Should you put Retired or Separated after your rank if you are no longer serving in an active capacity (active duty, guard, reserve)?

2015-05-10T10:19:41-04:00

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-05-10T10:21:05-04:00

I believe that once we take the uniform off, we tend to speak more critically of things that are best kept out of active channels. Not because we shouldn't hear it or that we shouldn't believe it, but that we shouldn't be baited in to commenting on something that could hurt us. It doesn't matter what company you work for (military or civilian sector), if you are still employed by them, what you say will catch up to you...whether it catching up is right or wrong it doesn't matter, it just will.

By putting Retired or Separated after your rank will help the readers understand if you have the ability to 'speak more freely' or not. Also, there are things that change in the military that those that have departed may not understand anymore therefore it's better to have an active perspective. At a minimum, I think people need to state, from a retired perspective, from a separated perspective, etc.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 10 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-05-10T10:34:40-04:00

I may be off-base, but I assume your question concerns non-RP activities.

To be honest, in the "civilian" world, I find that I have very little occasion to use my military rank on anything. But on the rare occasion that I do, I will put down GySgt USMC (Ret.).

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 10 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-05-10T10:36:24-04:00

Are you asking about here on RallyPoint or for other sites? I would think it would be a moot point on RP since our ranks and status are there for everyone to see.

As for correspondence in the rest of the world, I rarely use my former rank when I sign my name. After all, I'm retired and no longer serve in that capacity. That being said, I will sign my name as MSgt Steven Holt, USAF Ret on things where appropriate such as a memorial book at a funeral for a veteran. I also like to sign my name in that manner when I send letters to my son who's deployed simply because I like to remind him even though he's a SGT in the Army, I STILL outrank him as dad and an NCO.

Hope that answers the question you were driving toward.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 10 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-05-10T10:36:09-04:00

I've always used (ret) after rank MAJ (ret) to differentiate. I believe it is proper so people don't take you in the wrong context.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-05-10T10:41:05-04:00

Honestly, this is a great way to build up my points. Maybe one day I'll be the top CW4.

Response by MSgt David Heil made May 10 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-05-10T10:43:45-04:00

I'm pretty sure the only time I have used my military rank on anything since I retired is correspondence with the Veterans Administration.

I did sign a guest book with it at a promotion ceremony once. Outside of the active duty community there is not really a call for it to be used.

David

Response by LT Garth Young (Ret) made May 10 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-05-10T10:50:13-04:00

If you're retired, you can use (Ret), but if you're sepRated you don't use anything.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 10 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-05-10T12:05:59-04:00

If I have an occasion to use my rank in a signature or what ever, be it fitting, I will put Ret, after it. After all I earned it.

Mikel W. Dawson
SGM (Ret)

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 10 at 2015 12:35 PM

2015-05-10T12:35:44-04:00

It's appropriate for retired members to put "(Ret)" after their rank. I don't remember the RP profile allowing me that option. It does show the icon for retired. Each service may have a protocol for the way retired members show their rank.

I'll have to let others respond to the status of separated, not retired, service members. In RP I look for the "Vet" designation by their name.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-05-10T16:27:31-04:00

I don't know if I have ever used it. Mine is Capt, USA, retired.

But, since I never served as an officer in the Army I find it rather misleading.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-05-10T18:06:47-04:00

When I'm acting in my civilian capacity, I do not use my rank, at all.

If I'm signing a guest book at a wedding or a funeral, I'll sign CW2 J.D. Walker, US Army Reserve. That's it.

Once I'm retired, it'll be the same thing.... CW2 (Ret) J.D. Walker, US Army Reserve, ONLY for the two events mentioned. Otherwise....no rank at all.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 11 at 2015 2:17 AM

2015-05-11T02:17:02-04:00

I honestly don't see how it would be appropriate to use your rank period after you've separated/retired.

Example: David Patraeus was still referred to as General Patraeus while he was director of the CIA. Excuse me, but isn't that a civilian role? Why was it accepted to call him by his retired rank, especially since he wasn't working for the military? In fact, I believe because of his controversy, he made the entire military look bad (but that's a topic for a different thread).

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 11 at 2015 2:21 AM

2015-05-11T02:21:10-04:00

USAA and the NRA still address me as Petty Officer Miller, even though I've asked them not to. I tell them "I'm retired from the Navy now, my name is John."

