Why do Army personnel call themselves "Sarge?" Should they command the same respect as the other branches?

1SG Raymond M Baker Jr — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:00:21 -0400

"Sarge." I am not a bottom feeding fish. Why can't the US Army be like the Marine Corp, "Former Marine." What do we call ourselves?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:05:48 -0400

I totally agree with you I'm not a sucker fish. The AKA Sarge was given me in civilian life not on AD. I worked in a multi person shop where there were a few names like mine so the guys gave the AKA to differentiate me from others.

PS; As we need to differentiate, I'm not a Sergeant E5 I'm Sergeant First Class E-7. Some would believe you are BIG Headed or stuck on your rank.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:12 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:12:07 -0400

I don't think I've ever heard an enlisted man call a superior Sarge and not get scuffed up. The term is Sergeant. At the same time, there is a common reference to all NCO's with the exception of 1SG, SGM and CSM. I don't have an issue with it and I think the Marines are hung up on rank instead of being hung up on the fact that they are an NCO. The Navy is a whole other ball of wax. You aren't truly separated until you are a Chief. The uniform is totally different. I don't like that system at all, but I understand its necessity on a vessel which demands strict adherence to tradition and discipline in order for it to function properly. Be a Sergeant. I wouldn't care if we were all called officers with the exception of Generals. That's what I am. Hell, call us all Soldiers. Even better.

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made May 25 at 2016 9:13 AM

CPL Patrick Brewbaker — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:13:19 -0400

Being a Marine and a soldier. I have agree. I run into a Marine or Navy it's like meeting a long lost brother. I love picking on the Squids because we're fighting brothers. Somehow it seems the the Naval services foster a sense of brotherhood (espirit de corps) right from the get go.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 25 at 2016 10:54 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:54:00 -0400

I called my Platoon Daddy "Sarge" once...ONCE.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 25 at 2016 11:02 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:02:52 -0400

No such thing as a "Former Marine". A Marine is a Marine; end of story. Interesting take tough. We have a thing on the Navy side. When asked, we'll say we're a Seabee long before rank anything comes up. And we love the Marines because we have each other's Six. There are a number of specific names that have a lot of tradition in the Navy. "Boats" for Boatswain Mate, "Guns" for Warrant Officers, "Number One" for second in command, etc. Rank usually doesn't go with it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 11:36 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:36:27 -0400

1SG Raymond M Baker Jr I salute you 1st Sergeant! You are a soldier for life. We should respect each other as brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of branch of service.

https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/issue.php?issue=2012-11-13

The United States Army | STAND-TO! | Soldier for Life

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 11:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:48:16 -0400

My kids get away with that. No quarter at work, though. I have a bigger issue with junior officers calling NCOs by last name only. When I do it back to them, they don't like it. I simply correct myself, and point out that I thought that they were letting me know we were on a last name basis. Some of them get ticked off, just saying. Senior officers usually don't practice that, though. Not trying to offend. There is a regulation that covers this......AR 600-20.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 11:50 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:50:06 -0400

I have been called Sergeant, Sarge, Cap, LT, etc. Never bothered me unless I knew it was being done to show disrespect. In 23 1/2 years I only had to remind someone what my status once or twice.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made May 25 at 2016 11:54 AM

MSG Pat Colby — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:54:24 -0400

I'm constantly referred to as "Ranger". Medics are mostly called "Doc". "Troopers" are Airborne types regardless of MOS. Lower Enlisted are "Soldiers". Artillery Folks are called "WHAT?" (Their favorite word due to hearing loss) There are a variety of slang names/Titles that are MOS or Skill related. I have no problem with Sarge. It doesn't effect my Pension Check.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 25 at 2016 12:51 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 25 May 2016 12:51:47 -0400

I have no problem when some one calls by the abbreviated version, it's been used for years. In public it would be a different story.

Response by SGT David T. made May 25 at 2016 1:26 PM

SGT David T. — Wed, 25 May 2016 13:26:20 -0400

I call myself David.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 25 at 2016 3:09 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:09:36 -0400

I've never heard an NCO referred to as "Sarge" outside of old John Wayne movies. And the Army is the Army. We have different traditions than the Marines. No better nor worse, just different.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 1:25 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 01:25:08 -0400

I don't ever being called Sarge except out of humorous irony. Boss, 7, Sergeant ... but never Sarge except by civilians who didn't know better or who were a-holes who I ignored.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 26 at 2016 3:51 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Thu, 26 May 2016 03:51:29 -0400

I only ever hear "sarge" in peer-to-peer contexts, and even then, only outside of work. That said, even as an SFC, I've answered to "Trooper", "Soldier" and even "sir" when working with our [distant] cousins in the USAF.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 2:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:50:28 -0400

I have never allowed a Soldier to call me "Sarge". I know lots of people think it a term of "endearment" maybe or have watched too much TV. But to me it also the difference in calling someone an E5 or Sergeant. If someone allows or refers to themselves in a pay grade. I CORRECT THEM. If they want to be a pay grade I don't need them.

