Isn't it customary for NCOs to address other NCOs by their rank title?

2014-06-19T14:27:43-04:00

It seems like more often than not NCOs of higher rank address lower enlisted NCOs by just their last name. According to AR 600-20, all NCOs have a title. And as we all know we address E-5 to E-7 as Sergeant and E-8 and above by their full rank. Most of us have earned the rank we wear on our chest so aren't we entitled to some level of courtesy by senior NCOs. And not just NCOs, but officers as well. What type of message does this send to our junior enlisted when you treat NCOs like that in front of everyone? It is not an egotistical thing. I just think we deserve to be treated with respect. Any opinions?

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 19 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-06-19T14:34:47-04:00

It depends on the situation and the place for me. In the Cpo Mess it is very informal, but outside, I expect to treat all NCO/CPOs professionally. Senior leaders set the example at ALL times and in all places. That works up and down the chain.

Professionalism is the key. Orders never set the standards, Leaders do.

Response by SSG Cheri Kelley Miller made Jun 22 at 2014 4:38 PM

2014-06-22T16:38:18-04:00

I wholeheartedly agree. To me (as a junior enlisted) I tend to see it as a sign of disrespect when Senior NCO's address junior NCO's by just their last name. You are totally correct! As an E-5 and above those ranks are earned (sometimes) and as long as there are "stripes" or "stripes and rockers" on someone's chest they SHOULD be given the respect that was earned and given to them for a reason. By "earning" and "respecting" someone with those titles and/or position an example should be set for those that are doing their best to move up in their own ranks as well. However I think the reason that is done is to let the Junior NCO's know that they are in the Senior NCO's peer group so maybe they are trying to show comradery? (sorry for the misspelling)

Response by SSG Cheri Kelley Miller made Jun 22 at 2014 4:39 PM

2014-06-22T16:39:43-04:00

Right on Master Chief!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 22 at 2014 8:25 PM

2014-06-22T20:25:09-04:00

Depends on which service you're talking about. In the Army, no, it's not customary. In fact, by reg, All sergeants E-7 and below are customarily called "Sergeant" when addressed directly. Just like you call 2LT and 1LT "lieutenant" and a LTC "colonel" when speaking to them directly. Now, when you speak about them in the third person, yes, you call them by their full rank.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 9:52 AM

2014-07-08T09:52:50-04:00

In my short time in the Military, I've always seen it and viewed it as professional courtesy and mutual respect. Granted, I don't get called by rank--but what do you do as an E-1?

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 2:50 PM

2014-08-03T14:50:12-04:00

In the Navy, my experience is that someone will either say "Petty Officer Smith" or "YN1" (or MA1, LS1, etc...). I have rarely, if ever seen a junior sailor addressed solely by last name. It is also common to be more formal and address a Yeoman First Class as "YN1 Smith," as opposed to "Petty Officer Smith" or "YN1." Petty Officer fails to accord full recognition to the Sailor, since E4-E6 are all Petty Officers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 5:02 PM

2014-08-03T17:02:55-04:00

Right or wrong, it's no different than addressing a Corporal, Specialist, Private First Class or Private by their last name. You're supposed to address all persons by their rank at minimum as a matter of respect.

However the way things are is not = the way things should be.

V/R
SGT Mullet

PS - I make a point of not falling into that, but sometimes I catch myself since it's the norm.

Response by SPC Richard White made Aug 3 at 2014 5:03 PM

2014-08-03T17:03:53-04:00

I can't say it is customary as far as the Army is concerned.I can say that when I was in a section that had multiple E-5 and up I usually heard them call each other by name rather than rank.However if a higher ranking officer came in that officer was addressed correctly.One thing I did not mention is that most of the NCOs were combat vets so who is to question what they say.Respect was shown to each other since we were a section and I can guarantee you that you will find the same thing in a tank.In a tank a position such as driver, gunner, are used rather than rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 12:54 AM

2014-08-06T00:54:48-04:00

I guess it is all in the eye of the beholder on the disrespect thing. I've been called Slover or S - lover almost my entire military career. I rarely felt disrespected by it, and if I did, I said something.