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-08-29T19:40:43-04:00

YES

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 30 at 2015 1:24 AM

2015-08-30T01:24:13-04:00

Yes. Every time I use my rank, I always in () after the rank put (Ret). It put a current status to what I am.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 1:38 AM

2015-08-30T01:38:17-04:00

Yes if you are retired I put (RET). Actively participation reservists/Guard members don't have to put anything after their rank. They normally will identify there component ie ARNG, USAR, USAFR etc. in their signature bloc. Not sure the protocol on former non-retired. Ive seen some people say like CPT (Fmr).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 2:03 AM

2015-08-30T02:03:38-04:00

There should be a reserve symbol

Response by CW4 Kevin Keim made Aug 31 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-08-31T19:00:18-04:00

I thought your signature block would say CW4 Ret.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 31 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-08-31T19:53:54-04:00

Chief DA Pam 600-5 covers this question fairly well. It is applicable for Active/Reserve and National Guard personnel. There are also some posts from HRC on the Soldier for Life website that are in “English.” An officer suck as yourself would likely use Chief Warrant Officer 4, US Army (Ret).
The funny thing for Reserves like me is that “actual” retirement doesn’t begin until age 60 (minus any applicable active duty time). That is when reserves get their “real” retirement ID card, pay and benefits. But as there is no “Retired Reserve” all of us are rolled into the same “US Army (Ret). I use it on my wife and my social cards.
There is some confusion over “AUS Retired” I never understood. A cut and paste from LTC Keith E. Bonn, USA, Retired “Army Officer’s Guide” (50th Edition) (2008, Stackpole Books), he states under Use of Titles by Retired Personnel: "Official signatures will include the designated retired status after the grade, thus, "USA Retired" will be used by members on the U.S. Army Retired List (Regulars); "AUS Retired" will be used by those on the Army of the United States List."
Hope that helps some.

Response by PO1 Don Hand made Sep 1 at 2015 1:09 PM

2015-09-01T13:09:18-04:00

I have been retired for 5 years (3 months to live!) and not one single time have I ever been asked about my rank or paygrade. Civilians simply do not care. I have signed my name with my official rank and title maybe 3 times. And on each occasion I was acting by specific request. I signed my name as such OS1(EXW/SW) Don R. Hand, USN (RET)

You go Brother, wave that flag with pride. And welcome ashore!

Response by SFC Edward Hall made Sep 2 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-09-02T19:10:52-04:00

My comment might stir up a hornets nest. The orders I received when I retired from Active Duty in 1972 assigned me to the retired reserve. When it comes to military paper work or other activities I do use my rank. Other than those instances I'm Mister. Within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Military Division, I am a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Mass. State Guard (Defense Force).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-11-09T14:20:14-05:00

CW4 Anthony Anderson, It depends entirely on your status, sir. If you are actually retired (AC/AGR), then (Ret.) If not actually eligible for retirement then you should use (Vet.) or (V), sir. In the case of Reservist whom have received there 20 year letter and it is permed in iPerms, but cannot yet receive their pay until 60, they are still retired, so again, (Ret.). I believe separated is not commonly used any longer, at least not since we've been at war for 14 years and most of us have had mutiple deployments. However, I'm not a 42A and would defer to one who is.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 2 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-12-02T14:39:54-05:00

Yes, it is appropriate to put "Retired" or "no longer Serving" after your last rank designation.
Thank You,
Rick

Response by SGM John Perret made Dec 3 at 2015 11:44 AM

2015-12-03T11:44:06-05:00

I do with (Ret) in a signature block. After 27years it is a representation of "who and where" I am and come from!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 3 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-12-03T11:58:52-05:00

For the most part, it's immaterial to me. I rarely use my rank, and the only times I do is when I am corresponding with the VA or with military recruiters. I only do that as a courtesy to them to let them know that I have been a part of the team. I do always add (Retired) after my rank.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Dec 4 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-12-04T13:33:46-05:00

I don't use it normally but on a few occasions I have been asked to write a letter and it was hinted that my service status would be helpful so I did sign with the CS1(SW/AW) USN (Ret.). But normally I just use my own name and current job title if necessary.