Just today I have been refereed to as "Sergeant" (Soldier-Trainee) and "Staff Sergeant" (Marine-Trainee) and Sir (Air Force-trainee) when given the greeting of the day. Its showing respect to the rank that one has achieved and discipline and good order of the Soldier/Marine/Airman

Navy: Well that's another story..I never know what to call them,

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:19 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 11:19:07 -0400

I correct any soldier that calls me sarge, make them look it up on their phones so they can see what it is. I tell them "if I give you enough respect to call you by your name and not Joe then you give me the respect and address me as Sergeant. I think that was smashed into me by Drill Sergeant Hayes. I think is sounds lazy like Rog, instead of Roger.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:25 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 11:25:35 -0400

I've never heard a sergeant call themselves "Sarge." Also, when we sometimes referred to our First Sergeant as "first shirt," or "shirt" it was always done in informal settings and never to the First Sergeant. But I was Air Force, so I suppose what I have to say doesn't count! Anyway, thanks for letting me listen in.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 11:33 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 11:33:00 -0400

Yea I've literally never heard that term being used seriously. Sounds like it's just your command

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made May 31 at 2016 11:34 AM

CPL Jay Strickland — Tue, 31 May 2016 11:34:44 -0400

I would use sarge with an E-5 or E-6 I had a close working relationship with. I would never use it in front of his joes unless we were all on the same team and I knew everyone had established that close relationship. I would of course never use it in formal situations etc. I view it the same as calling a 1SG "Top" which you can do in some situations and not others, and if you have any doubt as to if then just go with 1SG, unless you are in charlie company in which case you get in trouble for not saying top of the Rock.

Response by SFC Anthony Shaffer made May 31 at 2016 12:41 PM

SFC Anthony Shaffer — Tue, 31 May 2016 12:41:49 -0400

That is and always was a no go. The closest is kinda get to that is "Sarnt". Acceptable in my book.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made May 31 at 2016 12:51 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Tue, 31 May 2016 12:51:23 -0400

The thing about the military is respect is given by rank. Yes some of it is earned through actions but that is more of a love/loyalty relationship with your leadership. Their have been plenty of leaders that I couldn't stand but still had to show them the respect their ranks demands.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 31 at 2016 12:59 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Tue, 31 May 2016 12:59:40 -0400

Never called anyone Sarge. We used Gunny quite a bit though , and Top for Master Gunnery Sgt. First Sgt was always Such as was Sgt Major.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 31 at 2016 1:03 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:03:22 -0400

If an individual NCO allows this to happen without making the correction then a new standard has been created. NCOs should demand the respect due them because of the rank they hold, this can be done without being a prick, unless that tract is required, we all know that respect is a two-way street, but at times it is a one-way street when required!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 1:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:16:00 -0400

A perfect example of the right thing is in Band of Brothers when Major Winters is driving by and Captain Stroble tries to get away with not saluting him. Major Winters stops the jeep and says, "We salute the rank, not the man."

When I deployed, I had a perfect example of a horrible leader. I was a SPC and he was a SSG. Whether he deserved it or not was irrelevant. I was still a professional, so I would stand at parade rest and call him Staff Sergeant <name> every time I talked to him. I may not have respected him, but I respect the rank, the uniform, and the Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 1:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:45:14 -0400

As long as one knows the different ranks, I don't think it should matter beyond the way things are structured now. I would call 1SG's "Firs Sarg'n", SGM/CSM, "Sarg'n Major", and SFC, SSG, and SGT, "Sarg'n". I always had a habit of calling MSG's "Master Sarg'n", even though by rule, we can lump them in with the SGT, SSG, SFC group with "Sergeant". That habit never broke. Not sure why. That's just...how it went.

As long as everyone understands the differences in authority, this shouldn't be an issue, IMO. Of course, there are times when one should be addressed specifically by actual rank, particularly in moments to remove ambiguity (i.e. go see Sgt. First Class Williams instead of just go see 'Sgt' Williams).

