Respect the rank or respect the Soldier, which is first?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:16:23 -0400

Response by CMC Robert Young made Apr 29 at 2014 7:24 AM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:24:04 -0400

We all must render the appropriate honors accorded to those appointed over us in accordance with our oath and the rules governing the conduct of service members, but respect cannot be forced. It is always earned by the receiver. The individual service member has an obligation to behave in such a way that earns respect regardless of pay grade.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 7:24 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:24:49 -0400

Regardless of the person I believe you have to respect the rank first. Everyone has a different leadership style, and not everyone will like you as a leader. I understand respect is earned not given, but as a leader your leadership style defines who you are. You just have to accept the fact not everyone will like you. I have not always agreed or liked my superiors as a person, but I always respected the rank.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 8:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:01:43 -0400

No matter what you have to respect the rank, whether you like an individual or not.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 29 at 2014 8:12 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:12:31 -0400

Clearly the rank. Having said that, our ranks do not absolve us of our responsibility to be WORTH respect. I expect you to extend me the courtesy and respect due my station, but I still take it as a personal, implied responsibility to be worthy of that respect.

We cannot rely on our ranks alone to get us through life. In the end it is WE who will earn or lose respect, not our ranks.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 29 at 2014 8:53 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:53:39 -0400

I guess that would depend on the person. I have worked for idiots, as have we all, and on those occasions, I showed respect to the rank, and never the person

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 29 at 2014 12:15 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:15:51 -0400

Each rank has it's own built-in respect so that of course comes first. It is then up to the person wearing the rank to earn their own personal respect.

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Apr 29 at 2014 12:24 PM

SFC Lamont Womack — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:24:42 -0400

Respect in general is first. Respect is an Army value and has no rank requirement. Rank should be respected but I rather be respected for who am and being a good person than my rank any day.

Respect for someone's rank versus respect for that individual is the difference between a Soldier just doing their job and a Soldier doing a great job because they respect the indivdual they work for.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 29 at 2014 1:49 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:49:25 -0400

Sounds like the chicken or the egg question.

I respect everyone first. The golden rule, treat others like you would like to be treated.

So I guess I would lean towards respect the Soldier first, because that is what I see first. Then the Rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 1:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:56:10 -0400

I respect the soldier first if anything because respect goes a long way regardless of the rank

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 2:06 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:06:09 -0400

The Rank! However, just because your an SNCO doesn't mean your a leader. To be a good leader you must have the respect of those you lead.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 2:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:07:16 -0400

The rank is always first, even if the person behind the rank doesnt have the same vaules as you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 6:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:07:46 -0400

Coming up in the Army I was always shown to respect the person before the rank. Respect will always get you better results than rank alone.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 12:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 00:50:30 -0400

Always the rank. You have to respect Soldiers as humans as well, but we all know some gain more respect while others you wonder how Darwin did not take them yet.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 20 at 2014 9:09 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:09:21 -0400

My esteemed colleagues have pretty much said it all, rank first. Being able to respect both is the force multiplier which makes everything work. I've only had a few situations where I could not fully respect the person and that made things difficult at best, but rank takes priority.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 10:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 22:31:37 -0400

Respect the rank first. If you don't do that then you are disrespecting everyone else who holds that rank too. I do understand for some its hard to separate respecting the rank and not the person but I think it is a must in order to maintain the reason and meaning behind that rank. Whether you think a Soldier deserves the rank they are wearing or not, I can assure you there are many out there who have worked their butt off and do deserve to wear that rank and because of that I say you have to respect that rank for those who wear it proudly and deservingly.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 4:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 04:02:38 -0400

Mixing this up I would say respect the person. The Army Values don't mention rank, it does, however, mention Respect.

Respect:
"Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute." (Source: http://www.army.mil/values/)

In the Soldier's Creed it states, "I am a warrior and a member of a team." Again, nothing mentions rank, but being apart of a team (One Team, One Fight).

In the Oath of Enlistment we swore to obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over us.

