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
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It rubs me the wrong way, but I don't think it is offensive. It has a religious connotation and I think it should be reserved for people of the same faith or for people with close bonds. I cringe when I hear the guy on Counting Cars say it.
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SSG Maurice P.
me neither...... unless you think sitting with 3 other soldiers in a vehicle waiting to get blown up is a religious experience so be it hehehehehehehe...but it is a life changing event for everyone involved and you get closer i like to say like brothers and sisters!!!!!!!!!
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PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith
CPO Jon Campbell while some religious denominations do use the term brother or sister for members of their congregation, I think in this case, context is important. Brother, as we use it in the military is short for brother-in-arms. Or, for those who have been in combat together, blood brothers. So, while I understand your point-of-view, I believe it is important to remember the context in which the term is used.
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Although I grow weary of people being "offended" at almost anything, I will say this.
No, I will not be offended.
The only "being called" that will offend me is being called late for a meal or cocktails!
No, I will not be offended.
The only "being called" that will offend me is being called late for a meal or cocktails!
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It is always appropriate to call each other Brother and Sister, if one has served honorably.
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Not offensive at all and definitely appropriate. These days, people are "offended" by nearly everything under the sun - not my problem. I do (and will continue to) call the folks I served with, my brothers.
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Truthfully, all service members, regardless of rank, are my brothers and sisters. We all did the honorable duty of enlisting and or getting drafted, but regardless of the job we did or how we entered the military, we ARE family and the only ones we can depend on is our brothers and sisters veteran or active.
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sure thing, we all must be from the same gene pool, given that we make up the "1%" that serve our country. BUT I AGREE WITH SSG V, "If I am dating another SM, I wouldn't recommend calling her "Sister!" lol
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Context is everything, if both are in uniform and one is higher ranking, then yes a SP4 calling a CSM "My Brother" would be offensive.
Twenty years after ETS, rank impresses me less, but I still have a habit of calling my CSM friend "Sargent Major"... but if he says "drop and give me 20" I just laugh in his face.
Twenty years after ETS, rank impresses me less, but I still have a habit of calling my CSM friend "Sargent Major"... but if he says "drop and give me 20" I just laugh in his face.
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SFC Christopher Feathers. I liked your comment. I generally get called Mr. Luman. When I walk up it's with a big smile and laugh. Takes the pressure off when they are under such scrutiny over not offending any one. Which is a impossible task.
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Tone and context go a long way...like when my Navy brothers call someone shipmate through clenched teeth
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