My Navy and CG SNCOs out there. How do you respond to a service member mistakenly calling you the wrong rank?

2016-09-17T04:12:57-04:00

For instance: You're a SCPO and one mistakenly calls you a CPO. What would you say to them?

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Sep 17 at 2016 6:25 AM

2016-09-17T06:25:03-04:00

Respond to their greeting or whatever and move on. It's not a big deal, I've been a Chief for 12 years, and whether or not I have a star in my anchor doesn't change the fact I'm still a Chief.

Response by SFC Jeffrey Port made Sep 17 at 2016 6:36 AM

2016-09-17T06:36:27-04:00

I was at the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, NC about 20 years ago and a young marine walked up behind me and said, "What's up Army Duuuude!" When I turned around and he saw that I was a E-7/SFC, he snapped to at ease position and looked like a deer in the headlights. I told him that my rank was SFC, equivalent in rank to a Marine Corps Gunny, not Army Dude! I told him that if he is approaching someone from behind that he does not actually know, assume they are an officer or verify their rank first. He thanked me and I dismissed him!

SFC Port

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 17 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-09-17T10:17:08-04:00

When someone asked my first name, my response was Chief. As much as I appreciate my next two promotions, my promotion to CPO was the highlight of my career. Call me Chief anytime, my retirement check doesn't change.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 17 at 2016 10:22 AM

2016-09-17T10:22:38-04:00

I'm guilty of this one but more so because it's hard to see the single star on the black device that is mixed in with the dark camo. When Senior got closer, I'd apologize and tell him my eyes couldn't make it out soon enough. Know I did it 2-3 times. We'd both chuckle and agree the device is pretty stealthy.

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Sep 17 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-09-17T11:46:04-04:00

Thank them for the greeting correct their mis-reading of the rank device and move on...

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made Sep 17 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-09-17T18:20:03-04:00

SCPO Joshua A: The Senior Chief Star on a Coast Guardman's SCPO Device is over centered in the eye of the anchor; making it very hard to see. I know Senior Chiefs who have very discretely pointed out they were Senior Chiefs, not Chiefs; and some others who bellowed it out so all within earshot could hear. Both earned the right to be addressed correctly; quite an achievement these days; even more so 30 years ago. The better leader? The Senior Chief who were discrete. Nobody likes an "ass chewing" but they are supposed to be done in private.

I went from Chief Petty Officer to Chief Warrant Officer; aka Commissioned Warrant Officer in 1991; I know that each service (except the Air Force who no longer have any CWOs) address CWOs differently. In 1994 we had several hundred Marines attached to our Coast Guard Base to provide security onboard our cutters who were intercepting thousands of Cubans fleeing Cuba in July and August of 1994. I was the Supply Officer at Coast Guard Group Key West, at the time the busiest base in the country! One of the Gunnies called me Gunner; and explained the different manners of address in the Marine Corps to a CWO: He said if they like you they called you Gunner, if they respected you it was Chief, no respect, but correct - they called them Warrant Officer (Last Name).

In the Coast Guard it was polite/correct to say Mister, Miss, Mrs., Ms.. or Chief Warrant Officer; and I know that in the Navy - with no disrespect intended, is to refer to a CWO as "Warrant." During my two tours of duty in Key West (last time on a cutter) I had Navy Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chiefs as neighbors. Just to keep the inter service rivalry going when they referred to me (with no disrespect intended) as Warrant I would reply "Yes, Chief?" They'd reply and say "its Senior or Master Chief" and I would laugh and say I know that but its Chief Warrant Officer! All in good fun.

You've worked hard to become a Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief Petty Officer (as I did for Chief and CWO) and you deserve the respect befitting of your rank and that includes being addressed correctly!

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2016 11:10 PM

2016-09-17T23:10:42-04:00

Chiefs, Senior Chiefs, and Master Chiefs usually respond appropriately to the question. If a Junior Sailor says "Good morning Chief!" (When its a senior chief) - their response is typically: Good morning. No need to be a dick about it - they understand that a single star can be hard to see..

