What is the proper way to address NCOs in different branches?

2016-09-16T17:47:30-04:00

As an E-4 in the Army, how would I go about addressing an E-7 in the Marine Corps or another branch? They call them Sir, do we as well?

Reason I asked I'm watching recruits from the USMC boot camp calling NCO's Sir/Ma'am, and for the Army we would call the cadre by their rank... But it was clarified below

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 5:49 PM

2016-09-16T17:49:14-04:00

And what about E-8's and above in the Navy? Would we call them Chief?

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-09-16T18:01:17-04:00

Army:

E4 - Corporal (2 chevrons, not the sham shield)
E5 - Sergeant.......... 3 chevrons
E6 - Sergeant.......... 3 chevrons and a rocker
E7 - Sergeant.......... 3 chevrons and 2 rockers
E8 - Sergeant w/o start, star in the middle First Sergeant 3 chevrons and 3 rockers
E9 - Get the hell away! lol but you call all E-9's Sergeant Major, including the SMA

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-09-16T18:02:41-04:00

In the Marines, I can tell you that you address them by what their rank is. If you come across a E-6 Marine, you address them as Staff Sergeant. E-7 Gunnery Sergeant (unless they tell you that you can call them Gunny) and so forth going up. I have seen bad juju come to those that addressed a Marine Staff Sergeant as Sergeant once. Not pretty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 6:04 PM

2016-09-16T18:04:54-04:00

Gunnery SGT for E7 and you better say it LOL

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 6:14 PM

2016-09-16T18:14:03-04:00

Toy address all enlisted persons by their appropriate rank. For E-7 that's Gunnery Sergeant. Only officers are called sir

Response by 1stSgt Edward Jackson made Sep 16 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-09-16T18:43:26-04:00

Address them as Gunny Sgt., MSgt., Chief (Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard), etc.

Response by SGT Alan Dike made Sep 16 at 2016 7:35 PM

2016-09-16T19:35:16-04:00

You address an E-7 in the Marine Corps as Gunnery Sergeant. There is no other officially authorized term of address. Unlike in the Army where you would call an E-7 Sergeant in address and Sergeant First Class or Sergeant when talking about them in 3rd person...

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 16 at 2016 7:49 PM

2016-09-16T19:49:46-04:00

I would say By Short Tittle...

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 9:35 PM

2016-09-16T21:35:24-04:00

For Marines, full rank. Gunny and Master Gunny / Master Guns are acceptable for Gunnery Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants, respectively, in informal settings and if they allow it, which most do. Outside of that, full rank for everyone else. NCOs and SNCOs are addressed as sir by recruits during boot camp. Once the recruits receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, they are then Marines and will call them by their ranks.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 16 at 2016 9:58 PM

2016-09-16T21:58:23-04:00

E-4 - E-6, 'Petty Officer'
E7 - 'Chief'
E8 - 'Senior Chief' or 'Senior'
E9 - 'Master Chief'. That's it. Just 'Master Chief.' Do NOT EVER call one 'Master', even though you can call E8's 'Senior'.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 16 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-09-16T22:00:35-04:00

Does "Hey Dude" work?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 10:18 PM

2016-09-16T22:18:26-04:00

Navy = Chief
USMC = full rank title
Army = Sarge, or big sarge
USAF = first name

Response by Sgt Paul Mason made Sep 16 at 2016 11:13 PM

2016-09-16T23:13:59-04:00

In basic training (boot camp) everyone is "sir" or "ma'am". After that, the only time you'd address an E-7 (Gunnery Sergeant) as "Sir" is if he is holding a command position that is normally held by an officer....however, being raised by a Marine, if someone who out-ranks me is yelling at me, it's "Sir" or "Ma'am" no matter their rank ;-) Usually we'd address him as "Gunny".

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 17 at 2016 7:32 AM

2016-09-17T07:32:59-04:00

Navy you say "Anchors Aweigh Swabbie" Air Force "Aim High Wing Wiper" Marines use their full rank.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 17 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-09-17T10:34:10-04:00

I learned that when the senior MC NCOs started calling me Skipper, they were comfortable enough for me to use Gunny and Staff. The more rare thing is I had a habit of calling CWOs "Guns". When queried, I'd tell them about the origin of the term. Back in the wooden ship days, a CWO was the Gunnery Officer that everyone relied on to stay alive through his skill. Hence "Guns" is an honorific. Never ran into a CWO that objected to it, but I'd make sure we knew each other first. I never got into using the term "Number One" for any of my XOs, but I did think about it on occasion. However, I hated, hence never used, "SMAJ".

Response by SGT Alan Dike made Sep 17 at 2016 6:53 PM

2016-09-17T18:53:40-04:00

OK, my earlier response may have been a little off track even if it was correct. Being Army, you are subject to ARMY courtesy and customs, not marine or any other. If you were to follow your own branches regulations for addressing an e-7, you would call him sergeant. That is probably the most correct answer, and its completely wrong...

The reality is that it would be disrespectful to call a Marine by anything other than what his branch requires. Every Marine I dealt with when I was working with 1 MEF understood after I explained OUR courtesy and customs for address. They also informed me in a very Marine manner before I got that explanation out as to what they were to be called. I found that it was best to take the ass chewing, and reply with something along the lines of:
"My apologies Gunnery Sergeant, I was following my branches regulations. I'll use your correct term of address in the future." you'll screw up because you've had 2.5-3 years of calling e7's sergeant, and he'll know you're doing what you were trained. Still probably an ass chewing, but it will be less severe in my experience. My company was the only Army unit on Camp Commando when I had to deal with this.. some Marines were less uptight about it than others once they knew we were trying to do right... Master Gunny, who I had screwed up about 4 times in the same sentence (sorry gunny, uhh, sergeant, uhh sgm, uhh... )he laughed. He knew we didnt have that title in our rank structure and we didnt have that formal address thing.. I'm sure I provided a lot of hilarious moments for the senior nco's in that NOC doing that a few times.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2016 7:04 PM

2016-09-17T19:04:27-04:00

Seem to remember when I was stationed on Misawa AFB, all the Air Force personnel called someone of higher rank, regardless of enlisted or officer, sir or ma'am.

Response by MSgt Sandra McKinney Dent made Sep 18 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-09-18T11:26:33-04:00

For the USAF, USMC and the Army, "Sergeant" is a good start if you do not know the differences. If you are in a JOINT assignment or assigned to a JOINT base or posting -- LEARN IT.

The Navy and Coast Guard use a mix of their Rating and Rank. (And I am rustly on most of it)
No "Eagle" = "Petty Officer"
"Eagle" (with or without Stars) = "Chief"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-09-19T12:56:03-04:00

Personally, if I know the rank, I address them by it and stand as I would for the Army equivalent (GySgt = SFC = Parade Rest etc). If I am unfamiliar with the rank, then I defer to their custom of Sir/Ma'am.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Sep 19 at 2016 6:02 PM

2016-09-19T18:02:12-04:00

I would initially address them as 'sir' just out of respect for their rank, experience, professional knowledge, acumen, and TIS. If they want you to be a little less formal they will tell you so. Plus you can note how others address them, depending on how well they know them or the professional relationship. A lot of younger people on the outside refer to olders as 'sir' or 'ma'am' for those reasons, not necessarily because the manager or supervisor outranks them.

Response by Cpl Richard Slusher made Sep 19 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-09-19T21:36:01-04:00

They were recruits. They are not Marines yet. They have not earned the privilege of calling enlisted personnel by their rank.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 7:46 AM

2016-09-20T07:46:24-04:00

Marines: Full Rank, according to MCO 5060.20. It wouldn't be a bad thing to call him "sir" out of politeness unless he's extremely salty. Gunny and Gunnery Sergeant are preferred forms of address for the GySgt.
Army: SGT - MSG may be addressed as "Sergeant" or by their full rank, according to AR 600-20.
Air Force: SSgt - SMSgt may be addressed as "Sergeant" or by their full rank, according to AFI 36-2618.
Navy is a little different. Petty Officers from 3rd through 1st class are referred to as "Petty Officer" or by their rating ("CTR1" for a Cryptologic Technician Receiver 1st Class Petty Officer). Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief Petty Officers are generally referred to as Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief respectively. The Coast Guard, PHCC, and the NOAA, since utilizing Naval Rank structure (though some do not have enlisted, like the PHCC and the NOAA), follow suit.

Response by SGT Matthew Schenkenfelder made Sep 20 at 2016 8:03 AM

2016-09-20T08:03:40-04:00

Just address them by their rank. Only the army addresses all NCOs from SGT to MSG as sergeant. In the Marines we learned all the ranks of all branches of the military.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Sep 20 at 2016 8:09 AM

2016-09-20T08:09:49-04:00

USCG same as the Navy, Chief, Some E-9 and E9's prefer Senior Chief and Master Chief respectively, but most have told me to just call them Chief. Below E-7, Petty Officer Blank ...

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Sep 20 at 2016 8:28 AM

2016-09-20T08:28:17-04:00

The more I was around sailors (most of who jumped out of airplanes) I got to where I recognized and rendered Chief, Senior Chief and Master Chief. Become very close to some of them and they appreciate the effort....the Navy officer insignia's in dress uniform I never did figure out. Also refereed to Gunnery Sergeants in the Corp as Gunny once a rapport was established. Had one bad-ass E-8 we called Master Guns....he had ran the Marine Corps marathon at least a dozen times and was hard as nails but was a very smart guy and very encouraging once ya got to know him. Anywho, you'll pick up on the little nuances as you make your way, particularly when deployed and/or in a combined arms assignment environment. Don't be afraid to ask questions and keep your eye on your Squad Leader or Plt. Sgt. You'll be that guy/gal before you know it. Hooah. Thank you for your service SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member . Best wishes in your career and stay safe.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Sep 20 at 2016 9:08 AM

2016-09-20T09:08:43-04:00

After I left the Marines and joined the Army National Guard, I had to give up 2 stripes and entered as a Sgt. A lot of the men started calling me Gunny and it sort of stuck. Even after making it back to SSG, I was still Gunny. I retired as a SFC. When I came out of retirement for duty in Iraq, I once again had to go back to Sgt. While I was in Kuwait, I ran into some Marine platoons and a few of my soldiers heard them calling me Gunny. Some of them started calling me Gunny after that. When I retired the second time I was promoted back to SFC for retirement. As a SSG doing a 3 three week training session in Reforger many years back, even the active duty Army called me Gunny. My OIC introduced me to the active duty counter-parts as SSG Hardy and said I was a former Gunny in the Marines. That's all it took. I was Gunny again.

Response by CPO John Hopkins made Sep 20 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-09-20T09:26:08-04:00

An E-7 in the Marine Corps is addressed as Gunnery Sergeant of "Gunny"
a First Sergeant (has a Diamond between his stripes and rockers) is "First" while a Master Sergeant (E-8 with Crossed Rifles) is addressed as Master Sergeant or 'Top'

a Navy Chief Petty Officer (E-7) is addressed as Chief
a Senior Chief (E-8) as Senior Chief
and a Master Chief (E-9) as Master Chief

Response by SCPO Dale Leighton made Sep 20 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-09-20T09:36:32-04:00

In Coast Guard and Navy; Chief usually works for E-7,8,9. If you recognize 1 or 2 stars above the anchor you can never go wrong by addressing them as Senior Chief (with 1 star) or Master Chief (with 2 stars) Internally some refer to the E-8 or Senior Chief as "Senior" With that said you would not call the E-9 or Master Chief "Master"

Response by SFC Jeffrey Port made Sep 20 at 2016 9:47 AM

2016-09-20T09:47:05-04:00

Hello,
I worked with many different branches, if you are uncertain of what to call enlisted ranks in different branches of service, just be polite and respectfully ask how to address their rank. Officers are easy, just refer to them as Sir, or Ma'am!

SFC Port

Response by Sgt Alan Voracek made Sep 20 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-09-20T10:03:21-04:00

All enlisted personnel in the Marine Corps are addressed by their rank. In the case of an E-7 he/she would be addressed as Gunny. Every Gunnery Sergeant I have encountered will allow that nickname. And by the way, E-5 is Sergeant. NOT sarge.
The only time I was ever required to address an enlisted person as sir was while attending boot camp.

Response by SSG Robert White made Sep 20 at 2016 10:08 AM

2016-09-20T10:08:49-04:00

If your looking at a senior NCO, it's by Title. But if your looking at E4-E6, the naval ranks (Coast Guard and Navy) are the most difficult since they don't have a rank like Sargent. Instead they identify rank by position. So if they are a cook you'll call them one thing, and if they are a cryptanalyst, you'd have to call them something else. A simple what of addressing them is calling the Army, Air Force and Marines as Sargent and the Navy and Coast Guard by Chief until they correct you. Then call them by the title they tell you to address them by.

Also remember, there are two other services, US Public Health Service and NOAA. These services don't have enlisted, but their officer ranks are the same as Naval Ranks. You should address them as such.

Response by SSgt Frank Lanford made Sep 20 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-09-20T10:39:13-04:00

OK now I got out of the Air Force in 1994, so what they do now days is likely something I don't even want to hear about, but since Air Force Cops, dealt with ALL branches AND even foreign countries military members, it was usually easier to just go with Sir or Ma'am, regardless of whatever their rank was.
Now understanding the Marine Corps better than most, since my older brother was a Gunney and he of course set me straight, I "tried" to address Marines properly by Gunnery Sergeant, Sergeant Major etc., but since most of my contact with Marines as a Cop, was not necessarily on the best terms, as I was usually only called in when they were in need of handcuffs, sometimes I would simply address them as "Marine" which sometimes would get through their "drunken" mind that they in fact ARE a Marine and maybe they should behave like one, or his (or her) "Gunney", or whoever they report to, is gonna have their fanny.
This did not always work, and even if the suspect was an Officer (of any service), drunk and disorderly at the Officer's Club etc, well sometimes they didn't even get a Sir out of me as I wrestled them into handcuffs :-)
AND on a side note: YES it was NOT that uncommon to hear and Airman, address his or her Sergeant. and yes sometimes even "some" officers, by their first names, but that was NOT, and I repeat "WAS" not the case in the Air Force Police career field, which WAS the most "Military" of the Air Force career fields :-)
AND NO, I did not EVER allow my subordinate cops to call me by my first name while in uniform :-)

Response by SSG Elmer Boutin made Sep 20 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-09-20T10:55:48-04:00

If you know, then call them in the form that would be courteous to them - as many have illustrated here.

I did have one incident where I was outproccessing from a school at Ft. Huachuca and the mail room was in the Marine barracks. I addressed the Staff Sergeant at the front desk as "Sergeant," as we would in the Army. The PFC that was on duty with him started to dress me down for not addressing him properly. The Staff Sergeant "very strongly" corrected the PFC for being disrespectful to an NCO from another service who obviously didn't know better.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Sep 20 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-09-20T11:03:53-04:00

This may have been said before in one of the responses but the actual PROPER response is by rank, and last name (if necessary). That is (IMHO) the safest way as well - as how familiar one can be with a person of superior rank is dependent on the person and his or her mood in any given moment - as I learned one night from a sergeant with whom I thought I had a pretty good relationship with hanging out after duty hours. One night in a bad mood and PO'ed at our CO and he decided to take it out on me. It was a hard lesson.

The guy was WAY out of line and I was told by our First Sergeant, who heard of it I could have had his stripe but the guy had ten years in; two tours in Nam, and personal problems. It wasn't right, but I also realized I owed him a debt of gratitude for teaching me a great lesson about being too familiar with those in authority over you. From that time on I have NEVER addressed a supervisor by his or her first name - no matter HOW close we might become; and I've never found myself in another situation like that night in Germany.

JMO - learned from experience. Now there are titles and nicknames that are generally accepted. Last names for enlisted personnel were okay when I was in, Sergeant -----, passed for NCOs, First Sergeant - "TOP" was an honor when I was in but I understand it has been a no-no... rank for officers, but when in doubt I don't think you can go wrong with rank and last name.