I will treat the rank with the respect that it deserves but my respect for that rank goes much further by those that wear that rank. If I don't respect the person, do I really respect the rank? Do I want to come speak to those that are higher in rank than I? Soldiers should feel they are able to come and speak to those appointed over them (NCOs and Officers). If not, then there is a lack of respect for that person, possibly causing trouble down the road.

Army Values

List of Army Values are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 21 at 2014 9:05 AM

SSG Steven Borders — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:05:40 -0400

You have to respect the rank. But I have had a few superiors that lets just say not are not the best mentors. And really should not have held that rank. But I never once shown disrespect to any of them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2014 12:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:01:58 -0400

Respect the rank if you're subordinate, respect the Soldier if you are senior.

However, both should respect both.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2014 4:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 16:44:02 -0400

"Captain Sobel... we salute the rank, not the man.” - Winters

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 28 at 2014 5:16 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:16:32 -0400

This being a Military environment, I'm going with rank. Whether or not you have respect for the individual, not respecting the rank will bite you in the butt.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Aug 29 at 2014 2:07 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 02:07:26 -0400

Respect for rank is automatic. Respect for the person behind the rank is earned. Respect for rank commands discipline and following of orders. Respect for person commands loyalty.

Some think rank is enough, all good leaders know you need more than that.

When the stuff hits the fan and nobody is looking, respect for rank may give way to saving ones own ass. If you respect the man, they may go out on a limb for him.

Demand respect for your rank, prove you deserve respect as a man/woman. Or more simply, give them a reason to respect you regardess of your rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 11:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 11:44:44 -0400

Respect the rank first. It doesn't matter how much you hate the guy. Respect the rank and keep it moving. Once you step over that line of disrespecting that person, there's no going back. Kiss your career goodbye if the soldier out ranks you.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 11:04 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 23:04:44 -0400

I was told one time by my 1SG, that we didn't have to respect him as a person, but we would respect the rank and title that he has earned. When he said that I thought to myself, "I always want to be respected as Justin Maxwell, and not just____ Maxwell." When I got my stripes, I realized that there is a difference, and I tell my soldiers now that they don't have to respect or like Justin Maxwell, but they will respect SGT Maxwell, and I will respect them.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 11:39 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 23:39:24 -0400

Cut and dry IMO. The organization functions first by law that we respect the authority given to the person by the rank and position. So that would come first. Respect for the person comes later based off their character and leadership. In many cases we find that we may never respect someone as a person or even a human for that matter, but we are compelled to respect their authority.

I have a very short list of people I once served under, who if I found out tomorrow that they died I would probably go to the bar and celebrate the fact that they are off the planet.

Response by CPL Ashley Gochneaur made Nov 12 at 2014 4:19 AM

CPL Ashley Gochneaur — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 04:19:54 -0500

I have always been of the thought that respect must be earned. With that said, it holds true to both aspects of rank vs person.

The rank was earned and must be respected. The CoC is there for a reason.
Personal respect must be earned as well and most leaders will come to learn that they will always get the best results if they are respected on a personal level as well, regardless of rank.

Respect doesn't mean being friends. Respect is earned from being consistent and fair across the board and handling things in a professional manner. Displaying to those around you, both above and below you, what is/is not expected and what will/will not be tolerated goes a long way in gaining the respect of those you are in contact with.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 12 at 2014 8:38 AM

CPL Rick Stasny — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 08:38:09 -0500

Respect is given to the rank. Respect is earned by the individual soldier. A true leader has both. Nothing is worse than those who hide their inadequacies behind rank. Just my opinion.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Jan 1 at 2015 8:05 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 20:05:10 -0500

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member Great question SGT Bailey. My opinion is you respect the rank first and hope to learn to respect the Soldier. I always strived to be respected and to treat Soldiers with respect. I never demanded respect for the rank or for me, unless the situation warranted it. I always put the needs of my Soldiers before my own and did every mission to the best of my ability. In the twilight of my career I had a number of Soldiers, seniors, peers, and subordinates who related they had a great deal of respect for me. That is the goal and hope for the epitaph on a career, you left with respect, while providing respect, and having earned respect.

