Is it ever appropriate to address a fellow Service Member by last name alone?

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:41:29 -0400

I must say that I am guilty of allowing my battles to address me as Burns or Burnsy, etc. in the work environment. But had a SPC done that, I'd probably lose my ever-loving mind. Why is that? Are they not just following the example we set? Is it disrespectful or not? Does it matter the rank of the other person?
If my CSM called me by Burns would I correct him? Probably not. Should I? Probably not. LOL I want to know your thoughts on this.
Is this just an Army thing? I know in the Air Force which is almost the same as military, that they address each other by first name quite often. Say it aint so.
Side Note: This picture is the best I could come up with to illustrate this question. Everyone knows the relationship between Forrest and Bubba.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 6 at 2015 12:54 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:54:39 -0400

In general, I believe it is only appropriate to use the last name without rank when addressing a peer or a subordinate. I would only address a subordinate by last name only with respect generally in a field situation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:01 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:01:26 -0400

What's the real question here Burns?? LOL

I have never given it a second thought when someone that outranks me calls me by my last name only. I would not let one of my Soldiers get away with it though as it is a respect thing in my opinion. Also on that note I have never had an issue with one of my Soldiers trying it. It has also been on very rare occasion that I had a superior call me by last name only.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:01:48 -0400

As E1 - 4 didnt matter, as a NCO Never in a work enviorment. And then only if SM was the same rank, we were friends and at our home or maby fishing ECT.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:02 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:02:18 -0400

I only ever found it appropriate when it was a peer or supervisor addressing me by my last name only. Even then, only when you know the person whose addressing you, say a person you work with or frequently associate with. A stranger should at least use your rank as well.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:11 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:11:09 -0400

As a Private, there is not that much that I can complain about, I guess once I start ranking up it will be something bigger. SSG Robert Burns

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 6 at 2015 1:13 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:13:37 -0400

It was my experience as an officer that you never want a superior officer to call you by both your rank and name because what followed was never nice, but as an NCO I was called by my rank and name most of the time

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:31 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:31:25 -0400

Peers maybe, but never subordinates, and never supervisors.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 6 at 2015 1:54 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:54:11 -0400

Other: With Peers and on small teams.

Normally I advocate full use of rank and name for everyone equal or junior and Sir/Ma'am for those senior. But on small teams (squads and such) in combat, last names and nicknames prevail due to tightness.

Response by SGT Chris Reese made Apr 6 at 2015 2:08 PM

SGT Chris Reese — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 14:08:08 -0400

The only time I was ever called by just my last name (while on duty) was while deployed and in a casualty situation when we were all extremely busy and no body cared. We all still called our leaders by appropriate rank but that was a stressful time for all.

SSG Robert Burns ,On the same note though is it OK to call someone by rank alone?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 6 at 2015 3:29 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:29:10 -0400

When the blackhawks came in at zero dark thirty, I'd already have 3 black coffees in quart sized plastic bottles for the acft;one for the pilots, one for the crewdogs, and one for the paxs. I rarely knew who they were, I just wrote on the bottles a message of support/encouragement, and signed each one "God Bless, Uncle Mark." Mosul, became a popular stop for weary crews. Months pass,.......coffee starts getting dropped off from anonymous donors, and a coin is left by the 1st Armored Division's commander for "Uncle Mark." Without realizing it, I had been "refueling" Squadron/Brigade/Task force commanders from time to time. Uncle Mark became the Mosul FARP's nom de plume.

Other than that, If anyone called me Mark they had better been through some serious stuff with me. Officer culture permits them to call each other by their first name, and who am I to try and change officer-isms. Those traditions make the military unique. Hearing "Merino" made my skin crawl.....hearing "Uncle Mark" made me smile. It was just an anonymous nickname.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 3:47 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:47:48 -0400

No way. Callsigns only.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 3:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:52:40 -0400

It's cool, Burns...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 6 at 2015 4:38 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 16:38:34 -0400

I have always felt that if you expect someone to address you by your rank, than you should address them by theirs. Senior or subordinate ... makes no difference to me (and never has). Frankly, nothing burns my butt faster than someone (junior, peer, or senior) calling me by my last name.