Response by Cpl George Crab made Sep 20 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-09-20T11:15:53-04:00

With fear and trembling?

Response by SGT Larry Holland made Sep 20 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-09-20T11:52:11-04:00

When in doubt, ask. When I met an E-6 from the Marines, I asked him what is his rank called & explain their enlisted ranks structure.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-09-20T12:00:13-04:00

Commission Officers these are Sir or Ma'am, Non-commission Officers these are NCO's. There is only three "3" ways to address an NCO, these are - Sergeant / 1st Sergeant and Sergeant Major.

Response by Sgt Michael McQueeney made Sep 20 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-09-20T12:17:59-04:00

It is appropriate to address members of other services by the rank and our last name (if known). If they are actual recruits, have not yet graduated boot camp, they address everyone by sir or ma'am. But, during boot camp, they are taught all of the different ranks of all of the different services so they can address other service members appropriately.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Sep 20 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-09-20T12:22:25-04:00

As most have said here, learn the service etiquette. When I was fresh caught lieutenant in RVN, the Company Gunny was giving me some necessary advice, to which I replied "Yessir...I mean, yes, Gunny." The Skipper heard me and said, "Oh, it's OK to call him "Sir", lad. He's old enough to be your father!" (I judiciously did not hear the Gunny's reply.)

On a more serious side, an Army Major at Quantico (he was an exchange student at Command and Staff College) once interrupted a conversation I was having with a Master Gunnery Sergeant by saying "In the Army, we do not keep an officer waiting for a conversation with a sergeant to en...." The Master Gunny politely excused himself and I had the rare privilege of throwing a fellow major out of my office for embarrassing me, himself, and the Army.

Response by Sgt Michael McQueeney made Sep 20 at 2016 12:23 PM

2016-09-20T12:23:55-04:00

If you were seeing Marine recruits (not graduated from boot camp yet) they address everyone ass sir, ma'am. The rest of the services are addressed by their rank. I had to teach my wife (Air Force) all the ranks of all the services before she went to Air Force basic. It used to be part of Marine Corps recruit training to learn these things....dunno anymore, graduated in March 1995

Response by CMSgt Gary Fichman made Sep 20 at 2016 1:59 PM

2016-09-20T13:59:44-04:00

Quick story, I was an AF Independent Duty Medic assigned to a Aid Station that took care of US folks at a NATO base-anyway an Army Sgt Major showed up for my sick call with something in his eye, said it hurt like hell. I said "no problem sir, I'll fix you right up" -anyway after getting the worst ass chewing of my life (I was a Air Force MSgt) I took care of his eye & never called any enlisted Army folks sir. Oh yeah, his boss a Major called to apologize, I told him it was my fault.

Response by PO2 Steven Hardy made Sep 20 at 2016 2:07 PM

2016-09-20T14:07:27-04:00

We only called petty officers Sir, or Mam in boot camp in the CG. I'm sure that's was the case when you wittnessed those Marine recruits.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Sep 20 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-09-20T14:13:16-04:00

Address him as Gunnery Sgt! If he was Air Force then it would be Master Sgt or First Sgt, depending on the position. If they are Navy, then Chief or Chief Petty Officer. I worked JTF many times in my career, and I highly recommend studying the rank structure and insignias of the other branches. The first time I addressed a Navy Commander properly based on his sleeve stripes, my life went from Hell to Heaven, especially when I found out he was going to be my new boss. Some will call it kiss ass, I call it cover ass!

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Sep 20 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-09-20T14:34:02-04:00

Back in the day - 1990's - when I was a Gunnery Sergeant, shortly before I retired, a sailor on board the USS Nassau called me "Sarge" .... I leave it to your imagination as to the response - and he was a Senior Chief.....

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Sep 20 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-09-20T15:05:54-04:00

I was always called "Petty Officer" by my subordinates and the chiefs in my department always referred to my rank before my name when talking to someone about me.
It is my title. The E6's above me were also called "Petty Officer" to me.

Response by GySgt Joseph Jay Johnston made Sep 20 at 2016 4:31 PM

2016-09-20T16:31:38-04:00

ONLY THE BOOT ADRESSES THE D.I.AS SIR,AND ONLY IN BOOT CAMP.
REGARDLESS OF THE RANK OF THE NCO HE/SHE ARE ADRESSED AS THEIR RANK,PVT,CPL,SGT,ETC.ETC.ONLY OFFICERS ARE ADRESSED AS SIR/MAAM........
OR AS GUNNY OR SGT/MAJ.FIRST NAMES OFF BASE.....

Response by Sgt Jay Are made Sep 20 at 2016 5:32 PM

2016-09-20T17:32:44-04:00

Marines do not address NCO's as Sir/Ma'am. They address them by their rank. The only exception is recruits. While in recruit training, recruits address their NCO drill instructors as Sir. Under any other circumstances, addressing a Marine NCO as Sir/Ma'am will draw you a highly negative response!

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Sep 20 at 2016 5:49 PM

2016-09-20T17:49:04-04:00

The Air Force folks always used to call me sir, I told them "you can call me Senior Chief..." They said "Ok Sir..." I was like WTF, but you know it is still a sign of respect... Chief, Senior Chief, Master Chief! 789!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-09-20T17:56:19-04:00

I usually, for the Navy, ask them what their rank is and how they are addressed. Recently I binge watched JAG. Between that and NCIS, I have a much better idea of what they are called. :)

Response by Sgt Anthony Thompson made Sep 20 at 2016 8:00 PM

2016-09-20T20:00:51-04:00

In the Marine Corps, recruits (because they are in bootbcamp) are required to call every Marine or Sailor Sir/Ma'am. Once a recruit has graduated and earned the title of US Marine, then they are allowed to address a person by their rank.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 8:42 PM

2016-09-20T20:42:09-04:00

Navy NCO's range from PO3 to MCPO, for PO3-1(E4-6) they are addressed as (rate abbreviation)3, 2, or 1. I am An Electronics Technician 2nd Class so ET2, below me would be ET3 and above would be ET1. Once a First Class Petty Officer makes Chief(E7) regardless of the rate they are referred to as Chief, E8 is Senior Chief, and E-9 is Master Chief. If you are going to shorten the addressing of any of the more senior pay grades it's Senior, and Master Chief (this one doesn't shorten)

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Sep 20 at 2016 10:05 PM

2016-09-20T22:05:12-04:00

I always addressed them by rank. NEVER by sir or ma'am. Those titles are for Officers. The only times an enlisted person is addressed as sir/ma'am is by recruits in basic training.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 11:29 PM

2016-09-20T23:29:55-04:00

Don't ever call anyone in the Navy "Sir" unless they are an Officer. Had an airman keep calling me "Sir" - drove me up the wall. I kept correcting him, and I swear, he kept doing it just to irritate me. Anyway, if you see chevrons in the Navy it is "Petty Officer" - if you see a Gold Anchor, it is "Chief".

Response by SFC Raymond Davis made Sep 21 at 2016 1:32 AM

2016-09-21T01:32:52-04:00

I call him gunney.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Sep 21 at 2016 7:48 AM

2016-09-21T07:48:42-04:00

In the Navy it is Chief, Sr. Chief, and Master Chief!! It's the way I was taught!!

Response by SGT Stuart Griffin made Sep 21 at 2016 10:44 AM

2016-09-21T10:44:50-04:00

I have worked with all 4 branches at one time or another. When in doubt, just ask the NCO. Grow a set and just ask them. We won't bite. But otherwise, by observation, I learned that the Navy Petty Officers I met went by last name unless they were E-7 and above. Then, it was Chief, Senior Chief, Master Chief, respectively. Marines were always full rank. Staff Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, etc. unless they liked you, then you could use gunny or such nicknames (but don't get creative or assume. Make sure they are okay with it first or you will get "sternly" lectured, lol). Army E-5 to E-8 is just Sergeant unless they were 1SG or a SGM/CSM. Then it was First Sergeant or Sergeant Major. Again, if the 1SG liked you, then you could call them Top (again, don't assume, get permission). Every Air Force Sergeant I met went by Sergeant. I sometimes heard Chief used for anyone above Chief Master Sergeant. This is solely from my own experiences but I hope it helps somebody perhaps.

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Sep 21 at 2016 11:50 AM

2016-09-21T11:50:22-04:00

I grew up in a Navy family. Dad was BM1 and spent his last seven years training recruits at Bainbridge and San Diego NTC. Things may have changed since the late 50s, but he would address anyone E-7 or higher as "Chief". He used the same form of address toward anyone likely to be Navy in civilian clothes, and I never saw a negative response to it. Perhaps sensitivity has changed, but no one seemed to mind the assumption that they were a chief petty officer.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 21 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-09-21T12:00:27-04:00

Unless they are an E-9, I call them all "buddy." I call all E-9s "Sergeant Major." I go by Dan.

This shit is easy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-09-21T13:02:21-04:00

All good advise here. The bottom line: Learn the differences, and when in Rome do as the Romans do. If you're not quite sure about a situation, full rank is usually always OK and should keep you our of trouble.

Response by SSG Ruben Montiel made Sep 21 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-09-21T13:09:14-04:00

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that in training, the cadre are called sir by the trainees.

Response by Sgt Gabriel Benavides made Sep 21 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-09-21T13:36:28-04:00

Marine Recruit training is a strange animal. Because Recruits are not considered Marines they are expected to show the upmost respect to those who already hold the title and that is the only place an enlisted Marine is referred to as "Sir." Long story short, all enlisted are called by their ranks. E-5 is Sgt; E-6 is SSgt; E-7 GySgt or just Gunny; E-8 MSgt/1stSgt; E-9 MGySgt or Master-Guns/SgtMaj. Gunny and Master-Guns are the only acceptable nick names and sometimes a MSgt and a MGySgt are referred to as "Top," but most don't like that name, a 1stSgt or a SgtMaj should never be referred to as "Top" I know the Army does that sometimes.

Response by SGT Ronald Mitchell made Sep 21 at 2016 6:51 PM

2016-09-21T18:51:10-04:00

You can never ever go wrong by respecting the rank, and addressing him/her by such! Nothing hard about it, you just simply respect the rank! End of discussion, in fact, this shouldn't even be a thread, because common sense should've kicked in before you asked the question. I'm just saying. Enjoy the thread! :-)

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Sep 21 at 2016 11:21 PM

2016-09-21T23:21:50-04:00

Mow that the Army wears the rank just below the target line, the one that gets me is the 1st SGT and SM. The difference between the star and the diamond are too damned small for anyone with "aged" eyes.

Never had that much trouble with the stars over the anchors due to locations. But he Diamond and the star are in the same SMALL place.

Just my $0.02.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 22 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-09-22T11:25:19-04:00

If we don't know the rank, Sir or Ma'am is the go to. But we make it a point to address everyone by rank if they are enlisted. Now if we were on a more closer working relationship with them, we might call a GySgt a Gunny or a MSgt Top, or MGySgt Master Guns.

Now in the 2nd part of your question you mentioned recruits. Recruits do not rate to call anyone by their rank. Recruits will address everyone as Sir or Ma'am until they "earned" the privilege to address someone by rank.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 4:33 PM

2016-09-22T16:33:35-04:00

You will never be wrong if you refer to them by their rank. But follow the lead of their peers/subordinates in that branch. If you are consistently working with that person, in a respectful way, ask them what they prefer. That shows respect for them and their branch and reflects well on you and your branch.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Sep 22 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-09-22T18:52:38-04:00

I would address them by there Rank like SFC Smith or SGT doe and so and so on. SSG MARK A FRANZEN

Response by 1SG Rudolph Watt made Sep 23 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-09-23T11:53:02-04:00

You address them as you address NCO in the army which is by rank

Response by LCpl Paul Messer made Oct 6 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-10-06T13:14:30-04:00

In the Marine corps it's their full rank. sergeant. Staff sergeant. Gunnery sergeantetc.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Oct 15 at 2016 12:27 PM

2016-10-15T12:27:09-04:00

Enlisted personnel, outside of basic training are NEVER referred to as Sir or Ma'am.
You address them by their rank. So an E7 in the corp will be addressed as Gunnery Sergeant, or for short, Gunnery. In the Navy? Chief.

Response by LCpl William Perry made Nov 1 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-11-01T14:47:31-04:00

I have never addressed any NCO as Sir or Ma'am, I would have been handed my heart on a plate. This is reserved for officers only. NCOs by rank and enlisted are by rank unless part of your team and then by name. Depending on Team: last name, or first name, or even nick name. Semper Fi!

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Nov 1 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-11-01T15:05:44-04:00

Gunnery Sergeant

Response by MSgt Frank Martin made Nov 1 at 2016 3:27 PM

2016-11-01T15:27:53-04:00

I was taught to call people Sir and Ma'am to people by my parents who were raised during the depression etc. It helped me call officers Sir or Ma'am very easily in my time in the USAF.

But when it came to enlisted, I tended to call folks "Airman XXXX" or "Sergeant XXXX" or "Chief XXXX" when it came be a Chief Master Sergeant in front of others.

I worked in a career field where I ended up working with other services from time to time.. same thing.. "private, sergeant, mister (in the case of warrant officers)" in the Army. Tried to do my best with the Marines, Navy, Coast Guard etc. Made a mistake once in front of a Gunnery Sergeant in the USMC who corrected me when I called him Sergeant as he preferred to be addressed as "Gunny". But I did not take the incident personally.. I just pressed on and got along just fine.

But there were times when I did not have to use titles in conversation, and I would revert to answering questions as "yes sir" etc.. But I never did it as a form of address and never had someone jump all over me for it.. It was just the way my parents taught me.. and to this day I still find myself doing it at times.

Response by Cpl Tony Vang made Nov 1 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-11-01T16:19:53-04:00

Recruits calls everyone sir/ma'am they haven't earned the title to call them by their ranks...

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-11-01T17:30:28-04:00

With the Air Force E5-E7 can be called Sgt. E8 is always full rank (SMSgt= Senior Master Sergeant) and E9 can be called Chief.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Nov 1 at 2016 6:04 PM

2016-11-01T18:04:38-04:00

I liked to be call by my first name"chief"

Response by MSgt Bill Loveli made Nov 1 at 2016 6:06 PM

2016-11-01T18:06:49-04:00

Horse shit! You do not ever EVER address any enlisted , no matter the rank!
Cpls, Sgts, and staff Sgts are addressed by rank. E-7s (gunnery sergeants) are called "gunny"
Msgts are known as "top" ( as in, top sergeant)
Retired from the Corps I still CRINGE at being "sir"

Response by SFC William McCoy made Nov 1 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-11-01T18:20:34-04:00

Years ago when I was and army E5, I was assigned to the ID card section. A USMC Staff Sergeant came in to get an ID card. I addressed him politely as 'Sergeant' and he proceeded to correct me in a very derogatory tone, "that's Staff Sergeant'. Now I was a good NCO being respectful in my office. Perhaps I should have know how to properly address this NCO, but I made a mistake. I felt his tone was out of line and within moments my system 'crashed' and I could no longer help him. Moral of the story: do your best and be respectful and if you do make a mistake, the other party should have the decency to either let it go or politely correct you.

Response by SSgt Stephen Mills made Nov 1 at 2016 7:35 PM

2016-11-01T19:35:59-04:00

Don't call them Sir. That's only boot camp. The Corps use full rank. Sgt, Staff Sgt, Gunny,1st Sgt/ Master Sgt or Top and Sgt Maj/Master Gunns. When I left the Corps it was hard for me to call a Sgt 1st class just plain Sgt. Then I finally went USAF and it was pretty much what the person wanted to be called.

