Is "Sarge" making a comeback?

TSgt David Holman — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 10:25:06 -0400

Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a slight trend, and wanted to check with some of my colleagues here to see if the trend has been seen anywhere else. Over the last two weeks, I have heard the term "sarge" at least 5 times by younger troops (usually in the E2-E4) range. Has anyone else seen/heard this?

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made Jun 15 at 2015 10:31 AM

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 10:31:35 -0400

That is actually surprising. As an active E3 I only here Sergeant or their full rank, exceptions of chief of course, I haven't heard "sarge" except when I was in Depo.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 15 at 2015 10:56 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 10:56:28 -0400

Not in the Corps. Never in the Corps.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 11:23 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 11:23:31 -0400

Not in the Army, at least anywhere I've been in around Junior Enlisted and NCOs in the past several months. I do not believe our NCO corps would tolerate the use of this term cheerfully.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 15 at 2015 11:50 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 11:50:53 -0400

Coming from the maintenance world, the language we're used to a little more laxed. I have usually called my superiors Sergeant when addressing them, and I usually call my current supervisor boss.

Some have asked me to call them by their first name or a nickname or just their lastname without Sergeant, but to "be aware of your surroundings".

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 15 at 2015 12:03 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:03:44 -0400

Calling a Sergeant "Sarge" in my time was a good way to end up with footprints up your backside. I hope that hasn't changed.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 15 at 2015 2:37 PM

SSG John Erny — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 14:37:53 -0400

Sarge's

Is a name of a business off post ran by an old retired guy. Other than than that it is a good way to get in some extra push ups and get volunteered for every detail that comes up.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jun 15 at 2015 3:44 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 15:44:45 -0400

Back in the day, I worked with mostly those of the 'Specialist" denomination, so we didn't have many "Sarges" to call upon. However, our SFC was always called "Sgt" to be sure.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 3:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 15:53:57 -0400

I heard it a lot while in Afghanistan (May 13-Nov 14). Most often it came from older civilian employees who are vets from a previous era of service. I'm and E7, so that typically qualifies as "Big Sarge." As a female, I certainly don't like to be called Big, no female like to hear that, even though there's no malice intended.

Response by SGT Don Matyja made Jun 15 at 2015 4:31 PM

SGT Don Matyja — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 16:31:59 -0400

I think it 's the MOS your in that uses it and the NCO that let the enlisted get away with it.