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

WTF? You are an F’n CPT! Are you afraid of this little POS? That little f**ker should be wish to crawl back into it’s mother’s VJ because his life is so GDamn miserable. Hey CPT, FU on moving under fire to that position, or any other order. Where is this phuk’s NCO’s and why isn’t he being made an example of? How old are you? At least you are diverse enough, wooohoo! Learn Chinese.

In uniform? You have an obligation to correct him.

In civilians, on duty? Tactfully correct him. Just because he recognized you at work doesn't mean he remembers your rank in civilians.

In civilians, off duty? A long as he's not being outright disrespectful, and the proper courtesies are shown in the above two scenarios, he has no real responsibility to call you sir or anything of the sort. You wouldn't expect some civilian to treat you with military customs and courtesies, so why would it matter just because you happen to know he's also in the military?

Absolutely...you don't have to be a jerk about it, but stopping the E-4 is the only correct alternative. I had this happen to me when I was a 1st Lt. My comment was "my first name is Lieutenant. At a minimum, use that." I was later advised by my Chief MSGT (E-9) to never inappropriate greetings pass because you would be doing a disservice to yourself as well as the E-4 - he had overheard the entire conversation. Come to find out, there were several people that overheard the entire conversation. You never know who is listening.

"Excuse me? What did say? Did the Army not teach you how to address an officer? Would you speak to your CSM that way,..." you get the point

I think so....

If todays officers have to ask that question our military is in sad shape.

Well if I’d done that 20 years ago as a SPC I would have probably been a PFC soon after. I really hope the Military is not turning soft. But at the end of the day I’m retired so not my problem any longer I just hope that discipline isn’t a thing of the past.

How else can I say that "YOU" are in the wrong me than he is. Hymn is ass up. That is what's wrong with today's military! Not the junior ranks in the way they act and no discipline, but the senior leaders for not correcting them and holding them to a higher standard. It is all the leaders fault. I could go one for days!!!

You are in officer with the title of "Sir" regardless of if you in uniform or not make the correction or you will always be remembered has "Hey man"

I retired in 1982 from the USAF. A long time ago and I would expect I would have been spoken to about it. Had I heard it I would have spoken to the to the young person about it. Also, I would have spoken to the officer had he not respond with a comment of respect due the rank. I found it to be helpful for the officer to be firm, but not belittle the individual. I was guilty to not acknowledging a Lt.
Gen staff car on Westover AFB. I was shocked when he drove around the block to get to a safe place to speak to me about it. He was firm and understood, when I explained I had not realized the car was a staff car in the first place. it was an eye opening experience. Pay attention to your soundings,