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made Nov 1 at 2016 7:53 PM

2016-11-01T19:53:46-04:00

E-7 is Gunnery Sergeant, or Gunney if they allow it. Anytime I heard someone refer to any Army Sergeant as Sarge, they would be corrected (tactfully if they out ranked me) Airforce is Airman or Sergeant, bit when in doubt ask.

Response by MSgt Greg Szczepaniak made Nov 1 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-11-01T19:54:55-04:00

If you are not sure how to read their rank but they obviously have more rank than you then you should address them as sir or ma'am. They in turn should be professional enough to introduce themselves as Staff Sergeant Joe or Gunny Joe or Master Sergeant Joe. From that point on you should address them as that rank.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 9:10 PM

2016-11-01T21:10:29-04:00

In the Army, all sergeants are "sergeant" until they become a master sergeant/first sergeant or sergeant major/command sergeant major.
In the Marine Corps, you use the full rank, sergeant, staff sergeant, gunnery sergeant, master sergeant...
In the Navy, it's pretty officer or chief.
In the Air Force, "...hey Bob..." works just fine....

Response by SFC Chris Goodman made Nov 1 at 2016 9:23 PM

2016-11-01T21:23:04-04:00

I am retired E-7 Army my response to and NCO would sergeant form the rank E-5 to E-7 E-8 first sgt E-9 sgt major not Sir.. that title is for commissioned officers..

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Nov 1 at 2016 10:09 PM

2016-11-01T22:09:56-04:00

Marines do NOT address NCOs or Staff NCOs as sir, who told you that nonsense? A Corporal is addressed as Corporal, all other Sgt levels are addressed as Sgt except a First Sgt or a Sgt Maj and they are addressed as just that. An E-7 may be addressed as Gunny by tradition. At least that was the case when I was on active duty pre-Obama, hell, who knows what may be the case now.

Response by LCpl Dan Miller made Nov 1 at 2016 10:35 PM

2016-11-01T22:35:17-04:00

A Marine recruit is not a Marine. In fact, a recruit is nasty, worse than a civilian because they have the audacity to aspire to be a Marine. Therefore they address all as sir or ma'am.
Once a Marine actually becomes a Marine, then enlisted Marines are addressed by rank.

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 2 at 2016 12:30 AM

2016-11-02T00:30:54-04:00

Funny I was at Camp Lejeune for joint task force training GunnySgt was given me the riot act for mud on my boots then another guy says hey that Barret you jump out of planes mate well the gunny didn't like the interruption when he addressed the other guy he was pissed before he could get two words out this guy says hey man bugger off before I put my boot in your arse then his friends showed up and the GunnySgt left I was dumbfounded asked who are you guys they said they were in the French foreign legion nobody outranks us I said OK then we went to the O club I said I can't go in they said you can tonight mate they were right good guy crazy as hell though

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 2 at 2016 1:12 AM

2016-11-02T01:12:36-04:00

SSgt to MSgt in USAF should be addressed as Sergeant, SMSgt (E8) as Senior, CMSgt (E9) as Chief. First names are not proper anytime for addressing anyone that is senior to You. If there is a diamond shown with His or her stripes., You may address them as 1st Sergeant. A star within the Stripes an E9 would be Command Chief I don't find anything wrong with the use of the word Sir or Mam either, there is nothing that is not polite about that.

Its not a bad idea to learn about the rank structure of every service, I have done that a long time ago. That includes , Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard for enlisted, NCO's Petty Officers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Nov 2 at 2016 1:29 AM

2016-11-02T01:29:45-04:00

I seldom had a lot of interaction with female sailors unless I was TAD to a shore facility. Those female Petty Officers I came to know never objected to being called Petty Officer (name) or by a slightly more familiar 'last name' used with discretion. Once you got above E-6 it was Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief regardless of sex. I watched an E-2 call a female E7 "Ms Chief" one time........charity forbids I describe the result. We were trained that the terms 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' were applied to Officers and civilians. I'm pretty sure you can never go wrong by addressing them by their rank/name. That may have changed since the days of sails and oars when I served.......*grin*

Response by MAJ Jeffrey Frankart made Nov 2 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-11-02T08:56:16-04:00

I didn't realize Gunney was a "only when you know each other" kind of term. Thanks for the lesson on that.
I remember working in an office setting with two Army E7s (SFCs) when I was a 1LT. They always referred to each other as Sergeant Jones and Sergeant Smith. I finally asked them..."If I wasn't here, would it be Jill and Melissa" (I used their actual first names when I asked the question, but I don't remember them now). They told me yes. I thought that was interesting.
I worked very closely with a CW3. He was adament about being called Chief. We'd occasionally get soldiers from other units in our area who were not sure what to call him and they'd start with Sir. He always told them (in a fatherly way, not a butt-chewing way) that the LT (me) was Sir, but he was Chief. His other peeve was when he'd hear of a WO1 being called Chief instead of Mr.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Nov 2 at 2016 9:49 AM

2016-11-02T09:49:17-04:00

Until notified otherwise, address them by their rank. BTW, Marines call E-7 Gunnery Sgt or Gunny, not Sir.

Response by Mark Dellacamera made Nov 2 at 2016 10:10 AM

2016-11-02T10:10:43-04:00

Army
E1- knucklehead
E2- private
E3- private
E4 - specialist or corporal
E5- Sargent
E6-- Sargent
E7 -Sargent
E8- Sargent or if first Sargent you better call him first Sargent "top" is only if you haven't pissed him off recently
E9-- Sargent major or command Sargent major , and you better get it right

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 10:41 AM

2016-11-02T10:41:44-04:00

For Marines:

E7: Gunny or Gunnery Sergeant
E8: Master Sergeant or First Sergeant (has a diamond in their chevron)
E9: Sergeant Major (always), Master Gunnery Sergeant or Master Guns if you know them.

For ranks above E6, never call them Sarge or Sergeant. Just sayin.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-11-02T12:40:27-04:00

Recruits, they address any marines, enlisted or otherwise as sir or ma'am. Once one becomes a marine they address by rank as any other branch. I guess recruits don't rate to even say ranks.

Response by PO1 Mike Doll made Nov 2 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-11-02T12:50:53-04:00

"Gunny" is appropriate.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Nov 2 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-11-02T13:14:48-04:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member A Marine Recruit calls everyone "Sir"--Proper way after basic is by their rank if enlisted(E-7=Gunnery Sergeant) etc.

Response by PO3 David Pederson made Nov 2 at 2016 2:55 PM

2016-11-02T14:55:50-04:00

We had a master Chief (E-9) who once said, "Don't call me sir, my parents were married"

Response by Cpl Jose Rodriguez made Nov 2 at 2016 3:56 PM

2016-11-02T15:56:18-04:00

Well hey are sing the sir or madam bacause they are recruits in boot camp. LOWEST of he low until you earn he title. once you get to fleet then per rank. SGt. SSgt. GUnny. TOp. Depends on the nco

Response by Cpl Michael Burns made Nov 2 at 2016 3:58 PM

2016-11-02T15:58:18-04:00

Marine recruits use sir to address an any Marine only in recruit status. Once Marines earn their E.G.A s they are taught to address Marines by their rank or rank and last name. In the Marines we usually just learn the ranks of other branches to make fewer headaches in the future. At first it can be some rough seas not knowing the ranks but after a while you have issue addressing any service member by their correct title. Even foreign troops.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-11-02T16:14:25-04:00

Recruits in Marine Corps boot camp call everyone Sir. If they didn't, they would be destroyed by their Drill Instructors. Once tte Recruit earns his Eagle, Globe and Anchor, they call eeveryone who is a higher rank than them by there respective rank. As a soldier addressing a Marine who is higher rank than them is the same way. It's all about respect. Marines do the same thing.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-11-02T16:24:46-04:00

Some interesting and funny stories on here....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 5:31 PM

2016-11-02T17:31:59-04:00

Army= Sar'nt
USMC= full rank
Navy= chief
Air Force= hey dude.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 2 at 2016 5:47 PM

2016-11-02T17:47:13-04:00

Some people take it wrong if you call someone sir. I made a MISTAKE BY CALLING A NAVY CHIEF SIR AND BOY DID I GET IT WITH BOTH BARRELLS

Response by PO2 Scott Giles made Nov 2 at 2016 7:09 PM

2016-11-02T19:09:45-04:00

big difference in boot vs in "the fleet" NCO's sort of act as surrogate Officers to help get recruits get used to recognizing rank and saluting.

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-11-02T19:58:32-04:00

Recruits address every Marine enlisted or Officer as sir or ma'am until they have earned the title of Marine. After they have become Marines they address fellow Marines by their rank and last name.

Response by SGT Linda Moss made Nov 2 at 2016 10:20 PM

2016-11-02T22:20:13-04:00

I had a terrible time in basic calling my drill sgt Sir.. Two reason .. One I am from the South and you call just about every one sir of ma.'am. 2 my dad was a WWII Marine .. I fumbled a lot but got it right.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-11-02T22:30:36-04:00

What most of you fail to realize, is that this only happens in recruit training for Marines. Once that Marine graduates from recruit training, he/ she will call higher ranking Marines by their specific rank. PFC, Lance Corporal, Gunnery Sergeant... so on and so forth.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-11-02T22:40:04-04:00

A quote from Lt. Col. "Bull" Meechum (The Great Santini): I want you to think of mm like... God.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 11:41 PM

2016-11-02T23:41:55-04:00

I started out as an enlisted soldier in the Army. We only addressed officers as sir or ma'am. The NCOs, we called them Sargent from E-5 through E-8, unless you were a First Sargent. E-9s were addressed as Sargent Major. We didn't dare call any enlisted sir or ma'am. When switched to Air Force, I was shocked to hear the enlisted being called sir or ma'am. Being that I am a soldier airman, I call the NCOs Sargent, E-5 through E-8. The E-9s I address as Chief. I never address any enlisted person sir or ma'am, only by their rank.

Response by Cpl Steven Scogging made Nov 2 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-11-02T23:43:56-04:00

Only in boot camp is it sir or ma'am. Also in the corps an NCO is e4 and e5 while e6-e9 are staff NCO or Snco

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2016 6:33 AM

2016-11-03T06:33:44-04:00

Personal experience: As a Marine, I was trained to use full rank. I was on an Air Force base for tech school and even though I didn't have to, I used full rank. The AF NCO's seemed to really like that.

Response by LCpl Arrick Moore made Nov 3 at 2016 6:58 AM

2016-11-03T06:58:06-04:00

You call them by their rank unless they are warrant officer or above... Recruits are taught to say sir and ma'am only to pound it into their heads... You would be surprised at how many kids were never taught those words. Once they become Marines, that all changes, even in the last week of recruit training.

Response by LCpl Henry Morgan made Nov 3 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-11-03T08:56:12-04:00

Recruits are required to call their Drill Instructors "Sir". But after boot camp all enlisted marines are addressed by their rank

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 3 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-11-03T09:31:43-04:00

This should be required learning for every recruit while still in boot camp, maybe handed out on a small wallet card, etc. Knowing these simple protocols will go a long way in showing respect and knowledge to members of other branches and will be greatly appreciated by someone when their rank and position is correctly referred to rather than unknowingly butchered by someone of another branch.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-11-03T11:38:48-04:00

The correct answer, use their rank. However, some may disagree but if you dont know their rank (because we all have different titles) you could Sir it out and let them correct you or just ask how can I address you. Easy day.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Nov 3 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-11-03T13:23:08-04:00

First of all, "E-4" is a pay grade; you are either a Corporal or (most likely) a Specialist.

I was a Marine Lance Corporal, got out and joined the Army National Guard. I always heard guys talking about "Getting my 5", which always pissed me off. You don't "Get" your 5, you 'Earn" sergeant stripes. Every boot Private, Airmen, Seamen, whatever the fuck, no rank numb nuts troop has done what 95 % of their graduating classes will never do, WORN THE UNIFORM of his or her nation. If you're a private in the Army, be fucking proud of that, your dipshit classmates aren't. And, if you start climbing the rank structures, be damned proud to "Earn" private first class, Lance Corporal, Petty Officer 3, Senior Airman, whatever and however you rise.

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Nov 3 at 2016 3:14 PM

2016-11-03T15:14:42-04:00

Well, let me tell ya, in the Air Force, being of superior class, dignity and BS, we referred to Officers in the AF by rank. Enlisted by Sarge, or airman. Other branches were referred to as minions unless they were brass and they were afforded the complimentary "sir". LOL. Brothers and Sisters. We actually referred to any officer by their rank, and enlisted by either Sargeant or Airman. When it came to other branches Officers by rank except sometimes a young airman may not have been aware of the difference between Ensign and 2nd LT. Enlisted were referred to as Seargent, Corporal, Private. I did find out that the senior NCO's in the Army were much happier if you referred to them as Sgt Major or First Sgt. I had little interaction with Marines and Navy

Response by SN Peter Stella made Nov 3 at 2016 3:16 PM

2016-11-03T15:16:44-04:00

"Don't call me Sir I work for a Living." We all know that applies to everybody accept Chiefs and Master Sargents they just drink coffee for a living.

First off, Marines nor Navy personnel call NCO's Sir. In boot camp they have you call your NCO's Sir because unless you grew up in the south way back you need practice calling someone Sir. The day you wake up in bootcamp for graduation your respective Drill Instructor or Company Commander tells you that you no longer call them Sir.
In the Navy Generally any E-4 to E-6 would be called Mr literally when I was in A school the Petty Officer in charge of my barracks was named Mister- and so it was literally Mr Mister (like the band of the same time) Usually all E-7,8 and 9's are referred to as Chiefs.

I had a weird tour in the Navy, shore duty in a training squadron, - we were not required to do officer on deck when an office enter our space unless they were LT Commander/Major and above.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Nov 3 at 2016 3:57 PM

2016-11-03T15:57:41-04:00

Boot camp is different then the fleet. In marine boot camp its " it all depends but either sir or drill instructor.

In the fleet any good staff or nco worth their salt will correct you for calling them sir by pointing out they work for a living

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Nov 3 at 2016 5:04 PM

2016-11-03T17:04:43-04:00

I'm a retired Marine who retired at the grade of MSGT. In the Corps, recruits have customarily addressed anything above whaleshit at the bottom of the sea as "Sir" or "Ma'am." After they put on the EGA, they address all officers as "Sir/Ma'am" and other enlisted Marines (especially NCO's/SNCO's) by their correct rank title. As mentioned elsewhere, Gunnery Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants can be addressed by less formal titles (Gunny/Master Gunny) if they allow it. Staff Sergeants are always addressed as "Staff Sergeant" and never as "Staff" or "Sergeant." Master Sergeants can be addressed as "Top" when they allow it. NEVER address a First Sergeant or Sergeant Major by anything but their full title. We used to address our Sergeant Major as "Sir" out of respect. Sometimes it was appropriate to address an NCO/SNCO in formal settings as "Sir/Ma'am," such as when they were acting as Officer of the Day while on guard duty, or in a parade setting ("Take your post, Sir.") . When I was Sergeant of the Guard at Marine Barracks, my sentries would address me as "Sir," which was acceptable as a formal way of showing respect. It used to be customary to address junior company officers and warrant officers as "Mister" (if working in frequent/close proximity). That seems to have passed away, however. It used to be that Marine warrant officers/chief warrant officers would be addressed as "Gunner," despite not being Marine Gunners. Now that the rank of Marine Gunner has been revived, that seems to be going away. We customarily referred to USMC captains in command as "Skipper" (although not generally to his/her face, or in formal settings). Lieutenant Colonels can informally be addressed as "Colonel," and general officers as "General" (no matter how many stars). As to the other branches, I'm most familiar with the Navy, so I generally call non-rates by their last name, petty officers as "Petty Officer" and chiefs by their proper full title. Lieutenant Commanders can be called "Commander" and LTJG's are "Lieutenants."