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made May 31 at 2016 2:23 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 31 May 2016 14:23:18 -0400

We always used "Sergeant" when referring to a Sergeant or Staff Sergeant and of course "Gunny" & "Top" for our Gunnery Sergeants and 1st Sergeants ..but maybe in a line company the protocols are stricter than other companies..??? However for some reason I liked being called "Tom" instead of Sergeant Cunnally and that is what I told the guys in my squad and platoon which probably didn't go over too well with our 1st Sergeants I even suggested being on a first name basis here on RP but that was shot down last year.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made May 31 at 2016 3:01 PM

SFC Shane Funkhouser — Tue, 31 May 2016 15:01:24 -0400

Really? As a former marine myself I have to admit when I first enlisted in the army I had a hard time not calling everyone by their full rank. Sargeant first class was a mouthful. And after a few weeks one sergeant first class came up to me and said look I know you were a marine and they do things a bit different but thus is the army calling me sergeant is not an insult it's a tradition. Enlisted ranks E-5 thru E-7 have been called sergeant in the army as far back as the civil war. And no matter the branch we all have our ways of short cutting. While a marine our gunnery sergeant was gunny. Our master gunnery sergeant was master guns. Of course for the master guns it was master gunnery sergeant to his face, but I never had a gunnery sergeant complain about being called gunny. I have to admit also when I made staff sergeant in the army I preferred my troops to use my rank after all staff sergeant isn't a mouthful but I took no offense when it was shortened to sergeant or sarge. I knew my troops respected me. If it offends you it is more likely an insecurity on your part.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 7:35 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 19:35:12 -0400

In ten years in uniform I've heard the term "sarge" used once. It was during BCT and we all got a painful reminder why it was a bad idea. I'm not sure this is really an issue.

I do hear the terms "LT" "looey" and "boottenant" thrown around a lot. Im curious, is that equally offensive as "sarge?" Or is that now how respecting rank works?

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 1 at 2016 4:18 AM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 04:18:22 -0400

I think that you're so full of yourself that you leak.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 5:33 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:33:24 -0400

i will show customs and courtesies to NCOs and officers all day. that's because outstanding DS that drilled that in my head. But I don't know have to respect the person. the rank yes the person no and if you don't deserve it im not gonna give it to you. everyone thinks that stuff is just given to them these day. I was brought up by earning what you want and not what you think you deserve...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 8:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 08:33:16 -0400

Some of my guys call me sarge when talking about non work related stuff but when it comes to business it's Sergeant.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 8:56 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 08:56:13 -0400

I've never heard anyone call an NCO sarge. Ive heard sergeant and the (I've been in for more than 3 years so I forgot how to speak English) sa'rnt. To me they're all sergeants or sa'rnts until they are 1SG, SGM, or CSM per AR600-20

Response by PO3 Frank Opalecky made Jun 1 at 2016 9:33 AM

PO3 Frank Opalecky — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 09:33:58 -0400

The Army, Navy, and Marine corp personal are not are not civilians in uniform. They have traditions. If you have earned a rank, then a certain amount of respect is due. Granted if someone takes advantage of it, then they get what they deserve.

Response by Sgt Carlos Barrera made Jun 1 at 2016 1:34 PM

Sgt Carlos Barrera — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 13:34:53 -0400

i see a lack of discipline; If I heard a private calling me or another Sergeant "sarge" well lets say that private will feel like going thru boot camp. While in an Army base, some of my instructors (Marines) immediately made the point to let the soldiers attending the same courses, "I am a Staff Sergeant" not sarge, any soldier addressing any Marine Sergeant or Staff Sergeant as "sarge" they will be reprimanded

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 6:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 18:46:54 -0400

I have never, in sixteen years, heard "Sarge".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 8:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 20:09:53 -0400

If you dont like being Called Sarge then use that Rank of yours and fix it

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Jun 2 at 2016 8:19 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 20:19:20 -0400

I am a Noncommissioned Officer no more no less Sarge is a term of endearment and respect from the upper and lower personnel they either react to you or they call you Asshole...MilitantCrip

Response by SGT Jason Herbert made Jun 2 at 2016 10:50 PM

SGT Jason Herbert — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 22:50:06 -0400

Cold day in hell I could ever call a senior nco "sarge". My first squad leader would mess me up if I ever said "yeah". Proper nomenclatures, ranks, and annunciation is key to being seen as a professional.

