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I was a Chief for 14 years, from 1967-1981. During that time, although I retired as an RMCM, I was known simply as "the Chief", even in 3 commands where I was SEA (roughly equivalent to the current CMC billet, although it was a collateral). The byword was "a Chief is a Chief is a Chief" --- the stars just fattened your payday a bit.
Now I see the Mess sliced into paygrade layers, and those with stars expecting to be addressed not as "Chief" but as "Senior" or "Master".
Is it healthy for our Navy to dilute the unity of the Chiefs just to satisfy some egos?
Now I see the Mess sliced into paygrade layers, and those with stars expecting to be addressed not as "Chief" but as "Senior" or "Master".
Is it healthy for our Navy to dilute the unity of the Chiefs just to satisfy some egos?
Navy
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 12
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Was in from 81-2009, Chief and Senior Chief, didn't matter either way what I was called. However when I made Warrant and then on to LDO, I made sure I called them Senior, or Master Chief. The main reason was to instill in the Junior Officers that I was mentoring to give the respect those individuals that "earned" those ranks and titles.
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Senior and Master Chief always worked for me and kept peace. Never underestimate those "fattening stars", they have horsepower you don't know. Be polite, the life you save may be your own. Advice from a "genuine" Chief.
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Even in the 80s and 90s we called them chief, senior and master chief. sometimes senior or master for short if familiar. It was just respect for rank.
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CPO David Sharp
I remember you from a FEX in MCB C.L. in the 1990s. Three Battalions participated as I recall it was "Sharp Wedge".
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On board ship, Chief does the job. Agree with Hans, but on shore stations and since retirement, I have had the formal title used far more than when I was AD. Enjoy the honorific, but everyone remembers when they made E-7 and appreciates the next one or two promotions, but not with the same thoughts.
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Master Chief for MCPO. Senior for SCPO. Only in formal instances would you actually say the full, "Master Chief Petty Officer'.
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PO3 Michael James
PO3 McMullin Same as 68-72, As long as we did our job, and everything ran smooth.. A Chief was a Chief.. To the Command: he was very effective and ran a tight ship.. That made him very happy.. Chief is happy.. we had an enjoyable cruise !!
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24 years AD - Retired BMCS - The most important day of my life was when I pinned on "Chief" - big change in my life, so much that my wife even commented I was not the same person. After adding the star, I answered to Chief, Senior Chief or Senior - it was nice to be recognized for the extra achievement but was not the most important. Retired in 94 - I still call them by their actual rank, Chief - Senior Chief or Master Chief as appropriate. Bottom line - doesn't hurt to show that extra level of respect.
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I was in from 1986 to 2006. I have to say it depends on the Senior Chief or Master Chief you are talking too. I have been yelled at by Senior Chiefs asking if I can see the star on the Anchor. And then again I have Master chiefs tell me to just to call them chief.
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MCPO Hans Brakob
I hold in disdain any Chief who needed his "stars" to be recognized. That includes CMC's. A Chief is a Chief is a Chief.
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PO1 Scott Cottrell
Just saying, I have had some take offence, most have said it has not bother them at all.
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"Senior Chief" or "Master Chief". One of most favorite people that ever existed on this earth CTOCM Robert "Red" Adams. He was my first Boss at CINCPACFLT when he was the Admirals Communicator. He went on to be the first Master Chief for the Entire Crypto Community.
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