Who do you call sir [or ma'am] when you are out of uniform?

Honestly, it depends on how I feel at the time. If I'm feeling in overly high spirits, I may even call my wife ma'am. Otherwise, I will address seniors as sir or ma'am and anyone I have any sort of "official" transaction with, such as fast food or a gas station purchase. As far as saluting when out of uniform, I've only heard of that when a veteran is at a funeral and Taps is played. However, a buddy recently told me I am able to salute parading colors out of uniform and whatnot, but I haven't seen any official statement there. But generally, I try to use Sir and Ma'am as much as possible.

LTC Stephen F.
I could always tell the junior Officers who were raised to call their elders Sir/Ma'am and also knew I had been in the Navy WAY too long when Butter Bars (and even a few O2's) called ME Sir.

Everybody, I might be 33, but my mom would still try to whoop my @ss if I didn't.

When I am out of uniform, and I am never in uniform any more, I call all males and all females out uniform Sir or Ma'am. If someone is in uniform, I use their rank if military...unless they are Navy/Coast Guard because I never could remember what their ranks were...or Sir or Ma'am if they are not.

I was raised right.

EVERYONE!!!

LTC Stephen F. Just like your survey question. If I recognize a General Officer (Male or Female) whether they are retired or not I address them as Sir or Ma'am until told otherwise by that individual. They deserve that respect within our military system. That is my opinion. When personnel lower in rank address me as Sir and then I advise them to address me by name "Mikel" then that is how I would like to be addressed going forward. I have a lot of respect for all service members that use good common military bearing and courtesy even after you have retired. It says something about their military bearing and character!

I even address Senior NCO like Command Sergeant Majors and Sergeant Majors and First Sergrants as such, just because they earned that rank and respect. I think it is a common courtesy affored them by Commissioned Officers, Warrants, and Enlisted Soldiers. I also address Warrant Officers as Mr. or Chief out of respect for them. I think its just a good practice.

I personally call anyone I meet Sir or ma'am out of respect, It was the way I was raised and a dying courtesy not shared by todays Generation.

I would most esp those I respect...

Now that I'm a civilian just about everyone.