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Apr 6 at 2015 6:16 PM

MSgt Steve Miller — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:16:22 -0400

I think the first time I can remember being called by last name was high school football. Thereafter, bootcamp, and by some in my early years of service. Rare from an officer, and rare by all as I entered staff ranks. The forum, present company, and tone all play a part in how it will be received. Clearly, we do not out right use rank and name over a net. Aside from that most situations afford the time to use full rank and name. I'm not sure how I would take it today. I was never the most politicly correct guy in the world, but its important to remember that no matter the rank on a members collar.....they earned it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 6:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:28:23 -0400

As a 1LT, I would address junior enlisted, NCOs, CWOs, and higher ranking officers by their appropriate rank followed by last name (as I would expect them to address me). The only time I would address another service member by a first name or last name only basis is if a) we are the same rank b) there are no junior enlisted, NCOs within conversation distance c) we both agree first/last name only is appropriate... usually goes without saying (but just to make sure!)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 6:37 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:37:58 -0400

With my last name, it got shortened to "Ace" day two of basic. It stuck for the next five years. Private Ace, Specialist Ace. When I re-enlist I think I'll go warrant so I can be Chief Ace or gun for Sergeant Major Ace.
Honestly, I never minded. It was more of an alarm system, If I ever heard my full last name, it probably wasn't a good thing. Kinda like the parents calling you by your full name.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Apr 6 at 2015 10:30 PM

GySgt Joe Strong — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 22:30:36 -0400

In some environments it's highly desired that you've gotten your shorthand down to this kind of thing. Even to nicknames that short circuit issues of having two or more folks named Joe.
Of course, Net Comms require a little more decorum so all can follow the conversation.
But generally in Office or typical outside the "workspace" Garrison environments I do think "Rank, Last name" should apply.
However, in p-p situations in the workspace it can be unnecessarily unwieldy to ask "Electronics Technician Two Johnson for a 3/ 16ths inch wrench", When, "Tim, 3/16ths?" can work just as well.

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Apr 6 at 2015 10:45 PM

MSgt Jamie Lyons — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 22:45:09 -0400

Hmmmm. Well I'll add the stereotypical Air Force way of doing things. As aircrew members we usually addressed each other by crew position. In uniform in the squadron we usually addressed each other by short title (i.e. Capt, Sgt..etc). When senior officers were in the area, then it was full rank and last name. Out of uniform it was usually first names or nicknames.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 11:43 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 23:43:13 -0400

If my supervisor expects me to always address him with his rank, then I would want the same expectations the other way. In any more formal or professional manner I will always use rank and last name. I regular office work with the people I work with everyday we have frequently shortened down to just names or rank. Between peers we also don't tend to use rank. As long as no one is being disrespectful I see no reason to make a big deal out of it.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Apr 7 at 2015 12:05 AM

TSgt Terry Hudson — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:05:39 -0400

It's not the whole Air Force that does that people. Lol, It's mainly in the medical field and flying field. While I haven't seen it lately those are the only places I've really seen it. I have also in my career field seen subordinates attempt to call NCOs and COs by their call-sign, and proceeded to be torn a couple new ones. But as far as the question goes, you as a leader have earners that respect to be called by your rank and name. We as leaders must teach our younger members they aren't entitled to anything except a paycheck and even that can be taken away.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 7 at 2015 12:12 AM

PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:12:54 -0400

Well as you can see my last name is unique to the normal vocabulary lol. Probably 85% of every officer or enlisted of all ranked I've ever known called me "waiwai". Guess it's the perks of having a hard name to say! Other than that, I usually did it with peers or with others as the same level as me. But since I was in my command for about 5yrs I pretty much knew every single person in my company and almost every staff position in my battalion.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 7 at 2015 12:17 AM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:17:00 -0400