Response by SFC Edward Hall made Dec 5 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-12-05T22:41:03-05:00

I generally use my rank followed by (Ret) whenever I deal with a military subject .

Response by SFC Rick H made Dec 8 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-12-08T09:05:33-05:00

I'm not sure why you would use any type of rank on anything like that after you retire or separate. I work for the U.S. Government now, and never have experienced where I need to use my (Ret.) military rank. I am Mr. or Rick now, I served my time and for me, that's all folks!

Response by 1stSgt Pete Adams made May 17 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-05-17T09:46:53-04:00

Why use your rank at all? I find that practice as strange as those who add education and certifications after their names. I suppose it would be warranted if you need to establish your credentials for some reason, but to me it looks a little pretenses’

p adams BA MBA DBA 1stSgt USMC USMCR ret

but you can call me pete

Response by PO2 Paul Pender made May 19 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-05-19T12:51:28-04:00

To me it's a sign of insecurity. If you think that anyone in the civilian world is going to be impressed that you use your military rank as if you were still on AD, you are sadly mistaken. The only place that I find any need for that is on-base or with Veterans, other than that, the GP doesn't care. If I saw a Wounded Warrior I wouldn't care what rank they were, just making sure that they are respected. In my present job now I work with a lot of retired O4,5,6's and retired E7,8 and 9's. They don't use their rank unless I ask if they served and they will typically ask to call them by their first name now. Just an opinion.

Response by PO2 Weaver Brian made May 27 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-05-27T12:54:52-04:00

The only time I had occasion to even think about it, was several years ago at Ft. Irwin. I was there with the Military Vehicle collectors Club, putting on a display for their Octoberfest. It was Sunday afternoon, the show was over, everybody was breaking camp and heading home, and at the moment, I was the only person there in any kind of uniform, an out-dated Seabees green uniform. There had been a snafu in getting outhouses there for the festivities, and they were being dropped off right then, 2 days late. I'm standing there watching and laughing, when they brought me a paper to sign, in receipt of those outhouses. I tried to tell them they didn't want my signature, but they insisted on it, as I was the only one around in uniform. I finally obliged them, and signed for those outhouses as "W. T. Brian, GMG2 USN (ret.)." I still get a laugh thinking about it, with those Army guys wondering how some sailor got that far inland, and signed for their outhouses. This was in the mid-'90s, I had been out of the Navy a little over 10 years.

Response by MAJ D Fontenot made Feb 6 at 2017 4:47 PM

2017-02-06T16:47:45-05:00

I know this is an old post and I'm sure some of you will chime in on this. I'm a 27 1/2yr retired Army MAJ, I'm sure some will say what a screwed up MAJ to do 27 1/2 yrs and only make MAJ. During that time I was an SGT, CW3 and and finally a MAJ. Had I stayed in one of the 2 early ones I'm sure I'd have been a CSM or CW5, or started earlier in the "O's" at least a COL. It is what its is and I appreciate all 3 of my careers. So here's my rub I have a huge distain for Dr.'s now that I'm out. I feel after that much time they can recognize my contribution to their freedom to practice medicine. Everyone I could careless just Dr.'s rub me wrong now. Your thoughts...

Response by SGT Philip Klein made May 4 at 2017 2:22 PM

2017-05-04T14:22:38-04:00

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made May 19 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-05-19T20:50:25-04:00

Yes, I believe that is proper etiquette.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 7:49 PM

2017-06-02T19:49:29-04:00

I rarely sign anything denoting my branch of service and rank; but on those few occasions I always put Retired after my rank.

Response by SFC David McMillen made Jun 25 at 2017 2:16 PM

2017-06-25T14:16:32-04:00

about the only time somebody calls me "Sergeant" is when i'm on the phone to usaa, lol! Seriously, i sometimes put SFC, retired on correspondance if it is appropriate, and i still refer to former commanders as "sir" or "maam" out of respect. With other retired NCO's it's first name.

