels good to me that I stood side by side with a bunch of awesome people. To those still on the line. I have your back. You make me proud. Be well and be safe, brothers and sisters.
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SFC Mark Merino
SSG Stan Morrison Jr Well said! Do me a favor and swing by Norristown and check in on mom and dad for me!
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I think when we are are talking about our Brothers and Sisters in arms it is not. However, I would never address anyone as that in a professional setting. I do address people that I know very well in a casual setting as that and only when it is just us.
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I don't think so, if anything I see it as something to be proud of. But these days who know, people can find anything offensive. Me personally, I would only use it for people that I am close with but either way I don't see it as offensive.
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SFC Mark Merino
Good point 1LT (Join to see) I wouldn't want someone getting sued for trying to promote esprit de corps in this sue happy society we have become.
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SFC Mark Merino
ARE YOU SAYING MY BEHAVIOR IS SHOCKING??????!!!!!! 1LT (Join to see) I'm calling my lawyer time now!...lol?
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1LT (Join to see)
SFC Mark Merino I'm saying that people's reactions are NOT shocking...geez pay attention lol
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I don't think it's offensive at all....assuming we aren't talking about in a formal Military setting.
Rich: Hey COL Randall Cudworth What's up, Bro?
COL Randall Cudworth: Not much, Rich. Do pushups until I'm tired.
(in comedy, they call that a "callback")
Rich: Hey COL Randall Cudworth What's up, Bro?
COL Randall Cudworth: Not much, Rich. Do pushups until I'm tired.
(in comedy, they call that a "callback")
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SFC Mark Merino
I'm talking same ranks, retired towards active, retired towards retired, etc. The other way will get you SMOKED RELENTLESSLY!!! SGT Richard H.
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SFC Mark Merino
If SGT (Join to see) says it's cool then there is no point continuing the thread.....lol
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SSG Laureano Pabon
I agree as long as SGT (Join to see) is ok with it every thing is ok, were kool with it. lol
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This is something I, personally, will plead 'guilty' to since retirement. I do assure you that when I do use the term 'Brother' or 'Sister', I mean it most respectfully and do not mean any disrespect.
The profession of arms IS, in my opinion, a unique Brotherhood (gender inclusive). While I was still active, the sense of camaraderie was always present and this is something that I have found to be missing since my retirement and I believe that may be why I am so much more inclined to use the terms, to rekindle that feeling.
The profession of arms IS, in my opinion, a unique Brotherhood (gender inclusive). While I was still active, the sense of camaraderie was always present and this is something that I have found to be missing since my retirement and I believe that may be why I am so much more inclined to use the terms, to rekindle that feeling.
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SFC Mark Merino
MSG Wade Huffman That is straight from my heart as well. I miss my Army family and I think I picked up the habit of saying that for the exact same reason. Does this make up for my "Spades" failure from my previous thread or do I still have to prove my military service??....lol
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MSG Wade Huffman
SFC Mark Merino , Absolutely Brother! To be quite honest, I'm glad it's not just me! Your question really got me thinking about it and that's when I realized that, other than a very select few, I had never really done that until after retirement.
Your question actually helped me learn something about myself..Thanks!
Your question actually helped me learn something about myself..Thanks!
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MSgt (Join to see)
MSG Wade Huffman You made me think a little more about it and I think your absolutely right.
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