I've only ever had one Chief "hem me up". I said "Good morning!" to a Chief as I passed him in a group of people. I was a brand new 3rd class at the time. This Chief yells out, "Shipmate!" - I turn around. He says, "You will always address a Chief by Chief. It's good morning, Chief. Show a little respect."

Had I not greeted him like the rest of my group who looked away instead, there would have been no confrontation, yet because I greeted him out of respect, but was too worried about offending him by calling him the wrong pay-grade (i.e Chief or Senior Chief), I was dressed down. Now, I will always say "Chief" if I cannot tell the different, and correct myself if I realize I have made a mistake. Were I a Master Chief and someone called me a Chief accidentally, I'd brush it off. As long as I get the greeting, I feel thats what really matters.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 9:15 AM

2016-09-18T09:15:10-04:00

I get called "Chief" by most of the active USAF people I encounter at Offutt Air Force Base each time I go there for medical appointments or commissary visits. I simply realize that I am in a military environment that does not regularly deal with "my kind." It's no big deal to me. However, on the lighter side, when engaging with my LTC orthopedic surgeon, when he calls me "Chief," I say to him, "That's Senior Chief to you, Major!!!"

Response by SCPO Don Baker made Sep 20 at 2016 7:35 AM

2016-09-20T07:35:01-04:00

I guess you could jump up and down, yelling. SCPO collar devices are hard to see from a distance and may be mistaken as CPO devices. If the service member knew me and called me "Chief", I would diffidently correct them. If we were unknowns, I may or may not say anything. The Sailor usually catches the mistake and makes the correction without help.

Response by MCPO Dennis Didier made Sep 20 at 2016 9:23 AM

2016-09-20T09:23:13-04:00

You let it pass. If it's someone you see routinely,let them know the difference. When I was frocked to senior chief I was on recruiting out of LA. Another SCPO and I were both frocked at the same time and after the ceremony on our way back to our recruiting stations, we decided to stop at the CPO club at Port Hueneme. We were going to show those CB chiefs what two real fleet SCPOs looked like. Ooops, when we walked in we were in the middle of the monthly Command Master Chief's meeting: slumped shoulders.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-09-20T09:59:43-04:00

If it's just a passing remark and its intentions are proper I move on, but in a Joint environment, especially if you are working with them daily, I believe its important for all of us to know the proper names and titles of the enlisted and officer ranks. Just as an Army Capt wouldn't want to be called a Lt by a Navy Petty Officer, it's important to know the names of the ranks and titles. It's professional! But I'm called Chief all the time mostly from Army and it's no big deal I love being a part of the Navy Chief's Mess!

Response by PO1 Roger Waddle made Sep 20 at 2016 10:06 AM

2016-09-20T10:06:10-04:00

Anything after chief is just a pay raise be glad they respect you enough to call you chief and carry on

Response by SCPO Wayne Clark made Sep 20 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-09-20T12:28:33-04:00

When I went through CPO Indoc, a million years ago, a well-weathered SCPO told us that, regardless of stars, from 6 feet we all look like Chiefs. I took that onboard. Acknowledge the greetings, and let folks correct themselves as they get closer. I've never been insulted by being called Chief.

Response by SCPO Randy Breidel made Sep 20 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-09-20T12:33:12-04:00

Being a SCPO, I have been called Chief by those who dont know me the star is hard to see I have made the mistake myself especially with eyesight, and even had Master chiefs call me Master chief so the gray hair sometimes how young you look or how old in a quick second a sailor makes a decision, correct him gently smirk and tell him to carry on. life is too short. Let's put it in perspective I had young Marines trying to stand at attention while pucking and dehydrated and I had to tell them back here Im just Doc and your the patient lay down. I had to do this almost everyday for a week finally I went to the school and kept going every new class, I told them be respectful but recognize the Drs and IDCs were there to care for you

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 20 at 2016 3:34 PM

2016-09-20T15:34:20-04:00

That would simple. You point to the STAR in the middle of your Chief's insignia and nothing more. Unless you are vindictive, let it go. Once someone gets to know you, they will respond correctly. I was once mistaken as the youngest Admiral in the Navy. I was in the Admiral's car in civilian clothes with a Marine driver. Every military person who saw the car HAD TO SALUTE IT and ME. When the car stopped for a red light, three people came over and asked me how old I was. When I assured them that I was not the Admiral, they were relieved and so was I.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 20 at 2016 3:39 PM

2016-09-20T15:39:18-04:00

Usually nothing. YOU ARE A CHIEF! The star on your insignia does not change that.

