Posted on Apr 19, 2014
SGT Writer
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<p>How do you feel about SMs, especially Leaders, addressing or referring to someone by pay grade instead of&nbsp;rank or position?&nbsp; Are you guilty of it?&nbsp; Do you correct SMs on it?</p>

If you read the post SSG Joaquin Goicoechea wrote, you may understand my post better:

"I am in passing and I over hear SSG A speaking to SSG B about a SSG C and instead of using his rank they refer to SSG C as "that E6". If this in fact is what you are referring to then I completely understand why it bothers you. "
Posted in these groups: Toxic leadership logo Toxic Leadership
Edited >1 y ago
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GySgt (Other / Not listed)
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The only time I've heard pay grade be used is over radio transmissions "this is echo six foxtrot". Apart from that, slap yourself if you are thinking about calling me E-6 over Staff Sergeant, that's just stupid.
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Capt Current Operations Officer (S 3)
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I agree E-6 Fair...that doesn't even sound right, no matter how I spin it.
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SSG Robert Blum
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When I hear a Soldier say "Man I cant wait to pin on my E-5." I ask the Soldier "What do you want to be an E-5 or a Sergeant." and then we talk about what being a Leader means. If all your thinking about is the pay raise, and not what it truly means to wear the rank of Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, etc... Then maybe you shouldn't be in charge of Soldiers. I earned the right to be addressed as Sergeant, and I do everything I can to live up to what is expected of an Army Leader. My subordinates have busted their behinds to be addressed by their Military Rank. So yes I correct Soldiers, and Seniors. Even when dealing with another service, I make it a point to address them correctly by their rank, according to their service customs and courtesies and correct my Soldiers when they fail to do so.
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SFC Paralegal Specialist
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SSG Blum,

I was just harping on this the other day. I agree with what you said. A pay grade is just that, a pay grade. Your rank is something you've earned and worked for. Your rank is your title, how you should be addressed.
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SSG Local Probation Officer I
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As I follow what SSG Blum has said, is that some Soldiers make statements like, "I can't wait to pin on my E-5." Well, I think what that Soldier is really saying is that he/she can't wait to get a pay raise. It would be far better if the Soldier said, "I can't wait to pin on Sergeant." This would imply that the Soldier is saying that they are ready to step up to the next level of leadership; that the Soldiers has a desire to be responsible others beside him/herself. I think such statements are a good time for some hip-pocket leadership counseling. It's an excellent time to develop your subordinates as gaining a promotion is so much more than gaining a pay grade.
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SGT Writer
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I've used that statement as an opportunity to teach them about the former SPC 5-9 ranks, the purpose of it, and the reason its discontinued.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
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I personally don't care if someone refers to me as a staff sergeant or an E-6. I take pride in both just the same.
However I refer to others by their rank as a sign of respect in case that person finds it offensive to be referred to by grade.
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SGT Writer
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You have a interesting point of view, SSG Woods. You seem not to care much because you know it doesn't change your status, rank, or position.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
SSG V. Michelle Woods
>1 y
Lol well thanks y'all! I just know it took the same amount of effort to earn both the pay grade and rank. Simultaneously, I certainly don't want to offend anyone who has a different perspective. Too easy, I just want everyone to be happy happy happy :)
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SGT Writer
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This just in - SSG Woods wants "everyone to be happy happy happy, smiley face"
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