Posted on Aug 4, 2016
Is there a regulation stating how an "off duty" reservist should talk to AD officers?
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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?
Regulation
Customs and Courtesies
Officer
Reserves
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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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.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Spent 22 of my 25 in reserve status and that's exactly how I rolled. Great response Sergeant Major!
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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.
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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.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
That's what I was curious about, a regulation. I'm not going to yell attention when they walk in, but I'll definitely call them Sir/Ma'am
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SFC (Join to see)
The Army Publishing Directorate site is having issues. I would first look at AR 600-25. It may/may not break it down. I may be a little old school, but I am sure I have learned somewhere that as long as you have an official affiliation with the military, on or off duty, you can be held to regulation. Keep in mind that a regulation is only effective as its enforcement. Many leaders now tend to choose what they want to enforce, which, in my opinion, weakens the effectiveness of leaders in the force. But that is a whole new discussion.
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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.
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I like to play it safe and just address everyone on or near a military installation as sir or ma'am.
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One Army, or am I being naive that the Active Component will ever view the RC as equal?
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
LTC (Join to see) The Reserve components are only equal when they are needed!
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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)
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)
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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.
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Your a soldier first and foremost doesn't matter reserves or national guard keep your military bearing if in uniform
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