Response by Sgt Jason West made Dec 22 at 2014 1:59 PM

2014-12-22T13:59:54-05:00

In the shop we normally called people of the same or a lower rank by just their last name. Higher ranks were normally just called their ranks, unless there happened to be more than one of that rank around. Outside the shop or during certain events we called each other by rank and name. Most higher ups would call us by rank and name as well.

Response by 1stSgt Ron Gallegos made Dec 24 at 2014 6:20 PM

2014-12-24T18:20:30-05:00

Having two brothers in the Army and myself in the Marines I have noticed a huge difference, especially when Rank is involved,
Army- E-5 to E-7 Sarge or Sargent when it should be E-6 Staff Sargent, E-7 Sargent First Class.
Marine Corps- E-5 Sargent, E-6 Staff Sargent (not Staff or Sargent), E-7 Gunnery Sargent or Gunny, We call them by the Rank Earned, it is not egotistical it is just Respect, you earned it now be called by it.

Response by MSgt Joanna Clute made Mar 4 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-03-04T14:13:54-05:00

I have definitely slipped and used just a last name when I need someone's attention quickly, but my junior airmen and NCOs still earned their rank so I almost always use it.

Response by SGT Timothy Rocheleau made Jul 1 at 2015 1:56 AM

2015-07-01T01:56:00-04:00

It is an earned title, or at leader it use to be. Being promoted to Sergeant is a huge accomplishment in all MOS fields, more so in others (998) boards/cuts. You earned it and should be referred to as such. Even when out of uniform at events or just group gatherings our platoon always used the rank structure and titles. Hell, even our spouses would refer to everyone by rank and title. My wife at the time when speaking to any of my fellow soldiers would use Sgt. Smith, Specialist Peters or Private Kolb for instance. We all respected each other not only for our rank but our knowledge base and experience as well. If you are Sgt so and so then you are always Sgt. so and so. Even the officers and would use the rank/title structure when referring to any of us Respect isn't a part time thing, it's a 24/7 military tradition thing.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 1 at 2015 2:45 AM

2015-07-01T02:45:33-04:00

This was a problem in the Navy a few years back, so the Chief's Mess actually did something about it. They went out of their way to address all Petty Officers by their rank and/or title. I was always addressed as IT1 or Petty Officer Miller. The Officers started noticing this and started doing it themselves and it eventually trickled down to the lower ranks.

They've still got a long way to go though, some lower ranking enlisted/Petty Officers still think it's okay to address higher ranking Petty Officers (up to PO1/E6) by just their last name.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-07-01T16:59:45-04:00

My current commander addresses everyone by last name only, other than the senior warrant.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-07-02T17:20:25-04:00

It's a nasty habit that has formed in the ranks, and the only way to fix it is for us as NCOs of whatever branch to start doing it in our own ranks so the junior enlisted can see what right looks like. Also this will start to translate into the future NCOs, and junior officer's so that standard can be set higher again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 3:35 AM

2015-07-03T03:35:59-04:00

It really depends on your work environment... Ive seen strick adherance to that in big units that regularly get lots of PVT's. I work in a 120 man battalion, 16 man company, 4 man team. From TM SGT down to me, we are all on first or last name basis unless in a situation that would require otherwise ( infront of heavy outside brass, or in ceremonies, etc). The only exception isTop and the MAJ unless deployed.Then we are all on first name or nickname basis. I dont care if my E4 medic calls me Danny in the team room, so long as he can pack a wound, open an airway, and carry dead weight.

But that is OUR team battle rhythm. I would always refer to an "outside" seniors by rank, and unknown peers who are in front of joes by rank. Call me cowboy hip-shooter, but i think its rather corny to have to call another SGT "sergeant Jones" when its just us, no one else in sight. Never understood why it was traditionally OK for O's to call themselves "Tom", "Andy", and "Steve" but seen as unprofessionals by NCO's with good, personal and work relationship

Response by SGT Catherine Talento made Jul 9 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-07-09T16:10:44-04:00

I have found it changes from command to command. In DOD commands there was usually a mixture based on the different branches. I have been in units that had a strict adherence to using rank and name or just rank and then others that were hybrids where the commander would use one thing and the NCOs and JE would use another.

