Enlisted folks, do you feel weird about not addressing an officer by their rank?

2021-09-03T19:31:15-04:00

Whenever I respond to a post from an officer here on Rally Point I have thought about saying Brother to them but I feel strange about it. I guess it is because for the most part I respected officers when I was in and it has carried into my civilian life. Even the JROTC Colonel at my school I always said, "Sir" and addressed him as Colonel even though he told me I didn't have to. I just could never bring myself to call him Mike, or even Colonel Mike. Just wanting to see what others think about this. What are your thoughts on this. Officers, I would also like your point of view.

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Sep 3 at 2021 7:37 PM

2021-09-03T19:37:10-04:00

Yes, I do . There are a handful that have Made it comfortable to do however.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-09-03T19:38:27-04:00

At first it was difficult, but as a civilian, I have as much education and experience as many officers.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 3 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-09-03T19:38:50-04:00

Cpl Vic Burk I Understand, 21 Years i Wore Navy Blue. Some Old Habits will Die Hard. Now there are even Cultural Differences between Different Branches of the Military, Jr Officers and Warrants are Addressed a Mister, Miss, Misses in the Navy. Until You make LCDR when I would call you Commander. It is always interesting. I don't understand a Lot of other Senior Enlisted Military Titles in Other Branches. Needless to Say I Often Refer to Senior Enlisted as "Boss".

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 3 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-09-03T19:47:26-04:00

Cpl Vic Burk I think it depends on how well I know the Officer.
I usually use Sir or Ma’am or Chief

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Sep 3 at 2021 7:57 PM

2021-09-03T19:57:24-04:00

Nope because when you're retired you don't give a shit. However, an enlisted should give the respect if they're still in.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Sep 3 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-09-03T20:15:54-04:00

Don't feel weird, we are all the same now... vets !

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Sep 3 at 2021 8:17 PM

2021-09-03T20:17:13-04:00

You feel calling a man Brother is disrespectful?

Response by Ken Kraetzer made Sep 3 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-09-03T20:18:20-04:00

As a civilian I always address military veterans by their rank if I have it. Have found that off duty, even senior military like to called by first name.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Sep 3 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-09-03T20:32:54-04:00

Nah. Under certain circumstances, most of which center on the military, I'll address someone by rank, but more often than not, I address most people by last name. If we are pretty good friends, I'll call them by first name. For example, during my last semester of undergrad, I had the pleasure of being in a class (ethics) with a former LTC, a JAG officer, and not once did either of us use anything but first names to address each other. It does help, however, that the only real dividing line between enlisted and officer is a college degree, and I have a few of those now.

Response by SPC Michael Oles SR made Sep 3 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-09-03T21:30:00-04:00

I feel on this site is neutral and being called Brother on here is a good thing I treat everyone with the same respect from civilians to the highest rank providing I’m treated with same respect and there is something about anyone calling me sir to me it’s like putting lipstick on a pig

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2021 9:35 PM

2021-09-03T21:35:41-04:00

The day I retired I quit caring. I work on a base and I’m on a first name basis with all the officers I work with and around. I always introduce myself as Damon. They always introduce themselves by their first name. There is no disrespect. They know who I am. I know who they are. We work well together. I’ve had a small handful of younger officers, with units who rotate through, insist on being addressed by their rank. They get to address me as Mr. Moysard. They know who they are. They get to know who I am. Now, when I correspond with them, or call their office, I always use their rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-09-03T21:42:56-04:00

We are all brothers in arms on here. Calling someone Brother, I think means more than calling them "Sir," as it shows a certain level of trust and loyalty.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2021 10:06 PM

2021-09-03T22:06:15-04:00

I had 2 different mustangers as company commanders. I knew both by their first names - never called them that when in uniform. Was instructed to do so when over at their house or other non-military setting. I got used to it to a degree. Took me years as I was still boot camp locked and cocked almost 3 years in. The change was over the next 10 years.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2021 11:14 PM

2021-09-03T23:14:26-04:00

One of my former E4s offered me a Job at her very successful company. She had to fight back "Sir" in the conversation. It's too bad I'm not willing to move.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 4 at 2021 12:02 AM

2021-09-04T00:02:30-04:00

Immediately upon discharge we are all promoted to the same rank, "civilian."

