Posted on Sep 19, 2015
Is there a regulation in the Army about how to address military retirees?
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I am just curious about addressing military retirees. They've done time plus more and they deserve the title they retired at. Is it more of a courtesy or is there a regulation that I have not found yet?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Retirement
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 6
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At my last "Command" (Quantico) the number of Retirees & Prior military was staggering to say the least.
The "standard practice" was NOT to use rank when dealing with them in any sort of official capacity. I worked with Sergeants through Colonels (and Generals, but I'll get to them in a second). All of them were referred to by their first name, or Mr./Ms. as appropriate. The Generals, were an exception as they were specifically hired as "Generals" (Senior Mentors of the Program).
Now, in a social setting, sure, call someone Col, or Sgt, etc, but.. as I already worked with John, or Larry, etc... Why would I call them something different than I called them at work?
Now, there were a couple of folks who did "cadre" (Active Reserve) duty at our site for the summer, while being a contractor for the rest of the year. When in uniform, "Yes/No Gunner (WO1)," when not in uniform, "Hi Wayne."
Now, we had a few folks retire, who didn't come back to work for us. Until they said otherwise, they were referred to by their old rank. A few years back one of the old CMCs said it was appropriate to call honorably discharged Marines by their highest rank achieved.
The "standard practice" was NOT to use rank when dealing with them in any sort of official capacity. I worked with Sergeants through Colonels (and Generals, but I'll get to them in a second). All of them were referred to by their first name, or Mr./Ms. as appropriate. The Generals, were an exception as they were specifically hired as "Generals" (Senior Mentors of the Program).
Now, in a social setting, sure, call someone Col, or Sgt, etc, but.. as I already worked with John, or Larry, etc... Why would I call them something different than I called them at work?
Now, there were a couple of folks who did "cadre" (Active Reserve) duty at our site for the summer, while being a contractor for the rest of the year. When in uniform, "Yes/No Gunner (WO1)," when not in uniform, "Hi Wayne."
Now, we had a few folks retire, who didn't come back to work for us. Until they said otherwise, they were referred to by their old rank. A few years back one of the old CMCs said it was appropriate to call honorably discharged Marines by their highest rank achieved.
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Most of us are more interested in thanking YOU for your service, carrying on our proud traditions, than we are worried about our former rank. That you thought to ask how to address is is respect enough for me!
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They earned every bit of the rank, but with everything you have to learn to let it go. It is a hard lesson to get through sometimes.
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SFC Judith Storm
I only refer to rank when my sister (retired E8) uses her Sergeant Major voice on me (retired E7). Otherwise, just having our Retired ID cards is enough for us!
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SSG Warren Swan
SFC Judith Storm - I agree, but whenever I come across a SGM/CSM ret or not, I give them more respect for some reason. I respect all no matter what, but those two have a special place with me. I know a few and still call them SGM/CSM. Any of my old 1SG's are still Top or 1SG. Can't let go just yet.
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SFC Judith Storm
Agree on the Top and First Shirt. Only SGM I know other than those still serving, members of our VFW who, of course, are SGM, is my sister. We're both Saudi vets and the dudes just have to put up with us at our Post and have for many years.
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