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I have a question, this has bugged me off and on over the years. While we were doing a training exercise in the field. I was in position to overhear a Lt make disparaging remarks about several enlisted personnel, from that point on, I refused to call the Lt "sir", always refered to him by his rank. It came down to the point that the Lt was annoyed and complained to a scpo, whom promptly proceeded to ream me a new one. My question was I in the right? Seing as I had no respect left for the Lt.
Enlisted
Morale
Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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No, you were not in the right on this one. While what you overheard may not have been proper by that LT, by acting out the way that you did, you were also wrong. In hindsight, the proper thing to do would have either tactfully discussed your concerns with the LT on the spot, or take what you had heard to your first line supervisor and let it rise up the chain. By showing disrespect to that LT, you put yourself out there for repercussions just like what you explained happened.
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MSG Wade Huffman
My thoughts exactly. The old adage, "two wrongs don't make a right" is applicable here.
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SFC (Join to see)
This Band of Brothers Quote comes to mind "We salute the rank, not the man."
No matter who they are or your personal opinion of them as a person, they still hold a commission in the United States Navy and as such are afforded the respect of being called 'Sir' or 'M'am'.
No matter who they are or your personal opinion of them as a person, they still hold a commission in the United States Navy and as such are afforded the respect of being called 'Sir' or 'M'am'.
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LTC Paul Labrador
Concur wiht SPC Burns. You are required by reg to respect the rank and position, not the man.
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I guess I stand corrected. Maybe this will be a learning experience for someone else who happens to be in the same predicament. For the record, I did not notify my shipmates of the remarks made about them.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
SA Harold Hansmann I give you mad props for posting this question and receiving the feedback so humbly. It is absolutely a learning experience for all of us to remain open to constructive feedback and criticism. It will only make us better leaders in the end.
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SA Harold Hansmann
I am good at accepting constructive criticism. I am the only male of 5 children and the youngest.
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1SG (Join to see)
SA Harold Hansmann I concur with SSG V. Michelle Woods it takes a strong person with sound morals to accept honest critique. Too many take it personal when others say something in critique of what they have said or done.
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SA Harold Hansmann
Guess I have a 25yr old apology hanging out there. I don't remember the Lt's name.
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SA Harold Hansmann I recently have had some professional issues with a 2LT, but I respectfully stated my position and when that person disagreed, I sent the matter to my OIC (a CPT). Let the Os handle direct "mentorship" when you are rebuffed as a Senior NCO. In the example you provided, you were wrong as you should still respect the rank and position the LT held and with it is the right to be called "Sir". But like 1SG Steven Stankovich and MAJ Carl Ballinger alreaday stated, send it up the chain to let them deal with it.
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Yes, you were definitely in the wrong. I do agree with all the other comments and rationale. First and foremost, we are to respect the rank, not the person. All individuals, as a person, must earn that respect although some of the same respect is naturally given with the rank. Second, the proper course of action would either to have spoken, respectfully and tactfully, to the officer or spoken to your first line supervisor. The latter one would have been the best way since it could have been properly address by a CPO or SCPO.
With that said, I too have had disagreements with many people over my career. Regardless of my own personal feelings as well as their rank, I will still and always respect the rank that is own their chest. I will admit though there are a number of personnel, that I can count on both my hands, who I will ONLY respect their rank. They have totally lost my respect as a service-member let alone as a decent human being.
With that said, I too have had disagreements with many people over my career. Regardless of my own personal feelings as well as their rank, I will still and always respect the rank that is own their chest. I will admit though there are a number of personnel, that I can count on both my hands, who I will ONLY respect their rank. They have totally lost my respect as a service-member let alone as a decent human being.
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SA Harold Hansmann
I did respect the rank. "Yes, Lt" "no, Lt", I continued to follow his orders, and saluted. My thing was I refused to use the word "sir", as that word is a form if respect to the person, is how I was brought up.
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SSG (Join to see)
That is still part of respecting the rank. I agree with you on how one is brought up because saying "Sir" or "Maam" is a sign of respect too. Saying "Sir" as a respectful deference to their rank (for a jerk) is different than saying "Sir" out of true respect for the person (for someone you do actually respect). It sounds weird but deep down you will know the difference when you speak to the former and the latter.
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SA Harold Hansmann
I think it upset the senior chief when he was chewing me a new one that the word sir slipped out a time or two.
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SSG (Join to see)
LOL. Understandable. As an NCO, I don't like to be called "Sir" unless the other person doesn't know me. If so then "Sir" is a very appropriate term to use as showing respect to the other person. I have slipped a few times and called a senior NCO "Sir". Oops. Most of the time I catch it ad correct myself with a brief apology to the NCO.
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