That said... my closest friend is a retired Marine 1stSgt. We did not know each other on active duty. But we:
_Fish together,
_Hunt together,
_Harvest firewood for heating our homes together,
_First call each other if we need help with a project, or are doing something where you need a "safety officer" or "battle buddy."
_Take family trips together, and
_We call each other by our former rank all the time EXCEPT when we are alone having a serious one on one discussion about heartfelt reality checks.

We both have other friends who are veterans but the rank thing is between the two of us.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 4 at 2021 12:17 AM

2021-09-04T00:17:12-04:00

Cpl Vic Burk I feel that use of those current/former military titles lends a modicum of decorum to Rally Point and represents a change from the casualness of today’s society, Facebook might be different, I dunno. USAA Insurance uses those same military titles for a reason!

Response by SGT Daniel Petitt made Sep 4 at 2021 12:24 AM

2021-09-04T00:24:16-04:00

Always used sir,I was never around any female officers. I always respected the rank even when I didn’t care for the person.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Sep 4 at 2021 12:27 AM

2021-09-04T00:27:04-04:00

With 40 years of service in the Military/ Merchant Marines and as a Corrections officer, I always address by Rank or Sir or Mam .

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Sep 4 at 2021 1:06 AM

2021-09-04T01:06:03-04:00

Here you go, Cpl Vic Burk!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoYsfbq3vMc

Raymond J. Johnson Jr.

Ray J here... Just don't call me Johnson

Response by SSG George Holtje made Sep 4 at 2021 1:36 AM

2021-09-04T01:36:25-04:00

No. I feel weird when I cut loose about all the crap that I found wrong with the Army. Now that I'm retired. I find it weird when I mention good Ole boys, suckin up for rank and 1/1 blocks and loyalty up not down and Noone says anything to the opposite.

Response by PFC David Foster made Sep 4 at 2021 1:54 AM

2021-09-04T01:54:49-04:00

I feel equal to everyone here.... of course, I got out near 40 years ago, I don't think it's any more strange than saluting a private lol...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 4 at 2021 6:50 AM

2021-09-04T06:50:01-04:00

I know where your coming from brother Cpl Vic Burk , I only address an officer by their first name if they request it, yes it does feel weird when it's been ingrained in use to say sir, or ma'am.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 4 at 2021 8:28 AM

2021-09-04T08:28:06-04:00

Stay Close to your desk
and never go to sea
and soon_____________________

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 4 at 2021 8:54 AM

2021-09-04T08:54:46-04:00

No. The form of address is sir or ma'am. Nothing akward about that.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Sep 4 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-09-04T18:04:40-04:00

As a dumb Marine-turned-soldier I love the simplicity of referring to any warrant, commissioned, or general officers as "sir" or "ma'am." I'm equally loving the idea that all staff NCO ranks in the Army are ok with just "sergeant" as opposed to their full classification.

Now if you'll excuse me there's a green and a purple crayon over here for me to eat...

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Sep 5 at 2021 4:45 AM

2021-09-05T04:45:04-04:00

Once I attained my DD-214, I got over that real quick. Now I only use the formality when conducting business; I'm a part-time contractor working at a Naval Air Station.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-09-05T11:37:06-04:00

I always use sir or ma'am when addressing a retired/veteran officer or add their rank when referring to anyone (enlisted and officer) 3rd person. That said, I usually say sir or ma'am to strangers anyway, especially if they're older than me. In reverse, whenever a civilian or anyone not in uniform addresses me as Sergeant, it feels awkward nine times out of ten.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 5 at 2021 11:43 AM

2021-09-05T11:43:21-04:00

I would note, and I could be wrong, the site does it for us when we send a response it addresses the individual does it not?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 5 at 2021 11:51 AM