Response by PO1 Dave Porter made Apr 7 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-04-07T13:23:27-04:00

Negative. Throughout my 20 years, it was a given that you called each other by first names, or last names for that matter. The more formal address is for more formal situations, or in Tech ("A") School

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 7:44 PM

2016-04-24T19:44:01-04:00

I've only seen that shenanigans in the 'United States Marine Corps'.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 14 at 2016 9:42 PM

2016-11-14T21:42:18-05:00

yes it is ... especially in formal situations...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 5:55 AM

2016-11-15T05:55:59-05:00

You have rank and you have titles. All sergeants except 1SG, and Seargants Majors are addressed as Sargeant per AR 600-20. All privates are pallet private in the same manner.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-11-15T06:59:08-05:00

As was stated, there are four ways to address an NCO: Corporal, Sergeant, First Sergeant, or Sergeant Major...by regulation.
I'm in a reserve unit and we're a bit more informal. We've all been in the same unit for a pretty long time now so it's usually last names, but only in my shop. Outside of the shop I make sure to always use rank and name.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Nov 15 at 2016 7:03 AM

2016-11-15T07:03:03-05:00

You don't call a Master Sergeant "Master Sergeant" in the Army. So that's not right.

You are however correct in that you deserve respect, or your rank and position does.

Don't read too much into it. Just because a CSM calls you by your last name instead of your rank doesn't mean he disrespects you. Yelling Sergeant could have 42 people turn around. I think it's more respectful that a higher ranking NCO can remember your name.

Response by SGT Gary Sokol made Nov 15 at 2016 7:03 AM

2016-11-15T07:03:18-05:00

I never had that issue. I was always addressed as "Sergeant Sokol" by higher NCO"s, but I addressed E-6's and E-7's as "Sergeant So-and-So" whether directly or in the third person, unless it was an official conversation which called for their rank to be recognized. (Informally, on or off duty, many of us were on a first name basis.)

Response by CSM David Heidke made Nov 15 at 2016 7:03 AM

2016-11-15T07:03:18-05:00

Response by MSG Mamerto Perez made Nov 15 at 2016 7:07 AM

2016-11-15T07:07:22-05:00

When I came in the Army is the early 60's. We educated on the ranks but everybody from E-5 to
E-8 were called Sergeants except 1st Sergeants and Sergeant Majors to in Command Sergeant Majors.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Nov 15 at 2016 7:39 AM

2016-11-15T07:39:41-05:00

Formally, it is customary to address fellow NCO's by their Rank. However, using first names for those of lower rank actually shows MORE respect by indicating a higher degree of familiarity and trust. In smaller, elite units (SFODA's) it's just how things are done. It basically means that a man is comfortable enough with his own ability that he doesn't need to hide behind his rank.

Oh, BTW, nobody wears rank "on their chest".

I rate an NCO by what's INSIDE his or her chest, rather than by what's ON it.

Response by PO1 Keith Calhoun made Nov 15 at 2016 7:59 AM

2016-11-15T07:59:19-05:00

In the 60s while in the Navy E-6 and below were addressed with last name. Chief E-7 was Chief E-8 was Senior and E-9 was Master Chief. Boatswain Mates E-4 to E-6 were addressed Boats , Radioman was addresses as Sparks. Gunner Mate was Guns .Just never Petty Officer and last name.

Response by MGySgt Gerry Sweeten made Nov 15 at 2016 8:00 AM

2016-11-15T08:00:42-05:00

It's not only customary but respectful as well I've never addressed an NCO with anything than his or her rank. A Marine Corps sergeant is a sergeant and a Gunnery Sergeant is a Gunny. It's the right thing to do.

Response by SFC Bill Mace made Nov 15 at 2016 9:20 AM

2016-11-15T09:20:47-05:00

In the Army, NCOs only have one first name. Corporal, Sergeant, First Sergeant, or Sergeant Major. To identify a specific NCO you would use the applicable first name above followed by their last name. Using any other term, such as Drill Sergeant or Sergeant First Class, is not IAW Customs and Courtesies and should only be used in a training environment. Unfortunately some NCOs let their ego interfere with tradition.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Nov 15 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-11-15T09:28:50-05:00

One time I was at the company HQs and was walking in the hallway which had several enlisted personnel E4 and below walking around. A 2LT wanted something and he addressed me by my last name only - I responded in kind and he was pissed and said that is LT Johnson! And I said that is Sergeant King! We got into an argument and I suggested we take it to the CO. I explained that I did not think it was right for the LT to address me by my last name when there were several enlisted personnel in the grades E4 and below in earshot. The CO agreed and informed the LT that in the future he would address all NCO's by their rank.

