When a lieutenant colonel uses the phone, answering or calling, how should they address themselves, lieutenant colonel or colonel?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 08:13:30 -0500

In colloquial and informal use, lieutenant colonels are addressed
as colonel, however, when over the phone, when the two parties don’t know each
other, or can’t see each other, the use of colonel confuses the rank.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 21 at 2013 8:18 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 08:18:45 -0500

That's where the term "telephone colonel" came from isn't it?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 8:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 08:44:34 -0500

See Sir, now you have me thinking, because I always just answer the phone 'Lieutenant Hooser" Hmm.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 9:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 09:28:41 -0500

Sir,

I answer the phone:

"Bravo Company 30th BSTB Sergeant First Class Weems Speaking, how may I help you sir or ma'am".

I use my rank and not how I am addressed. This also creates awkward moments (like the one you describe to SSG Burns) when dealing with civilians at times, but I just ask them to call me "(insert preference)" and we move on. This seems to be the most effective way I have discovered.

It is interesting to note that most NCOs I know do this as well, but it identifies them as a higher rank than the connotation of how they are addressed. At the same time Officers have the inverse issue.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Nov 22 at 2013 11:46 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 23:46:56 -0500

<p>When on the phone, I agree that a Lt Col should say "Lt Col", but in person it is ok for someone to address a "Lt Col' as "Colonel".  Just like it is ok for the following ranks to be addressed as:</p><p> </p><p>"Lieutenant" for 2Lt & 1Lt</p><p>"General" for Brig, Maj and Lt Generals</p><p> </p><p>Great question, thanks for posting.</p>

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 23 at 2013 12:17 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:17:18 -0500

Personally I introduce myself as MSG Stankovich whether it is telephonically, via email or in person.  I do it to ensure that the person that I am engaging with knows that I am a MSG.  After initial introductions are over, if you want to fall back into what the regulation states about addressing SGT-MSG (minus 1SG) as SGT, then so be it.  I think it is important to establish who you are in the beginning of any engagement.   

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 23 at 2013 1:08 AM

CPT Mike M. — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 01:08:17 -0500

Sir, personally I think it depends on who's calling. If they're calling your cell phone you've got the edge with caller ID coming in to play. I'd say that if you know the caller, the abbreviated "Colonel ________" should work. However, if the call was from a superior or an unknown number I'd probably up the formality and use full rank.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 23 at 2013 1:32 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 01:32:09 -0500

I didn't realize that LTCs and COLs perceived that the prestige/respect difference in their ranks were that different. <div><br></div><div>I can see how confusion could ensue though as most COLs would call a LTC by their first name as would LTCs to other LTCs. If you weren't sure if the person on the other end was equal or higher rank, you wouldn't know whether to ask to call them by their first name or not.</div><div><br></div><div>Other than that, not sure what the difference would be in how you would speak to someone on the phone - I would think you would give them the same respect and common courtesy.</div><div><br></div><div>As a Sergeant Major, if a Soldier answers the phone Sergeant, I'm good with that as I would treat an E5 Sergeant the with the same respect as an E8 Sergeant.</div>

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 23 at 2013 4:35 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 04:35:50 -0500

Ar 600-20 is pretty clear on this matter. Take a look at it.

Response by CAPT Lyle Brown made Jun 30 at 2016 9:28 PM

CAPT Lyle Brown — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 21:28:57 -0400

One should always refer to oneself by their full and proper rank. Calling a LTC by the name "Colonel" (or in the Navy a LCDR by "CDR") is a compliment when used by someone else, but is crass when used by the individual himself.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Jul 1 at 2016 4:25 PM

LtCol Mac McCarty — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:25:52 -0400

When I answered the phone, I always did so as "Lieutenant Colonel McCarty." However, I was saddened to see that SecNav finally caught on and recently mandated that when calling Navy phone numbers, Marine officers are now required to say "This is Marine Captain_____ calling." Boy, we used to get so much more cooperation when I was at, e.g., Subic Bay." I also really appreciated Captain Doc Lamb, USN, who, back in the day when Navy officers LCdr and below were referred to as Mr, required his officers in USS Newport, to call Marine officers above 2d Lieutenant by their correct title. (In the old Corps, 2dLts were Mister and 1stLts were Lieutenant.). But then, Captain Lamb had once held the much higher rank of PFC, USMC at a little flyspeck in the Pacific called Iwo Jima, so he understood.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 4:26 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:26:10 -0400

I agree with most. If the other person doesn't know you you should use LTC. And if I know you and you say Col you had better be bringing a cigar and buying at the club.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 1:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:09:29 -0400

This proves that all ranks have people with inferiority complexes. Misleading an equally ranked Officer is a subtle "my d*&^ is bigger" move, and reeks of a low self esteem.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 1:15 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:15:58 -0400

We used to actually refer to those as "telephone colonels". It's very misleading. I normally answer the phone identifying myself as Sergeant. This is the appropriate address for a SGT through MSG. However, it has the same potential for misunderstand as a SSG may now think they're talking to a SGT when they're talking to a MSG and there are times where that SSG may overstep their bounds thinking they're senior to the person they're addressing. The key here is to treat everyone with the same amount of respect. Also, answer the phone with your full rank.