I once had a E-1 who was fresh out of A school address me by my last name only. When all was said and done she was crying and calling me Petty Officer. I have a rank there junior, recognize it. Likewise I would also on occasion "respectfully request" that an officer (usually a junior officer) address me by my rank. Most senior officers and enlisteds called me by rank, and I them.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 10:22 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 10:22:15 -0400

My BDE CSM called me Mike and I called him Sergeant Major. I am not a big fan of superiors calling juniors by their first name. I know the officers do it on a regular basis but as NCOs I don't think it sets the proper example.

Among peers I have no issues unless there are junior Soldiers around, then rank should be used.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 7 at 2015 11:32 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:32:32 -0400

If you're wounded and/ or dying on the battlefield. Feel free to call out my last name alone and I have no issue with it regardless of who you are. Otherwise, we need just stay with professional protocol and regulation

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 11:59 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 11:59:57 -0400

Per The Bluejacket's Manual (Navy version), it states that you may call a fellow service member by their last name only if they are peers or below. My hard copy of the manual is at home or I would give you the exact page number. This is a common practice that I have seen since I have been in.

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Apr 7 at 2015 12:38 PM

SSgt Joe V. — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:38:40 -0400

Depends on your unit, but with a last name that you can't help but annunciate a certain way - Van Ass(e) - I was fine with those above me calling me by last name only. Sgt. VanAss(e) to the younger airmen...

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 7 at 2015 12:44 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:44:16 -0400

I picked "This is only appropriate coming from a peer or supervisor. " however, I would like to say I always adressed Soldiers by their rank that they earned. It should give them more pride in what they are and what they earned.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 1:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:14:25 -0400

Good question, Burns, good question...

Response by SSG Christopher K. made Apr 7 at 2015 1:15 PM

SSG Christopher K. — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:15:45 -0400

When u are addressing someone with a higher rank than yourself it is proper military custom and courtesy to use the rank when addressing them. This is just common sense but it does elude people from time to time and its just a simple on the spot correction and hope it sticks with them.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 7 at 2015 2:33 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:33:34 -0400

I see that if a peer of superior does it as fine. Most people don't like saying it twice! LOL

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 2:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:40:28 -0400

It depends on the rank and who it is coming from. I would've rather had been called Sgt but my closest friends or fellow NCO's used to just call me V. Especially down range. Very informal attached to SF and I absolutely LOVED IT!

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 7 at 2015 3:15 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:15:39 -0400

When I was in our division mixed it up. Our division officer was Sir, ASWO, or Ens (later Lt.) Williams. If we were not just amongst our division it was always Sir. Our Chief was always just addressed as Chief, unless there were other chiefs present, then it was Chief Simmons. Petty Officer were addressed by their last name, or STG1,2, or 3 accordingly. It was never meant in a disrespectful manner, it was simply a culture of bonding that was encouraged. Hell I have a hat that says Big Pappa Spank because there were those who were convinced I would end up as a WWE wrestler of that name.
If it was a person from outside of our division, it was always their proper title. CO was always Captain as that is the title he earned as commanding officer of a ship.
Funny thing is that my step kids address me as "Sir"

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 7 at 2015 3:38 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:38:36 -0400

Sorry. Couldn't resist. I will go stand in the corner and think about what I have done.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 3:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:41:01 -0400

There is a time and place for everything. I think it is appropriate if that kind of relationship has been established.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 7 at 2015 3:46 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:46:37 -0400

I think in basic we all went through that but once you've had your brain altered and reprogrammed it should be rank and last name under most situations. I occasionally slipped and called soldiers E-4 and below by last names but corrected myself because it doesn't show the same respect that we ask for in return.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 7 at 2015 3:48 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:48:41 -0400

Lets put it this way, you never see it in the civilian world. Its mostly first names, never even title and last name when addressing a superior, several echelons up

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 7:38 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 07:38:49 -0400

Well that's an interesting question.