Response by SSG G Smith made Nov 3 at 2016 6:33 PM

2016-11-03T18:33:31-04:00

With respect even the wrong term won't cause an issue. Every branch is used to it. Just be respectful.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2016 8:19 PM

2016-11-03T20:19:34-04:00

There are plenty of charts on the inter webs about rank structure. As a Marine I know all Army and Navy ranks as well as ours. I don't know the Air Force ranks very well but I don't not interact with them. If you plan on being a career Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airmen it is not a terrible idea to learn them all. DoD is a joint venture and as such you will be working with all shapes and sizes.

Response by AN William Nicholson made Nov 3 at 2016 8:22 PM

2016-11-03T20:22:08-04:00

NAVY only calls NCOs sir or mamme in boot camp.

Response by PO3 Gregg Kemp made Nov 3 at 2016 10:31 PM

2016-11-03T22:31:58-04:00

We only called NCO's, sir in bootcamp. After that, we called all NCO's either Petty Officer or Chief.

Response by PFC Timothy Clements made Nov 4 at 2016 2:33 AM

2016-11-04T02:33:20-04:00

Marine is different from army, e7 noncomm is sir or ma'am, in army it is all about their rank, no matter what.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 3:45 AM

2016-11-04T03:45:57-04:00

By their rank and not their rate, but their last name if you can pronounced it.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 4:04 AM

2016-11-04T04:04:56-04:00

Marine Corps Boot Camp, they are called recruits. As for our Drill Instructors, the recruits are taught to address their D.I.'s. as Sirs or Ma'am. Once the recruit passes all three phases of their training, then they are given the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor because of the rites of passage. You who once was a Marine or currently serving as a Marine would understand what I just said.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Nov 4 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-11-04T09:17:00-04:00

With respect like you would want anyone to give to you. If, respectful I can only assume he or she can explain respectfully address them.

Response by Cpl Caleb Johnson made Nov 4 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-11-04T10:17:23-04:00

I can't believe they let you be an E-4 .....seriously.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-11-04T10:26:32-04:00

Officers are Sir or Mam . NC0s by their rank. Chief Warrant Officers are Sir or chief or chief warrant officer

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-11-04T11:52:35-04:00

look at all these sirs and ma'ams!! lol

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Nov 4 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-11-04T12:31:14-04:00

called my DS "Sir' first time I met him, or should I say encountered him. anyone under the rank of E5 in my unit was either by their name or some nice derogatory remark. 1st Sgt was TOP (unless you were visiting his office) all E5 and above were Sarge. most E6 were Staff, and again E7 and above were Sarge. But it really changed dramatically when your in the field.

Response by CW5 Randall Hirsch made Nov 4 at 2016 1:13 PM

2016-11-04T13:13:21-04:00

Marines call their Drill Instructors sir or ma'am. But out in the fleet we call them corporal, sergeant, gunny, top/Master sergeant and Master guns or Master gunny.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-11-04T15:17:12-04:00

Recruits don't rate to call anyone anything other than Sir or Ma'am. Once you graduate boot camp and earn the title of US Marine, you call enlisted by their rank. If you can't distinguish their rank due to uniform, eyesight, etc, err on the side of caution and call them sir. Especially in woodlands, it's pretty hard to tell the difference between a SSgt (E-6) and a GySgt (E-7)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 4:15 PM

2016-11-04T16:15:47-04:00

If the rrecruit is taking to anyone while in boot camp, I can understand it. But with that being said, rank should also be expected to be addressed appropriately. But just don't confuse recruits with those that have already graduated.

Response by CMSgt Tim Garland made Nov 4 at 2016 4:45 PM

2016-11-04T16:45:58-04:00

Here's what I found from my research and experience working in the joint world:
US Army
E-1 Address as “Private (last name)."
E-2 Address as “Private First Class (last name)."
E-3 Address as "Private (last name)."
E-4 Address as "Specialist (last name)."
E-5 thru E8 (non-First Sergeant) sergeants, staff sergeants, sergeants first class, and master sergeants: Address as "Sergeant (last name)."
E-8 First Sergeant (has diamond between upper and lower chevrons) Address first sergeants as "First Sergeant (last name)."
E-9 Address sergeants major as "Sergeant Major (last name)."

USMC
IAW GMK 1010…Speaking to enlisted Marines. Address them by rank and last name; avoid casual use of first name or nicknames. Senior enlisted Marines should also be addressed by their full rank and last name. Always refer to a Marine by rank, not pay grade.
E-1 Address as Private
E-2 Address as Private First Class
E-3 Address as Lance Corporal
E-4 Address as Corporal
E-5 Address as Sergeant
E-6 Address as Staff Sergeant
E-7 Address as Gunnery Sergeant
E-8 Address as Master Sergeant
E-8 Address as First Sergeant (has diamond between upper and lower chevrons)
E-9 Address as Master Gunnery Sergeant
E-9 Address as Sergeant Major (has star between upper and lower chevrons)

Navy
E-1 – E-3 Address as Seaman
E-4 Address as Petty Officer Third Class
E-5 Address as Petty Officer Second Class
E-6 Address as Petty Officer First Class
E-7 Address as Chief
E-8 Address as Senior Chief
E-9 Address as Master Chief

Air Force
E-1 – E-4 Address as Airman
E-5 thru E-8 Address as Sergeant
E-9 Address as “Chief”

Coast Guard
E-1 to E-3 Address as Seaman/Fireman/Airman and last name
E-4 to E-6 Address as Petty Officer and last name
E-7 Address as Chief
E-8 Address as Senior Chief
E-9 Address as Master Chief

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 4:49 PM

2016-11-04T16:49:18-04:00

In your scenario Gunny works or Gunnery Sergeant. I never met a Gunny that got uptight about being referred to as one. Enlisted are referred to as last name, rank, or Marine. Corporal, Sergeant and Staff Sergeant as rank and last name or just rank but never "Staff" for a SSgt unless you enjoy filling sand bags or burning shitters. Unlike the Army it's not wise to refer to any enlisted above Gunny as Top. I think that's how 1st Sgts are often referred to in Army and it is a term of respect as they are the Top Sergeant, or at least used to be when there were only 7 enlisted paygrades. I heard my oldest brother in Hawk Missiles in 70's at Key West use the term First Shirt a few times also. Try Top with a Master Sergeant USMC and stand by for heavy rolls. Some don't sweat it and it depends on the unit and individuals concerned. If it is the wrong guy it will likely be met with a comment like "do I look like a top, why don't you try to spin me a few times?". First Sergeants are referred to as one. Sgts Maj and MGySgts are referred to as just that except MGySgts are often called Master Guns or Master Gunny. You may have witnessed some "boots" fresh out of boot camp. Recruits first and last word out of their mouth are Sir or Ma'am and it takes awhile to get out of that habit. Folks checking into their school or first duty station are often locked up at attention and might address the Asst Duty NCO in boot camp fashion. In boot camp they might say "Sir, this recruit requests permission to speak with the Drill Instructor, Sir". Likewise a boot might report in to school or duty station at attention and address a LCpl as "Sir, Private Smuckatelli is reporting as ordered, Sir" - while at attention, staring at the bulkhead and extending his/her orders in hand. It's comical to watch but they quickly figure it out.

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Nov 4 at 2016 4:52 PM

2016-11-04T16:52:31-04:00

When I was in the AF I only ever referred to someone of equal or lower rank by their first name if I knew them well and worked with them regularly. E-1 to E-4 were Airman. E-5 to E-8 Sergeant unless a First Sergeant E-7 to E-8. Then it was was First Sergeant, Top, or Shirt. E-9 was always Chief. Never referred to an officer by first name on or off-duty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-11-04T17:17:40-04:00

Call him or her Gunny. Short for Gunnery Sergeant. They would appreciate that.

Response by PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson made Nov 4 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-11-04T17:39:12-04:00

An E7 or any NCO?

As an E7 if they were in the Navy, you'd call them Chief, and at least between Navy and Marine Corps, we would call them Gunny. We never really dealt with senior NCOs from the Army or Air Force, though.

For the junior NCOs, we usually just called them Sargent or Petty Officer. Not the full rank, but the shortened version.

Response by SGT James Ray made Nov 4 at 2016 5:51 PM

2016-11-04T17:51:07-04:00

In Marine boot camp we use the term Sir & Ma'ma we don't call NCOs by rank until we get done with boot camp

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 4 at 2016 5:57 PM

2016-11-04T17:57:26-04:00

You Have Address people to what they are And Sarge is not a Rank it is Fish it's in the dictionary. I was brought up that I called everyone sir Or by their names not in military before
that. But today Being around for almost 61 years Kid have No respect for there elders.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
VET

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 4 at 2016 6:13 PM

2016-11-04T18:13:54-04:00

I think your first mistake was using Marine Corps Boot camp as your base of knowledge. Recruits refer to everyone as Sir/Ma'am because they are not yet Marines and have yet to earn the right to address them as a fellow Marine.

Here is the run down for actual Marines.
Basically Officers are Sir/Ma'am.

Enlisted call them directly by their Rank. A staff Sergeant is a Staff Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant is a Gunnery Sergeant. No sarge, nothing like that. As a non Marine that is your left and right lateral limits.

Response by SCPO Rick Hunter made Nov 5 at 2016 1:13 AM

2016-11-05T01:13:40-04:00

The proper form of address for a Marine E-7 is Gunnery Sergeant. For a Navy E-7 it's Chief; Army and USAF both apparently address their E-7s as just Sergeant. Call a Gunnery Sergeant, "Sergeant" and he or she will probably inform you in no uncertain terms they were a Sergeant 6 years ago and have been promoted twice since then. Formally, Marines do not shorten Enlisted Grades, e.g. an E-5 is addressed as Sergeant, NEVER "Sarge"; E-6 is addressed as Staff Sergeant; E-8 and E-9 are tricky for the non-initiated. E-8 can be either First Sergeant (diamond and three rockers) or Master Sergeant (crossed rifles and 3 rockers). E-9s are either Sergeant Major (star and four rockers) or Master Gunnery Sergeant (bursting bomb and 4 rockers).

You know how you NEVER call an Army Command Sergeant Major just Sergeant Major? Well that goes about ten times for never calling a Master Gunnery Sergeant "Gunny" or worse yet, Sergeant. I don't even want to be around to see the bloodshed if that happens.

Navy is pretty simple. E-4 to E-6 are addressed as Petty Officer; E-7s as Chief; E-8s as Senior Chief and E-9s as Master Chief.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 6:44 AM

2016-11-05T06:44:15-04:00

Response by Sgt James Cassidy made Nov 5 at 2016 7:11 AM

2016-11-05T07:11:52-04:00

The reason you hear Recruits in USMC Boot camp address EVERYONE as sir and ma'am is, they haven't graduated Boot Camp yet and they are instructed to address everyone as Sir or Ma'am.
Once they earn the Eagle Globe and Anchor , only Officers, Warrant Officers and the general public are addressed in this fashion .
It is part of the Marine Corps. Customs and courtesies.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-11-05T13:20:32-04:00

So I've had this issue before and my go to move is to just call them by their rank. It's quick and you'll never be wrong.

Response by Cpl Josh Earnest made Nov 5 at 2016 6:00 PM

2016-11-05T18:00:47-04:00

Recruits in boot camp aren't Marines yet, so it's outta respect they call Marines sir and ma'am. Once they earn the title then you address them by their rank.

Response by Cpl Kent Mitchell made Nov 5 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-11-05T18:28:23-04:00

Marine boots call everyone "sir/ma'am.
Do army guys actually call each other by their pay grades? "Good morning E-7," "Good morning, E-3." Don't they have ranks anymore?

Response by MSG Clark Shumway made Nov 5 at 2016 7:13 PM

2016-11-05T19:13:51-04:00

In the Old Corps you can call an E-7 and above, Sir in the USMC. The rank below that is you call them by their rank.

Response by MSgt Joseph Haynes made Nov 5 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-11-05T21:04:53-04:00

In the Air Force it's Sgt until you see a Chief Master Sgt. You better address them as Chief. We only use full rank for formal occasions.

Response by Sgt David Mueller made Nov 5 at 2016 10:53 PM

2016-11-05T22:53:41-04:00

Marine recruits call all Marines (who have earned their Eagle, Globe, & Anchor) sir or ma'am until boot camp graduation, then they address them by rank. During my enlisted time if I saw someone from another branch and recognized their insignia I would address them by rank, if not I would call them sir (or ma'am).

Response by SGT John Kerins made Nov 5 at 2016 11:47 PM

2016-11-05T23:47:39-04:00

All I know for sure is the CSM is addressed as GOD!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2016 1:04 AM

2016-11-06T01:04:56-05:00

I find the more stars,stripes,bars,eagles, or anchors they're wearing, the more they like being called "bro" or "dude"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2016 8:41 AM

2016-11-06T08:41:44-05:00

The Marines rank is damn near identical to the army.
E5 SGT
E6 STAFF SGT
E7 GUNNY SGT OR GUNNY

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2016 10:43 AM

2016-11-06T10:43:51-05:00

You are talking about recruits. Recruits are not yet Marines, so they address the drill instructors as Sir.

Response by MSgt Bill Loveli made Nov 6 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-11-06T11:43:08-05:00

During boot camp marine recuits call anything that moves "sir"

Response by Cpl Scott Webb made Nov 6 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-11-06T11:52:26-05:00

In boot camp, Marine recruits are taught to call everyone sir/ ma'am. (Except other recruits obviously) Once they earn the title Marine and are no longer recruits, they call NCO's by their respective ranks.

Response by PO1 Barry Basselgia made Nov 6 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-11-06T13:02:16-05:00

When I went to boot camp back in the early 80's. We called our company commanders and other staff at recruit training Sir or Ma'am. It was because of their position not their rank. And we learned pretty quick afternoon boot camp we didn't have to call other enlisted sir or ma'am. So if these are recruits, that could be what's happening.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-11-06T23:45:46-05:00

You're referencing Marine Recruits. Recruits are not yet Marines and Sir/Ma'am is used by recruits intentionally until they graduate. Fleet Marines identify NCOs and SNCOs by their full rank, not the Army ridiculousness of Sergeant for every SNCO or "Command" Sergeant Major. Marines only differentiate the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps...all others are simply Sergeant Major, no add Ins necessary.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2016 12:03 AM

2016-11-07T00:03:20-05:00

Officers: sir / ma'am
CWO: Mr/Mz ; Chief
Enlisted: E9 Sgt Major; E8 Top Shirt 1st Shirt Master Sgt.

Everyone else is "bub"

Response by TSgt Desmond Gusimat made Nov 7 at 2016 2:50 PM

2016-11-07T14:50:18-05:00

How about "understood" responses for each branch?
Marine = Hoo-rah!
Army = Roger that!
Navy = Aye-aye!
Air Force = Cool!

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2016 8:01 PM

2016-11-07T20:01:10-05:00

Saying "Hey fucker!" while using a knife hand usually works... but I only recommend this to Veterans. Anyone in active duty is sure to get them ass reamed.

Response by Cpl Renee McPherson made Nov 7 at 2016 8:03 PM

2016-11-07T20:03:48-05:00

In the Marines if your still in boot camp everyone is sir or ma'am but after that it's by rank.

Response by SGT Anthony Shore made Nov 8 at 2016 3:06 PM

2016-11-08T15:06:25-05:00

In the Army, E5 SGT through E7 SFC, you address as Sergeant. E8 Master SGT is addressed as MSG (Master SGT), E9 1SG is First SGT, E9 Sergeant Major is Sergeant Major (SMG) and E9 Command Sergeant Major is Command Sergeant Major (CSM). As for the Marine Corps, unless you're in Recruit Training and are instructed to address your Drill Instructors as Sir or Ma'am, in the fleet you will address them by their Title/Rank and Name "Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Ledyard, Drill Instructor Sergeant Shelton. Gunnery Sergeant (insert name here), Master Gunnery Sergeant (insert name here). Navy and USAF? no clue.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Dec 30 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-12-30T16:26:09-05:00

When I first showed up to my unit, I thought I knew rank structure, but then I was introduced to all new titles. At least in a Field Artillery Battery.
You have Gunner, Chief, Gunnery Sgt and Smoke. Those were the ones just in the firing battery.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Jan 5 at 2017 12:54 PM

2017-01-05T12:54:22-05:00

First of all learn the different grades and insignia of all the services, this should be taught in basic training.
When assigned to a Joint Command I was appalled at the number of long time service members, both Officers and NCO's who didn't know the grade systems.

