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 >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 37
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I'm sure this is mentioned already, but Army regs state that E5 through E7 are addressed as "Sergeant", E8 is also addressed as "Sergeant" unless they hold the rank of First Sergeant. It is common to address the E8 as "Master Sergeant", but that is often only as a sign of affection or respect for the person with that rank
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In the Army it is fine for everyone but the SGM and 1SG. In the Marines, it isn't, but in the Marines everyone will answer to Marine with no offense taken, even the Commandant.
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SFC (Join to see)
LTJG (Join to see) - To every Marine I ever met, from the Private to A.M. Gray, Jr. I never met a Marine who didn't cherish their title. Just as always, if it's shiny, salute it.
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Typically for E-5 to E-7 you can use SGT. Obviously depends on who you come in contact with. But always call E-8 and E-9 by their full title.
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In the Army, E-5 to E-7 are usually addressed only as Sergeant. The full title is not often used, but you wouldn't be wrong if you did. For E-8's, a First Sergeant is addressed as First Sergeant and Master Sergeants are addressed only as Sergeant. E-9s are addressed as Sergeant Major regardless of if they are a Command Sergeant Major or just a Sergeant Major.
Using an NCO's full title (i.e. Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class) is often usually only done during formal settings, introductions, and so forth.
Using an NCO's full title (i.e. Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class) is often usually only done during formal settings, introductions, and so forth.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - If you prefer to address someone by their full title then that is on you. It however is not a requirement.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - I know this. When I transferred from the Marines to the Army it took a little while to get used to. My comment was direct toward "I'll be in your face". You can be in whatever. Sergeant is perfectly acceptable for a master sergeant. The only time I even used Sergeant First Class was answering the phone so they knew which of the 4 sergeants I was.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - Ah, gotcha. Rock on with you bad self. Just be wary of the "I'll be in your face" crowd.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - I'm retired. I don't have to deal with it any longer. "Screw you!" is perfectly acceptable for the E01 to the O10 now.
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This is just me but I respectfully greet and address E5-E7 as SGT on conversations except on formal occasions such as promotion/award or any ceremony that is deemed appropriate, E8 1SG/MSgt, E9/E10 SM because they all earned that title!
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1LT (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) -
I believe there is only 1x E10 however, they are classified as E9 which special pay in each service: SMA Daniel Dailey, SMMC Ronald Green, CMSAF James Cody, MCPON Michael Stevens.
I believe there is only 1x E10 however, they are classified as E9 which special pay in each service: SMA Daniel Dailey, SMMC Ronald Green, CMSAF James Cody, MCPON Michael Stevens.
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MSG (Join to see)
LT, they do collect additional special compensation. That however does not make them E-10's. Congress has only approved up to an E-9 Pay Grade for all Department of Defense enlisted personal.
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Don't complicate the simple! E5 thru E8 are addressed as Sergeant. Now, 1stSergeant is an E8 and is addressed as such. E9 is addressed as Sergeant Major.
As you're a Sailor, they should give you a break and explain. However, you should always be prepared for the individual who has a hard on.
As you're a Sailor, they should give you a break and explain. However, you should always be prepared for the individual who has a hard on.
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I thought Navy addressed NCO by rate, so you would be IT1 Martin? Which confuses the hell out of the Army.
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is there a jeffery Steven in the USA Army station in Nigeria on peace work. He is first class Sargeant.
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