Response by SGT Scott Hutten made Nov 15 at 2016 9:39 AM

2016-11-15T09:39:03-05:00

Basic training teaches us respect for chain of command. I believe this custom is certainly mission essential towards maximum efficiency of any unit - especially as it relates to the "team building" aspect. All of us - at one time or another - have witnessed those who woke up and "pinned on" their rank; likewise, many of us have had the fantastic experience of working with those who actually earned it.

Response by MSgt Dave Burke made Nov 15 at 2016 9:48 AM

2016-11-15T09:48:10-05:00

Need some cheese to go with that whine? I believe that the "brotherhood" of NCOs and the friendships that develop are more important than getting all hung up on titles.When I was an NCO I was always treated with proper respect no matter what I was called. It just is not that big of a deal! Don't the stripes you wear show the world what you are and what you have earned? Get over it!

Response by SGT James Colwell made Nov 15 at 2016 10:16 AM

2016-11-15T10:16:39-05:00

It's been a long time since I served, but I agree that our rank as NCO's was earned and not just given to us by virtue of time in service and/or grade. For the most part, I did not have this issue from other NCO's. I had a couple of officers go down that path, but that was stopped pretty quickly. Either way, there is a thing called customs and courtesy, which dictates that NCO's are to be addressed in the manner in which you described.

Response by GySgt David Weihausen made Nov 15 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-11-15T10:17:13-05:00

It's not a lack of respect, it's called being succinct. We are in the business of making things happen. I'm sorry your feelings get hurt when your superiors don't acknowledge your rank but suck it and buy that pride. Jeez, this is why recruits have stress cards. UFB

Response by Sgt Jamie Whitehead made Nov 15 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-11-15T10:26:06-05:00

It should be across the board and across rank structures for every military branch it shows and keeps respect among the junior enlisted, senior enlisted, and officers. If you don't get called your rank and you earned that rank then use a little tact and demand it. No one will hand you your rank and hold your hand for your career you must set forth to do so.

Response by SGT Robert Armstrong made Nov 15 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-11-15T10:57:27-05:00

In the field or even in Garrison I would address every NCO by his/her rank and last name. If they came over to my house it was different. I would use their first name because it was such an informal setting.

Response by PO1 Robert Johnson made Nov 15 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-11-15T11:13:11-05:00

In my experience, respect is earned, not by what is on your sleeve or chest.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Nov 15 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-11-15T11:15:01-05:00

It all depends on the situation. When I was hanging upside down in the bilge trying to replace a light bulb, I wasn't about to say "Petty Officer Squid, pass me a the thingamajig". They were lucky if I used their last name. It was "SLUG BUTT! Give me that dammit right now!" The addressed person would say back "How long can you hang like that?"

But to illustrate the need for being professional, in the Navy I had the nickname "Hambone". (Yes, time for a sea story!) So there we were in the middle of an Operational Reactor Safeguards Exam (Every Nukes' favorite inspection) and we were doing a loss of electrical power drill for them. Being the Electrical Division Leading Petty Officer I was bouncing all over making sure things were done right. There was this Chief as Engineering Watch Supervisor (in charge of the engineering spaces). He was trying to get an update on the status. With a full bird inspector right beside him he yells "HAMBONE! WHERE ARE YOU?!" I heard him. And proceeded to beat my head against a bulkhead. The comment in the notes afterward was "What or who is a hambone?" ROFL

Response by SSG Steve Jackson made Nov 15 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-11-15T11:26:20-05:00

Learning from the Corps I call all E-5 to E9 by Full Rank just as a sign of respect they earned it so I use it. In the Army I do it now.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Nov 15 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-11-15T11:45:46-05:00

