Posted on Nov 21, 2013
When a lieutenant colonel uses the phone, answering or calling, how should they address themselves, lieutenant colonel or colonel?
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<font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">
</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">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.</font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">
</font>
</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">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.</font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">
</font>
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 40
<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>
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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.
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COL Johnny Powers
It is very poor form and unprofessional to introduce yourself as a Colonel if you are a Lieutenant Colonel. The manner I use to correct officers is to congratulate them on their promotion and ask them when the ceremony occurred. At that point I talk to them about how to identify themselves over the phone. Having worked in the Pentagon for three years I know that mistake that can tarnish an Officer who simply may not have had an OPD on the subject.
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LTC (Join to see)
I agree introducing myself as "Colonel" seems poor form and asked this question when I got promoted last year. I was referred to AR 600-20. Does this refer to how people address me only?
AR 600-20
Field grade officers
Grade: Lieutenant Colonel
Pay grade: O–5
Title of address: Colonel
Abbreviation: LTC
AR 600-20
Field grade officers
Grade: Lieutenant Colonel
Pay grade: O–5
Title of address: Colonel
Abbreviation: LTC
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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
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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>
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LtCol Mac McCarty
In the Marine Corps, I have actually heard one Colonel suggest to another that he "... Consult the Blue Book, and then get back to me on that." The sacred Blue Book was the lineal recedence list!
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LtCol Mac McCarty
LTC (Join to see) - Agreed, on all points. And not viewing Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels that way is a mistake that will probably be made only once!
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LtCol Mac McCarty
And for the senior NCO s, as a fresh caught lieutenant, I once responded to the Company Gunny "Yessir, I mean, 'Yes, Gunny....." The Skipper snorted and said, "Aw, Hell, Mac. You can call him 'Sir'. He's old enough to be your Father." Skipper-Gunny banter followed, which the wiser and chastened Lieutenant chose never to repeat.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC (Join to see) - Concur, there is a world of difference between and O-5 and O-6.
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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.
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COL Mike Walton
What you stated Sir, was a bit of stupidity coming from someone (and I betcha he was a newly "minted" LTC). When people address me as "Colonel", I take a little bit of pride in addressed so because that's Army military protocol. At the same time, when I'm being introduced, I make sure that the person introducing me does so as "Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mike Walton" to make the distinction known.
Personally, I would rather be called "Blackeagle" or "Mike". Can't screw either of those up, and its universal across the services.
Personally, I would rather be called "Blackeagle" or "Mike". Can't screw either of those up, and its universal across the services.
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COL John Hudson
Good one, Mike. I've always kept my Vietnam helicopter call sign "Knight." The 114th Assault Helicopter Co. had three platoons: White Knights, Red Knights, and Cobra (Guns). If my tail number was 247, then my call sign for the day was "Knight 247." Everyone knew I was then flying for the 114th out of Vihn Long, Vietnam. During the Balkan Conflict and almost 4 years in Iraq, I was "Knight Six." Easy and no misunderstandings. John
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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.
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.
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MAJ (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador - When I was a Captain talking to a USN person over the phone I made a point saying "Army Captain"...
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LCDR (Join to see)
Not sure about Army protocol, but when it comes to the Navy's LCDR vs CDR (as referenced above), customs and courtesies call for them both to be referred to as "Commander." Likewise, when I made LTJG, my Department Head told me that, should he ever hear me answer the phone as "Lieutenant Junior Grade, he would come down to my office and make me an Ensign again."
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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."
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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.
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.
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