Posted on Jan 20, 2014
Would you prefer to be addressed as 1SG or Top?
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This discussion goes out to everybody but mainly to E-8’s. My question is how do you prefer to by addressed as. I have had several 1SG, and some of them have flipped out on soldiers when they were called Top. I myself try my hardest to always address my 1SG by his or her name and rank, but I see others on a daily basis doing both.
Rank
Disrespect
1SG
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 65
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I am a retired 1SG. I want to be addressed as First Sergeant. When I get to know my Soldiers and they get to know me only a few selected my call me Top, and I’m the one who selects who will call me that.
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1SG (Join to see)
not all customs and courtesies are embedded in regulations.... some of the finest traditions our nation's Service Personnel take part in are passed down, not thru regulations, but thru shared experiences and a lineage of mentorship and an appreciation for our shared history.
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LTC Jason Bartlett
Fish On......So I guess we can shut down the "should a 2Lt salute a 1Lt" discussion now.
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1SG Derek Lincoln
Well I see that you were prior enlisted LTC and went through DS school and have a negative comment about regs. I know the officer side has a ton of traditions that are not in the regs. This is like asking should we call a LTC “Colonel” to Lt colonel. Thank you for your service.
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It worked for me- Top (to Me) meant Top Kick, Top Dog, top of Company's NCO's .
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Being the son of a First Sergeant and a proud veteran as well, I'm going to agree that typically it is the privilege and sign of respect for soldiers to call their own 1SG Top. But in practical terms you should remember that if you know a 1SG and are being sociable Top is still respectful; make sure you don't use it though when you are reporting, giving the greeting of the day in passing, or are acknowledging their position (like after you call at ease in the mess hall, or are passing them through as a gate guard).
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I am in a combat arms unit. I always thought that a First Sergeant was a TOC bitch, and a TOP was a leader of men. (First Sergeant is a rank, TOP is a respectful title)
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I have always addressed my 1SG as just that first sergeant and I never use the word TOP also as seen below I have always addressed the MSG I have served with as master sergeant never just sergeant but I guess its up to the senor NCO being addressed and I know its a different rank but I never address the warrant officers by chief even though you can I always have called them MR. or MS. like it says in the regs
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