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

SFC Casey O'Mally's comment is stellar.

The fact you have ask is appalling. You need to snap that E-4 back to reality. Disrespect breeds contempt.

He probably doesn't understand the concept of the "appearance of unfamiliarity". If it was a one time thing, I'd let it ride. If it was a daily occurrence, I'd pull him to the side and quietly explain the concept.

I guess as foreign Military and a SNCO ( SSGT equivalent E7) I would look at it this way, as you haven't explained whether it is social , afterhours, or is the person someone you work on a daily basis, I'll just assume that they are. The behaviors we ignore is the behavior you'll get. I would still expect a that a Soldier/Sailor/Airperson regardless of rank, Other Ranks(OR) should still be mindful and respectful of a senior rank (Officer) and how they are addressing that individual. Sorry we refer to all our Military Service people as enlisted we don't separate. But we also have very clear guidelines around interactions between ORs and Officers, which should be and generally is enforced by our NCO's, SNCO's, WO's and Officers, regardless of the situation. While there is some relaxation of tongues outside of the work environments - social gatherings, there should still be some lines and control that need to be maintained, I would really ask yourself, do you want this person to keep addressing you as hey man, or use the correct acknowledgment, Good morning, day, evening 'SIR/MAM'. As a leader and commander it's something you can correct, or it will be something you'll receive every time.

CPT Railey...you have received a lot of feedback below, all of which I have respect for and appreciate. There is no substitute for leadership and leader recognition. It is such an important aspect of how we operate in the military. I remember as a 2LT at Ft Knox, a young soldier ran by me literally, with no acknowledgement, no effort to slow to a walk, etc. I called him by his rank and asked him to come back, which he did. I explained to him that I had been where he is, and that one of the important aspects of soldiering is military customs and courtesies. I explained to him that it is about respect for our time honored tradition of separation of ranks for decision making and obeying orders. He apologized, saluted and returned his salute and he took off running again. I am sure he had some place he was suppose to be and he wasn't there yet. Guessing his Drill Sargent was looking for him. I have zero doubt he did not tell his DS what had happened to him.

Another case I can recall was as a CPT. I was walking with the company First Sergeant going somewhere, and a soldier went right by us without saluting. Well, the First Shirt was having none of that and he called the young PFC (I believe it was) back and proceeded to explain to him that military courtesy is not an option, among other 'comments'...I guess I should say he lit him up for more accuracy...he made the young soldier come back, apologize and salute. I think having the 1SG address the issue was more effective than had I addressed it myself. Where possible, I think having an NCO correct the matter is a good alternative. It is not always possible, but I found that it worked very well.

I have been retired for years and still have soldiers I served with 20 years ago call me Sir when I encounter them. I have told them they can call me by my first name but they insist on calling me Sir. It is a matter of respect. Even if they do not respect you, military customs and courtesies dictate that they respect the rank since they know you are an officer. You do not have to be rude about it but you should address it.

As an E4 I would expect you keep walking and don't recognize me until I get it right. If it doesn't click after a few seconds why you aren't responding then someone needs to go back to boot. Respect is a major part of military and rankings, it should carry into the civilian world as well. Letting things slip or hand holding is why things are as laxed in this world. Respect your officers and respect your elders, 2 simple rules we should all adhere to and the world would be a better place.

Absolutely correct them on the spot. Stop that behavior there. Don't wait, don't smile, don't feel nervous, don't be intimidated, and don't try to be nice. Set the example there, NOW. Never allow an enlisted to call you "hey" and especially not "Hey man" If off duty it might possibly be okay in certain circumstances. And those circumstances are what ever the hell you make them to be. You're the Officer.

Is it on duty or at a get-together? On duty, 1st time get them off to the side and remind him how to address an officer after that Katy-bar-the-door.

An officer is an officer no matter where they are. Unless you specifically say "hey outside work its insert name here" otherwise its sir. I had a squad leader that was sergeant even as we watched ufc at his house for his birthday. ( we were all leadership in the platoon) eventually he said hey man as long as nobody else is around no rank needed. It doesn't require an ass chewing just a simple hey its sir. Customs and courtesies doesn't end at the gate. He should know that already. By not saying anything your setting a sub par standard.