Response by PO2 Robert Moore made Jan 5 at 2017 3:27 PM

2017-01-05T15:27:59-05:00

well....if one is brave (or stupid...we all know that fine line), just address them like this-
"Yo Dude.....wut up"
LOL

Response by CPT Wallace Ward made Jan 10 at 2017 7:07 AM

2017-01-10T07:07:01-05:00

Stop calling yourself an E-4. THAT is a pay grade and not a title or a rank. You are either a CPL or SPC in the Army. Call people by their proper rank in other services until they correct you.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jan 10 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-01-10T18:32:38-05:00

Calling a Marine SGT., Gunny, SGM ect Sir will get the same response I gave when I have been called Sir " Don't call me Sir I work for a living" LOL

Response by SMSgt Patrick Sampson made Jan 24 at 2017 2:14 PM

2017-01-24T14:14:31-05:00

If they are the same rank or below i call them by their last name. If they are enlisted above me I address them by their rank. If they are officers i call them sir or ma'am unless she is a WO then I call her sir. I still hold to the ranks even if they are retired and I know them. That's my spin up.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 4:09 PM

2017-01-24T16:09:36-05:00

Being a 1st class in the navy with 17+ years in an NCO hates being called sir or ma'am. You should study the NCO rankings for all militaries. An E-7 in the navy is a Chief, an E-7 in the army is a sergent first class, an E-7 in the Air Force is a master sergent, and a marine E-7 is a gunnery sergent. I hope this helps.

Response by SSgt Timothy Smith made Feb 16 at 2017 10:24 PM

2017-02-16T22:24:54-05:00

Once out of Boot Camp, NCO's and SNCO's were referred by there rank. SSGT Smith or 1stSgt.

Response by SSgt John Carter made May 18 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-05-18T13:13:12-04:00

By their rank. That is always the proper way. Sergeant, Master Sergeant, Corporal, Petty Officer, Chief.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Jun 8 at 2017 2:02 PM

2017-06-08T14:02:52-04:00

In the Navy it is Chief, Sr. Chief, or Master Chief!! Been Chief for over 100 years!! We are a proud group of men and women!! Our E4 to E-6's are addressed as Petty Officer!!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2017 12:37 PM

2017-06-15T12:37:10-04:00

In the Marine Corps we have a rank structure that we all adhere to. E-1 to E-3, are referred to as Privates, PFC's and Lance Corporals with their last names. E-4 & E-5 are called Non-Commissioned Officers and are referred to as Corporals and Sergeants. The E-6 through E-9's are referred to as Staff Non-Commissioned Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers. Our E-6's are called Staff Sergeant, E-7's are Gunnery Sregeants, hence the name Gunny, the E-8's are either First Sergeants or Master Sergeants, depending upon what the individual chooses when eligible to be selected for the next rank. E-9's is our Senior rank, which they can either be a Sergeant Major or a Masrter Gunnery Sergeant. Both the First Sergeant and Sergeant Major are the Senior rank and they are administrative in general. The Master Sergeant and the Master Gunnery Sergeant are Technical MOS's in their field of expertise. Both th E-8's and E-9's are considered to be our Senior Staff NCO's. But the most senior rank is our Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. He is the Senior enlisted Marine who advises our Marine Corps Commandant General Robert Nellore. He out ranks all Enlisted personnel in the Marine Corps. I should know because I came up through the ranks from Private to Gunnery Sergeant before being selected as Warrant Officer 1, I retired as Chief Warrant Officer 3 after serving 21 plus years in the Marine Corps in 1994 and still serving our Country. Hopefully this would give you and insight of what we Marines, Past, Present and Future understand how important our rank structure is to us all.

Semper Fidelis,

Gunner K.

Response by SPC Roger Giffen made Sep 5 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-09-05T18:06:52-04:00

I think I would stick with Sergeant for Marines and Air Force. Navy always confused me.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Sep 5 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-09-05T18:19:42-04:00

To me? No matter what branch, I would address a senior NCO of any branch by full rank. If corrected, I would apologize and refer to them by the correction.

Lower pay grade would be soldier(Army), sailor(Navy), marine(Marines), airman(Air Force)

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Sep 5 at 2017 6:57 PM

2017-09-05T18:57:27-04:00

Gunnery Sergeant is proper. Gunny if you know him/her. Guns if you truly know him/her. Sergeant if you don't know better.

Response by SMSgt Jeremy George made Sep 5 at 2017 6:59 PM

2017-09-05T18:59:58-04:00

The Air Force is notorious for overusing "Sir" and "Ma'am" for just about any rank and it's extremely annoying to say the least. I never considered myself a hardcore airmen who bleeds blue by any means, but I do think the Air Force should be more formalized in addressing each other by proper ranks and the enlisted corps should not be addressed using titles typically used for officers (e.g., Sir and Ma'am). Having gone through a joint environment tech school in the late 90s, it was obvious the Marines and Army took a lot of pride in being called their specific enlisted rank, whereas, in the Air Force, you are a "sergeant" whether you are E-5 (Staff Sergeant), E-6 (Technical Sergeant), or E-7 (Master Sergeant). It was only at E-8 and E-9 when the titles seem to change to "Senior" or "Chief". I personally took a lot of pride in being enlisted and always preferred being called "Senior" over anything else.

Response by SPC Todd Rhoades made Sep 5 at 2017 9:46 PM

2017-09-05T21:46:00-04:00

The proper etiquette, in my opinion, which several tell me is only worth 1 cent, lol, is to approach the individual and immediately apologize for your ignorance. "Excuse me, but I am unfamiliar with the rank insignia of your branch". "What is the proper way to address you"
In this manner you have automatically shown respect, and earned it at the same time.
You have shown it by not addressing them incorrectly. You have earned it by presenting a willingness to learn. I never met a superior that felt disrespected from asking for the benefit of their knowledge.

Response by Sgt Larry Gibson made Sep 6 at 2017 2:52 AM

2017-09-06T02:52:02-04:00

When I got out, in '82, I had nine days to go before I went from E-4 Sr Airman to E-4 Sergeant. From Airman to NCO; same pay grade. My promotion certificate came in the mail to me at home after ETS. Today, my 3 stripes and a silver star is a Sr. Airman. Anyway, back then, I'd have been Airman and then Sergeant. I was in Law Enforcement and while we were on duty, doing the same jobs and backing each other on the same incidents, we would often just call each other by last names. But, in the office and around others, I wouldn't have even considered calling NCOs senior to me by their first OR last name. They were all named "Sergeant". Even the Senior NCOs, Master Sgt and above, were "Sergeant" unless they were E-9 Chief MSgt and then they were Chief or Sergeant. Officers were always called by their rank. When I was in Izmir, Turkey, the Chief of Security Police was a Sr. MSgt but, since he was "the Chief", we called him "Chief".

Response by PFC Cedric Powell made Sep 6 at 2017 3:35 AM

2017-09-06T03:35:24-04:00

Knowing a veteran of the Marines and the Army, you bet your ass, it is Sergeant, Staff Sgt., Gunny or Gunnery Sergeant, on up. I have seen a gunnery address a SFC in the Army just as that, SFC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 3:45 AM

2017-09-06T03:45:51-04:00

A Senior Chief Petty Officer threw a fit over the phone when I called him chief in Iraq. The fact that he was coming to me for help did not matter. The Navy takes their rank way too seriously. When I am now I get called by my first name everyday. Took me a while to get used to it.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Sep 6 at 2017 3:49 AM

2017-09-06T03:49:25-04:00

These days, I stick with Soldier, Marine, Sailor, (ch)Airman (the ch only if I know they have a sense of humor), or Coastie. Occasionally, I'll revert back to preDD214 habits but that doesn't happen often.

On a serious note, when unsure, it's always best to ask what the respectful manner is to address the person in which you are addressing. Something along the lines of "My apologies. I'm unfamiliar with (insert branch)'s regulations. What is the proper way to address you as." From my experiences while in, most will generally take such an action as an attempt to respect their rank (as it is) and will be courteous about the situation.

Response by CPT Doug Waterfield made Sep 6 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-09-06T09:44:48-04:00

Just don't call a Sergeant Major "Sergeant". I made that mistake at boot camp once....

Once.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Sep 6 at 2017 12:05 PM

2017-09-06T12:05:30-04:00

"Gunnery Sergeant" is the proper formal address. If you work directly with the individual, or have established a collegial relationship, or if you are senior in grade, "Gunny" is appropriate.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2017 4:06 PM

2017-09-09T16:06:40-04:00

Just to be safe I would address them as Sirs and Mams if you are not sure.

Response by TSgt Michael Blaylock made Sep 30 at 2017 8:03 PM

2017-09-30T20:03:20-04:00

Duh??? With respect!

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Dec 24 at 2017 4:06 PM

2017-12-24T16:06:00-05:00

In my day (1956-1980), all noncoms were addressed as "Sergeant" except for the First Sergeants and Sergeants Major. "Top" was the informal address for a First Sergeant and "Sergeant Major" for the Sergeants Major. Command Sergeants Major came later in my career and I believe they, also, were addressed as "Sergeant Major."

Response by CW3 Kim B. made Dec 31 at 2017 9:29 PM

2017-12-31T21:29:10-05:00

Sarge and big sarge are referencing bottom eating fish......more appropriate is Sergeant, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant , etc .

Response by SSgt Don Ferrell made Jan 1 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-01-01T09:15:45-05:00

I have been told by DOD folks to not address military officers and NCO's by rank in public because of possibly exposing them to lone wolf type terrorist.

Response by PO3 John Keas made Jan 1 at 2018 1:45 PM

2018-01-01T13:45:24-05:00

I was always told to be safe...call them by their devices. Whatever they were. From Private, Airman, Sergeant, Petty Officer/Chief, Senior Chief/Master Chief. If they prefer another title, they will tell you.

As for calling MGST or other senior enlisted Sir/Ma'am...that depends on the position they are in. Most of the time it is still safe to just go by the collar devices etc.

Response by PO3 Chris Wright, MBA made Jan 1 at 2018 3:32 PM

2018-01-01T15:32:19-05:00

The beat thing to do would be learn the rank structure for that branch. E-7 can be addressed by the following in each branch.
Navy - Chief
Army - Sergeant
USMC - Gunnery Sergeant
USAF - Bob

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 6 at 2018 11:53 AM

2018-03-06T11:53:52-05:00

Boots are Boots- Call them Sergeant, or gunny, depending on the rank/position.

Response by Sgt John Garrett made Aug 15 at 2018 8:07 PM

2018-08-15T20:07:03-04:00

When you are a recruit in the Marine Corps every Marine is addressed as “sir” or “ma’am.” Once you graduate boot camp and you are a Marine you address them by their rank (rate if enlisted technically speaking. Only officers have rank in the Marine Corps)

Response by SSgt Larry Atkinson made Aug 15 at 2018 8:37 PM

2018-08-15T20:37:47-04:00

Marines in boot camp are not allowed to refer to anyone by their rank. To the recruits a E-1, or E-2 is still sir or madam. When they Graduate boot camp then they refer to others by their rank.

Response by SSgt Larry Atkinson made Aug 15 at 2018 8:48 PM

2018-08-15T20:48:55-04:00

If your an E-4 in the army your either a corporal or spec 4. The more you work with the different services the easier it gets. Some JTFs were lax on the rank calling and some were strict by the book. You'll be able to tell quickly how you fit in the work environment. Good luck

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 10:33 PM

2018-08-15T22:33:15-04:00

Here’s a thought. Address them as you would an NCO in your own branch. Being at usafa they salute me in the classroom. Think I salute them back? Hell no. Follow your service etiquette.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Aug 16 at 2018 1:26 AM

2018-08-16T01:26:03-04:00

Please sister branches, teach your junior Enlisted to call me dude...lmao! Don’t come to me with that “hey, chair Force, give me a chance to correct my troop first” bs when I set them str8!

Response by SFC Familia Gonzalez made Aug 16 at 2018 8:51 AM

2018-08-16T08:51:32-04:00

Just don’t confuse a SGM with a CSM, at least not in the US Army... Yes, they’re both addressed as Sergeant Major (E-9’s) but one of them will be quick to explain to you the difference of position... At least that’s how it was in the US Army, Infantry. Ha!

Response by LCpl Richard Brennan made Aug 16 at 2018 9:53 AM

2018-08-16T09:53:26-04:00

CO is Skipper. XO is Mister. 1Sgt is Top. Gunny is Gunny. Squadmates are whatever trashy names you can think of.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-08-16T14:11:08-04:00

You address any NCO regardless of the branch at parade rest, followed by their prospective tittle. If you’re talking to an E7 (Marines), you refer to him as Gunnery Sergeant. Regardless of the trolls, if you are lower enlisted, (NON NCO) every NCO in the Armed Forces outranks you and deserves the respect they’ve earned by achieving the rank of an NCO.

Response by Cpl Samuel Haight made Aug 16 at 2018 2:16 PM

2018-08-16T14:16:51-04:00

Marine Corps Recruits call anyone who is not a Marine Corps Recruit by Sir/Ma’am. That would include SNCO’s, NCO’s, non-rates, Navy Docs, Civilians, and even a brand new Pvt who just graduated Recruit Training that day. After that, it’s the FULL RANK from Cpl to SgtMaj. Some E7’s will go by Gunny, and some will make you wish you were never born just for trying it. Same goes for E8’s with Top (MSgts only, not 1st Sgts) and Master Guns for those E9’s, best not to try it unless your sure their OK with it.

Also, all officers from WO to Gen rate Sir/Ma’am from all enlisted. I’d only say their full rank and name if you differentiate them from another officer within earshot, and follow it up with Sir/Ma’am.

Response by MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge made Aug 16 at 2018 2:35 PM

2018-08-16T14:35:15-04:00

It’s easy, learn the ranks in the other services and be respectful.

Response by SP5 Gary Smith made Aug 16 at 2018 3:28 PM

2018-08-16T15:28:44-04:00

By their rank. Never wrong.

Response by CPO Dennis Laurion made Aug 16 at 2018 4:09 PM

2018-08-16T16:09:09-04:00

Coast Guard and Navy:
E-1 through E-3 = last name.
E-4 through E-6 = "Petty Officer."
E-7 = "Chief."
E-8 = "Senior Chief."
E-9 = "Master Chief."

Response by SGT Terry Lang made Aug 16 at 2018 4:34 PM

2018-08-16T16:34:25-04:00

I'm the Army, we called any E - 5 thru E - 7 "Sergeant" .
E - 8, if they were a Master Sergeant, it was still "Sergeant" . If a 1SG, it was either "Top" or "First Sergeant", depending on their preference.
Any E - 9 was "Sergeant Major" .
I always called other services by full, proper rank. Never hurts to CYA.

Response by SGT Sean Moore made Aug 16 at 2018 6:49 PM

2018-08-16T18:49:42-04:00

Hmmm... there was a time in Army BCT that they covered rank identification of the other branches and how to address them. Do they not teach that anymore? Wouldn’t surprise me if they don’t these days.

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Aug 16 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-08-16T19:44:38-04:00

I don’t know about other branches but in the Army E5-E7: Sergeant, E8 without diamond: Master Sergeant, E8 with diamond: First Sergeant or Top, E9 Sergeant Major reguardless of CSM or not.

