Posted on Apr 30, 2014
SSG Kevin McCulley
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So I was informed this morning that TRADOC says we aren't allowed to address Privates by their rank because it is demeaning... WHO COMES UP WITH THIS STUFF?!

CLARIFICATION: You cannot address them SOLELY by their rank.
Posted in these groups: IET TraineeRank RankTRADOC
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 62
SFC Walter Mack
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I'm at a point in my career that I'll address most people however I darn well please. If it's that big a problem, fire me. I've been in the military long enough to decide what to call those around me, and frankly, it's never been a problem. It could be because it's not in my nature to be a jerk about it. I can be though.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
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SSG Kevin McCulley, I must admit; when on Police Call in BCT, I seldom responded tohearing 'Private'.
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SSG Kevin McCulley
SSG Kevin McCulley
>1 y
CSM, I taught the last portion of a 15 week AIT...
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
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SSG Kevin McCulley
SSG Kevin McCulley
>1 y
They should be accustomed after that long.. didn't take me that long.. or are you saying you ignored it?
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SPC Uh 60 Crewchief
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So how would you respond? Excuse me your royal anus ... I mean heiness would you please get your rucksack on pretty please
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
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SSG Kevin McCulley This seems not only odd, but not well thought out. History and tradition are two of the most important factors for indoctrinating someone into the Military (Army) family. Being called Private, Specialist, Corporal, Sergeant, etc is a large part of our right of passage from Soldier to NCO and SNCO. I don't get it.

We need to grow Soldiers with more history and tradition than ever before. Removing even a small piece could have long standing results.
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MAJ Brigade S1
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Everything is demeaning or offensive these days.

Someone once told me that you cannot give offense - one can only take offense.

I Think that pretty much sets the tone for the current state of affairs in the Military.
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LTC Substitute Teacher
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You can say Seaman in the Navy(E3 PFC) or Seaman Apprentice (E2) What is wrong with saying Private. That their rank/grade.( Pardon my last post I hit send be4 finished typing)
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LTC Substitute Teacher
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You can say "Seam
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MSG Brad Sand
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I guess think have changed a bit...I would have been very happy to be addressed simply by my rank during my IET training? Some of the things we were called are still not in any dictionaries.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
>1 y
Thats because Websters refuses to acknowledge those words exist
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MSG Brad Sand
MSG Brad Sand
>1 y
MSG (Join to see)

I think it might be in the creative combinations words as well...normally relating to carnal knowledge of a goat or something similar?
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SGT John Wesley
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Btw, when a Drill Sgt could pronounce your name or it was incredibly long they'd call you "Private Alphabet" you just gotta see the humor.
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SGT John Wesley
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Ridiculous.... When I was in basic, I thought that was my name! No disrespect was given or felt by me. PC is out of control!
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