Response by MG Stephen Hogan made Jul 6 at 2016 1:40 PM

MG Stephen Hogan — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:40:20 -0400

Anyone and everyone can call a LTC "Colonel", except the LTC in reference to himself. It shouldn't only apply on the telephone, but any time the soldier identifies or introduces himself, in or out of uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 3:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 15:31:21 -0400

The bottom line is clarification. If leaving out any information will lead to someone possibly getting the wrong impression, CLARIFY! I always introduce myself as Lieutenant Colonel Sorensen over the phone or to a large group where my rank may not be visible. I also use the full rank when introducing someone of that rank. When addressing someone of that rank, I will usually just use "Colonel" since we both know what rank they hold.
On a similar note, back when I was a Captain and serving in a joint environment with Navy personnel, I always referred to myself as Army-Captain Sorensen.
Overall, it wasn't that difficult an adjustment.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 6 at 2016 4:11 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 16:11:50 -0400

Technically it's supposed to be "Lieutenant Colonel". However, that is an awful lot of syllables.....

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 6 at 2016 6:23 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 18:23:27 -0400

Being a lowly Sgt I would assume using ones correct rank would always be proper.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 7:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 19:49:24 -0400

Does a brigadier general specify brigadier on the phone? I doubt it, but I have never spoken to a General on the phone. Does a private say PV1? Does a lieutenant specify first or second? I really don't think it is necessary, sir.

Response by CW3 Catherine Silvestri made Jul 7 at 2016 10:10 PM

CW3 Catherine Silvestri — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:10:53 -0400

Sir, While i generally address LTCs I know as "Colonel," I believe it is always appropriate protocol to distinguish between the two when on the phone, given the ambiguity. My other half, a USMC LTC always answers as Lt. Col. (And I've not yet strayed from his great example in military protocol.) Just some thoughts from my small foxhole, with all due respect.

Response by COL Ardis Ferguson made Jul 8 at 2016 6:49 PM

COL Ardis Ferguson — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 18:49:58 -0400

Protocol dictates a Lieutenant Colonel identifies themselves as a Lieutenant Colonel when their rank is not easily distinguished, such as a phone conversation or VTC and when introducing themselves to an audience. The old adage of when in doubt, use LTC Is the best practice

Response by SGT Charles Tittl made Jul 8 at 2016 7:04 PM

SGT Charles Tittl — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 19:04:02 -0400

HMFIC always works in a pinch

Response by LTC William Gilmore made Jul 12 at 2016 7:31 PM

LTC William Gilmore — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:31:00 -0400

There's an old joke that a lieutenant colonel is a "telephone colonel" when answering the phone as "colonel". Personally, I always identified myself as lieutenant colonel.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 29 at 2016 11:34 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:34:14 -0400

Worked at joint command headquarters for many years as a Lt Col. Almost always used "lieutenant colonel". I think we did that because joint service organizations (Joint Staff, Combatant Command Headquarters, Service Component Command Headquarters) were filled with O-5s and O-6s and there was a distinct difference between the two ranks. Colonels from outside the organization wanted to be sure they were speaking to a peer (O-6) oftentimes regardless of the Lt Col's position. I've heard, "Oh, if you're just a lieutenant colonel, then I need to talk with your O-6." The best answer I was able to give, and quite honestly, was, "I'm sorry sir, I work directly for a Major General. I can give you his secretary's number if you like."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 6:08 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 06:08:16 -0400

Sir,
IMO Etiquette has been well established: A LTC can be, and usually is, is addressed by others as "Colonel" but when referring to himself (especially over the phone but otherwise also) introduces himself as Lieutenant Colonel.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 8:14 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 08:14:47 -0400

I address myself as Lieutenant Colonel - I almost feel awkward when somebody addresses me as Colonel. There's a big difference between the two ranks and I never want to misrepresent that I'm the higher rank. Only thing is, I get irritated that my title is so long I feel like it takes forever to get to my name and I fumble sometimes trying to say it really fast.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 30 at 2016 8:34 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 08:34:48 -0400

Again we see the Army identity problem. Call a duck a duck. We call all ranks of Sargent "Sargent". All General are "General". 2LT and 1LT are LTs. The Corps is a bit tighter on using full rank when identifying Marines. And for all our sake, don't use pay grade!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 9:42 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:42:10 -0400

Or how about being an Air Force Captain visiting a Navy installation and calling someone. If you just say Captain they assume your are a Navy O-6 instead of an O-3 in the Air Force.