Response by Sgt Mike Jacobi made Aug 17 at 2018 12:17 AM

2018-08-17T00:17:58-04:00

USAF. Sgt Jones. Higher ranks like Chief Master Sgt, Chief Jones. if you are meeting an Army NCO on duty, Sgt Jones. Higher ranks Sgt Major Jones. Navy Chief Jones. Marines as has been stated. Coast Guard as Navy.

Response by PO1 Duane Mosier made Aug 17 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-08-17T10:24:24-04:00

In the Navy Petty Officer 3rd class, 2nd class, and 1st class are addressed as Petty Officer and their last name, Senior Petty Officer ratings are addressed as Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-08-17T11:04:17-04:00

As mentioned above, during Marine Corps boot camp. Recruits will address their drill instructors as Ma’am/Sir, until the receive the eagle, globe and anchor(EGA). For an E-7 in the Marines they will be addressed as Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny, but that’s only if that E-7 allows it. In the Marine Corps we have two ranks for E-8(1stSgt and MSgt). The rank of 1stSgt is an administrative billet, and MSgt is an operational MOS billet. The rank of E-9 also has two billets (SgtMaj and Master Gunnery Sgt).

Response by Cpl Scot Stromsness made Aug 17 at 2018 11:43 AM

2018-08-17T11:43:48-04:00

Recruits in Marine Corps Boot Camp will always refer to Marines (enlisted and officer) as sir or ma’am. Other than that, you call enlisted ranks by their current rank. E7 in the Marines would be Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 12:27 PM

2018-08-17T12:27:31-04:00

In the Navy E-1 to E-3 are dressed as seaman recruit Seaman Apprentice or Seaman or Aaron recruit Aaron Apprentice Airman and so on e4 through its 6 or just as petty officer he sevens are addressed as chief the 8 Senior Chief E9 Master Chief in an informal setting you may address the Senior Chief or Master Chief as senior or Master although I've never felt comfortable with those terms

Response by SCPO James Dunigan made Aug 17 at 2018 12:33 PM

2018-08-17T12:33:38-04:00

Chief if E7 -E9. Most E8s answer to Senior. (Senior Chief). Master Chief is usually said as Master Chief... but we all will answer to plain old Chief. E4 -E6 is Petty Officer E3 and below will be Seaman, airman, fireman or construction man depending on the color of their stripes. Confused yet?

Response by SSG Ronald Clark made Aug 17 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-08-17T12:43:21-04:00

You do not call an NCO in Marine Corps sir you call them by their rank and last name

Response by SSG Paul Newman made Aug 17 at 2018 1:24 PM

2018-08-17T13:24:58-04:00

When I was in, I would occasional my work with other services and always addressed Marine and Air Force NCO's as sargent and Navy Petty officers as chief. I know the sailors weren't chief in till E7 but found their insignia a little baffling, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt and never had one of the other services NCO's complain. Guess they all just assumed I was a dumb grunt and didn't know better. (Grunt medic actually). No commission, no warrant, no "sir"from me.

Response by SSG Paul Newman made Aug 17 at 2018 1:26 PM

2018-08-17T13:26:11-04:00

Autocorrect victim.

Response by SFC Wade Adams made Aug 17 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-08-17T14:42:16-04:00

I wish a recruit would call me “big sarge” ! Much less a brand new private to the unit, you had better put some time in first !

Response by PO2 Karl Lehn made Aug 17 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-08-17T14:47:22-04:00

In the Navy E4 TO E6 are addressed as Petty Officer. E7 Chief E8 Senior Chief E9 Master Chief. Warrants- Mr or by specialty ie Bosun, Gunner, etc. by those junior. As Warrant or Mr. by officers.

Response by TSgt Gary Cook made Aug 17 at 2018 3:07 PM

2018-08-17T15:07:34-04:00

All NCO’s in the Air Force are called Sergeant, excepting being E9’s or Chief Master Sergeants, they ar addressed as Chief.

Response by SSG Charles Yahnke made Aug 17 at 2018 3:08 PM

2018-08-17T15:08:12-04:00

I addressed by Army venecular. Sarge

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made Aug 17 at 2018 3:33 PM

2018-08-17T15:33:32-04:00

I once worked with an Army Sergeant that I had to put in his place because he was disrespecting me as a Petty Officer First Class. He was a lesson between the Navy base and a nearby Army Reserve unit

He was there frequently and at first I explained the Navy rank/rate structure. I explained that I at the time was an E6 and blah, blah, blah ... Anyway he continued to not get it and told me that Navy rank was confusing and he didn't either have time to learn it nor did he have to.. or something like that. That's when I about lost it.

As a Navy sailor and Hospital Corpsman I took the time to learn the rank structure of the Army, Marines, and Air Force. I was frequently working with other service members from other branches of service.

The best I can tell you is ask when in doubt. Pull up a chart with military pay grade/rank and study it. The charts usually have pictures that you can study. It takes time and practice but eventually you will get it. You will gain more respect from the member of the other branch.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 3:45 PM

2018-08-17T15:45:26-04:00

In th navy you address them by rate (specialty + rank). Example: I’m a Fire Controlman and a third class Petty Officer, I’m called FC3. If they’re a chief or above, they are called by their rank.

Response by Sgt Frank Staples made Aug 17 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-08-17T15:58:10-04:00

Yep, when I was in all ranks above E4 were addressed as Sgt. And all officers were addressed by their rank. And those officers who we were friends with called us by name.

Response by SGT Mahaan Chandu made Aug 17 at 2018 4:10 PM

2018-08-17T16:10:53-04:00

In Basic Training, a fellow recruit addressed the Drill Sergeant as ‘Sarge’. To which he replied, “ A Sarge is a marine creature that ingests detritus from the ocean floor. Do I look like a s**t-sucking fish to you, Private?” We all became intimately familiar with the red clay of Georgia that Day!

Response by MSgt Sharon Mallory-Robinson made Aug 17 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-08-17T17:12:54-04:00

Address everyone by their rank, if they wish to be addressed differently, they will let you know. As for calling Air Force by their first name, I accepted that from those of equal or higher rank, if I worked with them. An E-9 in the Air Force is ALWAYS Chief, until he/she says otherwise. I never answered to “Dude”, “hey you” (a Squid tried that once), or anything else that I found inappropriate.

Response by MSgt Edward Hayes made Aug 17 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-08-17T17:15:38-04:00

I have found that full rank and last name is never out of fashion. Sometimes that applies to interaction between NCOs of the same grade. Familiarity can seem to be unprofessional. Leaned that while
assinged to a joint service unit. Just call a navy E-8 or E-9 “Chief” and see what response you get.

Response by SSG Aaron Rivera made Aug 17 at 2018 5:16 PM

2018-08-17T17:16:14-04:00

Never been addressed or heard the term BigSarg and would never be referred to nothing less then Sergeant.

Response by SFC James Todd made Aug 17 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-08-17T17:36:14-04:00

When my national guard brigade was in Iraq in 2005, we belonged to the 2nd MEF. We didn’t belong to the Army. When we were around Marines, the E6 and below addressed me as Gunny. E7 and above addressed me as my full rank, Sergeant First Class. I could have been an Army prick and corrected the lesser ranking guys, but I just left it. No big deal since we refer to anything from MSG down to SGT as just sergeant. By the way, the marines were good people and treated us as equals. I have a lot of respect for them.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 5:46 PM

2018-08-17T17:46:42-04:00

All E-4 through E-6 in the Navy are petty officer. NCOs in the Marines go by full rank with the exception of gunny and master guns. Air Force- seargent works.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 5:48 PM

2018-08-17T17:48:56-04:00

For the Air Force, NCOs can be referred to as “Sergeant”; E-9 can be Chief or Chief Master Sergeant. And per the newest AFI, E-8 can be referred to as “Senior”, “Sergeant” or Senior Master Sergeant”

Junior enlisted can be called “airman” or their full rank

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Aug 17 at 2018 5:52 PM

2018-08-17T17:52:24-04:00

As a professional Military Member I would use the term of address that persons service employes Marine Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny. Navy E 7 Chief or Chief Petty Officer etc.
My personal favorite cring worthy mis address is when Civillian Reporters adress a O5 as Lieutenant Colonel repeatidly during a conversation instead of calling the individual as Colonel. Or calli g a Sergeant Major as Major.
Doing eithermakes them appear ignorant.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 6:43 PM

2018-08-17T18:43:25-04:00

As an Airman (though a rank in the Air Force, also the generic term for an Air Force member) who had been in joint units for over 27 years, I learned the ranks and terms of address of the other services early in my career. I have learned in the interest of getting the job done to politely correct them - if appropriate - and press on. Chewing someone out is not a productive method, especially if they truly do not know the correct term. As an E-9, I have been called a Sergeant, Air Sergeant Major, Sarge, and hey you in addition to the appropriate term, Chief. If it isn't worth my effort, I just let it go. When it is the correct setting, I will correct them. I am in a joint office now, and make a point to address learning the correct terms whenever possible.

Response by Sgt Michael Rogers made Aug 17 at 2018 7:50 PM

2018-08-17T19:50:10-04:00

In the Marine Corps you only address an enlisted Marine as Sir or Ma'am IF you are a recruit in basic training. If you're a service member of another branch you address then by their full rank, i.e. Staff Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, etc. The only exception to this is a.) unless you are familiar with them, and b.) they allow you to address them less formally.

Response by SSgt Marc Carpenter made Aug 17 at 2018 8:04 PM

2018-08-17T20:04:05-04:00

We always called all NCOs sargeant. or for y'all southern or country dudes Sarnt. Except for First Sergeants or Sergeants Major then they were called what they were

Response by Shane Harnett made Aug 17 at 2018 11:40 PM

2018-08-17T23:40:18-04:00

Coming from the Australian Military you always called them by their rank no matter what Service until told otherwise. But then again the Aussie Military teachs all Service ranks at Recruit Training. I retired as an E9 equivalent and was called Sarn’t Major by the Army, Sir by AF and Navy guys.

Response by SSG Jeff Gerfen made Aug 17 at 2018 11:54 PM

2018-08-17T23:54:30-04:00

I spent four years in the US Air Force and sixteen in the US Army. While in the Air Force I never addressed an NCO with “Hey Dude!” Or by their first name, I addressed them by their rank or rank and last name. I don’t know what Air Force these guys are in nowadays but back in 1974 went I went through basic that was unheard of. In the Army it was pretty much the same way. When I made buck sergeant then staff Sergeant being called sarge was fine with me, but most of my squad called me by my complete rank. While in Desert Storm back in 1991, I had to pick up some paperwork from a Marine bivouac area out in the desert and all the lower rank Marines called me Staff Sergeant. They were very respectful. For me, I would never call another soldier by their first name unless he or she was of the same rank as me, period

Response by SSgt Frederick Nelson made Aug 17 at 2018 11:57 PM

2018-08-17T23:57:24-04:00

The only time we called an NCO sir in the AF was during basic.

Response by SPC Travis Grizzard made Aug 18 at 2018 3:46 AM

2018-08-18T03:46:32-04:00

LCpl Stephen Arnold
In the Army it is possible to earn your rank, and sit in the same slot as "promotable" until you do finally get your 5. Kind of like when you work two weeks, you have slready earned the money, but you don't get it for another week.

Response by CPT Gordon Berkstresser made Aug 18 at 2018 8:18 AM

2018-08-18T08:18:17-04:00

It never hurt me when I was uncertain to ask. “Could you please tell me the proper way to address you?” always worked for me. NCOs take pride in being experts and trainers. And they give respect when shown respect.

Response by SSG Adam Tarrance made Aug 18 at 2018 8:35 AM

2018-08-18T08:35:44-04:00

For the Navy you start addressing E4-E6 as Petty Officer, E7 as Chief, E8 as Senior or Senior Chief, E9 as Master Chief.

Response by MSgt Nick Weizman made Aug 18 at 2018 9:01 AM

2018-08-18T09:01:17-04:00

No not by thier names, in the AF it's full rank and last name.

Response by SFC William Evans made Aug 18 at 2018 9:09 AM

2018-08-18T09:09:53-04:00

Never call a true NCO in the Army Sarge I would vaporize you where you stand

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Aug 18 at 2018 9:36 AM

2018-08-18T09:36:34-04:00

I cant speak for the other branches, but yes, you should call every Marine you meet Sir or Ma'am, no matter their rank. The only way out of it is to join us.

Response by CSM David Draughn made Aug 18 at 2018 10:02 AM

2018-08-18T10:02:56-04:00

“Big Sarge, Sarge and Top” are insults to those professionals who hold these positions. Officers who use these degrading words neither appreciate or understand the Senior NCO. Call these same officers using slang, e.g. “El-Tee, Mage, Half or light Colonel” or any other term and prepare yourself to get your heels locked, and receive a speech about their college education, “superior” knowledge and how they are “in charge.”

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 10:09 AM

2018-08-18T10:09:10-04:00

Just call them Sergeant. In the Army, every NCO (aside from corporals) are addressed as “Sergeant” until the rank of First Sergeant or higher. There are some Master Sergeants out there who like to be addressed as such, but the correct answer is to call them Sergeant as well. Unless referring to them, then you would say “Master Sergeant such and such...”

Response by LTC Michael Garrison made Aug 18 at 2018 10:43 AM

2018-08-18T10:43:52-04:00

The use of "Sir" when addressing a USMC NCO is for recruits that are not yet Marines. We all work hard to earn our rank and position so most I believe would prefer to be addressed by that rank. If working with civilians who may not be sure how to address someone, either ask or use Mr.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-08-18T11:00:37-04:00

Real Simple...
Marine- Hey Jar Head
Navy- Hey Squid
Air Force- Hey Fly Boy or Dude...lmao

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Aug 18 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-08-18T15:40:12-04:00

E1 Goddamn crute

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Aug 18 at 2018 3:59 PM

2018-08-18T15:59:55-04:00

NEVER EVER EVER call a Navy Captain Colonel

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-08-18T17:59:56-04:00

Across my dealings with different branches it varies but not by much.
Marine enlisted full tank ie staff sergeant, gunnery sergeant...etc
Army enlisted E-5 to E-7 you call them Sergeant unless it’s an E-7 in artillery you call them smoke..E-8 either TOP OR FIRST SERGEANT E-9 Sergeant Major
Airforce enlisted sergeant until E-8 Master Sergeant E-9 Chief
Navy enlisted by the rank until E-5 chief petty officer is reached and you call them chief or until E-9 command master chief is reached then call them that

Response by SMSgt Frank Shaw made Aug 18 at 2018 6:43 PM

2018-08-18T18:43:54-04:00

Senior Thank You

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 7:50 PM

2018-08-18T19:50:43-04:00

It's been my experience that you're never wrong in the Air Force with using the rank. Having said that, for E-1 through E-4, Airman works, for E-5 through E-7, Sergeant works, for E-8, Senior is now an authorized form of address, and for E-9, there's Chief. Also, unlike in other branches, I see "sir" or "ma'am" used regardless of rank.

Response by PO1 Raymond Sauter made Aug 18 at 2018 8:10 PM

2018-08-18T20:10:50-04:00

Enlisted in the Navy typically refer to each other by first name regardless of rate in informal, professional settings. When someone becomes a Chief Petty Officer, their first name is officially changed to “Chief!”

Response by Sgt Matt Gladden made Aug 18 at 2018 9:59 PM

2018-08-18T21:59:41-04:00

Sgt . Always worked for me . As for my thoughts on others . If I did not know you , I called you by your rank

Response by PO2 Charles Hall made Aug 18 at 2018 10:08 PM

2018-08-18T22:08:02-04:00

While in boot camp, just about everyone is a sir or ma'am. I was in the USCG and our ranks are the same as the Navy. E-4 through E-6 are petty officers. E-7 is a chief, E-8 is senior chief, and E-9 is master chief. Do not and I repeat do not call a Chief petty officer , Senior Chief, or Master Chief "sir". They work for a living.

