What is the proper way to address, or title, a retired or disabled service member?

TSgt David Whitmore — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:39:20 -0400

Is it considered proper use of addressing a person by the rank they held in the service after they left the service do to retirement, medical discharge, or just plain EOSing out?

In the past, I've seen where civilian forms of addressing (one's salutatory title) one is replaced by the last military rank they had held. I still receive mail addressed to 'Col ...' with the name of the man that previously lived at my mailing address. Heck, I even get stuff addressed to 'Mrs Col ...'. Interesting, right? Except they've not lived here in 15 years.
Back to my question: I have seen this occur more in European countries than here in the US.

I was just wonder how you all felt about it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 10 at 2018 5:58 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:58:19 -0400

I ask how the person would like to be addressed. Then I do that.

Some smart asses are still regretting their response years later.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 6:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:15:54 -0400

I refuse to talk to “civilians” that demand to be called by their military rank. The only way they know how to get respect is through a title than their character. Drive through a base or post gate if they want the greeting of the day.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Jul 10 at 2018 6:53 PM

1stSgt Mack Housman — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:53:36 -0400

Rank is earned and is always appropriate and shows a great deal of respect to the individual if you know their rank. A classic example of this is with USAA. They will always address you by your military grade. IMHO.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 10 at 2018 7:56 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:56:19 -0400

It can be appreciated. But no one can demand it. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Jul 10 at 2018 8:25 PM

MAJ Jim Steven — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 20:25:53 -0400

Im retired now....I also joined a local MOAA chapter. Most of those guys are LTC and COLs. I generally call them, Sir...but not their rank. /and that is by choice - Its a little more formal than I care for...I do that by choice.
Anyone demands anything of me, especially something so trivial (i am respectful, anyway) loses my respect and my interaction will be limited.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 10 at 2018 9:27 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 21:27:23 -0400

I can't speak for others, but for myself, I prefer to called "Steve". I've been retired for several years, and while I'm proud of my service, it no longer defines who I am. A few retirees I know I will refer to by their rank as a show of respect for them. Others I call by their name without reference to previous rank just because I know it pisses them off and I can't abide arrogant a$$hats.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 11 at 2018 7:18 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:18:09 -0400

TSgt David Whitmore "CTO1 You're Ugly and You're Mama Dresses You Funny". I've been called Chip for Most of My Life even while I served. CTO1, CT1, Chip all will do fine (The Guys in 1st Division usually called Me CT1) I'm a Naval Communicator and as such We used Our Chops and My Chop is KC or Casey so I answer to that Also. Sailors are All About Your Rate (Job Specialty) so Just Saying Petty Officer is probably not the wisest choice since that is usually what You Hear before a Superior starts getting on Your Ass. WO, CWO and Jr Officers in the Navy are Called Mister. I didn't go to Knife and Fork School and "My Parents Were Married" do don't ever call Me Mister. My Children call Me Pops and My Grandchildren call Me Grandpa Chip.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Jul 11 at 2018 9:30 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 09:30:49 -0400

Depends on how much I like and respect the person...from best to worst, it would be something like this: Jimmy, Shipmate, Commander, Jones, shipmate, shitbird

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 11 at 2018 9:55 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 09:55:39 -0400

I have titles, but they only count when the paycheck comes in. I call folks new to me- Mr., Sir. Folks I know- I call by their 1st name or nickname- my rank is in my shadow box, tho when my kids (former troops) call , I respond to the rank they knew me as.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 11 at 2018 12:01 PM

SGT David T. — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:01:06 -0400

I didn't like being called by my rank when I was in and even less so now. I am a civilian and hold no rank now so I prefer to be called David.

Response by PFC Adeail Fonteneot made Jul 13 at 2018 10:00 AM

PFC Adeail Fonteneot — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:00:46 -0400

If you know them personally it do not matter. Professionally I just call them by there name if I know it.

Response by MGySgt Dictionary Pate made Aug 16 at 2018 3:06 PM

MGySgt Dictionary Pate — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:06:45 -0400

It’s richard not dictionary

Response by MGySgt Dictionary Pate made Aug 16 at 2018 3:07 PM

MGySgt Dictionary Pate — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:07:50 -0400

Just call me when it’s time to eat. I’m retired but still a marine at heart and mind

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 1:20 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 13:20:57 -0400

I usually address people I knew well by their first name but if they outranked me when I worked with them, I usually address them as “Sir or Ma’am. I now know guys who were subordinate to me and now they are GOs. They flinch a little when I call them “sir “but they have earned their stars and I am proud to know them.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Aug 10 at 2019 7:01 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 19:01:49 -0400

It depends on the situation for me.