Response by LCpl Nick Christopherson made Jun 3 at 2016 4:30 AM

LCpl Nick Christopherson — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 04:30:55 -0400

I often correct other "former marines" when i hear them say "theres no such thing as an ex marine, only former marines". I then say to them "what sense does that make, therms former and ex are completely synonymous and they mean the same thing. We are marines always, no ex or former about it"

Response by Sgt Bruce Taylor made Jun 3 at 2016 4:45 AM

Sgt Bruce Taylor — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 04:45:44 -0400

Army NCOs called us Sarge to piss us off. I've called a few the same back. All in good fun. As to the sticklers for proper forms of address, on the most shit hot balls to the wall M198 crew I ever had the honor of serving with, we called our section chief Stu. He answered to Shmitty (when no officers were about). At 6rds a minute, you'd have been proud to call for fire from us.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 8:57 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 08:57:43 -0400

I was a SGT and never had an issue with sarge. If you google it, there are no bottom feeding fish named sarge. And hell, atleast its pronounced correctly unlike the half-assed "sarnt" most people say

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 10:44 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 10:44:36 -0400

Like with regular bad habits, you need to educate and then correct. Personally, I never knew the term was used to describe a bottom feeding fish. I use to use the word as endearment, not to degrade. I allowed others to use the word in place of the full word. If you live up to the rank, be fair with your leadership, counsel as needed, and lead by example, then respect will follow.

Response by COL Dewell Cooper Jr made Jun 3 at 2016 1:07 PM

COL Dewell Cooper Jr — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 13:07:16 -0400

This is a verbal and intellectual laziness matter spawned from popular culture where we see the military from the viewpoint of the media which we're exposed. Movies and TV shows show all levels referring to the Sergeant as "Sarge" making it a pre-programmed response. As a former NCO, I know what it takes to rise to these ranks as opposed to just doing what is minimally required to do our jobs. Rank is earned and should be respected in light of the Soldier doing what is required to excel. As an Officer, using the Soldiers rank is recognition of their responsibilities within the Chain-of-Command, their accomplishments within their personal performance of duty and respect for the place they hold on our team.

Fact is, respect is earned. Pride and professionalism only flourish in an environment of mutual respect and recognition of the hard work we all do to protect our Nation.

Response by Cpl Reggie McDaniel made Jun 3 at 2016 1:31 PM

Cpl Reggie McDaniel — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 13:31:26 -0400

While in iraq delivering comm equipment, i witnesses an Army Pvt adress an approaching sgt maj sayin, "ooohhhh whats crackin sarnt major" and they slapped a hand shake like they were old home boys from back on the block, me being a corporal of Marines was astonished by what i had just seen, and desperately wanted to choke slam the pvt. But the sgtmaj went along with it like it was normal routine, at that point i lost all repect for the Army, i would never even let a lance corporal talk to me like that, let alone think about talking like that to any SNCO..

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made Jun 3 at 2016 3:34 PM

SFC Bruce Pettengill — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:34:12 -0400

You are only called by what you allow others to call you. However the Sarge Fish as you have called it, is actually nicknamed the Sergeant Major Fish and Sergeant Fish. Named for the stripes on their side, it lives among to coral and does feed off the bottom any more then any other fish.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 3:38 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:38:41 -0400

Ahhh since we don't like sarge- I am sure all of you straight shooters will immediately stop calling warrants "chief", right? Didn't think so. Be a little thick skinned. Everyone uses some sort of short term (it's called slang) for ranks. If you personally don't like it, then tell you subordinates to not use it. But I don't become unhinged when someone says "chief", because I am to be called "Mr", or "chief warrant officer", or if you are out of shit to call me "sir". Hell "dude" works for me most times. We are a profession of arms, ranks structure, protocol etc. at the end of the day we are human beings that work closely with one another. If this is your beef with your subordinates, address it. But if this is your major complaint, you habe it pretty good.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 3:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:46:49 -0400

in my last unit msg i was called top its ok with me, call me sarge and i'll pt the fu*& out of you

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Jun 3 at 2016 4:00 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 16:00:54 -0400

i call all of my NCOs "Sarge" unless they were 1sG or SGM or CSM. If that bothers you, you are quite weak-minded and don't deserve to even don stripes....In this NCO's opinion.... You need a third option, because having to pick from these two options doesn't relate to my thoughts at all....

Let me clarify, I'm out and use the term as one of endearment... among those NCOs that are above me, and that I had either close ties such as working underneath them or just became close with over years....