Response by PO1 Joseph Glennon made Sep 20 at 2016 4:56 PM

2016-09-20T16:56:16-04:00

Every Chief is a "Chief" ... unless he's just an E7, E8, E9.
At least, that's what a Master Chief Boatswain's Mate on my first ship told me.... "Every member of the Goat Locker is a Chief" ... the difference in paygrades matters where seniority (and pay) matters... except for that, they're all to be recognized as the "subject matter experts" / experts in their fields.

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Sep 20 at 2016 5:26 PM

2016-09-20T17:26:37-04:00

That tiny star is a little hard to see sometimes, so I generally ignore it, being a Chief is great. If I feel a need to call it out I would say "you can call me Senior"

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Sep 20 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-09-20T17:30:07-04:00

Simply correct them with a kind voice. Then upgrade as necessary...

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Sep 20 at 2016 10:09 PM

2016-09-20T22:09:11-04:00

It depends. If it's in passing I'd let it go. But if it's in a meeting/conference, I would point it out politely. If they "mistakenly" call you a CPO again, then I'd lay into them.

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Sep 21 at 2016 1:25 AM

2016-09-21T01:25:38-04:00

I am a Master Chief; it is the Chief anchor that makes the difference. If anyone called me Chief, I would not be insulted; nor would it bother me if someone saluted me, as I have a lot of gold and silver on my cover. I have dealt with both situations and am comfortable with each. I had two officers salute me and a CPO salute me when I was stationed in San Diego. I just saluted them back, as if nothing was amiss, but the Chief said,"Shit," and I just kept on walking. If in doubt, salute; and maybe you'll get a grin in return.

Response by PO3 Sidney Gaertner made Sep 21 at 2016 4:59 PM

2016-09-21T16:59:01-04:00

I would walk off and acknowledge their greeting. There is noting wrong with being called a chief even if you are a senior or Master Chief. You don't want to be the chief people cross the street for because you take offense to being called a chief. I had a senior Chief petty officer in my "A" School who would berate us if we didn't call him Senior Chief. It happens. If i made chief I wouldn't care if they called me chief if I was a higher rank.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 6:31 PM

2016-09-21T18:31:30-04:00

Typically just respond with a greeting. If time will give them tips on how to tell the difference from a distance, such as look for more silver than gold towards top or something. Always reinforce I was a Chief first and always and it's the core of all we are no matter what we are wearing. Hope they remember the lesson and move on.

Response by SPC James Anderson made Sep 23 at 2016 1:16 PM

2016-09-23T13:16:03-04:00

If you don't know the rank SIR or MAMA always works, its a term of respect. Start the conversation out with respect and you wont go wrong. You will either be correct or politely told the correct rank, after which you can continue on in polite conversation with no butt hurt feelings on either side.

Response by Sgt Carlos Barrera made Sep 23 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-09-23T13:39:13-04:00

Very politely, address the individual and correct them on the spot; after that, smack them on the back of the head and with a forceful tone of voice, inform them "Get it right" LOL

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Sep 23 at 2016 4:58 PM

2016-09-23T16:58:03-04:00

When I was stationed at Eglin AFB, since the Navy EOD school was there. I saw a Chief Petty officer, I did not know what rank he was at the time. So I asked him what his rank was since I did not see stripes but the Anchor on his collar. He told me what his rank was. I was a SSgt at the time. But it was nice to know so that I did not accidentally salute him without knowing if he was an officer. I still like talking to the Navy LT. about being called a Capt. I asked him if liked being promoted by Airmen. And he said yes with a smile.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-09-23T19:39:00-04:00

I made this mistake many time during tech school, which was on a Navy base. In the Air Force, if you got something shiny in your cap you are to be saluted. Leave it to the Navy to throw an anchor in every CPO/SCPO/MCPO's cap and a rank and anchor in every officer's cap while giving them the same uniform. I saluted sooooooo many SNCOs down there. Got to the point where I would never walk where I couldn't see both sides of the cap, or at the very least so I could see their right sides so I knew whether to salute or just verbally address.

