Being addressed/addressing others by rank after retirement

I often see a man who was my SGM almost 40 years ago. It feels natural to call him by his rank. He will always be my SGM. This is true even though I retired as a CSM. I also call him by his given name. Both work. If it feels comfortable use it. If it seems unnatural, don't.

It's not a requirement that I do all of the time, but it becomes a personal show of respect to another veteran or to someone I know to be higher in rank when I do.

I am forever an Air Force Master Sergeant: a member of the "Top Three." However, I'm also now 25 years "down range" in retirement, am a grandfather now rapidly moving to the close of a third career -- just another of a group of veterans who have matriculated back into civilian life with the military far in the rearview mirror -- and even my grandkids are surprised when the photos show up of me in uniform or the medals are pulled from the footlocker.

So, I address some veterans by their rank out of respect and comradery. It puts a gleam in their eyes when I do.

I also used it once to help de-escalate a veteran having a PTSD crisis. He knew someone was finally listening when I addressed him in his rank. He started to cry. It helped to steer him toward the services and resources he needed right away.

Well I had a hard time being called "Sir" when I retired and went to work for a police department. Didn' t know who they were talking to

Those of us who are older do it partly out of respect and partly out of habit, I think. Those of us who are older and closer to the shitshow that those who went before us have the feeling that those are REAL men. REAL soldiers.

Every time someone calls me a hero to my face I tell them I"m not the hero. Go talk to someone who was dropped into the shit in SE Asia and then came home to be called "Baby killer" and such. THOSE are the REAL heroes. I'm just a jarhead who saw a little bit of action in SA. My dad called the Falklands and Granada a cake walk. This from a man who fought combat in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

It is always best be polite and respectful. It doesn't stop you from killing them later, if you have too.

Pvt Michael Todd - Check out the term "Military Rank Equivalency" Sometimes service members leave the "green suit" and join the "purple suit". They are still employed by the same agency - but now serve as "civilians". A portion of all our branches have a "civilian" component. Some do serve in combat zones doing prior skill-set related work. You'd be surprised. Don't paint with such a broad brush - you might end up working as one someday.

Category 2 for me and I also will on certain informal and cordial situations use fighter pilots calls signs during conversations with them or about them.

PO1 Jerome Newland - That's "figuratively" of course--the killing part that is?!?

CSM Charles Hayden "Top" is also common in the Marine Corps, so no surprise that a retired Navy Captain would address you as such. Have a great day "Top".

I refer to officer as SIR that are no long in the service @ my ego is strong that i know who I am sign 40 yards

HEY Top, that works out great if your going to be retired in the same neighborhood, or when you see them on base or at the Commissary; but how does it work out, if you decide after you retire, to move back to where you were raised or move closer to the grandkids. There may not be a military base near by. I met a retiree at my church, that got out of the Corp. as Sgt. Major. Most times I call him Bill and sometimes I call him Sgt.Major. Its all personal preference Sir, oops I mean TOP.

Old Marine Corps Joke: How do two GySgt's that know each other greet each other?
"Morning Gunny"
"Morning Gunny"