Posted on May 14, 2014
Should military courtesy be required in RallyPoint?
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For example, should enlisted personnel address higher ranking officers as "Sir" in discussions? Or is courtesy assumed? Do you think veterans "exempt" from courtesy?
Customs and Courtesies
RallyPoint
Policy
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 89
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I don't mind addressing people by rank on this website, but this is the third related thread I've come across just today. If people feel its this much of an issue, you could either do something about it, get over it, or start sending pictures of each other at parade rest as we correctly and respectfully address each other from our keyboards. This is ridiculous.
Obviously I don't want this place to become something where enlisted/commissioned individuals start treating each other like we are "back on the block" but you must understand we are on an internet networking site. Its just not going to be like it is back on base. As long as we have the mutual respect for each other as service members I don't see a problem.
If you want to be addressed by your rank maybe you should end a comment or topic with the Rank/Name/Alias/Call sign/etc that you want people to address you by at the bottom of your comment. That way everyone knows what you prefer. FYI I'm fine with my first name, but I'm also in the IRR after ending 5 years (Honorably) with the Marines so others may feel different.
Sincerely,
Cody Hill
USMC/Sergeant
Obviously I don't want this place to become something where enlisted/commissioned individuals start treating each other like we are "back on the block" but you must understand we are on an internet networking site. Its just not going to be like it is back on base. As long as we have the mutual respect for each other as service members I don't see a problem.
If you want to be addressed by your rank maybe you should end a comment or topic with the Rank/Name/Alias/Call sign/etc that you want people to address you by at the bottom of your comment. That way everyone knows what you prefer. FYI I'm fine with my first name, but I'm also in the IRR after ending 5 years (Honorably) with the Marines so others may feel different.
Sincerely,
Cody Hill
USMC/Sergeant
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I am no longer in the military, and assuming we don't have a familiar relationship, I will use Sir or Mam, to all until otherwise told..
And, should I choose to ignore I will do that to,,, I never felt that site was intended to be set in a Rank and file Manner,, so common courtesy should be applied at all times..
And, should I choose to ignore I will do that to,,, I never felt that site was intended to be set in a Rank and file Manner,, so common courtesy should be applied at all times..
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I don't have a problem with it, as long as I'm in contact with military personnel on Rally Point or anywhere else I will still extend the courtesy for all men and women who are currently serving, it is an honor and I'm proud of each one of you.
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Veterans typically do not fall under the UCMJ any longer, so customs and courtesies are not required. With that said, you *should* always respect that person's previous rank out of respect for their service and their commitment to our country.
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Absolutely not. This is a military themed social media environment and not sanctioned/endorsed/governed by the military by any means. Why should anyone on here have to be subject to military courtesy? If you do it, you do it on your own accord and out of respect but I don't think it should be required. With that said, the utmost respect should be given to each and every active and former soldier, airmen, sailor, marine, and veteran.
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SPC Robert Myers
So what you're saying is for all veterans, who have either retired/separated/discharged would be subjected to UCMJ action? I believe you are solely responsible for your actions on said social media forums but if you are not showing military courtesy on a forum, it doesn't matter...especially if you are out of the service. Like I said before, it is on you the individual to show these courtesy's while conducting non-professional work.
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SPC Robert Myers
It's one thing to not do it in person and in uniform...that a direct violation. On this site it would be the person's preference. With the majority of us adhering to policies and procedures over the years, it would be common to follow suit. But to put in layman's terms, do what you want. You are not signing any contract by registering on this site saying you need to call an officer Sir/Ma'am.
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SPC Robert Myers
Ben...you are unprofessional. The "get a life" comment you edited puts you beneath myself and Justyn. Abstain from the unnecessary comments.
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SSgt (Join to see)
No, I think you are misunderstanding my response. Obviously, most veterans are not subject to the UCMJ. The context of my response was in reference to what you said about this not being a military sponsored site. The point I was trying to make is that military personnel are required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with regulation, regardless of the place they may find themselves or the medium through which they communicate. I apologize for the confusion..
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I was discharged as a lowly E3 over 20 years ago. I currently work as a contractor at USSOCOM. I address all Veterans by their former rank unless asked to do otherwise. It's just common courtesy. Most Veterans are proud of their service and still like to receive the respect they earned. Though, don't call me Seaman Brinley. I prefer Bob.
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You will all be sir or ma'am to me now. I am long out of the service, but my mom raised me to be courteous.
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SFC William (Wardog) Ragsdale
There you go I was raised to say sir and ma'am and so were my kids and their kids. I retired an E-7 and 10 years down the road two of my soldiers called me they were E-9 and called me Sargent when they spoke to me I told them they could call me Bill they said it wouldn't be right. It's all up to the person how they want to be addressed just don't call me HEY YOU
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Good question. Although, I see this more of a question for "active" folks. As to your example...since ranks are displayed, I could see where [active] members would find this a concern--or at very least, awkward to use first names. As for me, I'm retired and would prefer "Kevin." For a more open/candid dialog...better to leave ranks out--including being displayed. For those who are out of military and would like to be called by rank...I would say "let go...or get over it."
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SFC Erin Barnett
Kevin, I agree with you 100%. To get really good feedback on tough questions, rank needs to be something that is not a concern. Everyone should be polite and respectful regardless of rank.
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MSgt Kevin McNulty
Spot on Erin. Common courtesy is a given...although some don't get that. And of course like common sense...it's not as common anymore.
Re feedback: Much of my work these days involves executive coaching...thus I've logged-in a lot hours analyzing 360s. It's clear to me that getting REALLY good feedback (and communicating openly) is a challenge. Rank, positions, titles and so forth get in the way. Before folks communicate...we always do a calculation--i.e., "what will this candid feedback cost me?" Of course this is not my website nor company, but I would at very least give folks the option of displaying rank.
Re feedback: Much of my work these days involves executive coaching...thus I've logged-in a lot hours analyzing 360s. It's clear to me that getting REALLY good feedback (and communicating openly) is a challenge. Rank, positions, titles and so forth get in the way. Before folks communicate...we always do a calculation--i.e., "what will this candid feedback cost me?" Of course this is not my website nor company, but I would at very least give folks the option of displaying rank.
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