Is it offensive to call service members brother and sister?

Within the military community and even in other tight knit organizations where common bonds are formed - yes. Absolutely.

The camaraderie you experience in military service is nothing like what you experience in the private sector. In the military the bond between each other is tight because we have to depend upon each other to succeed in the mission; whether it be peace time or war. We help each other out, we grieved during each other's losses, we celebrated each others individual successes, and much more.

In the private sector so many are only looking out for themselves and will stab you in the back to get ahead. There isn't much of a bond between co-workers. The kind of camaraderie we experienced in uniform just isn't there.

So yes, we are like brothers and sisters with those we served with.

You are all my brothers and sisters in arms. My flight is my family away from home.

I don't say 'my brother', but I do refer to all SM's as brothers and sisters...so if it's offensive, I'm guilty. I certainly want everyone to feel like I feel; family that is.

Generally, I think not. However, it is a rather subjective thing. I call a lot of vets I know brother. However, if one told me not to, I would respect his wishes.

I use the terms for anyone with whom I served, and I use the term "comrade in arms" when referring to someone with whom I did not serve. If they get offended over that term, they're not worthy of the term.

I think it's a complement.

I was an adopted, only child. I think that I didn't have brothers and sisters growing up, so I'd appreciate those I've found in the military even more. I'm now closer to many of the guys I served with than cousins I grew up with.

No its not offensive

Hell no. It's a show of acceptance and belonging. After all we are all brothers and sisters in arms.

I hate to keep bringing this up, but as a Marine, its ingrained from the moment you arrive at Parris Island, and I assume, San Diego. We are told there are no colors, there are no nationalities, we are simply light or dark green Marines, and from this moment on, we are all family, and Lord knows, you meet some you gag in disgust over, and some you find downright sad, but it really hits you when you get out of service, that those 'family' feelings slam right back into your brain the second you see someone you can identify as a Brother or Sister. With Marines, its "When?" then "Where?" then the all-important "Rank?" and if its the same, "Date of rank" because even two old Marines need to have a clear command chain!