Why don't junior enlisted and subordinate NCOs greet Senior NCOs?

2017-04-12T19:19:18-04:00

I have walked around on post and noticed that saying good morning or acknowledging NCOs by subordinates is just not happening...or maybe not happening to me? I know I'm an old Soldier but it was common courtesy and respect to do it when I was coming up and I still do it today to Senior NCOs and peers. What gives? Or am I out of touch here?

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 12 at 2017 7:23 PM

2017-04-12T19:23:00-04:00

No, you are not out of touch. Common curiosity is not a value instilled in many in today's society. Military or Civilian

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Apr 12 at 2017 7:25 PM

2017-04-12T19:25:21-04:00

I always did as a courtesy of their rank and respect for same! You are right SGM Archer and deserve to be greeted. I would ask the other senior NCO's how they feel about it and if they feel the same way then start calling junior NCO's and enlisted for not recognizing your rank and giving a simple greeting of the day!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 7:25 PM

2017-04-12T19:25:56-04:00

It might just be the Reserves. I only noticed that this courtesy occurred while I was at NCO academy. I think the short answer is that somewhere between basic training and establishing time in a unit, Soldiers lose this culture and seniors fail to enforce this courtesy.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 12 at 2017 7:42 PM

2017-04-12T19:42:29-04:00

CSM Private RallyPoint Member I always do, it is common courtesy. It is no different than greeting an officer. It isn't that hard to say Good Morning Sergeant or Good Afternoon. I guess it was just instilled in me when I was at Basic in Fort Leonardwood back in 2010.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Apr 12 at 2017 7:42 PM

2017-04-12T19:42:31-04:00

Customs, courtesies, etiquette, manners, politeness, etc., are not taught anywhere anymore, in my opinion. This is like good character, integrity and the like. Parents don't teach it (generally speaking), schools don't teach it, religion doesn't teach it (think Westborough, etc.). Look at all of our so-called public leaders. Look at a lot of commentary on this site. Look at everybody on a smart device ignoring others. Everyone seems to be looking out for themselves these days. Heck, I still open doors for people or hold them open for others. Sometimes I'm thanked, and lots of times I'm not. Oh, the times, the times......

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Apr 12 at 2017 8:01 PM

2017-04-12T20:01:51-04:00

I don't really care. If I don't know someone, I'm not saying anything to them. Officers we must greet and salute. As junior enlisted I can't recall addressing every SNCO I came across. BLC is taught where I work now and it's hit or miss if they greet me or not. I'd prefer they not. Just me though.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 8:23 PM

2017-04-12T20:23:08-04:00

I never considered the rank of the other. Was happy to give a greeting to everyone.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Apr 12 at 2017 8:40 PM

2017-04-12T20:40:24-04:00

I was trained to always render an appropriate greeting to everyone I met above and below my paygrade. It seemed like a simple thing to learn. Is that still taught in basic training, and reinforced in follow on training now?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-04-12T21:41:28-04:00

I admit that I have let this fall to the wayside, in myself and my subordinates. However, personally the reason I choose not to do so sometimes is that 8/10 times the person being greeted will either ignore me, or say something rude. My experience is probably unique, but that does not make my decision the correct one. Simply my take on it. I respect rank as much as the next guy but if I say good morning to you an you respond with "yeah"? Screw that.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Apr 12 at 2017 10:37 PM

2017-04-12T22:37:30-04:00

Freak them out and give them the greeting of the day. Definitely something that has fallen to the wayside but keep pushing those standards from your foxhole and eventually we will get enough NCO's to enforce standards and we will get things back in line.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-04-12T22:46:09-04:00

I still greet them. If I don't say hello, I at least give some eye contact and a head nod.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 11:25 PM

2017-04-12T23:25:30-04:00

I'm sorry to have to say this, you don't have anything better to do, then to worry about who hails you? This is the equivalence of the salute jockies that we all know out there. I'm usually walking as fast as possible, trying to take care of business, and hoping I don't have to salute anybody or return anybody's greetings.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 11:39 PM

2017-04-12T23:39:22-04:00

I always do my best to properly greet/salute NCO's and officers. The only times I haven't was when I didn't recognize the rank (as I'm currently stationed on an air base), or it was too late. Both made me feel guilty, so I went and learned the ranks of other branches. I may be new in the military, but if I see somebody not doing the right thing I privately call them out on it

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 11:59 PM

2017-04-12T23:59:16-04:00

Master Sergeant, you aren't out of touch, I always ensure that I give the greeting of the day to a superior, it's just common courtesy and the right thing to do.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 13 at 2017 12:09 AM

2017-04-13T00:09:39-04:00

CSM Private RallyPoint Member Well they should; all Soldiers should... And, having been at Fortress Bragg and watched my BDE CDR get scuffed up by the 18th Abn CDR... about Soldier issues... Yes, Soldier issues... "Why are the 82nd MPs and the Corps MPs all ...... uped?" "Sir, I will take care of it..." Of course, the CSM should have had that stuff locked down... Nevertheless...
It is always because NCOs are not doing what they should be doing.... Discipline starts when we all enforce the standards, and when we make professional corrections. Officers learn what right looks like from NCOs, and succeed or fail because of NCOs. Any unit I was in that was firing on cylinders, had little to do with me the Os, and everything to do with NCOs doing what needed to be done 24/7. But, I am a tad dated, so maybe corrections are no longer in vogue.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 4:43 AM

2017-04-13T04:43:20-04:00

When I was a private I did out courtesy for my Seniors but now a days the lack discipline start at Basic and carries through as well as Senior NCOs not squaring away junior NCOs and lower enlisted.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Apr 13 at 2017 7:47 AM

2017-04-13T07:47:29-04:00

From what I recall, I tried to greet everyone I approached, and still do to this day. It's basic courtesy.

That being said, the only time I didn't was when the person was obviously lost in thought, already in a conversation with someone else, or going to great lengths to avoid eye contact with me.

Response by SFC Timothy N. Livengood made Apr 13 at 2017 8:09 AM

2017-04-13T08:09:50-04:00

Thats to bad, I know in my day we greated every NCO we passed with the appropriate greeting of the day. They earned that respect and we gave it. Some of my NCO's were Vietnam Vets. perhaps that was the difference. Those were the heros of my day.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Apr 13 at 2017 9:00 AM

2017-04-13T09:00:45-04:00

MSG, I'll tell you why because the basic soldier is not worried about you or any senior NCOs or Officers they are worried about what is on their cell phone these days, Our ARMY has gone soft and I think if your in uniform and you out in public walking around representing the ie the ARMY you should not be a walking mobile device or target. Our leaders don't have the balls to issue a regulation on cell phones, if JOE wasn't on his phone maybe you would get the greeting of the day. When I was Chief of Firing Battery or SMOKE my soldiers gave me the respect and I didn't care if we had a 1SG or not they better give ever NCO respect if you were under my watch. Army changing brother welcome to the MOBILE AGE!

I'm happy I'm out!

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Apr 13 at 2017 9:12 AM

2017-04-13T09:12:22-04:00

Great post. I spoke about this when counseling my soldiers.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 13 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-04-13T09:43:02-04:00

I used to greet NCOs all the time just as a courtesy and to say hi

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 10:18 AM

2017-04-13T10:18:57-04:00

some of us do, and actually if we don't we get yelled at. But I think the friction comes in when we are yelled at and smoked for not giving NCOs the greeting of the day. And when we do the NCO says nothing in return. It's like a big Fuck you without even saying anything. It's slightly annoying. But aside from that flaw. Lower enlisted and subordinate NCOs should always give out ranking NCOs the greeting of the day.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 13 at 2017 10:35 AM

2017-04-13T10:35:47-04:00

It's a lack of discipline, I see Soldiers talking to NCOs and just standing at the position of "I don't give a shit" and NCOs not seeming to care.
I have lunch at the food court with my wife and daughter and about have an aneurism with all the uniform violations, SGTs and SSGs all around and no one making corrections. So I'm not shocked that folks don't render you the proper courtesy and greeting, but am disappointed.
I believe this is a result and second order effect of protracted conflict and folks not enforcing discipline down range.
Personally as a CSM I greeted everyone I met from PVT to GEN, and stood my happy ass at Parade rest when talking to peers who were Older than me and CSMs who served in positions higher than me.
All you can do is enforce the standard and keep up the good fight.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Apr 13 at 2017 10:38 AM

2017-04-13T10:38:30-04:00

Here's why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwATvALiQ_8

We Were Soldiers - Sgt Major Plumley

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 13 at 2017 11:38 AM

2017-04-13T11:38:53-04:00

You're not out of touch and it should happen. Typically if you came across someone who outranked you, you would give them a proper greeting. I know some people only acknowledge the ranks in the direct work center unless it's a higher up. Some of it deals with complacency. I've kicked people out of my office because they didn't give the proper greeting of the day. When I had new joins to the unit, I would even instruct them on proper greetings of the day, how to answer the phone, how to walk into a superior's office etc.

The big thing is some people care and some people do not. But I correct anyone I see because in my mind, you're fixing the military a little at a time and hopefully setting the example to the next generation.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Apr 13 at 2017 12:10 PM

2017-04-13T12:10:40-04:00

It does work both ways. Seniors sometimes need to set the example. Think about the morale booster a PVT would get if the CSM greeted him with a smile and a Sincere Good Morning. I always greet my seniors with the proper greeting. In the Navy on smaller ships and shore commands it is much more common because everyone knows most everyone.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Apr 13 at 2017 12:52 PM

2017-04-13T12:52:35-04:00

I think that there are a lot of Junior NCO's(Buck Sgt's) who don't get the respect they deserve because they are to close to their enlisted members. If the CSM or MSG took them aside and told them that they are an important link in the chain of command and that they deserve respect and courtesy and that through example we are going to restore that respect in this unit it can be restored.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 8:47 PM

2017-04-14T20:47:50-04:00

OK....17 likes and 29 responses and the AR 670-1 police have not said that his "US ARMY" is on the wrong side??? LOL

Response by SFC Stacy Spear made Apr 15 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-04-15T18:19:09-04:00

It is my opinion that the NCOs are too busy being buddies. I was in the Ft Lee area a few months back and decided to go on post. I hadn't been on one in years. Encountered two soldiers walking without their cover on right past an E-6 and E-5. I wouldn't call them sergeants. I corrected those soldiers. I've been retired ten years and had to remember that I'm retired. lol

I told those E-Wanttobes that whenever they let a problem go unchecked, they have set the new standard.

