Is there a regulation stating how an "off duty" reservist should talk to AD officers?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:34:18 -0400

My workplace has had a few CG's come visit, is there a regulation that states what I should do? Common respect is a given, but am I supposed to address them Sir/Ma'am and other courtesies?

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 6:35 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:35:09 -0400

Off duty meaning I'm at my civilian job that is not on base, nor is it military related

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 4 at 2016 6:38 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:38:29 -0400

My entire career was Reserve. It didn't matter if I was off duty, if I met a man or woman I knew was an officer in any branch of service I offered the proper respect, maintaining my military bearing. You can never go wrong with a "Yes Sir/Ma'am". Then let them decide how to be addressed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 6:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:39:02 -0400

I don't know about regulation, but I was raised to always show respect to others, regardless of who they are or their background. Until a regulation presents itself, I would just go ahead and express those courtesies. It could not come out bad for you to do so.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 4 at 2016 6:39 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 18:39:15 -0400

I would start out addressing them by rank, when and if, its appropriate they will let you know if its ok to be more relaxed and address them otherwise.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 7:19 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 19:19:45 -0400

One Army, or am I being naive that the Active Component will ever view the RC as equal?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 7:48 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 19:48:56 -0400

I like to play it safe and just address everyone on or near a military installation as sir or ma'am.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Aug 4 at 2016 9:37 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 21:37:07 -0400

No regulation specific to this situation. While you are not on an orders status, you are not required to treat an Officer any specific way.

As a practical matter, I would do as everyone else has recommended and use Sir or their rank.

The only time I wouldn't is if it appeared to imply a situational deference that was false. In that case, I might say "General" rather than "Sir", etc.

I definitely would not call the room, etc. (unless there were other Active Duty present)

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Aug 4 at 2016 9:39 PM

SFC Richard Giles — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 21:39:17 -0400

Well here is the way I see it. If anybody above the rank of E4 comes into an area that you're in you need to show proper respect and acknowledge their presence. You learned that in boot camp.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 4 at 2016 11:28 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 23:28:25 -0400

If you know they are an officer and out rank you I think the common courtesy is to address them as such. If they want to throttle it back that is on them.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 4 at 2016 11:40 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 23:40:44 -0400

You don't need a uniform to respect someone either patently older than you, or patently in a position of EARNED authority. It's how we used to be raised. Nor does said older person, or said boss person need a uniform to deserve that respect from you. In short, you should be showing respect where it's due, regardless of uniforms. To this day, I say sir or maam to ANYONE in the generation before mine.

Response by SPC Corie Davis made Aug 5 at 2016 10:52 AM

SPC Corie Davis — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 10:52:35 -0400

Your a soldier first and foremost doesn't matter reserves or national guard keep your military bearing if in uniform

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Aug 5 at 2016 12:15 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:15:11 -0400

Whether on duty or off, an officer deserves the respect that is commensurate with the rank they hold. Sir or Mam is a no fail solution for any service member active duty, reservist or guardsman.