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

I agree totally - make it a learning experience and collegial the first time it happens - LOCK HIS/HER HEELS - if it happen again!!~!

I would call them out on it and remind them they need to maintain military standards in regard to even rank off duty. If that fails to address the situation then stronger action is required.

Outside of work, people can call you anything, still... respect in or out of work determines what that person is made of. How life has programmed him/her. In today's world, we are missing way to much respect to each other! Peace...

Excellent question here. I believe that SPC should've known better that to acknowledge an officer or any officer if He or She is within arms length. Also, it doesn't matter what unit that officer is in, He or She is still an officer and should be shown the proper courtesy of a salute. This goes for other branches as well. It's always a good thing to recognize the officer ranks of other branches. If I were an officer I would've corrected that SPC right on the spot.

CPT (Join to see) In 1963/4, LT Moose was very direct. “I am LT Moose to you Sergeant!” No offense taken nor meant!

LT, insubordination is a violation of the UCMJ for a reason. I won't belabor the point but if you don't correct him, he's going to be insolent with the wrong officer and end up with a whole lot of hurt. You aren't doing him or the army any favors by ignoring this and it isn't your job to be his buddy. He dosen't have to like you but he sure as hell better respect you.

Jeff, I suspect that both of you might have been caught off guard. It happens. Did you know this E4? Did you know what unit this E4 was in? I suspect that the E4 did not intentionally intend disrespect "he did call me 'sir'." I guess the E4 was trying to self-correct on the fly. Good on the E4 if that was the case.

Next time this happens I would recommend a friendly chat. I do mean friendly. Something like "Hey, I looked up the regs. The address 'hey man' is not recommended. Thought you should know. I won't get too upset, but if I were a Field Grade, or your NCOIC or Shirt were made aware of this, well I won't guarantee you'll have a good day. Look, just a friendly suggestion, here, but 'Good day, Lieutenant' or even 'Hi, Lieutenant' or even just 'Hi, sir.' will be a better way to greet me, or any officer, from now on."

If the E4 is smart, his reply will be a cheery "Yes, sir!" and maybe even "Thank you, sir!" (just as cheerfully). And then you will get that kind of greeting from then on and you can commend the E4 for a good change in attitude. However, if it continues, then go see about a chat with the E4's supervisor, NCOIC, or First Sgt. Simply relate the actual events, no finger pointing or accusations. Then ask if that behavior meets with that unit's standards. That supervisor, NCOIC, or First Sgt. will take it from there.

By all means, correct him!! Could save him a butt chewing later.

The "hey man" to me shows a lack of respect and should be corrected, just do not be a "hard ass" about correcting this behavior.

CPT (Join to see) I still recall LT Moose Giving me clear direction the he was not, ‘Moose’. Simple, extremely effective and correct it did not offend me.