Response by SGT Joshua Bressel made Aug 18 at 2018 10:09 PM

2018-08-18T22:09:09-04:00

In the Army, in all seriousness, all NCO's, E-5 to E-7 are referred to as Sergeant, with E-8 1SGs referred to as First Sergeant or "Top", if they are ok with that, most are, and E-8 MSGs rendered to as Master Sergeant, though, often, you can get away with referring to a MSG as Sergeant, though it's respectful to add the "Master". Any Army E-9 is referred to as Sergeant Major. Period. End of story. Don't get that wrong.

Marine NCOs are referred to by full rank, i.e, Staff Sergeant. As stated above, you can call an E-7 Gunny, most of the time, or an E-8 Master Gunnery Sergeant, Master Guns, and an E-9 is Sergeant Major.

Navy E-5/E-6 are usually rendered to as Petty Officer, E-7 is Chief, E-8 is Senior Chief, and E-9 is Master Chief(with delusions of HALO, LOL).

Air Force, E-5 and E-6 are reffered to as Sergeant, E-7 is referred to as Master Sergeant, E-8 is reffered to as Senior, and E-9 is Chief.

Disclaimer: I'm an Army NCO, who spent a lot of time in JSOC, so if I have made any errors, please let me know, but I tried to be very diligent, in learning how to address fellow NCOs, from other branches, and that is how it was taught to me, I'm a Ranger, but I'm not COMPLETELY perfect, Lololol.

Response by SFC Richard Baerlocher made Aug 18 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-08-18T23:39:15-04:00

As an E-4 in the Army to an E-7 would be Sergeant. To an E-8 Master Sergeant it would be Master Sergeant, to a First Sergeant it would be First Sergeant. To an E-9 it would be either Sergeant Major or Command Sergeant Major as appropriate. They are never addressed by their first names. Show respect where respect or due!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-08-19T00:10:18-04:00

How about? "Hey man?" or ma'am. "I don't know how to address you but could you help me?

Response by SGT Tom Burgess made Aug 19 at 2018 4:06 AM

2018-08-19T04:06:20-04:00

If I addressed my PSG as Sergeant, with him actually being a SFC. Ain’t no damn way I’d disrespect him by calling a marine of the same rank something different. My PSG deserves all the respect in the world and if he was fine with Sergeant then a gunny would have to deal with it too...

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 4:38 AM

2018-08-19T04:38:51-04:00

In the navy you call e-7 and above chief, senior chief, or master chief. E-4 to E-6 petty officer is okay. Although most would prefer to be called by their rate. For example AT2 or AD1.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 19 at 2018 7:13 AM

2018-08-19T07:13:49-04:00

You are hearing NCO's being called sir/ma'am in boot camp so they get used to the word sir or ma'am. In the fleet, you call E-7 Chief.

Response by MSgt Eric Roseberry made Aug 19 at 2018 8:54 AM

2018-08-19T08:54:10-04:00

As an Air Force SNCO I preferred Master Sgt. In today's joint environment it's an excellent question.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Aug 19 at 2018 10:23 AM

2018-08-19T10:23:57-04:00

While in training Boots call Their NCOs Sir
Or ma’am... only then.

Response by CPO Tom Kilgore made Aug 19 at 2018 10:38 AM

2018-08-19T10:38:06-04:00

I ark have people calling me Sir!! I tell that just because you’re my sons-in-law, you don’t have to call me sir. Chief is good

Response by SFC William Huse made Aug 19 at 2018 10:53 AM

2018-08-19T10:53:51-04:00

When they are going through training, as you did, it's a whole different world. As an E4, you greet those of other branches with the same respect you deserve.

Response by SSG Fred Campbell made Aug 19 at 2018 12:20 PM

2018-08-19T12:20:14-04:00

I’ve always called em all by their rank, the only one I throw a “sir or ma’am” to is officers..

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-08-19T12:36:06-04:00

I know in my unit it’s normal to call someone by their first name, as long as you out rank them and it’s within your work center. But technically, you should address people by their rank or abbreviations. Master Sergeant or Sergeant, Chief Master Sergeant or Chief, etc...

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 1:06 PM

2018-08-19T13:06:06-04:00

In the army, E-1 through E-3 you can just call them by their name, E-4 has the lateral promotion so if the soldiers is a corporal you you call them corporal, if they are a specialist you dont have to call them by their rank u less they are a team leader. E-5 and up is just sergeant until you hit sergeant major, then you have officers which is just sir/ma'am.

Response by SSG Ralph Moran made Aug 19 at 2018 1:20 PM

2018-08-19T13:20:54-04:00

Mostly called by rank, E3 and below by their last name, E4 and up by their rank unless they are Officers and the answer is yes Sir or no Sir. My men called me sarge others would say Sargent

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-08-19T17:09:19-04:00

This will be fun. I had the pleasure to work alongside the sister services while deployed to OIR (Op. Inherent Resolve) last year and you quickly pick up on the culture of the other branches. We called USMC Master Sergeants Top, Gunnery Sergeant's Gunny (Master Gunnery, Master Guns). All medical personnel were doc regardless of branch. Senior was just that. In the AF, the senior most NCO was simply senior. Varies by person to person and situation to situation but when using their rank, you can never go wrong.

Response by Sgt Tutone Abelson made Aug 19 at 2018 5:19 PM

2018-08-19T17:19:31-04:00

Sir yes sir...

Response by TSgt David Laughrey made Aug 19 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-08-19T18:39:02-04:00

As to the response for the Air Force member addressing an NCO of another branch by their first name...I would have hemmed an Airman up if they addressed anyone other than sir or ma'am.

Response by SGT Richard Oliver made Aug 19 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-08-19T19:36:23-04:00

To this day after being out for awhile I still address the military by their rank. They have earned my respect

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 7:55 PM

2018-08-19T19:55:00-04:00

No you don't call them sir. Only recruits call them sir because "there not Marines yet". An E-7 is addressed as Gunnery Sergeant or just Gunny if you know him and he is ok with you calling him/her that.
Staff Sergeant E-6 is called staff sergeant and not just sergeant. I'm army I learned that the hard way when I was an E-4.

Also it's good to know that as a Specialist you are not required to address there corporal's by there rank there the same rank as you. Also regulation state you will address someone who out ranks you by grade not rank. So don't ever let one of there corporal's push you around.

Response by PO2 Keith Reese made Aug 19 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-08-19T19:57:38-04:00

Being raised USAF everyone from E4 to E9 was Sgt. After being in the USN everyone from E4 to E6 was either Petty Officer or first/last name. E7 was Chief, E8 was Senior, E9 was Master Chief. CWO's and Mustangs was a whole different ball game, Sir was a safe bet.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 7:58 PM

2018-08-19T19:58:32-04:00

I've been told by a lot of higher ups, you should try and know the other branches rank system but if you don't sir or ma'am is the best way to address. Then that person may or may not clarify what rank they hold.

Response by LCpl Frank, Estrada made Aug 19 at 2018 8:57 PM

2018-08-19T20:57:28-04:00

That’s because it’s boot camp everyone is address as sir or ma’am by recruits . Once out of boot camp the only officers are address as sir or ma’am

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-08-19T21:11:20-04:00

I just say "what up dude/bro" seems to work

Response by TSgt Henry Chimento made Aug 19 at 2018 9:34 PM

2018-08-19T21:34:11-04:00

Colonel, your response about calling Air Force personnel by their first name is an insult to every NCO and officer who ever donned a uniform. I don’t take your insult lightly, and, quite frankly, don’t give a dam what you did on active duty. I have no respect for any superior officer who, in any way, who disparages any enlisted person or junior officer. You are a disgrace to the uniform you wore.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 10:06 PM

2018-08-19T22:06:49-04:00

Air Force Guidance
E-9: Chief (when you're a chief, chief is your name)
E-8: Senior+name
E5-7: Sergeant+name
First Sergeant: Shirt, First Shirt
E1-4: Airman+name
You can call anybody sir in the Air Force, regardless of rank

Response by SGT Cris Martin made Aug 19 at 2018 10:11 PM

2018-08-19T22:11:14-04:00

Army (E5-8 not 1st SGT/1SG) = Sergeant
Army (E8 1st SGT/1SG) = 1st Sergeant
Army (E9 SGTs MAJ/SGM/CSM all) = Sergeant Major
Navy (E7 CPO all) = Chief
Coast Guard = Same as above
USMC = Similar to Army though E7-8 =Gunney or Master Gunney if not 1st Sergeant
Air Force = Sup Guy, May also use first name if known or wink and say “hey there”...
Space Force will most likely follow Star Trek format, so watch that for further guidance...

-OUT.

Response by SGT Cris Martin made Aug 19 at 2018 10:19 PM

2018-08-19T22:19:43-04:00

Caveat to above: Army, USMC & USAF all use a Diamond to denote 1st SGTs and Stars to denote SGTs Major; Eagle and two flanking stars = SR NCO of Branch of Service (SMA, SMMC, CMSAF).

NOTE: USAF allows 1st SGTs in E7/8/9 pay rates

Response by Cpl James Rowlands made Aug 19 at 2018 11:46 PM

2018-08-19T23:46:16-04:00

In the Marines we dont start off as privates, they start off as recruits, thats why you heard them addressing everyone as sir/ma'am. Otherwise if you know the rank you use that, if you dont sir/ma'am is acceptable, and most people wont give you a hard time. Ie in marpat woodlands its notoriously hard to see the amount if rockers or the device, so sir/ma'am is better then not saying anything

Response by PO2 Scott Surbrook made Aug 20 at 2018 4:26 AM

2018-08-20T04:26:31-04:00

Learn their rank titles and be polite in case you're wrong.
Navy= Petty Officer (E-4 thru E6) and Chief, Senior Cheif, or Master Cheif.
Army= Specialist, Corporal, or whatever grade of Sargeant they are.
Marines= Corporal or whatever grade of Sargeant they are.
Air Force= Airman 1st Class or whatever grade of Sargeant they are.

Response by PO2 Hauke Powers made Aug 20 at 2018 7:33 AM

2018-08-20T07:33:52-04:00

when in boot camp, call ALL persons ABOVE recruit as SIR or MA'AM !!!!! Afterwards, call them by their appropriate ranks...where it be Petty Officer, Sergeant, Ensign, whatever rank the person carries...it is common sense AND courtesty all rolled up in one package...Just saying...God bless everyone !!

Response by SMSgt Barney Brown made Aug 20 at 2018 8:56 AM

2018-08-20T08:56:36-04:00

When I was in you only addressed an officer as Sir.

Response by SSgt Christopher Bramblett made Aug 20 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-08-20T09:19:40-04:00

In the Air Force E-1 through E-4 it acceptable to say airman. SrA that have gone through NCO course to the young troops it’s sir/ma’am or SrA. E-5 and up its Sgt, sir or ma’am. For E-8 and E-9 senior or chief respectively in an informal setting and in a formal setting it’s always sir or ma’am or the full rank. First sergeant is different as in the Air Force they can be E-7 and up and both formal or informal it’s first sergeant or their rank. Informal you can get away with call them shirt or first shirt.

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Aug 20 at 2018 9:46 AM

2018-08-20T09:46:52-04:00

As many people have already shared, the proper way to address the Marine senior NCO would be "Gunnery Sergeant." However, I think it is vitally important that enlisted service members always remember that an E-7 designation is a pay grade and not a rank. Too many times we hear of someone addressing a service member as an E-5 instead of as a Sergeant (USA & USMC), a Petty Officer 3rd Class (USN & USCG), or a Staff Sergeant (USAF). Since most would never consider addressing a Captain (or Navy Lieutenant) as an O-3, then my recommendation is that the same is true for enlisted service members.

Response by Cpl Jimmy Severson made Aug 20 at 2018 10:03 AM

2018-08-20T10:03:45-04:00

I was always taught that the informal term was ‘Top’ for USMC Master Sgt. and Master Gunnery Sgt. May God have mercy on your soul if you used that term with a First Sgt. or Sgt. Major.

Response by SrA Matt Chappell made Aug 20 at 2018 11:03 AM

2018-08-20T11:03:02-04:00

Keep it simple. Obviously everyone knows how to address NCOs within their branch of service. When addressing NCOs from another branch it would be best to address them by their rank if you know it. If not familiar with rank insignia from other branches use the proper respect of sir/ma’am

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Aug 20 at 2018 2:01 PM

2018-08-20T14:01:17-04:00

Say "Hey Dude" to a Combat Controller who is a couple grades highr rank than you hold and you'll be spitting teeth!
Get serious Army. If your level of professionalism is this low you should go back to AIT or Basic Training!

Response by MSgt Robert Shampine made Aug 20 at 2018 2:48 PM

2018-08-20T14:48:15-04:00

Master sergeants are usually called "Top."

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 3:26 PM

2018-08-20T15:26:42-04:00

Being ammo I got the "priviledge" of dealing with Jr soldiers. It was a beautiful thing when a pvt would call a gunny "sgt". To me it's a weird concept to call anyone by anything but their respective rank.

Response by SGT Thomas Zoblisien made Aug 20 at 2018 4:53 PM

2018-08-20T16:53:37-04:00

In USMC boot camp you call everyone sir/ma’am. After that you address them according to full rank title.

Response by CMSAF Russ Kendall made Aug 20 at 2018 5:46 PM

2018-08-20T17:46:56-04:00

1 m
Call a USAF NCO by his first name? Or, his last name? Used to be address to rank, rank & last name. If that is true, it probably started when the USAF got rid of the old logo and made the Madison Avenue agency’s Girl Scout Neckerchief official.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Aug 20 at 2018 6:32 PM

2018-08-20T18:32:48-04:00

I would gave the greeting of of the day and call them out by the rank

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Aug 20 at 2018 6:33 PM

2018-08-20T18:33:53-04:00

I would call them by their rank, and greet of the day

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 6:43 PM

2018-08-20T18:43:45-04:00

Air Force: either say "Sir" or rank followed by last name. -A1C Moore

Response by MSgt Drew Gidlof made Aug 20 at 2018 7:28 PM

2018-08-20T19:28:46-04:00

In the Air Force you call them by there full rank or Sarge. Unless you have an E9 and it is Chief. Never first name for Gods sake. The other branches of our brother, and sister, hood would agree.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 8:02 PM

2018-08-20T20:02:38-04:00

In the Coast Guard, an E7 is called Chief. Never Sir, because they work for a living.

Response by Sgt Blake Luquette made Aug 20 at 2018 8:35 PM

2018-08-20T20:35:35-04:00

In Bootcamp, we call everyone Sir/Ma’am. Once graduating and becoming a Marine, we call enlisted personnel by their rank.

Response by SPC Brad Flowers made Aug 20 at 2018 9:57 PM

2018-08-20T21:57:54-04:00

Until you learning them all, the following response as worked well for me;
“Excuses me Sir/ Ma’am/ Boss (I’m from the south, and my accent proves it)/ Superior, how do I address you?”

Response by PO1 Lance Price made Aug 20 at 2018 10:38 PM

2018-08-20T22:38:56-04:00

USN
E-4 through E-6 Address as Petty Officer so and so.
E-7 is Chief
E-8 is Senior Chief
E-9 is Master Chief

Response by Sgt James Conkle made Aug 20 at 2018 11:03 PM

2018-08-20T23:03:41-04:00

And when you retire or get out, all of us are Brothers/Sisters. Yet referring to ones rank still shows respect.

Response by PO1 Joseph Horne made Aug 21 at 2018 12:41 AM

2018-08-21T00:41:55-04:00

Similar in the navy all petty officers are called sir and saluted in boot camp.once graduated the honorific petty officer last name is used up to E-6 E-7to 9are chief senior chief and master chief last name optional except on formal ocasions

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 21 at 2018 12:50 AM

2018-08-21T00:50:30-04:00

By their rank!

