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

Were I you, sir, I tell the SPC to go get his first line and bring him/her to me. I would ask the NCO if he/she thinks that "hey, man" is an acceptable way to address an office. Then let the NCO handle it.

Sounds like a professional seaman or fireman. Maybe, apprentice. Let's get him studying military requirements, take away his rate, or, back to boot camp.

That Sir is a Total Lack of Respect to you as an Officer !!!

Correct him

Where were you in Basic Training? It's time to kick ass and take names!

Absolutely. When I was an E5 Navy, Flying crew on P-2’s we were a tight crew. On base in on duty we respected all rank and maintained a reasonable level of decorum. Off base there were some pilots, who enjoyed the company of the crew so we got together to watch football, baseball and just hang out for a few beers. We called him Mr. until he told us to relax and just call him Paul. But we knew better than to take this informality too far and Never on duty. One day in the Tweet Shop, an E-3 who was new to this arrangement called him “Paul” while on duty, and in the presence of higher ranking PO’s. “Commander Paul K.”. Turned like his head was attached to a spring. But before he could speak a word, the E-3 was immediately chastised severely by more senior Petty officers along with sincere apologies. The good Commander was satisfied with this rebuke and let it go, Afterwards the rebuke was piled on with comments like “WTF were you thinking?!” That never happened again as we knew the difference between Paul the buddy and Commander K. , and we didn’t want a stupid kid messing up our situation.

I realize this was not in keeping with official Navy protocol regarding fraternization. But this is just how it was. But we knew as enlisted, never to push the boundaries. We were still able to perform our duties with proper military respect anytime we were on duty. Interestingly, 45 years later I hooked up with the good Commander, I excitedly called him Commander K. but was quickly told “Please, it’s just Paul now”. We hung out and remained friends until his death a few years ago. He was a good man and had the full respect of his subordinates. He respected us as well and never abused his rank ever. But he wasn’t afraid to let you know if you screwed up either. He had no officer friends at the time of his death. But lots of enlisted came out of the woodwork to pay their respects. I truly miss that man and would have gladly followed any lawful order he issued.
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Absollutley. Its disrespectful.

You should correct him to uphold the standards and pride that is the military.

I’m Old School and that’s how I was Trained. There is a Proper way and Place of doing everything and this must be taught. In my opinion, being corrected by you, one on one with no one else around, would be better and just as effective than while in formation or some other circumstances. It’s a matter of Respect due a superior leaders rank or office, regardless if you respect the individual or not. This is part of the disciplined structure required for the cohesiveness required in a successful and professional Military. Respectfully submitted, Doc

Didn’t you go to OCS????