Response by Col Jeffrey Swegel made Aug 30 at 2016 9:55 AM

Col Jeffrey Swegel — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:55:20 -0400

Yeah. We call these clowns "phone Colonels". It's inappropriate unless in person.

Response by COL John Hudson made Aug 30 at 2016 10:45 AM

COL John Hudson — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 10:45:54 -0400

I would normally address such an issue as "From The IG Desk," but I'm going to step out of that role and answer this question from personal experience as a soldier. The Air Force has a bad habit of allowing LTC's to be addressed as "Colonel," and I have overheard this numerous times (I grew up in the Air Force my first 19 years of life). Moreover, on many occasions I've witnessed media types doing the same thing. Now them, I can excuse as ignorant of military rank protocol, but not any member of any military service. As a full Colonel, I had an encounter with an Air Force LTC in Iraq who was indignant that I did not address him as "Colonel" when introduced at a briefing. My response? "If you are embarrassed by the rank you're wearing, then take it off and go home. If your branch of the military allows you to promote yourself, then you will address me as 'Brigadier General.'' The entire encounter was stupid, from my point of view, being driven by nothing more than ego and hubris. I've worn every Enlisted stripe, Warrant bar, and Commissioned insignia with silent pride at every step of the game. I have every right to expect others to do the same.

Response by LT Michael Watson made Aug 30 at 2016 12:24 PM

LT Michael Watson — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 12:24:59 -0400

And you all think the Navy is hosed up. Oh wait , we have Commanders, Lt. Commanders, Vice Admirals, Lieutenants, Lt. Junior Grade, and confuse everyone with our Captains and Lieutenants.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Aug 30 at 2016 1:16 PM

CPT Endre Barath — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 13:16:44 -0400

I appreciate your frustration Colonel aka LTC and I agree with you,on the other hand once you leave the military and join the civilian work force, the best advice I can give is such irritants that only offend the ego need to be left behing in the military. RLTW!

Response by Capt Joseph Olson made Aug 30 at 2016 2:25 PM

Capt Joseph Olson — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 14:25:35 -0400

In my 29 years of AF contact, LTCs were known as "telephone Colonels".
Whenever I dealt with the Navy I used my proper rank 'Captain".
I got respect and good service. ;-)

Response by COL Mike Walton made Aug 30 at 2016 3:38 PM

COL Mike Walton — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:38:36 -0400

When in doubt, say "Sir." I'm a "telephone Colonel" myself, and when other LTCs call me they ID themselves right off as "LTC Richard Halftrack" or whatever his name is...so now, I can call him "Richard" instead of "Sir" or "Colonel". But if Halftrack doesn't give up his rank, call him "Sir.". That's the polite thing to do, and the worst thing to happen is you'll a CSM or MSG who will firmly but proudly inform you that "I'm a (Sergeant Major) Master Sergeant...I work for a living..." *smiling*

(You just made a friend at that point, unless he or she's calling you to eat your lunch! *heheheehee*)

Response by LtCol J W made Aug 30 at 2016 5:54 PM

LtCol J W — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:54:22 -0400

You can call me anything except late for supper!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 9:38 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 21:38:57 -0400

I think the main guiding principle is to show respect and consideration for the person with whom you are speaking on the phone, so as to not give him or her misinformation or make them look or feel foolish (regardless of relative rank).
It is a matter of both courtesy and professionalism.
I do (personally) feel it is bordering on misdirection to introduce yourself on the phone as "colonel" when you are a Lt Col. It may be simple pride, but it's a slippery slope.
When the rank is clear by context, such as in an in-person meeting of people who are acquainted, it probably matters little... But I always err on the side of "referring up" to others, not myself.
My 2 cents. That and $2.97 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks...
UNCLE

Response by COL Michael Freville made Aug 31 at 2016 7:26 AM

COL Michael Freville — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 07:26:54 -0400

He's a "telephone Colonel"! When I was LTC, that's how I self-identified. When I was O-6 then I was Col.

Response by Col Rex Tallent made Aug 31 at 2016 5:12 PM

Col Rex Tallent — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 17:12:34 -0400

This is always awkward, but it is easier for everyone for the 0-5 to use his or her full title.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2016 5:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 17:16:14 -0400

Personally, sir I like it when my boss answers the phone with, "yo?"

Response by LtCol J W made Aug 31 at 2016 7:00 PM

LtCol J W — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 19:00:10 -0400

don't you people have any thing serious to debate? Who really cares what the LtColonel says or doesn't say? We have some serious shooting going on in this world and a presidential election in a few months. That seems a lot more important than an O-5 being called Colonel!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2016 1:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 13:43:28 -0400

AR 600–20 • 6 November 2014, table 1-1 on page 3.

Grade: Lieutenant Colonel
Pay grade: O-5
Title of address: Colonel
Abbreviation: LTC