Posted on Sep 16, 2016
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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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Cpl Jimmy Severson
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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.
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SGM Eric Lobsinger
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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.
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SGM Eric Lobsinger
SGM Eric Lobsinger
7 y
My apologies to my USN and USCG brothers and sisters, that should have read: "Petty Officer 2nd Class" for pay grade E-5.
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SSgt Christopher Bramblett
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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.
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SN Greg Wright
SN Greg Wright
7 y
Dude. I was stationed at Yokota AFB. Put the crack pipe down and slowly step away. There is no world in which AF NCO's are addressed as 'Sir' or 'Maam'.
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SSgt Christopher Bramblett
SSgt Christopher Bramblett
7 y
Well when I got out in 2011 we were still saying sir and ma’am and I made sure my troops knew that. Maybe you were dealing with a some BOBs or flightline guys then. Or maybe things have changed. But I would rip my troops a new one for not showing proper courtesy.
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SMSgt Barney Brown
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When I was in you only addressed an officer as Sir.
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PO2 Hauke Powers
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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 !!
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PO2 Scott Surbrook
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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.
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Cpl James Rowlands
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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
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SGT Cris Martin
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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
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SGT Cris Martin
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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.
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SN Greg Wright
SN Greg Wright
7 y
I'd love to see you call a Master Chief 'Chief'. No, really.
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SrA Material Management
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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
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