I'm an AF NCO and went to Fort Lee, VA. To a Field Mess training course so when working with the Army I know what I'm
Working with an the different regs to deal with. I've gotten as much or more respect by Army Sr. NCOs than those of my own branch of service at some bases. I think it depends what commmand is running the infrastructure.. commands like SAC(Strategic Air Command [in my day] and TAC Tactical Air Command[precurser of Combat AIR COmmand] were more formal. When Senior NCOs respected the ranks of Jr. NCOs in front of Airmen and other Jr. NCOs it sets a good example.. to those
Airmen(men & women). When another
SSGT. addresses a fellow SSGT. by rank in front of those junior in rank or addresses those Airmen by actual rank they are(A1C Smith[it is proper to call them Airman, it makes them feel better I
Think when addressing them by their earned rank than just by their last name... ]). I know I appreciated when I was a A1C and I was called by that by NCOs. If they have a rank, use it, it doesn't take that long. So use the appropriate rank that your service uses for that person and you can't go wrong..

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Nov 15 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-11-15T11:46:09-05:00

Response by SSG Arthur Williams made Nov 15 at 2016 12:04 PM

2016-11-15T12:04:51-05:00

Depends on the service and the individual, Most NCO'S want be called Sergeant, E-9 want's to be called Sergeant Major. Officers want to called by their rank

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 12:05 PM

2016-11-15T12:05:56-05:00

The Marines refer to each rank as their full title. Certain nicknames have been developed for a few different ranks (E-7 = Gunnery Sergeant, aka "Gunny"), but in general I've found the full rank is mentioned. The nicknames for each rank aren't normally used unless there is an established familiarity with the Marine or if the person saying it is senior. Having said all that, I just came from a Joint Command where the AF and Army do things a bit differently; Outside of E-9, I've not heard anyone not called sergeant. They quickly adapted to the Marines on deck after a few reminders. You bring up good points, though, and it's partially what drives the Marines' way of doing things.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 15 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-11-15T12:16:20-05:00

Being in the USCG, it is a little bit of a different story. Most commands are relatively small, often not much more than squad sized-- between 10 or 20 total. Outside of training facilities I was TAD at, the largest I was ever at was 87 officers and crew. Add to that the fact that the total size of the CG is only about 40,000, and obviously a certain degree of familiarity exists. If you have been in for more than a hitch or so the odds are you're going to run into people you were stationed with before.

With that said, nicknames were not unusual, and within a command first names were pretty common outside of formal occasions. Obviously CPOs were still called Chief, and officers by rank or Mr., Ms. depending on their preference. Also we do gain responsibility rather quickly compared to the larger services. For example, as a first class PO (E-6) I was an XPO and LPO of an 10 man shop and the electronics department on a ship respectively. On the ship, our operations officer, who had an extremely long, tongue twisting eastern European name insisted we all call him Mr. B. I also had a young JG who when assigned as Electronics officer, preferred first names when we were private. She explained it this way, "You were serving when I was in Junior High, you have years of knowledge, and I am here to learn what I can from you." Smart Lady.

Response by SGT Linda Moss made Nov 15 at 2016 12:47 PM

2016-11-15T12:47:03-05:00

I was in a medical unit in the NG so we tended off duty to more relaxed. On duty officer where by rank most NCO by last name.. This also depended on time and place .. I did a lot of field supports and after a couple of days when there where not other NCO around we used nicknames .. or in a lot just called me medic .. I even had a unit commander introduce me to his unit as Medic Moss ..

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Nov 15 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-11-15T13:02:15-05:00

I pretty much called folks by their rank and last name.
In a Gathering of NCOs only CPL through SGM, I called everyone by last name only except the 1SGs, MSGs, and SGM. I valued the Jr. NCOs opinions and input and that helped put folks at ease and got open ideas and communications going.
If folks only follow you, respect, or talk to you because of the chevrons you're wearing on your chest you've got bigger worries than a title of address.
Personally I never took offense to the NCO support channel when they called me out in public "Saint get over here" It meant my opinion was being sought, or my Soldiers had done something well and either wasn't a bad thing.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 15 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-11-15T13:20:13-05:00

I think that shows respect to grade in which that person holds. Read AR600-20 that might
Help you to Understand.
SSG Mark Franzen