Response by SSG Ray Murphy made Apr 15 at 2017 6:26 PM

2017-04-15T18:26:15-04:00

Kinder, more gentle military mentality. It goes to lack of discipline from Basic on. Leadership is afraid of retention numbers if we enforce discipline. Lack of discipline if why we have a LOT of the problems in the military today. It is a very broad spectrum problem with an easy fix that leadership doesn't have the balls to implement. Until we acknowledge the elephant in the room, we'll continue to lose most of our peanuts to the invisible stalker known as "Lack of Discpiline Man!"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 6:29 PM

2017-04-15T18:29:47-04:00

I have been on fort Campbell, fort huachuca and Camp Pendleton in the last 2 years and have witnessed the coulrtesiesx being given

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 15 at 2017 6:45 PM

2017-04-15T18:45:47-04:00

So still do if I see a guy in uni. Good morning Top, or good morning Sgt is still in my vocabulary, and I'm an old fart I guess. Having trouble being a pop.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 6:56 PM

2017-04-15T18:56:52-04:00

Courtesy being given

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Apr 15 at 2017 8:10 PM

2017-04-15T20:10:29-04:00

Yeah it seems to be another victim of the modern military where we pick and choose which customs and courtosies we enforce or even acknowledge for that matter. Just another break down in discipline because young troops were not taught manners at home and the military doesn't want to hurt their feelings now by forcing them to show respect to someone who has earned it.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Apr 15 at 2017 8:17 PM

2017-04-15T20:17:54-04:00

It's a direct reflection of the society and culture that they represent.

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Apr 15 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-04-15T21:28:19-04:00

The problem stems from two areas. First being that kids today have zero communication skills and fear face to face communication. The second comes from the weak DSs and the regs they are forced to use as guidance during basic. My son just completed basic at Ft. Leonard Wood, and I was shocked by his stories of blatant insubordination and constant derelection of duty within his platoon. It's high time the MSs and SMajors have a good talk with their flag officers.

Response by SGT Drew Clark made Apr 15 at 2017 9:34 PM

2017-04-15T21:34:24-04:00

What Army is this you so pushups in traffic for not standing at parade rest SGM Walks on Water. Airborne

Response by SFC Don Vance made Apr 15 at 2017 9:38 PM

2017-04-15T21:38:59-04:00

While common courtesy has gone by the wayside in the civilian world it should still be present in the military! If those junior NCOs weren't taught properly then their COC failed them from day one. You should be correcting them if they're not acknowledging you with the greeting of the day. I've been retired for 19 years and some of the young soldiers that I know that are active duty or National Guard will address me as Mr. Don or SGT. Common Courtesy is still common in Louisiana!

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Apr 15 at 2017 10:41 PM

2017-04-15T22:41:58-04:00

They never did. And the standing at parade rest idea is also horseshit. Not during the sixties. I noticed two major problems as an E5. Unwillingness of senior NCOs to train subordinates (hanging onto knowledge to seem superior) and pretending to know the MOS when they didn't. An E7 in Korea (who'd been a gun bunny, then taken our advanced course) got mad at me when I trained our PFC to do the work.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-04-15T22:46:09-04:00

I've noticed it as well and it drives me crazy. Customs and courtesies were instilled in me not only in basic training but at my first unit by my leadership. A couple issues I see with the lack of adhering to these traditions are laziness and lack of discipline, also lot of my generation were not brought up to respect their elders. We as an NCO Corp need to enforce the standard and correct the deficiencies if we want to see a change in it. All too often I see junior elisted walk past senior NCO's and say nothing and they do not correct it and that is why they continue to do it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 11:17 PM

2017-04-15T23:17:56-04:00

I always try to greet those senior to me and I will stand at Parade Rest/Attention until told to do otherwise. Now, off duty and in civilian clothes, it's a little different. I will greet people who are senior to me and in uniform. I won't salute when I'm in civvies, but I'll render some form of acknowledgement/greeting. Now, if both parties are in civvies, sorry, but I'm only speaking to you if I know you or I have business with you.

Response by SFC Rapfeal Mayfield made Apr 16 at 2017 12:45 AM

2017-04-16T00:45:03-04:00

I greet everone I pass, I guess it was just how I was raised, no matter what rank...good morning Sir,Ma'am, Sergeant,CSM,private. It doesn't matter it's just polite to speak.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 1:48 AM

2017-04-16T01:48:27-04:00

A SMSgt E-8 or a CMSgt E-9 you betcha! If I were an Airman probably any MSgt as well. So, it doesn't happen anymore huh?

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 3:42 AM

2017-04-16T03:42:09-04:00

I have always, and will continue to, greet everyone I meet. I don't care if they are an E1 or an O10. If they out ranked me it was always given. I noticed that no one does that anymore. When I put on First Class (E6) in the Navy, I thought for sure I'd get the same greetings. Never happened. It's surprising. I don't know if these "kids" just aren't being raised right or if their training schools are teaching them basic military discipline and bearing, but there is something amiss.. The Navy seemingly has no regard for the rank structure what so ever. It blows my mind. Everyday my perception of the Navy's military bearing changes.. the bar gets lower and lower the longer I look at it. I will continue to set that standard and hold fast to my upbringing and idea of how a leader, peer, and subordinate should act, but it takes more than just one person.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 7:24 AM

2017-04-16T07:24:39-04:00

I hate to be the one to say this, but when you spend several years purging the Army of the NCO's you expect to train young soldiers and instill the traits we expect, than this is what you get.

Replacing BNCOC Phase I with SSD 3 was probably the first mistake. Everything else fell in place successively. The second was when, for some reason, the Army stopped practicing tactics in the field (embrace the suck). Instead we rely on short NTC and JRTC rotations to get us ready for combat instead of doing home station training. Finally, if you want to make tough Soldiers who understand and practice the standard, we have to make IET tough again. Let Drill Sergeants train Soldiers rather than forcing drills to wear kids gloves. If they cant handle it, than don't graduate them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 8:00 AM

2017-04-16T08:00:59-04:00

Because they lack discipline and leadership. I refuse to walk past anyone at any rank regardless of branch of service and keep my mouth shut. Its rude and young service members need to understand that the military is not a civilian job and you have to follow certain rules. These rules are there to make you a better member of society in general. I blame this on the leadership for not enforcing the standards. In BCT and AIT we enforce the standard that all Soldiers will greet anyone who outranks them and to also show respect to their peers. They get to their first unit and "Parade rest" and "attention" is replaced with hugs and high fives. MSG Archer, you really struck a nerve on this one. Great question; and maybe, just maybe it will influence some of the AD Service members to bring back standard and discipline across the formations. If any leader allows Soldiers to loose their military discipline its time for you to hang up your boots.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 11:02 AM

2017-04-16T11:02:53-04:00

yep soldiers suck at that now a days and do not do it. When I was coming up it was expected just as much as standing at parade rest for an NCO or attention for an officer. I make corrections and still voice the greeting of the day but it seems its a dying thing.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 12:25 PM

2017-04-16T12:25:51-04:00

I have to disagree Master Sergeants. I've only been in for almost 2 years now but the millitary customs and courtesies are still very much a part of basic training and AIT. Now, I'm not out of AIT yet and still have 3 months to go, but as far as I've seen it's still a vital part of our military training. Where I am Master Sergeants, everyone renders the proper respects and courtesies to all NCOS and COs.

Response by CW3 Kim B. made Apr 16 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-04-16T15:59:19-04:00

The CoC could help revive this courtesy by encouraging a greeting of the day. I say "encourage" now but in my day it was pretty much mandatory. "Rock of the Marne, Sir!"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 7:43 PM

2017-04-16T19:43:28-04:00

Professionalism is not reinforced after basic training with the exception being PME schools.

It is supposed to be the Corporals and the Sergeants that instill and reinforce customs and courtesies in subordinates and that just isn't happening anymore; most NCOs have chosen practicality over professionalism, mainly due to the long, perpetual war(s) going on.

The only thing you can do is call them out on it and correct it. Over and over. Most would think that this won't fix anything, and you would be right if it were just you, and only once- but just like if every person on earth picked up one piece of trash, it would make a huge difference.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2017 9:47 AM

2017-04-17T09:47:12-04:00

because discipline and respect went out the window.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-04-20T15:09:10-04:00

I remember back in boot camp, every time I greeted an RDC I always had my ass handed to me. That may be part of the issue. Hell I dont know, but if you look at society as a whole, no one seems to say good morning and thank you anymore. Might be a bigger issue than the military...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 11:56 PM

2017-04-20T23:56:09-04:00

Well, the simple answer is complacency. I personally always greet any NCO.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 10:02 AM

2017-04-25T10:02:33-04:00

I was taught in basic, as well as AIT, to always give greet any NCO and officer I happened to encounter. Always have.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 25 at 2017 3:44 PM

2017-04-25T15:44:06-04:00

I served as a SSG. In the AF, MSG. and I only seen the prob when subordinates would distance themselves even more when it was possibly time for them to get a haircut or their cover wasn't on correctly. Being on a Command base
(TAC HQ was st our base, Langley) seemed to give some troops the jitters..
with A brand new Airman I could understand that. I had heard via the water cooler that Airmen and Jr. NCOs were being sent out to test SSGs and higher to see if they were doing their duty and giving rips to Airmen for uniform violations or not acknowledging .. these Airmen were given passes and all the rips they turned in (the NCOs were then acknowledged by the Base and Wing Cmdr. For fulfilling their duty as an NCO.
Also a Airman could comment on how the NCO gave them the rip. Did they follow the admonish in private.. or did they give them heck in public. For ex. on the mezzanine at the exchange . There were a few rules.. like not interrupting a conversation unless they could do it in such a way.. (excuse me, could you tell me me when the next shuttle is coming around[just make sure the shuttle schedule is covered by some kind of advert]) but really, what Airman or soldier would open themselves to the chance of receiving a rip for needing a correction to a uniform violation? Maybe one that "just wasn't with it" that day.. or actually running behind schedule a bit. I can't always smell a set-up, but I thought sure I
Smelled one and I informed that Airman that if he was late I could take him by his duty section. On the way there I noticed his pocket wasn't secured(buttoned) So I nicely informed him of that and gave him his rip.. in private of course! I joked with him to remember to also annotate I gave him a lift so he wouldn't be late getting back. I was just joking about that.. he actually annotated I saved him from being
late getting back to duty section. I was still wearing my whites with all the sewn stuff; name tape, Stripes, Command patch, Fighter wing patch..( I had the option to keep wearing the sewn patches
Because pins always wanted to separate
Themselves from their backers when we were cutting s'thing, stirring or putting food in the kettle.. it never seemed to fail.
So I avoided that and wore the whites with sewn patches.. I was at Base hospital one day and was getting treated for a burn and some clown was ripping me for having sewn patches on my whites..
(Seriously? I'm saying to myself).

