Posted on Feb 5, 2015
What is the proper way to address a group of officers?
88.9K
60
24
5
5
0
Me and some buddies were having this discussion about how to address a group of officers that are all male or female. I tired to convince them that you address them by saying gentlemen or ladies not sir's and ma'am's. I am unable to find it in the AR though, is this correct?
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
1
1
0
Ladies and Gentlemen is too casual for a military setting. I would can them sirs and ma'ams.
(1)
(0)
CDR (Join to see)
It is not. Naval Courtesy and Customs (great book, everyone should have a copy) will confirm that "Ladies" and "Gentlemen" is the correct greeting for more than one officer of similar rank for that gender. There are such words as "Sirs" or "Ma'ams".
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
That is correct, a group of officers are referred to as Gentleman or Ladies. An example of that is oddly enough in the UCMJ Article 133 which states “Any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
I was taught to address the senior officer first,and then the others by sirs/ma'ams
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