Response by SFC Don Ward made Nov 15 at 2016 1:46 PM

2016-11-15T13:46:32-05:00

Guess you could be addressed as idiot, dirtbag, hairball, or worse.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 2:18 PM

2016-11-15T14:18:29-05:00

To me, this is trivial at best. If a senior ranking SM calls you by just your last name, so be it. If a lower ranking SM calls you by just your last name, light his/her ass up. There is a time for formalities, and if you do it all the time, good on ya. I wouldn't waste my time worrying that a SNCO called me by just my last name at all. A senior ranking can call me what ever he/she wants, as long as it isn't derogatory.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Nov 15 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-11-15T15:11:01-05:00

As a 1SG, I had several "pet" names for some of my troops, as did MY 1SG, and all 1SG's before me.

Heh heh, y'all know what I mean.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Nov 15 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-11-15T16:01:30-05:00

Jeez, get over it! Are you not proud of you last name? We earned our rank, but we are not defined by our rank!

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Nov 15 at 2016 6:07 PM

2016-11-15T18:07:02-05:00

Taint' the way I was taught. We're all sergeants except first sergeants and sergeants majors/

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Nov 15 at 2016 6:54 PM

2016-11-15T18:54:53-05:00

Calling a lower rank enlisted Soldier by their last names shows that you know them , But in formations classrooms and the like addressing Soldiers by their rank shows respect

Response by SSG Michael Eastes made Nov 15 at 2016 8:21 PM

2016-11-15T20:21:11-05:00

When I was in the RA, I worked mostly in emergency rooms. We tended to address each other by our names; this went for EMS and officers alike, except for the NCOIC, who, as an E-7, was called "Sgt. D". We managed to get the job done efficiently anyway.

When in combat arms units of the ARNG, we still tended to go by names, except for the most senior NCOs and the officers. Even so, the relationship between the two levels was usually pretty relaxed. Granted, it was mostly during the late Cold War, and I never had the experience of a combat tour, so YMMV.

Response by PO2 Jerri Jackson made Nov 15 at 2016 8:28 PM

2016-11-15T20:28:33-05:00

In the Navy, when I was active, wr usually just called each other by our last names, E1 thru E6, our E7, as Chief, E8 ad Senior, n etc. Officers Sir. About the the only time someone called me 2nd class Petty Officer last name was when I was getting awarded or in trouble, lol.
Some juniors, usually the ones right out if boot or A school would call me Petty Officer last name, but didn't usually last too long.
Maybe we were just more informal, but it wasnt due to disrespect.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Monk made Nov 15 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-11-15T21:04:36-05:00

For me it all depended on how familiar we were and in who's company. I had several senior NCO's that would skip the Sgt. Ssg. and use my last name or nickname. Usually those same Senior NCO's I could get away with their nickname as long as lower enlisted were not around. I also had several officers that I was on the Bn Running Team and while on TDY for races or off duty and I was the only enlisted I was allowed to go by first name and they used mine or my nickname. Officially I started out as a wet nose kid in Marine Corps JROTC so the policy of calling NCO's by their rank was drilled into my head and many in the Army liked that respect. Being called Sarg when your and E7 seems kinda disrespectful in my book and my Joes never got away with that. But there is a big difference between the Marines and Army when it comes down to respect.

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Nov 15 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-11-15T21:22:47-05:00

IT'S up to the UNIT I see it all the Time most of the Sgt.call each others gt. than off the job frist or last name, me most of the time every one call sgt alanzo or alanzo there are a few some time call joe or josepn. but if a person don't like me they will call sgt.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 9:40 PM

2016-11-15T21:40:29-05:00

Okay seems a lot are not understanding you clearly here. I get this a lot and completely understand where you're coming from. First off there's a time and place for everything if you screwed up and they are only addressing you by your last name IN FRONT OF YOUR PEERS AND SUBORDINATES then you are correct this is way out of line and detrimental to good order and discipline in fact if you wanted to push for disrespect you could because there is no rank limit for the reg however do what your rank can handle. If you have an NCO constantly addressing other NCOs same rank or lower by their last name pull them aside and correct them we gotta keep ourselves straight. The first name basis is something that should remain reserved for the SOF community and officers let them look like civilians we as NCOs are more professional than that. And I don't buy into the whole "it shows a greater level of trust and knowledge about the individual" bs my 1SG would never address me by my first name but he knows damn near everything about me same goes for me and my soldiers I won't address them in that manner because we as NCOs set the standard and enforce the standards. Rant over

Response by MSG David King made Nov 16 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-11-16T00:28:44-05:00

The Army I'm from we were all called by our first names and I insisted on it. Mine was Sergeant and theirs was Soldier, Sergeant, Sir, or Ma'am. That is military courtesy and it is the job of all NCO's to enforce it.