Response by SCPO James Fox made Sep 30 at 2016 7:21 PM

2016-09-30T19:21:26-04:00

My name when I retired was Senior Chief or Bull Nuke. There was never any problem when spoken but written it was and is EMCS(SS) Fox now it is the same except Ret. behind it. But I also go for Jim, dad, Grampa, and a bunch more by my friends.

Response by SCPO Richard Pullum made Oct 9 at 2016 11:19 PM

2016-10-09T23:19:46-04:00

Respond to there greeting and respectfully correct them. You don't have to embarrass them with a sharp remark. Could be an honest mistake.

Response by CPO Mike Benner made Oct 11 at 2016 5:20 PM

2016-10-11T17:20:47-04:00

There is a right way and a wrong way to respond. If it was,and honest mistake then a simple polite yet definite correction is in line. If it was spiteful or a repeat offence then it's may be time to stop that person and explain to them in a manner more fitting of the position and respect you have earned and deserve, ya, givem hell.

Response by SCPO Esmerejildo Romero made Nov 2 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-11-02T12:37:16-04:00

I done it...I correct them and say, that's Senior Chief.

Response by SCPO Jon Nelson made Nov 14 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-11-14T19:47:46-05:00

You are still a chief, that is what is important, I was called chief many times after I made the star, and usually, before the conversation was done, they would acknowledge my rank, I did not have to correct them. The saying, " ask the Chief' says it all.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Nov 18 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-11-18T16:47:55-05:00

Agree with responding to greeting and moving on. Besides, to get to SCPO/MCPO you have to 1st become a Chief about 7-8% of the total enlisted are CPOs with <2.5% SCPO and < 1.0% MCPO. Just being able to make Chief was hard enough. What remains important is that you are ALWAYS a Chief!

SCPO Petosky is VERY CORRECT, as Chief's we are here to teach. Once at the CPO level ,teaching officers or junior enlisted is our mission. I hope my Navy has not yet set that duty aside. When educating is done with a little levity (depending on the scenario) and honor, then how we teach those in other service branches about the honor and history of Chiefs or how we educate civilians and others is always a good thing. We should always build on the special level of trust the CPO has been blessed with and always willing to share that the SCPO or MCPO is blessed with these additional ranks precisely because they are always Chief's 1st, always willing to pitching to get the job done. They know their rank, and only those with fragile egos make a big deal out of it.

The best SCPOs or MCPOs I worked with never experienced, in my direct observation, others regardless of service branch, including civilians, any breech of understanding regarding their proper rank. How they carried themselves with those senior to them, those in their peer group and those junior allowed them to "Command Respect" and not Demand it. Part of that earned "commanded" respect was knowing their proper rank without having to be told!!!

As a CHIEF, I had always witnessed SCPOs ad MCPOs of quality always seeking to make their actions about the "WE", especially as they lead their fellow CPO's, and not setting themselves up as the "I" and revealing how untrustworthy that made them.

http://www.goatlocker.org/resources/cpo/anecdotes/chief.htm
http://goatlocker.org/resources/cpo/history/creed1.htm

SN Neff, "Seek FIRST to Understand and then to be Understood." Think about this means in terms of your question! Then develop a plan to help people better understand you, understanding them! Building respect 1st begin with understanding the problem and being will to learn from each other.

Welcome to the Goatlocker

Response by MCPO Rogers Macon made Nov 23 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-11-23T13:04:29-05:00

In the old days I would have yelled, but now I understand we have to worry about their feelings.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Jan 17 at 2017 10:19 AM

2017-01-17T10:19:15-05:00

My friends call me Senior short for senior chief...

