In my opinion, the use of the term 'Joe(s)' is the MOST derogatory, disrespectful and demeaning way to refer to our junior enlisted. And most NCO's get their panties in a bunch when called 'Sergeant' when they are a SSG, SFC, MSG but think nothing of referring to our junior enlisted as 'Joe'.
What's the rest of RPers think?
What's the rest of RPers think?
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
This is a duplicate discussion. Click below to see more on this topic.
I recently posted a question about lower enlisted soldiers being offended by being called a "Joe". There was a question about soldiers being offended from being called a "Private" which is an official term. Who's offended by being called an unofficial term such as "Joe"?
Responses: 7
SSG (Join to see) Actually, I disagree completely. The only NCOs I ever saw get butthurt over being called SGT when he was a SSG or higher were the NCOs from the Marines. Army NCOs typically don't care until they make 1SG. Then the proper title is "First Sergeant" (or "Sergeant Major" if they get above that rank).
Joe is not derogatory. There are much more derogatory names I've called Soldiers when they were screwing off/up.
The term "Joe" comes from the Original WWII designation of G.I. Joe - which stood for "Government Issue Joe". Joe was a generic term used to identify any Soldier, regardless of rank. It was not used by the Marine, or the Navy - however, the Navy did use the term "Joe" for "coffee". I'm not entirely sure of the history of that, but I had heard it originated onboard ships.
It has never been "derogatory" - just like "private" or "specialist" are not derogatory - however, I can say both of those in a way that obviously shows contempt. If someone is using the term "Joe", "Private", or "Specialist" in a derogatory measure, it is because more than likely, that Soldier has made an obvious bone headed mistake.
So, derogatory? Nope. And if you really are getting your feelings hurt over the use of a word, any word, whether or not it is derogatory, I'd say you have bigger issues and either need to grow up and get a sense of humor, or you need to get out now.
Words do not hurt. Bullets do. I know.
Joe is not derogatory. There are much more derogatory names I've called Soldiers when they were screwing off/up.
The term "Joe" comes from the Original WWII designation of G.I. Joe - which stood for "Government Issue Joe". Joe was a generic term used to identify any Soldier, regardless of rank. It was not used by the Marine, or the Navy - however, the Navy did use the term "Joe" for "coffee". I'm not entirely sure of the history of that, but I had heard it originated onboard ships.
It has never been "derogatory" - just like "private" or "specialist" are not derogatory - however, I can say both of those in a way that obviously shows contempt. If someone is using the term "Joe", "Private", or "Specialist" in a derogatory measure, it is because more than likely, that Soldier has made an obvious bone headed mistake.
So, derogatory? Nope. And if you really are getting your feelings hurt over the use of a word, any word, whether or not it is derogatory, I'd say you have bigger issues and either need to grow up and get a sense of humor, or you need to get out now.
Words do not hurt. Bullets do. I know.
Lol this is just silly...!? First of all, I dare any younger Marine to call a senior Marine "Sergeant" when they're not a sergeant. Anyway, I understand it's a little different elsewhere. But as far as the "Joe" thing...? I guess that's similar to calling a young Marine a "boot". Marines take that shit differently though. Like a term of endearment. Just seems like you or someone you know is taking this a little too far. But to answer your question on the difference... An E7 or higher; I'd say they earned the respect of their junior guys to call them by their earned ranks...
SSG Marvin Mann, Just consider 'Joe/Joes' to be a temporary term of endearment. You should overcome it when you learn about the places on a totem pole. "Snuffy" is the most obnoxious term of reference I personally encountered.
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