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Nov 16 at 2016 12:47 AM

2016-11-16T00:47:40-05:00

I concur. There are very few instances when I would not address a junior Sailor by their rank; I hated to be called by just my last name after Boot Camp--I expected it there--I had a rank and had earned it. Luckily, I didn't have to put up with it much, but I would discourage leaders from treating their subordinates that way.

Response by SFC Tom Carey made Nov 16 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-11-16T07:51:20-05:00

Actually, I always addressed all other soldiers by their rank and name, regardless of whether they were senior, equal or junior to my rank.

Response by SFC Billy Huether made Nov 16 at 2016 9:09 AM

2016-11-16T09:09:19-05:00

I totally agree with you. Whether I was SGT SSG or SFC, I used to hate when Senior Leaders would say, "All NCO's and Corporals...blah blah blah." As a Platoon Sergeant, I used to give as much responsibility and opportunities for my CPL's to shine in order for them to earn the respect they deserved.

Response by CSM Jim Hardin made Nov 16 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-11-16T09:36:11-05:00

Stop the BS do your job, thank care of your men and the rest will come.>>>>>>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2016 8:46 PM

2016-11-16T20:46:50-05:00

Personally, when dealing with people junior to me, the more familiar I am with the person (really, the more often I have to get their attention) the more likely I am to just use their last name.

Per the regulation, in the Army at least, I refer to all Army NCOs senior to me as Sergeant, First Sergeant, or Sergeant Major...no exceptions (well, occasionally "Top"). I don't call E8's Master Sergeant. I don't mind when other people do, but I won't.

My second biggest pet peeve with regard to these sorts of things is first names. Soldiers frequently like to say they can keep business and work separate and know the time and place for first names. My theory on that is "If from listening to you speak I know that you know SPC Smith's first name, you are failing at keeping things separate".

My biggest pet peeve with regard to things like this is as follows....

There are several titles or names "authorized" to refer to me and below are the ways to begin an interaction with me...

- Staff Sergeant Andrews
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant Andrews
- Sergeant
- Andrews (depending on your rank)
- Soldier
- establish eye contact or physical contact so that, per normal human interaction, it is understood that you are addressing me

...and those are what I will respond to.

No matter who you are, unless we have established eye/physical contact and there is literally no way you could have meant anybody else, if it's not on that list, I am ignoring you. I might not have heard you, I have no reason to think or assume that you're talking to me, and if you are you're doing it in a disrespectful manner.

Examples of this are...

- Douglas or variants on my first name (not necessarily disrespectful, but not professional either)
- Hey you
- Pssst
- Killer
- High Speed

edit to add: The more I think about it, in practice I refer to all SGT and above by rank and name or rank. I guess I only remove rank from SPC and below...and not intentionally/consciously...and not always. Interesting.

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-11-17T13:00:19-05:00

In public, you should absolutely use your NCO's formal rank title. But in private, go by whatever you and your fellow NCOs are comfortable with.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Nov 17 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-11-17T22:16:52-05:00

I would hate to tell the number of times that I addressed lower enlisted soldiers by (gasp) their first name. Dale Carnegie, a very smart man and an excellent trainer of leaders, said "A person's name is the sweetest sound to them". Their is psychological gain by knowing and occasionally using a subordinates first name when addressing them. I never allowed them to call me by my first name, but I had people that would follow me forever.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Nov 24 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-11-24T15:30:59-05:00

Typically they do and if you attend classes of any sort you’ll definitely hear one NCO
always address another NCO by his rank as a means of respect and of military courtesy.
When you don’t, it’s probably in a non-military situ and the two know each other. In my time
of service, active and reserve it was always as I have mentioned and do not recall any situ
where it wasn’t. Now, if there is a situ where it happens then I would attempt to approach the
one NCO who didn’t use the correct protocol after the incident and remind/ask him to use the
proper protocol. If he’s worth his weight, he should accept/appreciate what you are saying/asking.