Response by SGT Andrew Herrera made Apr 25 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-04-25T22:30:06-04:00

I have been out 10yrs now and work civil service with active and reserve units coming thru for training...MANY NCO'S don't even answer back to a Good Morning SGT...SSG...etc...they just look at u like pfft whatever. Not even realizing how many of us a prior service and forward them that easy courtesy...they just turn away. Officers now and then react with a hi, BUT BE STILL my lil heart if I see the Col at the grocery store and not say "HI Sir or HI Col...a plain "how are you today" and now MASS emails about etiquette go out cause someone didn't say SIR or Col. u just got recognized out of uniform and been addressed...Not like I walked to you and said "What up Dawg" how's it hanging...Basic training has failed a few levels.....maybe it's the stress cards and direct lines to the Chaplain to cry about having to do KP for two hours...IDK....

Response by SFC Tony Bennett made Apr 28 at 2017 9:30 PM

2017-04-28T21:30:42-04:00

It's not you, this "new" Army nonsense has seen common courtesy and respect thrown out with the bath water, along with personal pride and self respect

Response by SrA Zo Evans Sr made May 4 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-05-04T14:11:27-04:00

Kids these days aren't taught to speak to or even acknowledge people while walking. I on the other hand was raised to show respect to anyone older than myself. To this day I still acknowledge anyone older than myself as " sir, or m'am" ... in fact just yesterday while walking through Target, I acknowledged an older gentleman as "sir" , he immediately said... " you're a vet right?" I said yes sir. He then told me that only a soldier says "sir", and that he really appreciated my respect...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 10:34 PM

2017-05-05T22:34:48-04:00

It's not you. It' seems to be a common occurrence. Maybe it's generational or maybe it's that recruits aren't being properly trained in military courtesy

Response by LCpl John Lewis made May 6 at 2017 2:50 PM

2017-05-06T14:50:10-04:00

I always greeted senior NCO's, morning Staff, Gunny, etc,etc

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-05-06T16:25:28-04:00

That photograph has the instructor fixing the individual's salute...but that individual's name tapes are backwards. Priorities!

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made May 6 at 2017 5:42 PM

2017-05-06T17:42:40-04:00

Because they run from us.

Response by Cpl Hokkayh Hzyan made May 9 at 2017 7:41 AM

2017-05-09T07:41:55-04:00

It's called Respect and discipline. I understand the lack of it in the civilian world but in the military world there is no excuse for the lack there of.

Response by SGT Linda Burgess made May 20 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-05-20T09:37:15-04:00

You're not out of touch, they have lack of respect for experience and their elders. Seems us "old" farts have little to teach the newbies. My problem is, who do they turn to when the power goes out or their car dies...oh yeah, the "old guys"!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2017 9:54 AM

2017-05-20T09:54:47-04:00

Is it a requirement by regulation? I see it happen all over Fort Bragg quite frequently. Heck, it happens to me and I'm Air Force.

Response by CPO Glen Kelley made May 25 at 2017 4:22 PM

2017-05-25T16:22:08-04:00

I do not see much pride in uniforms anymore. They walk in to the Mall with no covers from the parking lots, backpacks, babies in arms,, to and from work in uniforms are out the window. If we only have 1 % even joining the military, think of the percentage that really cares they did.

Response by CWO3 Warren Gaudreau made May 30 at 2017 7:24 AM

2017-05-30T07:24:16-04:00

It is the new "I'm a victim" society.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 3:37 PM

2017-06-02T15:37:20-04:00

It's still happening in the Corps, believe you me. And woe be unto the private that doesn't stand at parade rest when addressing a senior Lance Corporal.

Response by CMSgt Jay Pine made Jun 5 at 2017 11:31 PM

2017-06-05T23:31:41-04:00

I don't get out to the base very often (or any base) but, I agree that today's kids have no common courtesy and they have no respect for anyone. Not all of them, just most of them. Military customs and courtesy begins in BMT and continues from there so, who's fault is it? Drill instructors? 1st Sergeants? First duty station too relaxed? Whatever the case, simply say "good morning sir (or ma'am)"! Not that hard!

Response by Cpl Alan Michaud made Jun 7 at 2017 12:04 AM

2017-06-07T00:04:09-04:00

I don't know, I work as a contractor on both Camp Pendleton and MCAS Miramar; I felt old one day when a Lcpl that was 2 in 2003 when we invaded Iraq called me sir. Must be a Marine thing. Then again I considered his wiseass rude when he was like "damn, you were in the invasion of Iraq, you are Old Corps". To that I told his NUGGET ass to go f... Smedley Butler was not my platoon commander! Some things never change.

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made Jun 7 at 2017 3:03 AM

2017-06-07T03:03:46-04:00

I always called a room or group to 'at-ease' if an E-7 or above ventured into my AO.It is an acknowledgment of respect for his rank and position first but also for the man himself Enlisted rank is earned through fire. We are not 90-day wonders. You can't fake it into this club. We scraped and we learned and we trained and we soldiered because they made us. Anybody who achieves that deserves respect and it's good for esprit d corps. The little pissants want you to drop their ass for pushups once in awhile and make them do pointless shit like police call to build unity. I just had an image of my old 7th ID CSM standing there on the Bde quad in a god damn banana suit.(Brrr!) He echoed those Sr NCO qualities and did not demand respect he earned it. And when necessary, being a 7th ID light fighter, he took it.
Bayonet!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 2:33 PM

2017-06-07T14:33:15-04:00

This is one of the many things about our current Army that annoys the crap out of me. I try to greet any NCO that outranks me. If you have earned the rank then I should at least respect the rank.

Response by MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy made Jun 11 at 2017 12:09 PM

2017-06-11T12:09:10-04:00

MSG John Archer – Don't the majority of junior enlisted and subordinate NCOs that you have personally coached, mentored, supervised, and supported greet you?

Response by SGT Ivory Brown made Jun 11 at 2017 1:21 PM

2017-06-11T13:21:54-04:00

The greeting of the day was very important to me. I served from 2002-2014. I greeted everyone regardless of rank and my warriors greeted me.

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made Jun 19 at 2017 3:41 PM

2017-06-19T15:41:32-04:00

I'm going to be completely honest and say that putting rank in the middle of the chest was a terrible idea, especially if in most situations soldiers will be wearing a beret bearing unit info. It should have stayed on the collar. I would understand a junior soldier not wanting to get into the practice of staring at other soldiers' chests.

That said, and this is how I knew I wasn't going to stay in until retirement--I don't understand how it's seen as courteous to have a mini-ceremony with every person you pass while trying to get somewhere. Time is precious, and if you're trying to get back to work or in and out of the PX, it all adds up.

I say that as a friendly person who stopped twice to give people directions while at lunch. I grew up in a small town, went to undergrad in West Virginia and worked at a small newspaper there before joining the Army and lived in a few different places before finally moving to New York. I can't think of a situation in which greeting every person I passed would make sense.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 19 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-06-19T17:20:07-04:00

Better make sure he's had his coffee first...

Response by MSgt Brian Potvin made Jun 20 at 2017 4:00 AM

2017-06-20T04:00:20-04:00

I'd have to agree. Common courtesy has just gone out the window. I make it a point to attempt to make eye contact with EVERYONE I walk past, and if they make eye contact with me, I make sure to greet them. Sometimes I get no response whatsoever. I just chalk it up to someone having a bad day. Either way, I don't let it bother me too much. I just try to lead my troops by example.

Response by Cpl Christopher Rosas made Jun 21 at 2017 4:39 AM

2017-06-21T04:39:47-04:00

I don't think it has anything to do with being out of touch, i feel it's just not something that is readily taught in most services anymore ...... This is something i was taught during my time in the Marines..... Proper greeting was instilled in us from the beginning...... Now i find myself in my civilian employment doing the same..... I have found that when i do it, it usually is greeted with a positive response in the chow hall that i work in by the airmen that i serve....

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Jun 23 at 2017 12:15 PM

2017-06-23T12:15:57-04:00

I'm not sure how or when this changed. In the 60's,we were either training or being trained to go to Vietnam. We gladly acknowledged the rank of a senior NCO.Most that I was around,earned their rank the hard way.Hard to disrespect a person who is trying to save your life.

Response by GySgt Lindsey Grigsby made Jun 27 at 2017 11:40 PM

2017-06-27T23:40:58-04:00

No, The services have changed. I believe in the old school values even till this day My son and daughter served in the Army and Marines both seen combat. Glad I was able to steer them right. Gy/Sgt. Grigsby (Retired )

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jul 7 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-07-07T20:13:15-04:00

In a nutshell it is not the same Military we were in

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Jul 9 at 2017 10:46 AM

2017-07-09T10:46:47-04:00

Hell, I know a few retired NCOs (from the Army and Marine Corps alike) in the contracting world with absolutely ZERO sense of basic manners or common courtesy. Makes me wonder how the hell they ever attained their rank in the first damn place.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2017 11:46 PM

2017-07-09T23:46:43-04:00

It isn't gone yet. Go to any Marine infantry area, it's still very much alive. I also believe that it depends on the scenario. For example, I currently work in a major military medical facility. Nothing but doctors and nurses and specialty care providers; all commissioned officers. I greet every one that I am directly interacting with, but I'm not going to interrupt providers discussing plans for a patient just so I can render a greeting, especially if I am in just as much of a rush as they are. Close proximity, yes, it doesn't take any effort to greet someone. Across the hall having a discussion while I'm in a rush as well? Probably not the best time to interrupt someone. I guess it all depends on the scenario... That's just my two cents

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 10 at 2017 1:23 AM

2017-07-10T01:23:32-04:00

Maybe hoping to avoid notice and the attendant risk of meaningless make-work?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 1:39 AM

2017-07-10T01:39:24-04:00

While they don't have to salute, maybe they should include this common courtesy when they teach Soldiers at Basic (and Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coasties too) This courtesy should extend to any brother/sister-in-arms you pass by. I always greet any members in uniform or people I identify as veterans (ie Army hats, etc) Its part of the camaraderie and fraternal nature of the military.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jul 11 at 2017 10:40 PM

2017-07-11T22:40:00-04:00

Learned quickly never greet an senior NCO with "good morning." Usual response was "what the hell is good about it." Simple "morning" with salute or non salute depending commission or non commission sufficed, and got appropriate response.