2021-09-05T11:51:48-04:00

Since I retired, I have no desire for active, retired, or former service members to address me by rank. I don’t use my rank on almost anything in my daily life. As an Army Civilian Employee for my last 6 working years, I was prohibited from putting my retired rank on anything associated with my employment. Those who wish to use my rank are welcome to do so, but I never expect it.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Sep 5 at 2021 7:09 PM

2021-09-05T19:09:27-04:00

Absolutely freaking not, that crap ended the moment I signed out on terminal leave. I respected the rank while I was in because that's what applied to me; no matter what I thought of the person holding the rank.
If I am ever in a professional setting with any active duty military, they will be addressed appropriately, just like I expect to be addressed appropriately as sir. Outside of that, they will be addressed by their first name or nickname.

Response by CPO Kenneth Arbogast made Sep 5 at 2021 9:04 PM

2021-09-05T21:04:53-04:00

I'm in the same place as SGT Reynolds. I was a CPO with two master's degrees. But strictly followed protocol, both in and out of the service. I tend to call junior officers Sir, and senior officers by rank. Some habits are hard to break.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Sep 6 at 2021 1:24 AM

2021-09-06T01:24:34-04:00

JROTC may be different; however, once you retire, you [and an officer] no longer have a rank. The only rank is Mister. With that said, I worked with a guy we called Sarge because he was in the Army. Some people, after retirement, still want to be called by their rank, Make them feel needed, call them by whatever. For me, it was twelve years before anyone at work knew I was retired [it was none of their business].

Response by SP5 John Hien made Sep 8 at 2021 9:45 PM

2021-09-08T21:45:12-04:00

I always responded to officers by calling them ‘Sir’, but seldom saluting them because the Vietnam Cong or NVA could be watching and I didn’t want officers identified by the salute.

Response by SSG John Sinica made Sep 10 at 2021 4:23 PM

2021-09-10T16:23:54-04:00

I still refer to officers and others in authority as Sir or Ma'am. Unless specifically told by the individual to use first name. Even then I still find it hard at times. I am a profile assistant on another military site, responsible for checking details of their profile. Whether I notice something wrong or not, I send them a welcome email. If there is something wrong or missing, or complete, I still address them according to rank if an officer and first name if enlisted. The only exception for enlisted for me are those who held a Top Senior NCO position. With me it has been hard to shake military bearing.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Oct 27 at 2021 2:05 PM

2021-10-27T14:05:24-04:00

When I retired from the Air Force I changed my first name from Sir to Al. I retired as an O3 with 10 years Enlisted and 10 years as an Officer. When I talk to an older person I still call them Sir.

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Nov 19 at 2021 4:21 PM

2021-11-19T16:21:47-05:00

Yes, I do. I have run around with an Mustanger that was a Captain and we have known each other approx, 35 yrs. or so. I do call him by his first name but if its' a serious conversation I always call him by his rank. and I referred myself as Gunny. When meeting other military officers I still call them by there respected rank. You give respect ,you get respect.....

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Nov 19 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-11-19T19:12:48-05:00

While on active duty I always address and officer with Sir. As in, Yes sir, No sir, or thank you sir. Although I only served for 2years 6months and 5days I meet some really good officers and at least one major whom should have never been an officer. I found that I had great respect for Colonels and above as they were gentlemen. How ever I like to say I was a gentleman with out an act of congress.
I feel that as a civilian it is necessary to address all people with respect.

Response by SGT Charles Whited made Nov 19 at 2021 11:43 PM

2021-11-19T23:43:46-05:00

Comrades together without an equal. To help, learn and share.

Response by SR Kenneth Beck made Nov 20 at 2021 10:36 AM

2021-11-20T10:36:38-05:00

Everyone deserves respect, General and Private. We’re made in the image and likeness of God.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 20 at 2021 12:35 PM

2021-11-20T12:35:37-05:00

Amongst my veteran peers, it is Byron. I am not trying to hold onto something and am really ready for this life out of the military. It was great for 24 years. It does irritate me a bit our civilian counterparts that do not know enough about their government and military that as a retired officer, I am never really free. I actively work as an RN and could easily be called back to AD as simple as having orders cut. If you retire as an officer, the rank still formerly replaces Mr or Ms in our society. Again with all that being said, amongst my veteran peers, I want to be called Byron, every vet on here has earned that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-11-20T15:11:04-05:00

It kind of hard to call them Sir in my work like after retirement. I am at an equal job position as them. So former rank is out the window.