Response by SFC Robert Jackson made Nov 29 at 2016 9:02 AM

2016-11-29T09:02:17-05:00

FM 7-21.13

Response by MSG Mamerto Perez made Dec 1 at 2016 5:48 PM

2016-12-01T17:48:14-05:00

In my time in the Army, I never address an E-8 as Master Sergeant. There is no need as long as you show respect by Sergeant. Now and E-9 is different, you address him or her as Sergeant Major, with
the exception of the Sergeant Major of the Army.

Response by SGT Gary Sokol made Dec 8 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-12-08T11:51:09-05:00

it was appropriate and proper to address me as just "sergeant". since I was an E-5, that was my title.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Dec 9 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-12-09T14:51:16-05:00

If you are with peers it is fine to call people by even their first names, but if lower enlisted of higher ranks are in the area, proper rank should be used

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Apr 13 at 2017 7:55 AM

2017-04-13T07:55:49-04:00

I never saw that happen when I was on Active Duty, but it definitely strikes me as wrong. When I was in the Reserves, I heard NCO's address and refer to each other without rank from time to time, and even by first name on occasion. I know that many of them knew each other well in the civilian world and had for a long time, but I just couldn't get used it and it didn't seem proper to me.

Response by MSG David King made Apr 13 at 2017 2:06 PM

2017-04-13T14:06:05-04:00

When I answered the phone I used my rank title so as to avoid confusion. What bothered me was MSG's that would expect a larger then normal amount of respect from a SFC. I believe there are no junior senior NCO's. All senior NCO's should be given the respect they earned. Personally I preferred to be called by my first name... Sergeant.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 2 at 2018 9:55 PM

2018-03-02T21:55:28-05:00

When I called a junior NCO by his complete title and name, he normally was on my shit list. The only difference I made was with PSG, and up. Mainly cause we had some E6's as PSG- call an E5/E6 as SGT Smith when you are the PSG or up, is not a demeaning thing- it's brevity. Do you call and LTC LTC or COL?

Response by SPC Sherry Kennedy made Apr 17 at 2018 3:23 PM

2018-04-17T15:23:59-04:00

I was in the army was out for 15 years, and come back in. I addressed everyone rank including privates because they have the earned the right due to the fact the they were willing to put their hand up. Coming back in I have found some not all NCO to carry it to far. Power trips and decided that I didn't want my NCO. I come back in to take care of soldiers not to abuse. I ended up medically retired now.

Response by SGT Douglas Long made May 5 at 2018 11:30 PM

2018-05-05T23:30:56-04:00

The best CSM I’ve ever known called everyone in his battalion by their First name. it was a great sign of respect in my opinion

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made Aug 19 at 2018 12:10 PM

2018-08-19T12:10:49-04:00

I spent zero time around Army or AirForce. I would have probably screwed up by calling them Sargent. Or maybe Soldier or Airman if I was pretty sure they weren’t NCO.

Marines of course, I knew their rank structure.

In fact I might have counted your chevrons and used the Marine equivilent.

If someone miss calls your proper title, just politely correct them, then get over it.

If you know you’re going to be spending time around some other branch, bone up on their rank structure.

With Navy, if there is no Eagle on their sleeve, Sailor or Seaman will work. Even thogh differnt colr stripes denote Seaman, Fireman, Airman..,

An eagle but no rainbow, Petty Officer works fine. That symbol below the eagle tells you their job speciality. Most of us don’t know all of them, so don’t worry about it.

Rainbow or Anchor denotes a Chief Petty Officer, E7.
Add a star, Senior Chief E8
Two Stars, Master Chief E9

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 6:15 AM

2018-08-20T06:15:22-04:00

If it’s someone senior that I’ve worked with for a long time and earned the respect from and built rapport with, they will usually call me by my first name if they’re officers and by last name if they senior NCO’s.