Response by Sgt Mike Jacobi made Jul 12 at 2017 3:20 PM

2017-07-12T15:20:13-04:00

While I was active duty and even today, I greet Non Coms as a matter of course. "Good Morning
Top" or Good Afternoon Sgt. was my way of honoring their achievement and of identifying myself as a member of the military fraternity. Of course I never progressed beyond Staff Sgt. in my four year hitch but even today when I encounter Non Coms I greet them with their rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 7:26 PM

2017-07-12T19:26:47-04:00

I was raised by parents that had beliefs of being respectful to those elder, or senior to you in all walks of life. I have carried that on into my military career, but no-one in the military "taught" me that it was the right thing to do. Everyday I greet those senior to me whenever passing them in the street, on- or off-post. I always instill the same into my Soldiers. A greeting in no way is detrimental to your well-being, and one day, maybe they will be on the opposite end.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 7:46 PM

2017-07-12T19:46:36-04:00

As a PVT, 2 of the many important lessons I learned were:
1. A 1SG told me there are 2 reasons why people do the wrong thing. They either don't know or they don't care.
2. I got hemmed up by a SSG for passing her and not greeting her.
If someone doesn't know the standard or it's not enforced then they can't be expected to execute. If they know it and still choose to ignore it then that's a fail. Both are fails really and can be corrected by being an example of what "right" is.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2017 3:47 AM

2017-07-13T03:47:54-04:00

Even as a contractor, I make sure to greet any soldier I walk past.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jul 13 at 2017 10:02 AM

2017-07-13T10:02:30-04:00

When I went through Basic many long years ago, Drill hit it on us this way, first, you are supposed to be looking up and out, not where your feet are, since there is no discharge on the ground anyway and you are stuck here. second your job is to be alert at all times to your surroundings. And to prove to your chain of command that you are not daydreaming while walking, you acknowledge everyone you meet who out ranks you (and since this was Basic, that meant EVERYONE) after 8 weeks of that, reinforced by however long AIT was, it just becomes a habit that stays with a person, So for this, I think the Basic Drills could do a better job,

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 13 at 2017 11:13 AM

2017-07-13T11:13:34-04:00

It's so dumb when I was enlisted I acknowledged everybody saying morning or afternoon. I even do it to this day at my civilian job. When I was enlisted I would always get a response back but at my civilian job sometimes somebody says morning or afternoon but there are quite a few that don't say anything back.

Response by Sgt Jeff Sitler made Jul 14 at 2017 8:16 AM

2017-07-14T08:16:27-04:00

You are not out of touch at all. This recently happened to me. I am now a civilian, but still work on the base. The commander put out an email about customs and courtesies, and respect etc. THAT VERY DAY, I pass him in the hallway and say "good afternoon" NOTHING WAS GIVEN IN RESPONSE. Not even a head bob. There is about to be a new commander who I work with on a daily basis, I told him. NOW, if you feel the need to send out an email about customs and courtesies, and that very day you hear a voice in your head saying "good day" and it isn't one of the normal voices in your head, you might want to respond. He just laughed, and I told him the story of the current, soon to be ex commander.

Response by SPC Joel Costenbader made Jul 14 at 2017 11:17 AM

2017-07-14T11:17:32-04:00

It is not only common courtesy but also it's showing respect to a fellow soldier and higher ranking NCO or Officer.

Response by 1SG Eddie Jones made Jul 21 at 2017 6:45 AM

2017-07-21T06:45:20-04:00

I have retired and I see some of the guys that were in my unit still address me as Top.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 9:48 AM

2017-07-21T09:48:18-04:00

This might stem from trying not to stick out and being invisible during Basic Training. Some junior enlisted may not want to attract unwanted attention from senior NCOs with a simple greeting. A momentary "good morning" could lead to "why is your patch off by a millimeter" to "who's your CO". But then again it could just be lack of etiquette in today's world.

Response by SCPO Don Baker made Jul 21 at 2017 1:41 PM

2017-07-21T13:41:37-04:00

I normally found that on Navy bases, junior personnel would greet me when I was in uniform. Even now as a retiree, when I drive on base the guard has always said, " Good morning, afternoon or evening, Senior or Senior Chief". Not all, but most. Might be that we old folks were brought up to call adults Mr. or Mrs. and not like a lot of kids today calling adults by their first name. Not mine or my granddaughters.

Response by SGT(P) Troy Williams made Jul 30 at 2017 8:16 AM

2017-07-30T08:16:52-04:00

I'm long since retired(04), and working in Afghanistan now, but still acknowledge the senior NCO's and officers I see walking past me. To me its still common courtesy and they respect that and it shows you still have common courtesy even though you are retired. I consider myself a soldier for life, just no longer wearing the uniform, that's why am over here, and have been contracting off and on since I retired, am continuing to serve my country and the military, just out of uniform.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Jul 30 at 2017 10:05 AM

2017-07-30T10:05:26-04:00

I agree with you 1SG, but as you said you are an old soldier, and I am even an older one. Today's military has definitely gone to shit from when I was in, it wasn't that long ago. I retired in 2005 after 34 years and have seen my share of bullshit changes and degradation of customs and courtesies. It is really a simple concept to greet those whom you pass.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 8:08 AM

2017-08-03T08:08:40-04:00

This is just my thoughts on the subject, but I've noticed a lot of people don't do this at all to anyone. I was raised you walk past someone you smile, nod your head, or speak, and to this day I still do it regardless if it's just a "Hey. How are you today" in passing. More times than not I get a funny look or no response from the younger generation and a big smile and a "I'm good and yourself" from the older generation. My daughter will ask me if I know them. Nope, just saying hi. I think it is more in the way people are raised. Most people are so consumed with their phones that they forget to look at what is around them.

Response by SSG Michael Williams made Aug 3 at 2017 5:58 PM

2017-08-03T17:58:38-04:00

That's this "new" military...
When we were in military courtesy was embedded into us on a professional level...now, if you correct these NCOs wannabe you might "stress" them out! They want to be in charge, but totally lacks the professionalism and discipline that the new policies are enforcing. Some don't even address you by your rank...they just call you either by first or last name!
Hell, even while drinking in the club with my seniors I still called them First Sergeant, Top or Sergeant Major simply out of courtesy and respect!
Especially since they earned that rank!

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Aug 3 at 2017 8:31 PM

2017-08-03T20:31:58-04:00

This may just be an extension of the non-communication practiced in the civilian world today - nobody looks each other in the eye and greets another. They are too busy looking down, at a phone or other.

Try it in civilian clothes - walk down the street, try to catch somebody's eye, and say "Good morning!" People will look at you like you are from Mars.

This should be even easier in the military community, where you have a rank as a form of address (you're not guessing Ms. or Mrs., etc.).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2017 12:38 AM

2017-08-04T00:38:36-04:00

I make it a habit to greet everyone I walk by. You really don't know whats going through the persons mind at the time, and it could end up changing the whole day for them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-08-17T11:41:51-04:00

This is also a pet peeve of mine. Before I retired it seemed that Soldiers would sometimes rather cross the street than give the greeting of the day. I always required it from my Soldiers and Trainees. Even from ROTC Cadets (COL Williams was my boss and My older sons Instructor in JROTC) While walking around FLW it seems that if you were not wearing the same unit patch you get ignored because PVTs think that only their DS can reach out and AFFECT/or EFFECT a change on them. I can tell you I gave many a rude awakening. Every time We NCOs walk past a problem and do not correct it we set a new lower standard.

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Aug 21 at 2017 9:55 PM

2017-08-21T21:55:32-04:00

No you are definitely no out of touch! I walked around lots of different Army Post and saw the same problem. We have been a Nation at War for a long time, and most of our young Soldiers graduate and go directly to War. When they get back to Garrison a place where they have never spent a lot of time at, they don't know how to act, react, or what to do at in a Garrison environment. Maybe when they get back from War they need to take a refresher course on Garrison, Officer, and NCO expections. The Officers and NCO's can give these classes before releasing them on block leave. Just my nickels worth!

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Aug 22 at 2017 2:44 PM

2017-08-22T14:44:09-04:00

Because no one says anything about it to them so they don't think they should.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2017 9:53 PM

2017-08-24T21:53:49-04:00

We can all pretend like the pink elephant is not in the room. No one respects NCOS anymore. We have no power. A Soldiers complaint true, false, minor or major carries more wait than NCOS. They know, we know so they don't have say good morning cause in their eyes we ain't shit. Period. You go around constantly correcting Soldiers, they will lie if they have to and get your ass. Now let's go back to pretending like it's not true. I don'the wanna hear nothing from senior leaders either because when that complaint come across your desk, you're not going to have my back and even when it's proven false, nothing happens to the Soldiers.

Response by MSgt Dennis Svitak made Aug 27 at 2017 10:07 AM

2017-08-27T10:07:08-04:00

Mark Twain once stated that social niceties, of which "hello", "please", and "thank you" are, are, in his words - "The lubricants of polite society."

Essentially being nice doesn't cost you anything.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2017 7:24 AM

2017-08-31T07:24:55-04:00

These customs have to start from the top down. If your soldiers are not respecting you, it's because they weren't taught to respect seniors and subordinates, alike. In other words, you and other "leaders" aren't doing their jobs. I don't buy this "that's just kids today" bull crap. Be a leader, take charge, and show your soldiers what it means to be respectful.

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Aug 31 at 2017 10:40 AM

2017-08-31T10:40:51-04:00

In my nearly 30 years in the Navy, I never encountered that as a problem. I served on active duty from 1983 to 2012 and got into leadership roles very quickly. When I encountered a lack of respect for seniors, I corrected it immediately and was certain to show by my own actions the correct actions. Never had a problem.