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made Nov 21 at 2021 7:56 AM

2021-11-21T07:56:20-05:00

I have no thoughts about it at all. I recognize and respond only to the comment or question. On the other hand, if I were on a military base or corresponding with active duty personnel in a business manner, I would always refer to them by rank.

As for using brother, I understand the sentiment and accept it, but frankly cringe whenever strangers refers to me in that manner. To them it may appear as a term of endearment, but to me, it just comes across as being artificial, and presumptuous.

I worked in hospitality for many years, and one thing I've learned in that time is that you can never insult someone by being too formal. But you can insult others by being too familiar. Incidentally, it might also surprise a few folks to learn that I never refer to anyone as "man" either.

Full disclosure, there are exceptions: a) House of worship. b) for the sake of dialogue. Ex. If we're all in a discussion and using brother, then I won't change it in the middle and disrupt the flow of the conversation.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Nov 21 at 2021 8:18 AM

2021-11-21T08:18:48-05:00

I usually address Officers as Sir or their rank,as I address a manager at my job I address them accordingly.

Response by Sgt Eduardo Mendez made Nov 21 at 2021 12:16 PM

2021-11-21T12:16:41-05:00

It's hard, coming from the Service that calls our Drill Instructors sir, instead of "Drill Sergeant" or our Warrant Officer's and Chief Warrant Officer's sir, instead of "Mr." or in the case of our sea going friends all commissioned ranks from Ensign to Lieutenant "Mr." and in the Marine Corps anything that shines on the collar or shoulder is a "Sir" the transition has been hard and I have not mastered the ability to call an officer by their rank or first name. some things get programmed or instilled become hard to break and granted now life after Marine Corps I have perhaps equal or greater education than most commissioned officers it's not about that it's about discipline and respect, decorum and the ways of old it's about "Semper Fi" it's hard to explain but it's about the Esprit de Corps and the "Semper Fi" way.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Nov 21 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-11-21T23:34:47-05:00

It's not really a problem for me, but I was in for only four years and it was over three decades ago. Some things from the military still follow me (leave a building, hat goes on, enter a building, hat comes off) but some things like that have just faded away with time.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Nov 28 at 2021 10:52 PM

2021-11-28T22:52:40-05:00

It is ALWAYS has and will ALWAYS be Sir. End of discussion. I enjoy people who know my rank to address me at my rank. Those that know me address me as Doc. I was in a parking lot at a Burger King and a Marine who I had the honor to serve with recognized me and hollered “Doc!” I never felt so proud in my life. 8 years after I served with this Marine. So, to answer your question, it is ALWAYS Sir.

Response by SSgt Lawrence Gordon made Dec 6 at 2021 3:45 PM

2021-12-06T15:45:18-05:00

I feel the same way. My last Commander at Kunsan, Korea stays in touch with me. I even after 25 years I still call him Sir and Col. Sometimes I can't believe what I am seeing at Wright Paterson AFB. What a sham.

Response by LT Stewart Herrick made Dec 6 at 2021 8:56 PM

2021-12-06T20:56:59-05:00

While on active duty, Sir is a required form of address to an Officer. The rank is NOT required but can certainly be added as a sign of respect. Civilians are under no such compulsion. In the military, respect is required and attaches to the rank, in the rest of the world, respect must be earned.