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Jan 2 at 2015 11:20 AM

PV2 Abbott Shaull — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 11:20:34 -0500

I have always preferred to respect the person first then the rank, but at times people by their own actions and totally lack of taking responsibility for those actions. Sometimes, you are left no choice, but having to respect the rank, and not respecting the person who filing the position. Same thing out here in the Civilian World, you may have boss, who is total dick and/or idiot, but they are still your boss, so you have to do what they 'say', out here you can correct them when they are 'wrong' and give un-Moral and un-Ethical directions. Doesn't mean you will still have job long afterwards, but you still talk back without worries of full blown Court-Martial. Like I said you still have to respect the position they hold in the Company, regardless of how you feel about them as a person.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 12:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:55:53 -0500

You should have respect for the rank. The individual behind the rank needs to earn any personal respect after that with their behaviors and actions

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 26 at 2015 6:01 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:01:03 -0500

In the Military the answer is clear but when you ETS the world is all about you as a person, that is why stellar leaders make sure the rank is simply something they earned.

Have you ever seen 2 Soldiers or officers with the same rank and the same time in service but one is CLEARLY the leader, that comes from straight morals and the will to create a coherent team...now you got my point.

Respect matters up the ranks as it does down the ranks.

Steady on,

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jan 26 at 2015 6:03 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:03:17 -0500

I was taught as a brand new private you might not like the person or agree with them but have to respect the rank

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Jan 26 at 2015 7:26 PM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:26:12 -0500

This is a tough question. I say that, because you should respect the rank, but I've dealt with both senior NCOs and Officers that couldn't tell you whether they were full of $hit or if they just had their head up their A$$. But then I've dealt with and would work my knuckles to the bone for and do it again the next day. So finally my answer would be start with rank and then transfer to soldier if the rank is doin their job.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Jan 26 at 2015 9:00 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:00:49 -0500

I have been with far to many incompetent officers to respect them, but I am required and do respect the rank. Maybe you should consider changing your post from "the rank or the soldier", to the rank or the person wearing it, as I know some I could not even consider soldiers.......sorry.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 5:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:39:21 -0400

I think it goes hand in hand until you know the person and then have to adjust fire. You should be approaching everyone with respect regardless of rank. Ive mentioned before that there is a bad tendency to assume someone is capable to a certain capacity or only capable of only so much because of their rank. People have such diverse backgrounds today and you do not know their experience. It goes without saying that you respect the rank automatically but you should be approaching everyone with the utmost respect just because they are your sister or brother in arms. Never take for granted the camaraderie you have the potential to have around you.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 11 at 2016 10:03 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 22:03:20 -0500

I'll make the comment here that I made to a CMSgt once... The UCMJ states a service member MUST respect the rank(s) and position(s) appointed over them. It makes no reference whatsoever to the unmitigated asshat wearing said rank and/or position

This particular E-9 (I won't dignify referring to him as 'Chief') was universally disliked. We frequently did not see eye-to-eye. That being said, as he was the E-9 I an E-7, in public we spoke as one voice. He relayed policy from the Commander and I made it happen. The man could piss me off by just walking in the door but I still respected his position and rank.

Response by SSG Ronald Colwell made Mar 1 at 2016 12:18 PM

SSG Ronald Colwell — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 12:18:41 -0500

With rank comes the leadership, respect the solider first, it's your job to care for the safety and wellbeing

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 22 at 2017 7:26 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 19:26:06 -0500

Well.... the next time you meet a senior you have never met before, you could always try telling him or her that you will not offer your respect until he or she proves worthy. Then let us know how it turned out for you. Good luck.

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made Apr 15 at 2020 5:31 PM

SGM Omer Dalton — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:31:16 -0400

Always respect the rank. But also remember, personal respect has to be earned. Actions speaks louder than words. During my 20+ years in the Army I saw some folks who didn’t understand this relationship. Some very senior.