Response by CW2 Anthony Tartaglia made Sep 1 at 2017 2:08 PM

2017-09-01T14:08:59-04:00

The answer is obvious even to those who are laughing at this. We are the problem.. I'll explain before someone cries...The reason we don't see it, hear it or do it is because we don't enforce it. A Senior NCO that lets PVT. Joe Snuffy walk by without giving a greeting is just as guilty as PVT Snuffy. Those who have the grade must instill that courtesy response into the younger troops. To not do so is a disservice to themselves and their branch.

Response by CPL Luke Saunders made Sep 2 at 2017 6:49 PM

2017-09-02T18:49:21-04:00

Show me the reg, and you've got a good point. Until it's an AR, it's just bad parents not instilling polite or courteous behavior in their fuck trophies. But until then, you DO have 1SG/Top perogative to have YOUR soldiers behave in this more civil manner. Be the tip of this particular spear. If anything, you've got a bullet point on your next NCOER.

Response by PO2 Dave Metrano made Sep 3 at 2017 10:22 AM

2017-09-03T10:22:33-04:00

I can remember reporting on board my last ship, the greatinbg I got by the Senior Chief of the SubRoc Shop I was assigned to. When he came in, I greeted him with "Good morning Chief" his response was "What do you want, special liberty? Get into work cloths and will see if you can do anything". I found out the hard way he was just a crabby, frustrated Chief nobody could stand. Some things you never forget. Hard to respect a leader like that.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 3 at 2017 12:42 PM

2017-09-03T12:42:06-04:00

Professionalism and respect are infectious. So it starts with one, who chooses to give the greeting of the day to all that is appropriate, which of course is everyone, higher, peer or lower in rank.
Then add a in-house discussion with those you first hand supervise, explain the why, remind of the Professional obligation to, and then challenge them to rise to the task.
Talk with your peers and encourage them to do the same.
Talk with your seniors and ask them to make the concise effort to give the greeting of the day when appropriate.
Before you know it, most will rise to the standard and those that don't will stand out....and can then have Special High Intensity Training (SHIT) sessions to help them see the error of their ways.

Response by LCpl James Benfell made Sep 7 at 2017 11:48 AM

2017-09-07T11:48:44-04:00

We still did that in the Marines in 2015. E-1 - E-5 always greeted ANY rank higher than them, and E-6 - E-7 Greeted E-8 - E-9. As far as I could tell it spanned across Division (Ground combat units) and Logistics groups, I cannot speak for Air Wing.

Response by CPO James Page made Sep 23 at 2017 2:35 PM

2017-09-23T14:35:00-04:00

If a subordinate is not directing a question or starting a conversation with you, why do you need recognition that you exist? Are you so insecure in yourself that you need to be recognized by others of a lessor class than you? The recognition you seek has nothing to do with being courteous or respectful. You can be proud of who you are and what you have achieved without personal adulation.

Response by LtCol Joe Waldron made Sep 24 at 2017 11:02 AM

2017-09-24T11:02:39-04:00

When I was an enlisted Marine, non-rated or NCO, I always greeted other enlisted Marines. Up the chain or down. And the salutes I received as an officer were always responded to verbally, not just a return salute. Just as I greeted neighbors while growing up (those that were not yelling at me, threatening to call my mother about something I was doing!). As a retiree living next to a major military base, I still do. To the extent today's young members are not, it says something about the way they were raised. Military courtesy is just a more formal extension of civilian courtesy. Something sadly lacking in today's society.

Response by CSM Tim Kraemer made Sep 26 at 2017 3:07 PM

2017-09-26T15:07:23-04:00

I am a retired CSM whenever I go to the VA vets both young and old greet me as Sergeant Major.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2017 11:36 AM

2017-09-27T11:36:34-04:00

I support "greeting of the day" 100%. I am an Army supply sgt and im proud to say my staff is up to par with it. I gladly will correct soldiers on the matter. One of the pet peeves is soldiers coming into my office requesting equipment without beginning with a greeting of the day. I feel its common courtesy no matter where you fall in the chain.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Sep 27 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-09-27T15:03:39-04:00

Maybe they were not trained to show the proper respect to their nco's. Or maybe you are looking at them as subordinates and not as people as well as soldiers. Are you showing them respect as well? Common courtesy works both ways. My NCO's always showed me respect and I showed them reepect.

Response by CPT Douglas Plummer made Sep 28 at 2017 6:05 PM

2017-09-28T18:05:51-04:00

I'm an old Soldier that is retired. I have not been on a military installation in quite some time. However, to contribute to the discussion, I believe that the old custom of acknowledgement use of the "Greeting of the Day", has tended to go by the wayside in our Western culture much like "Tipping your hat to a lady". Looking at the "kids" in my own family and talking some with them and their friends and peers its kind of thought of as a little disrespectful because it feels to them to be like an "invasion of someone else's space". Their preference is to be connected in social media.
I have to wonder, is there any direct training of the expectation of the greeting of the day conducted in the training schools.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Sep 28 at 2017 6:46 PM

2017-09-28T18:46:46-04:00

squeaky wheels get the grease. keeping a low profile and mouth shut sometimes you get overlooked

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Sep 28 at 2017 10:55 PM

2017-09-28T22:55:12-04:00

It more of a nice thing. I always tried to speak every morning to the people I ran into. I had a Branch Chief that would not answer any greeting back. So I stoped greeting him. Within one month he expected mt greeting but by then he may have greeted me first. We even got to the talking stage.

Response by LCpl Bradley Otto made Sep 29 at 2017 2:41 PM

2017-09-29T14:41:21-04:00

1st Sgt you're not out of touch. It is a change I'n manners and upbringing from when " our" generation was raised. Being an E3 there is a certain among of uncertainty when addressing a SNCO. Like is he going to ripe my head off? Or am I opening myself to a personal inspection because I address him or her. I was always proud to give greeting and render a salute while on base or when it was needed. Just a change in the breed.

Response by SP6 Frank Ellis made Oct 2 at 2017 5:10 PM

2017-10-02T17:10:16-04:00

WTF has happened to the Army since 2005? Maybe it is because I came up 11B, but we almost always showed respect to NCOs all E-5 and higher. As a DS I instilled the idea of respect. Maybe the military needs to take basic training back a couple decades and soldiers should earn their way into our fraternity. I don’t know, I got out on medical.

Response by SFC Rodrick Carter made Oct 4 at 2017 9:39 PM

2017-10-04T21:39:21-04:00

I agree with the comments that common courtesy is something not instilled in today’s military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2017 12:43 AM

2017-10-07T00:43:56-04:00

In my experience it is soldiers and subordinate NCO's who get complacent after building that relationship with the senior NCO or officer where they allow the subordinate to feel comfortable enough to talk to each other as if they were friends on the same level. I'm not afraid to say I've done this from time to time, bit catch myself and correct it.

Response by SGT Jeremy Herron made Oct 8 at 2017 3:56 PM

2017-10-08T15:56:12-04:00

I always greeted and gave respect to senior NCOs. Even if they were busy i would say it so they knew it but still tried not to interrupt them. These are people that have done the time and deserve your acknowledgement. It is a sign of disrespect. Thank you 1SG very good point. By the way good afternoon 1SG.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 8 at 2017 4:44 PM

2017-10-08T16:44:57-04:00

I think it’s a “generational-thing.” I’m a civilian now, and I still get the same thing. The young people must think I’m “interested” in them, if I greet them. I spent the last six years in college, getting a Bachelors and now finishing up a Master’s degree, and have been surrounded by young people. The only time they ever speak to me, is when they have to, because we’re in the same class together. I was offended at first, but now, I don’t let it bother me. I sure hope they don’t do that to their parents or grandparents in public.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2017 11:19 AM

2017-10-09T11:19:55-04:00

1sg,

It's more of (in my opinion on what I've seen) is that the seniors have lost their prestige. In light of continuous high profile sharp cases, mistreatment of soldiers, and the overall air of "do as I say, not as I do". It's unfortunate that I have senior NCOs harp about 670-1, 600-9, 623-3 and likewise when they don't even read the regulations. More so, the fact that crap NCOs make it up the chain because senior leaders think filling out a 4856 is not their problem. It's not a sign of the times, it's a sign of lackluster leadership making their second and third rocker.

Response by SSG Nathan Blair made Oct 14 at 2017 2:27 AM

2017-10-14T02:27:01-04:00

Maybe I've been out too long. But the 1st good ass chewing I got for not greeting someone of higher rank was all it took. Didn't make that mistake again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2017 9:34 AM

2017-10-15T09:34:13-04:00

We are of the understanding that the military is a microcosm of America and it's society. The younger generation getting pulled in from society bring with them their values. Part of it is the lack of values and courtesy being taught at home, and the other parts of it is the Army (or whichever respective branch): customs and courtesy being taught at the during initial entry training, and leadership at the unit level enforcing the standards. If the day-to-day leadership enforces the service standards, this shouldn't be a problem. If leaders are afraid to enforce the standard or are just apathetic to do so, they need to either fix themselves or stand aside for those that want to be the leaders the military needs.

Response by SPC Sheri Jackson made Oct 15 at 2017 11:15 AM

2017-10-15T11:15:41-04:00

The younger generations have seemed to lost the simple common courtesy to others. I've instilled it in my girls since day one. At 10 and12 I get many compliments on their behavior. It's sad that these days people are surprised when they see it when it should be expected.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2017 2:45 PM

2017-10-15T14:45:29-04:00

I have noticed this. it is true that the line between Peer and Subordinate is a lot less defined than it once was. Be it out of discipline, or respectfulness, or integrity, who honestly knows there are a thousand causes of this kind of behavior.

The thing I found is I never catch myself doing these things. I correct people even when i'm in civilians. I give proper greetings of the day, I follow customs and courtises, and It'll be a cold day in hell when I let my Soldiers get away without them.

We change this military a little bit at a time it's what we do. We're leaders and NCO's it's our job to fix the problems, even if it's not the Popular thing to do, or the PC thing to do. We have standards and we fucking follow them, we set the example to follow.

I'm a firm believer in the idea that it''s not someone else's fault for not instilling these values in your soldiers it's YOUR fault, if your soldiers aren't doing the right thing, and you're just letting it go because "it wasn't instilled in them" or "it's not reinforced" or "no one does that anymore". YOU are the reason If your not instilling it in you subordinates then who else is fucking going to, we're all fucking leaders so if we want the change get up of our asses and change it set the fucking example.