If your active and do it, you deserve to have your soul smoked out of ya!!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 4:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 16:10:30 -0400

this in a way, is a catch 22, not a LOT of people even KNOW that a sarge is a type of fish. I didn't until I called my squad leader that, and he patiently and kindly reminded me of that. After that it was always sgt....yes, or sgt, no; sgt. But one must be told/reminded and respect and trust is earned.

Response by SSgt Charles Freeman made Jun 3 at 2016 8:00 PM

SSgt Charles Freeman — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 20:00:29 -0400

I had an OIC that still calls me Sarge to this day when we speak, but he's the only one that I would let get away with it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 9:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 21:17:11 -0400

Perhaps the Army should also stop referring to one another by a pay grade. "E-5 and below or E-4..." A soldier earns his rank, that is his title. Call him by that title. Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, etc. maybe though it's a culture thing from boot camp, in our Corps you aren't referred to as a Marine until you earn it. I hear in the Army they call you either private or soldier right away?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 12:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 00:14:20 -0400

I have read a lot of comments about NCOs being insecure about their ranks and wanting everyone else to make sure they use the correct term to address them by. I don't think this is the case at all. I think it originates with maintaining discipline. People naturally take kindness for weakness or will think you are buddy buddy when them. Addressing someone by their rank not only shows rank but helps as a reminder of their position. What the old adage, "you salute the rank not the man." The same thing applies here, NCOs naturally want to instill the same discipline in their soldiers that help them be successful when they were cherries. Not respecting your NCOs is the same as saying you have nothing to learn from them. I've had leadership before that I thought were incompetent and a ton more than I had nothing but the utmost respect for, either way you address them by their rank/position because it's the army way. Some of those NCOs that had the most respect for, I still tell stories about them as though they are celebrities and I was one of the few lucky ones who got the privilege of knowing and serving with them. If you want to talk about lack of respect, NCOs are far guiltier of not respecting their soldiers than the soldiers I've served with not respecting their NCOs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 2:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 02:12:48 -0400

Respect the rank, not the person until that person has earned your respect.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Jun 4 at 2016 7:12 AM

Cpl Ernest Thomas — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 07:12:12 -0400

The ARMY will NEVER be like the Marine Corps! Way to much lack of discipline! E-7's that think they should party and date E-2's, Officers that don't respect their troops! Privates that refuse to follow orders! Do any of this crap in my Marine Corps and your ass is LIT!!! THIS IS FACT!!! I wore BOTH uniforms... EVERY DAY of The entire 3 years I did in the joke called the ARMY, I heard, Thomas, This ain't the Marine Corps!!!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 12:44 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 12:44:52 -0400

So "Gunny" is ok and "Sarge" isn't? glad I'm out. PC military has gotten out of control.

Response by MSG Stephen Thomas made Jun 4 at 2016 7:35 PM

MSG Stephen Thomas — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 19:35:35 -0400

Well from what I seen having time in both the Marines and the Army. The Marines have always addressed by proper rank and last name unless you did not know the person last name you just called them by their proper rank to wit: a Staff Sgt was called a Staff Sgt. The only one I knew that was shorten was a Gunnery Sgt to Gunny but it was followed by their last name. But is seems that in the Army everyone was refer to as Sgt but with last name. There was still a lot of calling a Sgt a Sgt and a Staff Sgt called a Staff Sgt until you got to the rank of E-7 know as a Sgt First Class somehow no one wanted to use the long name and it just got cut to just Sgt. ( some just be lazy) then as you got E-8 it went back to the full rank name "Master Sgt" with last name included. Even when I was a Sgt First Class many Officers would not call me that they always said "Hey Sgt Thomas" or just SGT Thomas but never Sgt First Class Thomas. Too long of a rank name Maybe! or too easy to just use SGT!

Response by CMSgt Richard Conners made Jun 4 at 2016 9:46 PM

CMSgt Richard Conners — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 21:46:38 -0400

I have always believed that the use of the term "Sarge" was a sign of respect that was earned.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2016 10:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 22:42:14 -0400

If a soldier calls me Sarge they're in for an earful and a few excercises. I've never heard a NCO called Sarge without at least a chewing out from said NCO. Your mileage may vary.

