When an E-4 calls me "hey" or "hey man" knowing that I am an officer, should I bother to correct him?

I don’t understand the problem. This SPC calls me hey man outside work. I’m not calling anyone, even my BC, sir outside of work in casual conversation. You want me to call you sir then don’t talk to me around town.

Nah, don’t correct him because you are a pussy for even asking the question. Matter of fact, turn in your shit and go back home to momma and daddy

Were you in uniform? Did he call you with your back turned [he couldn't see your rank]? How close was he when he called out? With that being said, discuss it with the SPC. Explain the situation and let the chip fall where they may.

Yes you should.

How is he saying this? With intended disrespect...like "were off duty and I can get away with this"? Or is he more of just casually saying "hey man, how's it going?" As if you are both just two people interacting. I'm all about proper customs and courtesy, but if he isn't disrespectful about it, and absolutely respectful on duty,, then I would take it with a grain of salt. That being said...as an E4 and below I never would have thought to call an no anything but Sgt as well as officers as sir. Granted that was a different and proper time. Even as an no, it was the same until or unless the individual introduced himself otherwise or stated that he didn't need the sir or Sgt when it was just us or out of uniform

On or off duty, in or out of uniform doesn’t matter respect should be there if one knows the other soldiers rank, all soldiers first name is rank….. end of story

Does it bother you when you are outside of work? If not, I really wouldn't be too worried about it. But it is totally up to you. I am a former E-5 and worked with a 1 star Admiral. When I was off duty, he asked me stop in at his office and say hello. He asked me to call him by his first name as he did the same with me. Outside of his office he was either Admiral, Sir or Doctor and I was Petty Officer. So use your best judgement and how you feel it affects the work environment.

Maybe the SP4 is just practicing OPSEC. You can have him call you by your first name...better than hey man.

Absolutely you should, however, YOU are in the position to use this as a teaching moment. YOU are the one who can either let it slide, which sets the new standard, or correct the issue, which solves multiple potential issues.

The Army brought me in as a SPC. Through my Basic and AIT I didn't really have contact with many officers. I honestly had no idea how to address someone out of uniform or away from work until I had a SNCO who helped me out and taught me. I have tremendous respect for them for all they taught me.

You can use this to not only teach the Soldier, but also earn their respect at the same time. If they fail to listen or learn, then light them up.

Yes, you should correct him. "Specialist, you can either call me lieutenant or sir." You don't have be be mean, just professional and return the favor by calling him by his rank. You're doing him a favor; at some point he's going to do that to the wrong officer and have a very bad day.