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made Oct 16 at 2017 1:04 AM

2017-10-16T01:04:50-04:00

I have always greeted those senior to me. It’s called courtesy. Something I was taught when I was an Army Brat. Now I’m 64 years old and guess what. I still do it. I even acknowledge the little wet behind the ears butter bars and after I have walked pass them, I have to laugh because they have a shocked expression on their faces that someone older then them still showed courtesy. I don’t think it’s taught anymore. Sad thing.....

Response by Joe Dawson made Oct 22 at 2017 11:33 AM

2017-10-22T11:33:47-04:00

I know here where I am at the Army and AF guys give me looks and a few senior NCO call me refreshing. I .am a civilian but have always greeted soldiers and airmen ny rank. Eg Good afternoon Sar'nt Major.

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Oct 23 at 2017 12:35 AM

2017-10-23T00:35:19-04:00

I never had any problem when I was active duty and in uniform, sometimes even being saluted by fellow Chiefs and officers because of all the gold and silver flashing from my combination cover--I am admittedly older and I guess, distinguished looking. As an aside, I retired from 30 years of active duty in 2012 and moved to Nashville, TN, to a large apartment complex. I must admit that I keep a license plate on the front of my vehicle that IDs me as Master Chief--a nice memento from a friend of mine. A younger couple moved in the apartment below me a few years ago, and the young man approached me one day and IDed himself as a former PO2 and introduced me to his wife, a psychiatristrist who was studying in a fellowship at Vanderbilt U. They still refer to me and greet me as Master Chief to this day--he is an assistant manager at a local FEDEX and she has a freaking MD and PhD! Talk about respect; their parents raised them with some manners.

Response by Sgt Michael Betts made Oct 23 at 2017 4:14 PM

2017-10-23T16:14:58-04:00

I suppose things must have changed considerably in the 50+ years since I was a young Marine. I would have no more thought of not greeting a senior NCO than I would have an officer. Greeting a fellow Marine isn't just a MILITARY courtesy, it's a part of COMMON courtesy extended to all if you've been raised properly.

Response by Cpl Brandon Backus made Oct 24 at 2017 1:03 PM

2017-10-24T13:03:11-04:00

When the the chain of command takes 6 12 weeks to approve or deny leave...they can fuck themselves and open their own doors

Response by TSgt Ron Myzie made Nov 2 at 2017 1:34 PM

2017-11-02T13:34:29-04:00

Young enlistees are coming into the services sans any social graces at all. We can teach them to salute but we can't instill in them politeness, courtesy, and respect -- things they should be bringing with them from civilian life.

Response by SP5 Thomas Ray Vess made Nov 2 at 2017 3:44 PM

2017-11-02T15:44:57-04:00

You should get the respect you have earned and deserve.

Response by Sgt Larry Howe made Nov 3 at 2017 2:58 PM

2017-11-03T14:58:08-04:00

We have to remember how much the military has changed since I was in (1974-78). Nowadays you get to basic you can just quit if it doesn’t float your boat. The TechSGT who tells the airman to straighten up could be disciplined for not being nice enough in his/her correction of said airman. It’s a PC mess, everywhere, civilian and military

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-11-04T14:11:50-04:00

I know in the Marine Corps you walk anywhere without greeting seniors you get chewed out. The Marines hold courtesies closely.

Response by PO3 John Priest made Nov 6 at 2017 10:35 AM

2017-11-06T10:35:35-05:00

I know back in the late 80's in the Navy it was still very customary to greet and acknowledge the presence of at least anyone E6 and above, as usually they needed something done. Maybe not make small talk, but acknowledge and ask what they need, listen attentively, and give them what they want (or a solid reason why you can't). Also, there's the courtesy of opening the doors for them, and if they look like they're in a hurry, getting out of the way if possible.

Those skills still translate and are a benefit in civilian life too with various supervisors and managers. It shows that you respect the position they have (even if you can't stand them), shows that you are being courteous and attentive, and are probably treating the customers with the same respect, courtesy and attention. You never know when your next customer could turn out to be your next employer...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2017 4:34 AM

2017-11-09T04:34:16-05:00

For me, it has nothing to do with rank. I speak to/ greet everyone that I see/encounter. I think it boils down to first, how a person was raised, meaning common courtesy is second nature. Secondly, the values that were reinforced in Basic and AIT.

Response by SSG Rob Gaiser made Nov 10 at 2017 3:52 AM

2017-11-10T03:52:43-05:00

Back in the early ‘70s when I started my career in the military you were taught to greet and respect those of higher rank without hesatation. If you didn’t you were swiftly corrected on the spot. Pushing your way to China.
Back then, NCO’s took the time to teach all the common etiquette. When I became an NCO. I felt duty bound to to pass that on.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2017 4:16 PM

2017-11-16T16:16:52-05:00

I was taught to verbally greet all those above me in Basic & still do. I often am greater by brand new Airman but then I think they don’t see others doing it so they stop. Somebody in Basic pointed out that it wasn’t “required” & our TI went off about “you better...”

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 16 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-11-16T16:25:27-05:00

I remember, when I failed to avoid my SGM and 1sgt haha, I always said morning or afternoon (insert rank here). Side note where does "greeting of the day" come from? Did each day have its own greeting to ensure there were no spies? Or is it a fancy way of saying "good morning"?

Response by SFC Matthew Del Rossi made Nov 16 at 2017 5:53 PM

2017-11-16T17:53:40-05:00

Because the NCO is allowing it to happen. They are not making on the spot corrections. I remember when I was in Korea and 5 Soldiers passed 2 CSMs and did not do the greeting. The CSMs immediately stopped them and corrected the action and let them know they would be calling the Soldiers BN CSM. This is not happening. I believe you also makes the correction.

Response by TSgt Philip Prigmore made Nov 16 at 2017 7:32 PM

2017-11-16T19:32:16-05:00

IMHO, you are absolutely not out of touch. The kids coming in today were not taught at home to show respect. I guess this stupid political dumbness (correctness) has cost us to disavowal customs, courtesies, etiquette, manners, politeness, etc. from these same youths who join now and go through a very different basic training than we old-timers did. Common everyday politeness need to be taught and reinforced once more at basic. I personally feel this is part of the problem with todays youth. So, Shirt, I say hello and thank you for your service. And to all Senior NCO's and supervisors who see this, demand the respect you deserve. Forget about being friends with your troops, be the leader you have risen in rank and responsibility to. You can still be civil, but you deserve to be respected, and many don't respect their friends when their friends are there boss. Respect and common courtesies need to be addressed and implemented.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 4:49 PM

2017-11-21T16:49:50-05:00

Rock of the Marne Top,

That's how I always addressed someone, and would have with you if you were my 1SG when I was in the Broken TV. I was medically retired in Nov. 98', and went in, in the early 90's, so I am very familiar with what was "acting politely, courteously, and professionally." In fact, a lack of a greeting of the day would warrant a conversation back in my time. I accidentally walked by my senior NCO (truly not having seen him), when he thought I had seen him, and my senior NCO had words with me, which ended up working out fine after he truly realized I had not noticed him (situational awareness, I know...).

That being said, having read many of the comments below, it is a general turning away from societal norms these days, that we were acculturated to back in the day. If someone doesn't step up to begin enforcing those norms, to make them a standard again, then they won't come back.

To be clear, I am not casting aspersions or blame in your direction.

Best

Rob

Response by PO1 Warren Jameson made Nov 22 at 2017 1:05 AM

2017-11-22T01:05:41-05:00

I've been retired over 20 years now, and whenever I see an Officer, I still great Him/Her with a hearty Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening Sir/Mam. When I see an NCO in uniform, I great them the same with their rank. It was what my parents taught me to do, and what the Navy continued to instill in me. It is just POLITE... It seems that today's military members have no respect for each other or themselves...

Response by Cadet 4th Class Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2017 5:30 AM

2017-11-25T05:30:47-05:00

Currently as junior enlisted (E-3) any greeting I render to a Nco of Snco is usually the quickest way I get an butt chewing . I have greeted nco’s just to be yelled at for bothering them while walking. Really deters any junior enlisted from greeting someone of higher rank .

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 26 at 2017 3:16 PM

2017-11-26T15:16:22-05:00

They do in the Air Force. I am constantly being greeted by others. In fact when a Senior NCO enters a room all occupants need to stand until told to resume their duties.

I find the Air Force is much more polite then the Army. At least more polite than the old Army that I was part of many years ago.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2017 9:10 PM

2017-11-26T21:10:29-05:00

It was never a big deal to give a greeting. We've all been "snuck up on", or been occupied over the years, but I can't think of a time I deliberately ignored anyone.
It's a 1sec event. No big deal.
By the same token, I never got bent out of shape if/when someone didn't greet/salute me (especially if they were busy with a task). My missions were accomplished, whether those I encountered along the way saluted me, or not.
One of my best Commanders once told me "Weave, if all the respect I've earned from you can be summed up with some silly hand gesture,...then you can keep it."

Response by PO1 Cliff Heath made Nov 28 at 2017 6:50 PM

2017-11-28T18:50:49-05:00

When In was in 78/89 it was common practice to acknowledge E-7-E9 Chiefs just the way it was, new military, the Navy is getting rid of senior enlisted, the old saying "The Chiefs are the Backbone of the Navy" and that is the truth, just ask the Chief he'll tell ya LOL, 2 rules in Navy RULE#1 THE CHIEF IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!! RULE#2 IF IN DOUBT REFER TO RULE#1. Without senior LPO'S & CPO'S YOU MIGHT AS WELL JUST WELD OUR SHIPS TO THE PIER. THAT'S MY OPINION ANY WAY.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 8:41 AM

2017-11-29T08:41:38-05:00

I dont know about others, but before I commissioned (I was an E4 in the Navy) if I saw anyone who outranked me who wasnt going through training with me, I gave them the greeting they deserved. That is to say that if I saw an E5 or above walking near me, I would say good morning to them and address them by rank. It is courtesy to do that. If you have pride in yourself and the military in which you serve, then greeting those of higher rank is a given

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2017 1:25 AM

2017-12-07T01:25:10-05:00

This was something that Drill Sergeants taught. At my first duty station, I would get no acknowledgment in return. There were few NCOs that I continued to acknowledged while serving. They were the NCOs that valued their soldiers. If I found an NCO to be toxic, I avoided them. If they did not acknowledge me in return, I made a mental note to not try again.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Dec 8 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-12-08T18:06:33-05:00

Simple curtesy and respect is being lost by not being part of normal life these days

Response by MSG Gary Gallenstein made Dec 8 at 2017 7:16 PM

2017-12-08T19:16:53-05:00

Sir we are out of touch and old school. I retired in 1995. In those days and time soldiers respected themselves and others. Overall most people wouldn't understand what we are talking about! But old solders never die just fade away.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2017 1:39 PM

2017-12-10T13:39:52-05:00

The USMC still does. I'd turtle fuck any bitch ass troop who didn't say some shit walking past me or a staff NCO or officer. Maybe the Army just needs to allow hazing again

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 1:36 PM

2017-12-19T13:36:28-05:00

I agree that in general, civilian and military customs and courtesies have gotten watered-down, informalized, and just not taught at home or in public as much as during the 50’s and earlier.