Response by MCPO Hans Brakob made Jun 5 at 2016 12:37 AM

MCPO Hans Brakob — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 00:37:50 -0400

There are no "Former" Marines. Even a dumb old swabbie like me knows "Once a Marine, always a Marine"!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 1:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 01:02:07 -0400

I've never seen a lower enlisted call an NCO Sarge successfully

Response by SGT Eric Vazquez made Jun 5 at 2016 1:07 AM

SGT Eric Vazquez — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 01:07:26 -0400

The Army does what it does if you liked the USMC so much you should have stayed there, just saying don't jump branches and then wonder why one is not like the other one. I called my superior Sarge he called me Sarge I did what i was told every single time no issues, my guys called me Sarge they did what they where told every time in short what the hell are you talking about 1st sarge

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 3:54 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 03:54:36 -0400

No one refers to NCOs as sarge in my unit. Maybe because we don't allow it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 4:38 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 04:38:55 -0400

Never call them sarge because you have to put some respek on their name.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 11:02 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 11:02:37 -0400

Wow. I'm in a profession where Sergeant is the correct term. The leaders will allow 'Sar'nt all day, but 'Sarge' is the worst thing in the world. You allow them to shorten it one way, but not the other. Then some of these same guys don't refer to their fellow Noncommissioned Officers by rank.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 11:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 11:46:22 -0400

I like Serge, Sounds good to me.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 11:54 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 11:54:33 -0400

'Sarge' is a foreshortened version of Sergeant. It means the same thing. Like MSG Colby said, Doctor is often foreshortened to 'Doc'. Are doctors upset about that? No. They have lives to save. How anyone is deriving offense from that to me is laughable. Your title is endowed to you for identification purposes, not to make you feel good about yourself. This isn't a respect issue, this is a soldiers who got in the Army for the wrong reason problem, same thing for any military title (CMC's who get upset about being called Master Chiefs I'm looking at you), if you are really insecure enough to be upset that people didn't spend enough time saying your name, get out and legally change your name to Snuffalufagus.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:33 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:33:17 -0400

In my 23 years in the Army I have been called Sarge once and he never said it again. I do not hear Soldiers refer to any NCO as Sarge.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 10:06 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 22:06:59 -0400

Maybe this is sticky a fact of being Reserves but I've never had anybody care what you called them unless you specifically meant it to be disrespectful. As far as NCOs calling themselves "sarge", that I've never heard.
Honestly though what is deemed disrespectful to one NCO could be commonly used in another soldiers company. When I was on AT last year there was a WO-4 that demanded people call him "Sir" otherwise he would shout off about how you were disrespecting him; call our company WO-3 "Sir" and he would have you pushing until muscle failure.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 12:30 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:30:51 -0400

I think the only reason Marines don't use "Sarge" is because the Army does it, and so it is automatically heinous and undisciplined. But Marines have no problem thowing around "Top," "Master-Guns," "Skipper," or the ever-beloved "GUNNY!"

Response by PVT Gregory Law made Jun 16 at 2016 12:34 AM

PVT Gregory Law — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 00:34:02 -0400

Well, for the sake of maintaining a professional Army, I feel 'Sergeant' is proper way to refer to an NCO. The Army has traditions and should stick to those traditions to deter any deviance. Sarge is not direspectful, but I feel it mentally stunts the growth of the sergeant themselves, while demeaning their position and rank to others.

Response by SFC Olivero Rodriguez made Jun 17 at 2016 9:52 PM

SFC Olivero Rodriguez — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 21:52:58 -0400

While in service during my 20 years in, I was call Sarge and I call a few Sergeants, Sarge... they look at me as if I was crazy,,, and I look at them as if I was crazy,,, my response is if you let the rank you withhold get into your big head, you will have a very hard time while serving, the Army is not the Marines neither Air Force nor Navy, we have our traditions do not screw that up, because of your morals, or wanting. Just saying.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 16 at 2016 12:28 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 00:28:29 -0400

It's an urban legend.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 7:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:08:36 -0400

My boys call me Sarge and I really don’t care, cause when I give them a task they execute no matter how jacked up the mission is.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Nov 6 at 2018 2:57 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 14:57:48 -0500

I never addressed anyone as "Sarge" and did not allow anyone to address me as such.

Response by SGT Dennis Bolin made Aug 2 at 2021 9:21 PM

SGT Dennis Bolin — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:21:30 -0400

What’s the Difference between a Sargent and a NCO??? Anyone!!!

Response by SGT Dennis Bolin made Aug 2 at 2021 9:25 PM

SGT Dennis Bolin — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:25:18 -0400

You respect the rank not the person