Response by LCpl Waliq Knolle made Dec 7 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-12-07T16:22:08-05:00

It may be my rebellious streak, the fact I called most of my peers(by time in service, not rank) by first name, or the fact I spent 4 months in pretrial confinement past my EAS date with a few officers but I view them as regular people that just happened to have went to college. That mixed with being second in command in my section within the logistics department I often heard officers refer to one another by first name

Response by SSG Gary R Peek made Dec 9 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-12-09T22:01:20-05:00

Here’s how I was taught from a dad that spent 23 years in the Marines. You call a man or woman (regardless of age) by sir/madam. His reason? Because by virtue of their position ( be it McDonald’s, Walmart, gas station, etc). They earned the right to be respected as well as you earned that right to feel that respect reciprocated.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Dec 10 at 2021 2:19 AM

2021-12-10T02:19:31-05:00

As a civilian in the corporate jungle, I had a retired BG of the Indian Army, a former Cdr of the Indian Navy and a retired Maj of the Indian Air Force reporting into me. Initially, I was caught up in the Sir and Ma'am business I must admit; a force of habit to respect my seniors. However, here, I was the boss. Over a short period of time, as a Team, we used first names in the office; however, I still address the BG as Sir outside. All of us are good friends and golfing buddies.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2021 11:40 AM

2021-12-10T11:40:49-05:00

The officers I served with, and whom I respect, I still use their rank. Everyone else...not so much.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Dec 10 at 2021 7:57 PM

2021-12-10T19:57:41-05:00

Nah, as a SPECIALIST 5th Class I always felt like I knew my job . . . at least as much or more than "they" did. Having said that, I was still brought up to use Sir and Ma'm out of respect.

Funny story to share: Because of my automotive experience/background, I was asked to run different conveys in country (Vietnam), finally up to the point where I was assigned to drive the lead Jeep. One day, in our staging area at Nha Trang, a brand new 2nd Lt. climbed into my Jeep and proceeded to load a M-79 grenade launcher. I kindly asked him to unload it, to which he adamantly refused. I asked again and when he refused again, I told him that there would be plenty of time to load it if we got into any trouble. and that I would NOT be driving a Jeep, bouncing around the country roads in Vietnam, sitting next to a loaded grenade launcher. Besides, we had a M-50 machine gun mounted in the back seat area. Well, he said, I'll just get somebody else to drive and he stormed back to the line of trucks that were waiting to start the journey. It wasn't too long before he came back to the Jeep, unloaded his grenade launcher, sat down and said O.K., let's go. NOOBODY else wanted to be the "sitting duck" in the lead Jeep of a convoy. It was a long quiet (and thankfully uneventful) drive to Pleiku that day.

After ETS, I seriously dated a girl whose father was a Major in the Army National Guard. To me, he became Major Tony, all the way up to his retirement when he became (Brigadier) General Tony. He's passed on now, but he was a truly great guy and soldier!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2021 12:23 PM

2021-12-18T12:23:33-05:00

My former troops still call me Chief. I told them they didn't have to but they still do.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 18 at 2021 3:08 PM

2021-12-18T15:08:44-05:00

My rank means nothing to me. It is experiences that matter.

Response by Maj Gail Lofdahl made Jan 2 at 2022 5:42 AM

2022-01-02T05:42:04-05:00

If you asked me, I probably couldn't remember the actual first names of most of my superiors. Their first name was "Captain" or "Major" or "Colonel" or even "General." (When we were lieutenants, second and first lieutenants called each other by first name, however.) We all work hard to earn that rank, officer or enlisted, and we should use it.

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Jan 23 at 2022 10:08 PM

2022-01-23T22:08:19-05:00

Nope. I am not in the service anymore nor have I been for almost 53 yrs. We are all equal now.

Response by SSG Michael Doolittle made Jan 23 at 2022 11:21 PM

2022-01-23T23:21:32-05:00

I have three full colonels on our Board of Directors, and 4 PhD's, as a former infantry combat platoon Sgt of 52 years ago, we have no rank on our Board and I serve as Chairman