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 14 at 2017 10:06 AM

2017-12-14T10:06:15-05:00

Time will tell... it's a big risk that both the SECDEF and the SECSTATE voiced dissention on. Congress actually voted to do this 20+ years ago... (1995, I think) while I was on active duty. Nothing has moved substantially one way or another on the "peace process" for at least 2 years, maybe this is an instance where a "shake-up" is what is needed. Timing and motivation seem political, and not aimed at any actual diplomacy. Reaction in the region so far has been predictable, but, muted. No "big" incidents as yet that I've heard. A new embassy will take several years and I'd anticipate that that site would be a target, eventually.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Jan 29 at 2018 9:28 AM

2018-01-29T09:28:17-05:00

Depending on the subject, I have been known on occasion to sign correspondence to Politions with:
First Sergeant, Retired
United States Army

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2018 4:36 AM

2018-06-14T04:36:30-04:00

Yeah literally no one cares what your rank was in the civilian world

Response by SSG Paul Nino made Jun 22 at 2018 8:25 PM

2018-06-22T20:25:17-04:00

I’m not sure how I would answer that, I got out after serving 16 1/2 Years total service with active and reserve . In the reserves I reached the rank of SFC and on active duty I was a SSG . I didn’t retire, how should I be addressed?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 11 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-07-11T17:06:33-04:00

If you're no longer in the service, why are you using rank at all? You no longer have one. You used to, but no longer hold it.

Response by Col Cj May II made Aug 24 at 2018 10:46 PM

2018-08-24T22:46:45-04:00

Don’t usually, but will for letters of recommendation...etc. common sense applies.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Sep 13 at 2018 2:30 PM

2018-09-13T14:30:19-04:00

I only use my rank when I am writing to a Military facility or person on active duty. I just wrote a letter to my old Squadron Commander and I used my rank and title followed in parentheses Ret

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 13 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-09-13T14:32:54-04:00

Why would I use my rank (or former rank) at all?

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Sep 15 at 2018 11:03 AM

2018-09-15T11:03:03-04:00

Yes I sign as Ltc.(ret) USAF

Response by SGT Lee Oien made Sep 16 at 2018 10:12 PM

2018-09-16T22:12:26-04:00

I rarely use my rank in the civilian world. I was also medically discharged following a helicopter crash - so didn't do the full 20 years for my retired blue card. When I do use my rank, I add the (ret.) to the signature line. I believe that's protocol.

Response by SFC Jeremy Smith made Sep 16 at 2018 10:25 PM

2018-09-16T22:25:07-04:00

Being recalled I put my rank as SFC (R)

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Oct 6 at 2018 3:27 PM

2018-10-06T15:27:05-04:00

Ha, if it Military related, I put Retired (03E), other correspondence (nothing important) I like to create titles. One letter to the IRS, who wanted to know my occupation, I replied “Garbologist”. Second letter, I clarified my profession as a “Obstetrics and Garbocology”. For at least 5 years, I received a yearly letter asking if I was still a garbologist.

Response by PO2 June Sidlauskas made Jan 13 at 2019 4:33 PM

2019-01-13T16:33:33-05:00

Yes, I will place Ret after my rank when required. I earn that privilege after serving honorably for 20 years

Response by Col Douglas Robinson made May 14 at 2019 10:07 PM

2019-05-14T22:07:45-04:00

Anthony Anderson, CW4(Ret)USA Is the proper way to display your military affiliation if you so desire. Name, First, Last, Rank, Ret in (Ret), then your branch of service. This is the way retired usually show it. Separated normally would not use this type of signature line.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 10 at 2019 4:33 PM

2019-07-10T16:33:11-04:00

I only use retired when communications might be helped by mentioning it...

Response by SPC Nathan Barnes made Aug 2 at 2019 10:28 AM

2019-08-02T10:28:43-04:00

The Veteran Branch of Service has no rank.
But out of RESPECT for a BROTHER or a SISTER I will call them by rank if i know it.
SGT. MAJ. and above.

Response by PO2 Ronald Willis made Aug 3 at 2019 3:50 AM

2019-08-03T03:50:12-04:00

I believe that anyone, of any rank, who honorably retires from active duty should proudly proclaim their status as "retired." Those of us who served our country and then went on to civilian life with an honorable discharge can proudly wear the title "Veteran."

Response by SGT Jay Holland made Aug 3 at 2019 9:43 PM

2019-08-03T21:43:06-04:00

Depends on if you are receiving retirement benefits.

