Is it offensive to call service members brother and sister?

After thinking about this issue, I realized it can be offensive if you get their gender wrong? "Hey Brother...oh, sorry Ma'am." Additionally, I think rank differences can play a major factor as well...especially in ones chain of command. Call the BDE CMD "Brother" probably not a good idea?

I've responded before, but I will say this... My brother from another mother, and/or my sister from another mister!

I know the phrase "Brother's In Arms" was coined for the Army but I think any person, Male or Female, Active Duty or Retired is still a brother or a sister. We all are alumni of the armed forces and have undergone more than any civilian will ever understand. I'm proud to call all my "Armed Forces Family" Brother or Sister. I think if any individual weather it be male/female/officer/enlisted/active duty or retired gets offended by me calling them Brother or Sister it is on them as an individual not on all of us as a whole. So to my Brother SFC Mark Merino good question Brother and to me it's a no brainer.

I would say no.

Not all siblings have the same last name.

I don't see any reason why you should not and I always have no matter who they were and what ever beach they served in.

Like everything, a lot depends on context. If it is respectfully rendered then it will most likely be respectfully received. I have never been offended by it. I have been honored to be referred to as Sister by both fellow Marines and other service veterans. Generally for me, this occurs during a volunteer or social event. At that moment in time we are engaged in some worthwhile function and are bonding due to our shared experience. The older I become the more precious these moments are. There is no experience that forges stronger bonds than military service. I served during peacetime and can only imagine how much stronger this is for combat veterans.

Now days we worry too much on what offends others, it is like a pattern, some gets offended of the flag, others of religion, and some of even calling brothers or sisters at those that has put their life on the line for the best of the country. Brothers or sisters is not only those that has the same blood but those that cover you left and your right. We may not know all those that in one way or another had something to do with the success of a mission, deployment, or even R & R. If we look at it closer everyone did their best to protect and defend. During 9/11 the country united and families were form because of the same sacrifice. When we raised our right hand and oath we all became a family. We may not agree with everything and yes in every family there are those that damage the name but at the end of the day everyone will give the life for one another. Those that gets offended to call a fellow veteran brother, I respect your opinion but never forget that we all put our life on the line with the same intent. Without infantry no fight, without radios no communication, without cooks no food, without logistic no ammo, you make the math. Thanks to all the Americans that has gave their all, to all the great warriors that continue to serve, and to all the brothers and sisters that do not get offended for wearing the same T-shirt.

I'd rather hear "brother" than "comrade". If their offended, give'm a "Hoo-AHH".

I don't think it's inappropriate, but everyone is different. Some Troops may not like it while others do. I think that using it in a broad application is fine. I usually use the word Troops to refer to all service-members... That or Comrades.

I always have. No matter what branch all who have served or are serving have and will be my "Brothers and Sisters in Arms" We are a special type of family. We have bonds to each other, even if we have never served together. I am an only child but through the service have gained many brothers and sisters, along with nieces, nephews and god children. I would lay down my life for any one of them. That is true family!