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 21 at 2018 2:03 AM

2018-08-21T02:03:26-04:00

No first name for an Air Force NCO, its Sergeant ! One the fills the position of 1st Sergeant is addressed as First Sergeant. An E9 is either Chief or Command Chief if He fills that position. More recently Senior has been used for Senior Master Sergeant. A first name never make the program any time I was serving and never should. That is not a proper address at all, ever and that I would make very clear to anyone that did not understand that !

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 21 at 2018 9:18 AM

2018-08-21T09:18:38-04:00

The DoDI (50110-04-M) has the way to address each rank of each branch. The Salutation for a written letter corresponds to the service etiquette of verbal address.

https://execsec.defense.gov/Portals/34/Documents/511004m_v2.pdf?ver=2013-03-02-045134-443

511004m_v2.pdf

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Aug 23 at 2018 7:50 AM

2018-08-23T07:50:49-04:00

You can never go wrong with rank and name

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Aug 23 at 2018 7:52 AM

2018-08-23T07:52:46-04:00

Rank and name always works . I loved to hear Top by my Soldiers and Officers in my unit

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2018 1:54 PM

2018-08-29T13:54:29-04:00

How about "Listen up Fuckers!"

Response by Sgt Louie Munoz made Aug 29 at 2018 1:57 PM

2018-08-29T13:57:40-04:00

Gunny, Only the Recruit use's Sir or Mam.

Response by CPL Allan Suddeth made Aug 30 at 2018 9:58 PM

2018-08-30T21:58:37-04:00

An E7 in the Marine Corp is known as Gunney. In the Army they are Sergeant. The other 2 services really don't matter because 1 is the chair force, and the other has 600 sailors go out to sea and 300 couples come back. Lol no I'm just kidding as it is common practice to pick on other branches, but to be honest I really don't know about the naval ranks or too sure about the Air Force either.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-08-31T15:00:38-04:00

Each service is so very unique, if you ever have the opportunity of working in a multinational organization it will get even more confusing. Germans, British, Turkish, and all the other countries use unique rank styles and titles. Nice to see that you are taking an interest so as to render the proper respect to these service memebers.

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Sep 2 at 2018 11:55 PM

2018-09-02T23:55:11-04:00

I've always had the question of what to call a Marine Corps Warrant Officer in conversation with that person. We use Mr and Chief in the Army, what about the USMC for WO1 (Mr in the Army) and beyond, (Chief in the Army).

Response by SFC Joseph Lumpkins made Sep 19 at 2018 5:55 PM

2018-09-19T17:55:27-04:00

By the rank on their collar, but some marines that I met were offended when I didn’t call the Staff SGT even though I was a SFC and had to tell him to chill out I didn’t mean anything by it. Remember this was in the early 90s.

Response by Sgt Mervyn Russell made Oct 3 at 2018 7:27 AM

2018-10-03T07:27:08-04:00

In the Marines we called an E-7 Gunny and so on up the line. I do not know when the rank was created. During WW11 a Gunny was called a Gunnery Sargent, He was usually over a gun crew. On occasions he could be a mean bastard, that's according to my dad when he was in the Corps.The lower ranks always call the person by his rank and then his last name.

Response by PO2 David Rathbun made Oct 5 at 2018 10:54 PM

2018-10-05T22:54:59-04:00

While I was in the Navy (over 30 years ago), it was perfectly fine to refer to all Chief Petty Officers as "Chief" omitting their Rating. Alternatively, you could refer to them as Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief as applicable. All other Navy NCOs (E-4 thru E-6) could and generally would be addressed as "Petty Officer" without their Rating or specific Rank. Use of the specific Rank was generally reserved for more formal situations such as commendations, reviews, or discipline. Use of the Rating was not generally used very much. I.e., Petty Officer Lastname or just Petty Officer - used most often, Petty Officer 2nd Class Lastname - used rarely, Electronic Technician 2nd Class Lastname - almost never used outside of records.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Oct 16 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-10-16T21:10:51-04:00

In marine Boot camp wheb the Drill instructors tell the recuirts something the answers is yes sir. or sir yes sir.

however a army e4 should refer to a Marine gunnery sgt as gunnery sgt or gunny.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Oct 21 at 2018 5:27 PM

2018-10-21T17:27:58-04:00

My Marine rank is Cpl, I got it at my 25th month in Service. I was in the Air Wing. Things were much more lax than in the rest of the Marine Corps. Pretty much everyone was addressed by the first name or nickname, whether they were Pvt or SSgt. Everyone above SSgt was call by their rank.
Post Marine Corps, I served in the Air Force. I retired as a Senior Master Sgt. I was either addressed as Sgt, Senior or Sir by junior Airmen. Fellow Airmen that were SSgt and above and I had served with for many years; first name basis.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Oct 25 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-10-25T10:24:24-04:00

By their rank.

Response by LTC Larry Davis made Oct 25 at 2018 11:19 AM

2018-10-25T11:19:31-04:00

NCO's are addressed by rank and name. For example, in the Army and USMC, an E-5 and E-6 would both be addressed as Sergeant, even though the E-6 is a Staff Sergeant. The only time I ever heard "Staff Sergeant" used was in a more formal setting or when a superior was upset with the SSG's performance. An Army E-7 is a Sgt. First Class, but addressed as Sergeant, whereas a Marine E-7 is a Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny.

Air Force ranks use Airman and Sergeant, although I have never been comfortable trying to figure out their Sergeant structure. Navy and Coast Guard - I haven't a clue; sometimes I wonder if they even use rank except for decorations. Honestly, though, there is a specific etiquette for each service; don't be afraid to ask. But outside of Boot Camp, the reference "Sir" applies to officers only.

Response by SFC Gary Burress made Nov 12 at 2018 8:38 PM

2018-11-12T20:38:58-05:00

A Marine Gunnery Sergeant typically likes to be called Gunny. Other senior MC ranks like the full title, ie: Master Sergeant, Master Gunnery Sergeant. Army senior NCOs are called Sergeant until they make 1st Sergeant or Sergeant Major. Never address an Army NCO as Sarge. He was Beetle Bailey's NCOIC/Platoon Sergeant. Air Force differs by individual but most should be addressed by full rank until they tell you differently. Navy senior NCOs are Chief, Senior Chief and Master Chief.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2018 11:51 AM

2018-11-13T11:51:07-05:00

When in the Air National Guard, as a Chief Master Sergeant, I was always called Chief. Because I was in fire protection as fire chief of my department, I was 2 or 3 times called Chief, Chief, which I kind of got a kick out of.

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made Nov 18 at 2018 8:03 PM

2018-11-18T20:03:10-05:00

Boot camp is entirely different. Using rank is always appropriate. Other "nicknames" like Gunny or Top are also OK.

Response by Sgt Donald Daugherty made Nov 25 at 2018 1:02 AM

2018-11-25T01:02:40-05:00

In the USAF if you don't know the individual, you would address them by their rank. Tech Sergeant Smith, etc... Once you know them and have a rapport, you could call them by their first name unless in a formal function... Then stick to rank to keep it professional.

Response by MSgt Jose Hernandez made Nov 29 at 2018 5:01 PM

2018-11-29T17:01:36-05:00

Not really the answer to this question, but the following should shed light on how things really are:
The Image of Rank

General:

Leaps over tall buildings in a single bound, is more powerful than a locomotive, is faster than a speeding bullet, walks on water, and gives policy to God.

Colonel:

Leaps over short buildings in a single bound, is more powerful than a switch engine, is just as fast as a speeding bullet, walks on water if sea is calm, and talks to God.

Lieutenant Colonel:

Leaps over short buildings with a running start and a favorable wind, is almost as powerful as a switch engine, is as fast as a speeding b-b, walks on water in an indoor pool, and talks to God if special request is approved.

Major:

Barely clears quonset huts, loses tug-of-war with locomotives, can fire a speeding bullet, swims well, and is occassionally addressed by God.

Captain:

Makes high marks when trying to leap buildings, is run over by locomotives, can someimes handle a weapon without inflicting self-injury, can doggie-paddle, and talks to animals.

First Lieutenant:

Runs into buildings, recognizes locomotives two out of three times, is not issued ammunition, can stay afloat if properly instructed, and talks to water.

Second Lieutenant:

Falls over doorsills when trying to enter buildings, says "look at the choo-choo," wets himself with a water pistol, and mumbles to himself.

CADET:

UNAUTHORIZED TO DO ANY OF THE ABOVE WITHOUT RTO/BTO APPROVAL, BUT BE READY TO ASSUME THE JOB OF GENERAL IN A HEARTBEAT.

An NCO:

Lifts building and then walks under them, kicks locomotives off the track, catches speeding bullets in his teeth, and chews them, and freezes water in a speeding glance. He is God.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Dec 2 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-12-02T14:41:55-05:00

They (Marines) do NOT call "them" sir. You do NOT under ANY circumstances call a Marine Sir / Mam if they are not an officer. We work for a living. An E-7 would be called Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny. When in doubt address them (any military member) by their rank.

Response by MSgt J.C. Hurst made Dec 2 at 2018 8:27 PM

2018-12-02T20:27:54-05:00

By rank for Marine Corps. I did not like "top" Master Sergeant worked for me

Response by PO2 Patrick Tate made Dec 12 at 2018 7:01 PM

2018-12-12T19:01:21-05:00

Navy is petty officer or chief/Sr chief/Master chief

Response by PO1 Cliff Heath made Dec 14 at 2018 2:10 PM

2018-12-14T14:10:35-05:00

In the Navy between E-6 and below on ships anyway it was last or nickname, we didn't say "hey leading petty officer" And E-7-E9 was their rank, CHIEF, SENIOR CHIEF, MASTER CHIEF, mostly but often their rank and last name. Now if you heard someone calling you by your rank and last name, that usually wasn't a good thing. Heard a sea-story once about an Ensign & a Master-Chief, supposedly, the Master -Chief was at a shore station eating lunch at an outside patio with some others, when he stood up and started walking away an Ensign walked up to him and said "Excuse me Master-chief but I believe you owe me a salute." to which the Master-Chief replied by taking a Quarter out of his pocket and flipping it to the Ensign "Here's a Quarter go tell you momma you met a real Sailor." Did it happen??? I don't know I wasn't there. Does it sound like it could have happened? Yes I can see this easily happening. It's funny when you think about addressing Officers, you can address them by rank or rank and last name, but a Lieutenant is almost always L.T. and of course in the Navy the CO. is always addressed as Captain regardless of his actual rank.

Response by 1SG Leon Espe made Dec 15 at 2018 10:13 PM

2018-12-15T22:13:03-05:00

In Vietnam at 35 years of age I was one of the older First Sergeants in the Battalion. I was aware that even the Battalion Officers called me "Pops" behind my back. Secretly I kind of liked receiving the questionable respect for my age but had anyone said it to my face I may have invited them out behind the "hooch" for lessons in etiquette. When I worked closely with troops long hours of the day I had no qualms about being call Top or Sarge. It is easier and shorter than the title of First Sergeant therefor more efficient. I expected Officers and NCOs senior to me to call me by my rank as I did them when I addressed an Officer or NCO that was my senior. I think judgement of each situation is called for rather than written rules or regulations. Sometimes rigid rules can cripple a unit and prevent good judgment from prevailing.

Response by Sgt Phil Quintana made Dec 24 at 2018 6:16 AM

2018-12-24T06:16:47-05:00

In the Marine Corps:
E-4s & E-5s are referred to as Cpl or Sgt
E-6s are referred to as Staff Sergeant
E-7s are Gunnery Sergeants but, if they if they allow, you can call them Gunny.
E-8s are either 1st Sergeants or Master Sergeants. At the co level the 1st is usually the senior enlisted and may be called Top.
E-9s are either Sergeants Major or Master Gunnery Sergeants. A SgtMaj is referred to as "Your Holiness" and a Master Gunnery Sergeant is referred to as "Your Majesty" with the appropriate bow rendered!

Response by SFC James Liedtka made Dec 24 at 2018 7:21 AM

2018-12-24T07:21:21-05:00

When in doubt SGT or Sir are both respectful. They will correct you if you get it wrong. I had troops that switched to Army from Marines. Their conditioning meant that I was called Gunny pretty regularly. I was not offended, I just had to keep reminding them I don't eat crayons.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Jan 9 at 2019 11:04 PM

2019-01-09T23:04:20-05:00

I work as a civilian in a Navy facility where there are both active Navy and active Marine personnel working daily. The Marines are very particular about it and expect to be addressed by their full, correct rank even by civilians. Don't take shortcuts there, even an E-3 in the Marines will be insulted if you get it wrong or don't use it because they feel that they earned it.
All the other branches I have worked with are much more laid back and the Air Farce is almost like being a civilian with regard to rank. They really do call each other by first names.
It is best to use the rank until you know how the individual feels about it.

Response by SFC Alvin Miller made Jan 12 at 2019 2:43 PM

2019-01-12T14:43:01-05:00

I do have one good statement as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) I was at an U. S. Air Force Medical Center and the Tech that called me up and called me as a Senior Specialist. So at that I corrected the individual. He was very happy to informed of the correct rank.

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made May 12 at 2019 2:49 PM

2019-05-12T14:49:18-04:00

As a former US Army NCO and having worked with all branches, fall back onto what you were trained to do. When I worked with USMC Recon at Onslow Beach, Camp LeJeune NC we addressed the company gunny as SGT. His having done joint training before, he expected it. His marines about lost their shit over it though.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 6 at 2019 3:42 PM

2019-06-06T15:42:34-04:00

Generally by their rank and last name.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 6 at 2019 3:51 PM

2019-06-06T15:51:40-04:00

In the Old Marine Corp, Cpl's are to be addressed as Sir by all other branches of service in the world. For example: Marine Cpl, "Are you eye ****ing me?" Everyone in the world, "No Sir!"
Have a great Marine Corp day. I'm having one.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Jun 20 at 2019 1:45 AM

2019-06-20T01:45:03-04:00

I was Army stationed on an Air Force base one of my boss' was a gunny.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2020 10:36 PM

2020-02-17T22:36:47-05:00

So, fun story. I’m a Marine that has switched to the Army. My last rotation we had a Marine unit stationed with us and my LT was the middle Man in dealing with them. This guy would constantly come to me “SGT Baswell, how to I talk to Marines” “ SGT baswell, why when I saluted a Captain in the field did he look at me like I had a dildo attached to my head”
It was fun to watch..

Also on the flip side, I came into the Army with no “welcome to the Army” OSUT or anything just arrived at fort hood grabbed a uniform and poof soldier. So SFC comes and asks me a question, and I accidentally called him gunnery Sgt. And was looked at weird. Definitely takes some getting used to with the culture shock

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Feb 23 at 2020 1:41 PM

2020-02-23T13:41:41-05:00

Just do what I have always done. I ask them what is their rank. It has worked well.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2020 3:04 PM

2020-02-23T15:04:54-05:00

For the Navy it's Petty Officer then Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-02-23T15:12:03-05:00

The E-9 Marine told me to just call him Top. I said that works for me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2020 12:26 PM

2020-02-24T12:26:32-05:00

I’ll admit I was in the wrong in the following situation.

I had to go to al Assad air base in Iraq to train some marines. Cool fine whatever. I had an e-7 marine talk to me and I said Roger sgt. He then tried to chew me out and force me to call him gunnery sgt snuffy. I said Roger sgt. If he would have been polite and respectful, I was an nco and in the army, I would have done things differently

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 6 at 2021 8:46 PM

2021-03-06T20:46:01-05:00

MC E7 is Gunny, I’ve never heard of anyone ever getting bent about that.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 4 at 2022 6:34 PM

2022-03-04T18:34:10-05:00

Lol, you call a Marine E 7 properly as Gunnery Sgt, especially being out of unit. You know him he’s Gunny.