Kudos to those parents and leaders who teach, promote, and lead by example. It encourages me to continue doing the same.

In my family circle, these traditional courtesies are taught and practiced at home and in public. In my unit, I am proud to say we take military bearing and proper customs and courtesy very seriously.

It’s about respect and integrity, not just tradition.

Response by Cpl Jarlath Bloom made Dec 20 at 2017 1:36 PM

2017-12-20T13:36:23-05:00

Never had this problem in the Marines, anywhere I went. Proper greetings of the day are absolutely required everywhere, even to other Branches.

Response by 1SG Dave Faust made Dec 27 at 2017 2:22 PM

2017-12-27T14:22:55-05:00

Those that are brought up Right do.

Response by Cpl Ian Coffelt made Dec 29 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-12-29T17:20:06-05:00

It may seem to be this way on the Army side but I saw (and partook) it happen daily in the Marines. Regardless of being in uniform or civvies it was something instilled in us from the beginning and I never saw anyone become complacent with those customs and courtesies.

Response by SSgt Joe Chenelly made Dec 31 at 2017 8:58 AM

2017-12-31T08:58:15-05:00

I don't get all this "they aren't taught at home" trash. Who cares what they are taught at home? Isn't that what boot camp/basic training is for? Scrape away the bad habits, lack of respect, the civilian nastiness and instill the values we all should be holding so dearly in the United States military. And police your own! If you see a service member, no matter the rank or grade, acting wrongly, use your leadership skills to correct the situation so that he or she learns from it.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 31 at 2017 6:12 PM

2017-12-31T18:12:04-05:00

Top, I see it in civilian life, it is the generation we are seeing today. They will spend more time on their phones, or their little cliques than actually talking to people. Part of it is the society we live in. Parents are afraid to let their kids out, the kids don't learn social skills, they become more introverted, and relay on their virtual friends than real ones. I can't imagine going on date with an attractive woman and spending all my time at dinner texting someone else. What the fraq is that about? But I see it all the time.

Response by MAJ Alan Montgomery made Jan 5 at 2018 12:06 PM

2018-01-05T12:06:10-05:00

I too have noticed this. Don't think it's disrespect issue, just the way they were brought up. I always acknowledge my superiors with a "Morning" or "Afternoon" and salute. Did the "Good Morning" once only to discover whether or not it was in fact a good morning or not was a matter of interpretation. Haven't made that mistake since. The other issue I've encountered is failure to salute, not that I'm hung up about being saluted, but it's part of our Military culture to salute officers. Mostly the failure stems from a lack of situational awareness other times it's outright disrespect. Both need to be addressed, but then there are those afraid of confrontation with subordinates, a problem I've yet to have. Disrespect for our military cultural behavior needs to be corrected especially by those in uniform. Most of my career has been in the combat arms and the problem of acknowledging a superior or junior wasn't as great. In my few support unit assignments and REMF assignments the problem of discipline and courtesy seemed bigger. Discipline and courtesy are paramount to maintaining the effectiveness of any military unit, as are training and technical skills, and and those of us who wear the uniform have a duty to enforce both the discipline and courtesy inherent in our culture, and where necessary take corrective action. Saying "Morning" or "Afternoon" is just courtesy and we should all do it. Saluting is a mater of military discipline and evolves from situational awareness, the lack of which gets many a good soldier killed.

Response by Sgt Lw Perry made Jan 8 at 2018 11:48 AM

2018-01-08T11:48:40-05:00

Wow....wasn't that way when I was in, (late 80s). That's a shame.

Response by 1SG Michael Lyons made Jan 9 at 2018 12:45 PM

2018-01-09T12:45:32-05:00

NCO's lead the way. Make the correction and move on. Teach these young Soldiers RESPECT and proper courtesy. Also the Soldier in the picture has his U.S. Amry tag where his name tag should be..

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Jan 9 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-01-09T12:54:11-05:00

We lost this when the Army changed from PLC to PLDC to WLC, each time the change occured something was dropped. the Army needs to get back to the protocol of the original course of BNOC and PLC as well as ANOC. WLC and ALC is a joke and those that have attended them know it be true. Our common core courses need to be hard and our Military Historical Heritage be acknowledged.
When I was in 27th Maintenance of 1st CAV. Division we had CSM Cotton who demanded acknowledgement, if an NCO walked past him and not say something of respect the Solders 1SG was the first to find out. I am not for the softer gentler Army; it breeds weakness.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 1:11 PM

2018-01-09T13:11:15-05:00

CSM Private RallyPoint Member well if the guy in the photo isn't even corrected for having the nametape on the wrong side I do not wonder why they are not being taught to greet everyone.

All kidding aside it is what they are taught and if it is being enforced. If we do not teach or enforce then we are part of the problem. Same with saluting and giving the greeting of the day to officers in certain areas. It just needs to be taught and reinforced.

Response by MAJ Jim Hollingsworth made Jan 10 at 2018 11:19 PM

2018-01-10T23:19:05-05:00

I think this is a policy long overdue. I was promoted to Sergeant E5 at Fort Sill (Field Artillery). It didn't seem like a big deal. I PCS'd to Fort Benning (Infantry). Every Soldier, E4 and below, I met throughout the day greeted me. "Good morning, Sergeant." "Good afternoon, Sergeant." "Good evening, Sergeant." Experiencing this simple professional courtesy (and responding in kind) was a huge difference!

Response by MSgt Robert Kagel made Feb 10 at 2018 12:16 AM

2018-02-10T00:16:45-05:00

Gather around folks, here is my little funny story; Now, understand that this happened 10+ years ago and I really don’t things have changed more than maybe 15%. I was a MSgt working out of a flying squadron way,way up North in the US. Prior to this time, I had not noticed any problem with the greetings of Senior leaders, and most people would greet according to what they were doing, i.e. if they were working on something they say hey Sarge how’s it going, or if they were in full nose pick mode they’d stand and ask “Sergeant Kagel, what can I do for you” etc.
Now, I had called my best friend, hunting partner, and neighbor and arranged an off-base lunch date at 1130. Note: we were both MSgts, it was a Friday, and generally it was a pretty easy-going day. I knew of nothing unusual at all and my Bud pretty much told me everything.
I rolled up promptly at 1125 ( I was kinda bored) and walked into “Homeslices” work center; All of the sudden I hear “Flight, Tench-Hut (sic) “ I quickly looked behind me, and scanned all approaches, nothing! Nada. I young SSgt walks up to me and says “Master Sergeant Kagel, is there something I can help you with?
It kind of blew my mind, generally, a relative foreigner at my rank would not be met so formally during what is still, for the most part, a regular duty situation. After I calmed the guy down and navigated my way to my buddy's office, I was like WTH is going on with calling the building to attention when a MSgt walks in the building?!?!?
Apparently, the Command Chief Master Sergeant had paid a visit the day before and was left wandering the halls looking for the “HMFIC” of the branch and nobody stepped up. So, the standing order was to greet every single SrNCO from then on, into eternity, to ensure nothing like the aforementioned situation happens again.
I think problems like this can be solved relatively easily, and similarly. If the troops aren’t doing it correctly, You, correct them. I’m not saying do the same thing but do what fits best for your individual situation. For instance, if this happened at my work center, the offending individual would be assigned as the Master Escort for all visiting individuals (we had a pretty good headcount, so this would not be horrible) and then once we got a new troop they would take over and so on. It would quickly encourage esprit de corps and better attention to detail. (we didn’t get that many visitors, but it was a secure area) and folks could receive positive recognition and valuable diplomatic experiences.
The important thing is to impress upon troops the importance of customs and courtesies not just because they're supposed to, but it makes a good impression on everyone.

Response by SGT John Pearson made Feb 11 at 2018 9:34 AM

2018-02-11T09:34:59-05:00

We did in the 80's, we might get a "We Were Soldiers" response, but I always felt proud to do it and be part of any interaction with my seniors that I could possibly learn from. "What are you, some kinda f'ing weather man"?

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Feb 11 at 2018 11:45 AM

2018-02-11T11:45:37-05:00

There use to be a thing called School of the Soldier. Where on weekends if subordinates demonstrated weakness in certain areas during the week, they were reeducated by their NCO’s on the weekends. This could cover many things. Anything from common military courtesy to their specific MOS. The NCO’s responsibility was to reeducate these individuals to ensure they were proficient. All company NCO’s were involved normally three and was scheduled like a duty roster. Some viewed it as punishment, the majority however understood the value of such a program. I’m an ancient old timer, what the hell do I know. Just a suggestion.

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Feb 20 at 2018 5:55 AM

2018-02-20T05:55:59-05:00

You learn that at home and transfer that skill into the military I was old school so I always asked for the greeting of the day from them I got the finger ones but it was just a way of me to assess a Soldier

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-04-18T13:49:42-04:00

Military bearing on the company level don't hold to the standards anymore.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-04-18T21:50:13-04:00

9out 10 times good morning or whatever time it is to Sgt first class up ; morning first Sgt or csm but rank is hard to see now days on middle of chest walking!