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 24 at 2022 2:24 PM

2022-01-24T14:24:32-05:00

Well let me pontificate...dang it there goes my ten dollar word of the day. When I was a kid...it was drilled into me that everyone older than you was to be respected. You said sir/ma'am and yes sir sir/ma'am. When I enlisted it came natural to me that anyone with more stripes than me or metal on their uniform was a sir or ma'am. When I became an officer I still had a strong respect for SNCO's and always called them by their rank and when in uniform expected others to do the same for me. NOW as a civilian, the day I took that uniform off and retired, I became Scott again. The only time I need to be called Lt Col or Sir is when I am cashing that monthly check. So many people let their rank define them...for me I felt privileged to hold that rank where I could make a difference. I don't get upset if they someone doesn't call me sir (unless they are a young adult or kid...just a respect thing) but if they do I tell them it isn't necessary but I appreciate it and then tell them please call me Scott. When you spend over half your natural life in uniform or working for the DoD it just doesn't go away. As a civilian rank doesn't matter. Like here on RP...most of us are retired, or we are veterans. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. In the service, structure and rank and respect for those ranks have their place for good order and discipline but on a forum in civilian life like this, not at all. Here we are Vic, Jeff, Lawrence, David etc.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jan 24 at 2022 10:13 PM

2022-01-24T22:13:13-05:00

If they are still active duty that would be one thing. Most of us are now veterans not on duty. I feel no discomfort in treating them as I would any other person. I can continue to respect them and show it without using their rank

Response by SPC Cleveland Norton Jr. made Jan 25 at 2022 1:04 AM

2022-01-25T01:04:04-05:00

Strict military stateside rules did not apply to Vietnam combat rules. Because of all the possible enemy snipers lurking around in -country, fraternizing between officers and enlisted ranks was allowed and it worked great, as far I'm concerned. While a new PFC in Vietnam, before being promoted to SPC/4 , my mentor and very close friend was U.S. Army Captain Steven Melancon ,a Cobra pilot, a Cajun, from Baton Rouge, LA. He taught me everything I needed to know to survive and stay out of trouble as a typical FNG, and I'm so grateful for all his help and insight.My C.O. was Major August Cianciolo, and this was the nicest man and best friend you could have for a boss! I could tell he really cared for all of us and made sure after every incoming attack(average of 4 every week)everyone was safe. Both of those officers were outstanding and I 'm so glad to have served with them in a combat zone!

Response by SGT Daniel Petitt made Feb 19 at 2022 7:41 AM

2022-02-19T07:41:32-05:00

You have to respect the rank,not necessarily the person

Response by SGT Daniel Petitt made Feb 19 at 2022 9:55 PM

2022-02-19T21:55:52-05:00

Absolutely

Response by MAJ Stacy Rushing made Mar 13 at 2022 11:57 PM

2022-03-13T23:57:15-04:00

Interesting question. I find the answer to be quite situational. Before I retired, one of my Soldiers left the Army (he was still a reservist) and came back to work as a civilian. Even though it was customary to call civilians in that position by their first names, I found I could not do it. To me, he was still SGT L, even with long hair and civilian clothing.
In other situations, the difference in rank is not a factor in how I address people. My neighbor is a retired SSG, but we're on a first name basis. Of course, I've never seen the neighbor in a military setting, so using rank would be strange. My husband retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer (E-7); we've NEVER addressed each other by rank. (Married 41 years now.)
On Rally Point, I rarely address people, so the situation has not come up. I suppose I would use the rank if I needed to address a specific person.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Mar 14 at 2022 2:45 PM

2022-03-14T14:45:06-04:00

It would depend on the familiarity of our relationship while Active. If I never served under you, it'd be easier to address you as a civilian because I have no prior experience interacting with you. Anyone I still refer to by their rank is out of friendship.

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made Apr 8 at 2022 6:21 PM

2022-04-08T18:21:39-04:00

I don't worry about it. When I am buried at Keokuk National Cemetery, nobody is going to care about the rank of the person you are buried next to.

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Apr 11 at 2022 12:22 PM

2022-04-11T12:22:02-04:00

In my present occupation, I deal with officers and enlisted, WWII to present, I engage in person conversations using Sir unless I am given a reason to say something different. On this platform, I refrain from addressing by rank. We have done our time and I feel that places most of us as Veterans. I place us in the "citizen" category and continue in professional perspective. That's my 2 cents.