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 2:26 PM

2017-01-25T14:26:34-05:00

The best response I ever got from a Senior Chief that I called "Chief" by mistake when I was a junior Sailor: "That's ok, you can call me by my middle name." It made me think for a moment, and then laugh. He corrected me without being brash or negative, which I appreciated.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Feb 2 at 2017 1:47 PM

2017-02-02T13:47:32-05:00

It doesn't change a thing you're still a Chief Petty Officer, you just have a star and more pay!!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 8:29 PM

2017-02-03T20:29:37-05:00

I don't say anything. I work with mostly civilians and they know I'm a Senior Chief but call me Chief. If I get questioned about it I say "Once A Chief, Always A Chief".

Response by PO2 Dan Shulla made Mar 30 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-03-30T13:09:13-04:00

"That's Senior Chief" taking in consideration they may have just not seen the star

Response by SCPO James Geuin made Jun 26 at 2017 10:24 AM

2017-06-26T10:24:26-04:00

Nothing . . . unless it was an introduction to a public gathering, then I would reintroduce myself. But in the Navy, at least the Submarine Navy, a Chief is a Chief.

Response by SCPO Bruce Petosky made Jul 1 at 2017 8:17 PM

2017-07-01T20:17:58-04:00

It has happened to me, and I sternly advised the sailor that Chief was my last name and Senior was my first and I would allow him to always use my first name when addressing me.

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Jul 22 at 2017 11:13 AM

2017-07-22T11:13:48-04:00

I'm an old salt from the gulf of Tonkin group. I started as a BMSA in the earlier part of my career, I decided to make a change and became a shipfitter/damagecontrolman. I accelerated quite rapidly by broadening my career choices/duty assignments. This resulted in being selected for a tour as a recruit company commander at RTC/NYC San Diego Ca. This is where I added more to my leadership acumen, and enterining the fraternal order of the Chief Petty Officer's community. As I advanced I'm still to this date a proud member, some still call me chief and that's just fine and those in passing who see my decal on the back of my car call me senior and that's alright to. Since now after years of retirement I'm actually classified as a Senior lol.

Response by MCPO William Richards made Jul 23 at 2017 4:51 PM

2017-07-23T16:51:51-04:00

Correct them. It's what you earned and part of what they should know

Response by CPO Charles Zigmund made Jan 26 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-01-26T21:01:19-05:00

I earned this star. It was not given to me in a Kollege

Response by MCPO Ruben Lopez made Feb 9 at 2018 2:25 PM

2018-02-09T14:25:53-05:00

It's masterchief , I'm sure I've earned it

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 5:31 PM

2018-02-11T17:31:21-05:00

A Chief is always a Chief First!

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2018 3:46 PM

2018-07-03T15:46:53-04:00

I corrected someone once shortly after I pinned on Senior Chief. That member worked for me when I was a Chief. I just told him I worked very hard to achieve the rank of Senior Chief and I’d appreciate it if he gave a little effort to addressing me at my new rank in accordance with our directives. Soon after I stop making the correction. BLUF: Once a Chief, Always a Chief!

Response by SCPO Andrew Harris made Sep 26 at 2018 8:31 PM

2018-09-26T20:31:15-04:00

Chief is a Chief no matter what . The only exception is the COB ( Chief of the Boat ) . Guess what they are still a Chief .

Response by CPO Don Campbell made Jul 12 at 2021 4:03 PM

2021-07-12T16:03:52-04:00

correct them...enlisted or officers

Response by SCPO Victor Glaviano made Jul 15 at 2021 8:32 AM

2021-07-15T08:32:38-04:00

When they had the disastrous aquaflauge, I was always called Chief by the A school students, it was impossible to see the star

Response by CPO Chief Pitts made Feb 21 at 2024 7:55 PM

2024-02-21T19:55:28-05:00

Nothing. You're still a Chief. Shouldn't have to let your precious feelings get in the way. It's called self pride and not God's pride. Can't go to heaven having self pride in your accomplishments when it was God that delivered you there, Chief!