Posted on Sep 16, 2016
SPC(P) Information Security (Is) Analyst
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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
Posted in these groups: Rules and regulations RegulationCustoms and courtesies logo Customs and Courtesies
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 346
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TSgt Henry Chimento
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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.
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SSG Instructor/Writer
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I just say "what up dude/bro" seems to work
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LCpl Frank, Estrada
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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
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SPC Infantryman
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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.
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PO2 Keith Reese
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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.
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SGT Internment/Resettlement Specialist
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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.
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SGT Richard Oliver
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To this day after being out for awhile I still address the military by their rank. They have earned my respect
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TSgt David Laughrey
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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.
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Sgt Tutone Abelson
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Sir yes sir...
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SGT Unit Supply Specialist
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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.
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