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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

By their rank. Never wrong.

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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