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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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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Generally by their rank and last name.
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LCpl Michael Cappello
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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.
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CW2 Chief Executive Officer (Ceo)
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Edited 7 y ago
How about "Listen up Fuckers!"
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LCpl Michael Cappello
LCpl Michael Cappello
>1 y
Oooh fucking Raah
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PO2 Aviation Electronics Technician
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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.
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SPC Motor Transport Operator
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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.
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CPT Wallace Ward
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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.
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LTJG Ansi Officer
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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.
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Sgt James Cassidy
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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.
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LCpl Michael Cappello
LCpl Michael Cappello
>1 y
Raah. Semper Fi brother.
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Cpl MAGTF Planning Specialist
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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.
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Capt Tom Brown
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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.
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