Response by SSG Michael Raysses made Apr 20 at 2018 3:21 AM

2018-04-20T03:21:54-04:00

I don't know what is going thru the heads of today's junior troopers, Top!... I retired eleven years ago, and I always... ALWAYS greeted my seniors with a "GOOD MORNING"/AFTERNOON... along with calling them by their Ranks/Last names.... being a 92G-30, it was my jobs pleasure to meet n greet my fellow soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen/women with a nice proper greeting, or just a "HI, how are YOU!.. and proceed to ask them what they would like to eat when they came into our mess hall!.... my MASTER SERGEANT, Mardell Taylor, USA-Retired CHARGED US with doing so!... as he always greeted those of us who worked for him, everyday he saw us... my other MSGT Bruce Simoneau USA-Retired had the same attitude!... it's just a nice way to begin your day, or afternoon of working relationships with your fellow troops!... seeing as most of us there in my dining facility were senior sergeants/staff sergeants... we all called each other by first names.... but when either MSGT was on deck?.. it was RANK/LAST NAMES, ONLY!... I don't know too...., maybe the younger troopers don't wanna do that anymore... different times I suppose, but I still remember my career... and I still honor those traditions, customs, and courtesies in my civilian gig!... HOOAH!.. SSG Mike Raysses, USAR-Retired..

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-04-20T11:22:31-04:00

When I was in Ft Jackson last year, it was insisted upon and taught heavily; customs and courtesies are coming back alongside the importance of discipline and bearing.

On Ft Hood, it is part of the Phantom Warrior Standard that “there will be no silent passing”.

Be courteous, be respectful. Greet your NCOs and Officers.

Response by TSgt Phil Baziw made Apr 24 at 2018 12:15 AM

2018-04-24T00:15:44-04:00

I remember customs and courtesies drilled into me as much as how to march.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Apr 24 at 2018 12:21 PM

2018-04-24T12:21:02-04:00

We always did with, "Good morning/afternoon Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Sergeant."

Response by SGT David Mccoll made Apr 26 at 2018 2:04 PM

2018-04-26T14:04:31-04:00

Why would a senior NCO warrant a salute? Enlisted salute officers!

Response by Brandon Mangrove made Apr 27 at 2018 8:58 PM

2018-04-27T20:58:36-04:00

It's the sign of a generation

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 9:48 AM

2018-04-29T09:48:44-04:00

Reverse is true also, I'll say good morning hm1 and they look confused and keep walking

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 8:16 PM

2018-04-29T20:16:50-04:00

I think a lot of the time junior enlisted aren’t told they have to, unlike saluting an officer. It’s like saying please and thank you. It’s not required, but it should happen anyways.

Response by Sgt Cody White made Apr 30 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-04-30T18:39:57-04:00

I had many peers who were SNCOs and those were the only ones I didn’t greet according to customs and courtesies everyone else got the proper greeting of the day

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 10:50 PM

2018-05-03T22:50:06-04:00

I think it's because leaders have failed junior enlisted. I do it, because I was taught that you are supposed to greet passing NCOs, just as you are supposed to salute officers as you pass. My guess is that it isn't being taught anymore.

Response by SPC Nicholas Bettinger made May 4 at 2018 9:32 PM

2018-05-04T21:32:27-04:00

Only officers get a salute, and Moh's
And every time i greet Nco's like morning/afternoon, they look at soldiers like What The F. Did you just say. Etc etc. Etc. Leadership isnt what it used to be...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-05-05T17:06:09-04:00

I agree and what they are doing with basic now is putting our lower enlisted why out of touch and they are so disrespectful

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2018 3:57 AM

2018-05-06T03:57:03-04:00

It starts at all levels. A first line supervisor should speak of it to his team, his Squad Leader should require it. His Platoon Sergeant should discuss it with the platoon. His 1SG should discuss it with the company and everyone should lead by example.

Response by PVT Leighton Bader made May 6 at 2018 5:13 AM

2018-05-06T05:13:04-04:00

I always gave the proper greeting, they earned Their rank honorably and I respect that.

Response by GySgt Sean Rodriquez made May 6 at 2018 11:00 PM

2018-05-06T23:00:15-04:00

Millennials joining and chain of command not enforcing same people who incorporate stress cards

Response by PO1 James Vargas made Aug 27 at 2019 11:45 AM

2019-08-27T11:45:38-04:00

It’s funny how this is I am retired and still refer to my Chiefs and above as Chief or Sir. I am told it is not necessary, but I feel they earned it and should be given the respect earned. On another note this was something my father instilled (non military parent) thing not the military.

Response by Maj Tim Rogers made Aug 27 at 2019 12:05 PM

2019-08-27T12:05:16-04:00

Yes, you are out of touch. Enlisted personnel don't salute other enlisted personnel, unless it's part of a formation or ceremony. If it was "common courtesy" amongst you and your peers, it was just that, and not backed up by any official regulation.

Response by SSG Robert Spear made Aug 28 at 2019 5:34 AM

2019-08-28T05:34:48-04:00

It's partly due to the fact that NCOs frequently can't be bothered to return the greeting. It's not an uncommon occurrence for a senior NCO to completely ignore the subordinates greeting, just keep on walking. Why would a Soldier bother if the senior can't be bothered?

Response by SPC Tyler Torgerson made Sep 2 at 2019 11:15 AM

2019-09-02T11:15:25-04:00

If you're a senior soldier then why aren't you correcting these ones that aren't doing it?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 11:32 AM

2019-09-02T11:32:01-04:00

I think it just depends on the Soldier or who taught them because I always give the greeting of the day when passing NCOs

Response by MSgt Tony Marlin made Sep 2 at 2019 12:13 PM

2019-09-02T12:13:38-04:00

Bad disconnect..Facebook says salute, but the article says greet...

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-09-02T13:59:13-04:00

It's courteous to acknowledge you in the morning or throughout the day. But if you demand it, you have more issues. Respect goes a long way & if you walk by a subordinate & they don't say morning or whatever & you stop & turn say excuse me or chew them out. You have no need for that rank. Respect is earned not demanded. Same goes with officers. If I render you your salute & you fluff it off or don't return it, it's the same. You deserve the respect.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 3:24 PM

2019-09-02T15:24:27-04:00

I’ve always been told to stop saying good morning good afternoon etc. so I don’t do it anymore.

Response by Cpl Andrew Kimbel made Sep 3 at 2019 1:16 PM

2019-09-03T13:16:40-04:00

While I can't really answer for other branches, customs and courtesies is a huge deal in the Marines. If you walked past a senior NCO without greeting them, you'd better be prepared for an ass-chewing. Interestingly enough, the title of this post that linked here from Facebook asks why junior enlisted aren't saluting senior NCOs, the obvious answer of course being that they aren't officers.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 11:04 AM

2019-10-07T11:04:07-04:00

I've observed junior enlisted greeting senior enlisted in my unit, but we do that anyway because Southern Hospitality is real down here. We greet everyone regardless of circumstances.

Response by Cpl Lester Anderson made Jul 11 at 2020 4:21 PM

2020-07-11T16:21:45-04:00

As a Marine and not a Army Soldier, it has never been common practice for junior enlisted and Junior NCO's to salute senior NCO's. A polite courtesy greeting based on time of day and how familiar the 2 Marines were with each other was all that was needed.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 2:16 PM

2020-07-12T14:16:30-04:00

What if... Now bear with me.... You greet everybody politely .... That way you don't mess up not greeting the superiors!
Joking aside I actually do try to greet everybody. I may stiffen up a bit more for the e-8 or 9 and higher ranking officers but you don't know what that private has been through and they deserve respect as well. Plus as pointed out someone else here. A preempted greet from superior to junior may shock some and draw attention to his mistake

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 2:22 PM

2020-07-12T14:22:06-04:00

The comments on this thread are concerning. I always give the greeting of the day to whoever i pass. And most people on my footprint do the same.

Response by SGT Andrew West made Jul 12 at 2020 3:11 PM

2020-07-12T15:11:42-04:00

Idc what rank was higher than me I always greeted! Thats what I was taught and it blows my mind how lax the Army has gotten! It seems as though standards are a choice now! There is alot of time I wish i was still in but i dontnknow if I can deal with the lack of valve!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jul 12 at 2020 6:57 PM

2020-07-12T18:57:00-04:00

MSgt Neil Greenfield's response pretty much hit the nail on the head. It was very common to be taught respect and the whole nine coming up. But nowadays, just about everyone from Joe & Jane to SSG Joe & SSG Jane to COL Joe & COL Jane is walking around and thinking, "F--- YOU! I only have (insert remaining time here) left in this hellhole with (insert perosn(s) name(s) that they don't like here), so IDGAF about your GD feelings and whatnot!" The residual of toxic leadership is part of the problem, but another part of it is toxic troops being allowed to serve. Those are two variables and I'm sure there are more.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 8:42 PM

2020-07-12T20:42:42-04:00

Counselings do not work and is a complete waste of time when it comes to punishing a soldier. Modern soldiers cannot get smoked and do not fear a counseling nor an article 15. This is the leading cause of the lack of disciple and discipline not being upheld in the army.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 11:10 PM

2020-07-12T23:10:57-04:00

While I i was raised in the south and think no mater who it is you greet the individual. Thay aside doctoren only gose so far. As an nco of any rank it is incumbent apon you to show train the yonger enlisted. Iv seen nco's and j enlested alike not know a reg or courtesies. The nco's train them the junior enlisted train them and correct them. Traditions only stay relevant if they are passed down.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 13 at 2020 4:55 AM

2020-07-13T04:55:22-04:00

Officers and Senior NCO's were always greeted with the greeting of the day, or at least with a good morning or good afternoon. I usually greeted them with my unit name - Like Head Hunter for 1-9 Cav, Honor Guard when I was assigned to the Honor guard in Korea, Rakkasan when assigned to 1-187 at Campbell, and last, Tomahawk when I was assigned to 1-23 INF at Lewis.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 10:18 AM

2021-01-26T10:18:08-05:00

I am a SFC and get greeted all the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2021 8:58 AM

2021-03-27T08:58:37-04:00

I don't have this issue.

Response by SPC Roger Giffen made Jul 10 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-07-10T11:34:06-04:00

Do you speak to everyone you come across?? I have been out for 42 years. We only spoke if we had business.

Response by PO3 Seamus Sheehan made Jul 13 at 2021 11:09 AM

2021-07-13T11:09:19-04:00

I always greeted everyone (above and below) as I am a social person. But that being said, my father told me you don't have to respect the person but always respect the rank as they've earned it.

Response by Sgt John B. Gray made Nov 11 at 2021 4:43 PM

2021-11-11T16:43:32-05:00

When I was in the Marines while in Vietnam, all Marines treated one another by rank and last name. You could get office hours if you didn’t follow proper behavior