Response by SFC Tom Crenshaw made Aug 4 at 2019 1:42 PM

2019-08-04T13:42:04-04:00

Since officers are never retired fully and maintain a recall for the benefit of the service status. Why not ? Wouldn't a CPT. on your driver's license be nice if you ever needed to show it? Plus sides are many, can't think of a bad one, can you?

Response by SGT Joe Downs made Aug 4 at 2019 10:59 PM

2019-08-04T22:59:04-04:00

Old school here.. with my opinion. Only my own. Not demanding, cajoling, or begging for compliance. I use the Retiree rank on any correspondence, letters, or cards in the address line. And in referring to Senior NCO's and Officers in person. It's in my marrow, and that's the way I was taught. I owe respect and honor to any serviceperson, all Services; who has attained retirement. If we are close friends, of course by first name, otherwise, rank and then name. Unless they request otherwise. Showing respect first, and allowing the individual to request otherwise. Never meant to be demeaning, or flippant. In my experience most will advise how they desire to be addressed. And those with a PhD, I KNOW how much effort goes into that achievement and they certainly deserve to be called Dr. unless they request otherwise. Especially in any formal or semi-formal setting. I guarantee they worked damn hard to get those letters after their name, and they have the intelligence level to back it up. And my respect for the efforts that they put forth. My world was different than today, men were men, women were glad of it, and Honor and Respect meant something. And Ma'am was used when addressing the kindler, gentler segments of society, unless they also had a title. Still, Ma'am either started or followed it. Respect is earned, not given.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 14 at 2019 7:43 PM

2019-08-14T19:43:38-04:00

Yes, if Retired

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Oct 9 at 2019 5:21 PM

2019-10-09T17:21:02-04:00

On those rare times it is needed, I use Major, SigC, AUS (Ret). I had an Air Force officer ask me one time was I Australian? LOL Funnier still is I get correspondence from DFAS, Bragg RSO, etc that have Major, USA. I tell them that I was Regular Army as Enlisted but was a Reserve Commissioned Officer in the Army of the United States but that does not stop them from making me a Regular Officer. LOL
Maybe I should tell them I was OTRA!

Response by SSG Brian Carpenter made Dec 22 at 2019 10:57 PM

2019-12-22T22:57:12-05:00

When messaging my VA health team I always put (ret)

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jan 11 at 2020 5:57 PM

2020-01-11T17:57:20-05:00

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member depends on what I am signing. If it’s military or veteran related, I will sign my official signature otherwise I simply sign my name.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2020 6:09 PM

2020-01-11T18:09:41-05:00

Personal choice. My friends know I'll answer anyway. Those that have never served have no idea what rank and titles mean. RETD = retarded to them maybe. The rest that have served - and any you've served with especially - understand you and your credentials. Tony Anderson works for most folks. Will

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 11 at 2020 9:10 PM

2020-01-11T21:10:15-05:00

USAA Insurance only uses one’s retired rank as a ‘feel good’ in their sales relationship.

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Dec 21 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-12-21T11:59:29-05:00

When i use that in writing I do it to show I know what I'm talking about.
So I put my signature on then retired to show you can't report me to active duty people.

Response by 1stSgt Ed White made Apr 21 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-04-21T19:51:34-04:00

When I attended my daughter's promotion ceremony and retirement I was listed in the program with my rank and Retied.
but that was a military function and I didn't have any say. But I must admit it did make me feel a little prouder as she was being promoted to LTC.

Response by Capt Al Parker made May 31 at 2021 1:35 PM

2021-05-31T13:35:45-04:00

I only put (USAF, RET) on official documents. In fact I only use my rank when signing official documents. When I retired from the Air Force as a Captain I changed my 1st name from “Sir” to Allen and this includes my friends still on Active Duty. The one exception is my brother who is a retired Navy Senior Chief and it’s more of a joke.

Response by PO3 Pamala McBrayer made Sep 18 at 2021 5:56 PM

2021-09-18T17:56:16-04:00

I think it is important especially when making political comments. Then there will be NO DRAMA or claims of Hatch Act violations. This isn’t just for DoD…other Executive Branch employees have to be careful if it it involves current candidates or current officials.

Response by CPT William Jones made Oct 29 at 2021 6:11 PM

2021-10-29T18:11:59-04:00

If you put your rank down you need to complete your status it demands that separated or retired is part of the signature.