Posted on Aug 20, 2016
When it comes to greeting Soldiers E5 and above, does "Sergeant" suffice, or should you always use their full title?
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As a Sailor, my pay grade structure is very different than other branches. Last name only for E3 and below, Petty Officer for E4-E6, and Chief for E7 and above, but typically addressed formally by "Chief, Senior, or Master Chief".
How are greetings rendered in the Army for paygrades E5 and above - especially if coming from someone of a different branch?
How are greetings rendered in the Army for paygrades E5 and above - especially if coming from someone of a different branch?
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
NCOs
Customs and Courtesies NCOs
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 37
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If you want the book answer the tables in AR 600-20 chapter 1-6 cover how each rank will be addressed. The simple answer, if they have NCO stripes with nothing in the middle, addressing them by "Sergeant" is appropriate, if there is a diamond in the middle, "First Sergeant" and a star, "Sergeant Major"
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MSG (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) - Master, there is no requirement for anyone to address us as such. Sergeant, is the only requirement unless we are wearing a diamond or star in our chevrons.
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SPC (Join to see)
I've had MSGs rip me a new one for not calling them "Master Sergeant" I know the reg, and I know I'm right but it's not worth the hassle so I just roger Master Sergeant and move on. Some I've known are cool with it but that guy wasn't haha
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I liked the Navy Rates. Take a look at the picture on the sleeve and know what they do. The army addresses all NCOs from E-5 to E-8 as sergeant unless they're in a First Sergeant billet identified with the diamond. SGM is always SGM.
It was disappointing when the officer removed their branch insignia from our utility uniform, especially in a hospital. I don't know if I'm talking with a physician, nurse, provider or admin guy...
It was disappointing when the officer removed their branch insignia from our utility uniform, especially in a hospital. I don't know if I'm talking with a physician, nurse, provider or admin guy...
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LTJG (Join to see) - I aim to please.
Funny story, when I was transferring from the Navy to the Army, my recruiter only introduced himself as Sergeant Rodriquez. It never dawned on me the difference between the USMC and the Army. I had been conversing on the phone with him in a pretty informal tone especially considering that I was an E-4 and thought he was an E-5 but he was medical so I just went with it... When I arrived in San Antonio for paperwork I went bouncing into his office looking for Sergeant Rod. A SFC stands up from behind the desk and introduces himself as Sergeant Rodriquez... I almost had a heart attack as I slid to a stop and assumed parade rest for the ass chewing I expected but he explained that he was just addressed as SGT... welcome to the Army.
Funny story, when I was transferring from the Navy to the Army, my recruiter only introduced himself as Sergeant Rodriquez. It never dawned on me the difference between the USMC and the Army. I had been conversing on the phone with him in a pretty informal tone especially considering that I was an E-4 and thought he was an E-5 but he was medical so I just went with it... When I arrived in San Antonio for paperwork I went bouncing into his office looking for Sergeant Rod. A SFC stands up from behind the desk and introduces himself as Sergeant Rodriquez... I almost had a heart attack as I slid to a stop and assumed parade rest for the ass chewing I expected but he explained that he was just addressed as SGT... welcome to the Army.
Capt Michael Greene
Good story. Would also like to hear the story of "Why in God's Name would anybody transfer INTO the Army?" No disrespect. I just wonder what would be the draw, the appeal, of a ground pounding life.
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Capt Michael Greene - I have more time than money; the Army offered to pay me as a LT to sit through graduate school.
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For Army Sergeant is sufficient unless 1st Sgt or Sgt Maj but for the Marine Corps always address Sgt SSGT Gunny etc and yes Navy is petty officer or Chief
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For Marines, it better be the proper title!
The only Sergeants we have are in pay grade, E-5. Each title is distinctly different.
The only Sergeants we have are in pay grade, E-5. Each title is distinctly different.
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LTJG (Join to see)
MAJ Charles Blake - I like greeting those I pass, and when I am on Army posts I'd like to address Soldiers appropriately. Often times I am unsure of the pay grade I am passing. If "Sergeant" is accepted, it's an easy way to address E5 and above without having to worry too much. Now, of course, if I recognize the pay grade I will address them as such. Sergeant Major and First Sergeant are pretty easy to recognize.
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SFC (Join to see)
When I transferred from the Marines to the Army that was a big adjustment to make, calling everyone sergeant.
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PO1 Andrew Gardiner - If you really want to bust someones balls, they secretly like to be called, "Big Sarge". just make sure you're friends first.
SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Charles Blake - because you might not be after.
Sarge never really bothered me, anymore than Gunny bothers most Gunnery Sergeants or calling a Marine Master Sergeant or Army 1SG "Top". It depends on how it's used.
Sarge never really bothered me, anymore than Gunny bothers most Gunnery Sergeants or calling a Marine Master Sergeant or Army 1SG "Top". It depends on how it's used.
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In the Air Force. E-5 through E-8 may be addressed as "Sergeant" and E-9, "Chief."
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TSgt Scott Hurley
That is true unless they are a First Sergeant in pay grades E-7 -8, Which you do have mention the position they are in. But is still Chief if they have a diamond.
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According to AR 600-25 Customs and Courtesies there are only 3 NCO ranks not addressed as "Sergeant:" Sergeant Majors, First Sergeants, and Corporals. I know the Marines are different so I can only go with the what I know from the Army
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LTJG (Join to see) It depends for me - If I kn0w them then I address them by SGT and their last name. If I'm making an on the spot correct (or when I use to make an on the spot correction - sorry retired) I would jus address them as Sergeant. If I didn't know them peronally and I was at a distance where I couldn't see their last name, but close enough that they knew I was addressing them I would just say Sergeant. The respectful thing to do is always use Sergeant and their Last name in my opinion (I think that is good for all ranks) when in uniform to show proper military bearing and courtesy. Just my two cents
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LTJG (Join to see)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs so using Sergeant for pay grades above E5 is not deemed disrespectful? Essentially, when I am on any Army post and cannot quickly recognize what the pay grade is, I'd like to greet them. Just wanted to clarify that if I say, "Good morning, Sergeant" I won't get hosed.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
LTJG (Join to see) Nope I wouldn't go that far, sorry - I thought you were talking about buck Sergeant only, if they have more rockers and wreath you had better learn the rank structure - my bad. I wouldn't want you calling SGM (Sergeant Major) or a CSM (Command Sergeant Major) Sergeant - you could be pulling some extra post duty. I'd get familiar with them before you go running around. I had to do the same thing with the Navy rank structure - that is the most different to me.
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I always addressed 1SG, SGM, and CSM as such (ie: 1st Sergeant, Command Sergeant Major). All other NCO's were "Sergeant" unless they expressed a desire to be addressed differently.
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