My interpretation/preference follows rank structure groupings. So NCOs can address NCOs by last name only, they can address Junior Enlisted by Last Name (since they are a lower tier) but they cannot adddress Senior NCOs by last name only because Senior NCOs are a higher tier.

Then there is the added familiarity/context issue which can further muddle the issue. Such as referring to a third party by last name in an ongoing conversation. As long as you remember to add to decorum when in the presence of those in a lower tier of ranks all should be good.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 1:05 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:05:14 -0400

I think that this is only appropriate to from peer to peer. If you call your subordinate by only their last name, you are saying that you are not taking the type to learn their rank. This almost makes the subordinate feel like what they have accomplished does not matter to you. You definitely should address Superiors by their rank and last name or just by their rank to show that you are giving proper respect to the rank at which they hold. It is ok to address a fellow LT or PO3 by only their last name because chances are, you went through boot camp or some type of training together.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:30 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 01:30:47 -0400

My name is pronounced "Gunner." Being a former tanker in an Infantry Battalion you can probably imagine the nicknames that followed. My BN XO calls me "big guns" or "guns" on occasion. I don't mind it.

Me personally, I only address my peers and fellow Officers by last name. I typically address my NCOs and junior enlisted by their rank. To me it's a way to show respect for their rank and position they hold, even if they do ultimately work for me.

Response by SGT Shayne Merritt made Apr 9 at 2015 1:46 AM

SGT Shayne Merritt — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 01:46:49 -0400

We are in a career of being professional... And as such we need to conduct ourselves with the highest level of professional courtesy... My last 1SG would call me by my fisrt name; he was a Ranger, and I had spent some time attached to various SF groups however, I would always respond back with 1SG. One day he asked me why I don't call him Mike or Top like the othe NCO's do, and I told him this, You earned that rank, you earned the right to be called 1SG, you are not a childs play toy, and I would never disrespect you or a man in your position by calling you by your first name... If you want to call me by mine than by all means, I have not paid my dues so to say... But in this environment if we are teaching our lower enlisted that it's ok and acceptable behavior to cut up with a supiorior like that we will lose the good order, discipline and structure that we need that makes us the finest fighting orginization in the world

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:35 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 03:35:19 -0400

its rankism if you get mad at some one lower rank than your self when if you dont have the nuts to correct a csm then dont flip shit on pfc who ever calls you by the same thing

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 9:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 09:42:49 -0400

Where respect has been earned and while two people are speaking on a professional, peer-like level, I see no problem with it so long as those participating in the discussion have no problem with it. Anyone who has any idea what military professionalism is knows exactly when it's appropriate for one person to refer to another only by their last name.

And in my opinion, leaders use last names only a bit too often.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:55:15 -0400

I think it's not a big deal to a extent. I mean in the enlisted force structure there is no term address member by last name only. Some people get bent out of shape over it some could care less it just depends on the person! But to answer the questions at hand, it's inappropriate to address a military member solely by there last name only.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 10:41 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 10:41:42 -0400

It's probably more about the tone you use when you call the name.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 13 at 2015 6:52 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:52:56 -0400

In my shipboard days, all E3s and below were addressed by their last name only by everyone E4 and above. That was part of the published standard at the time (70s). There's been a one-up and one-down rule on informal addressing as well with the exception of E-7 whom you better call Chief, period, if you're E-6 and below. The officer community was a touch different in you still had one up/down but that stopped at O-5 which is the Senior Officer cutpoint vs. Major in the other services. Once out of REMFville, things loosened up a bit and nicknames were common. Down in Antarctica, everyone went by nicknames which were mostly their radio call signs. Some were rather creative. "Double Eagle" was the skipper that you could refer to but called Captain or Skipper to his face. I unfortunately had several nicknames primarily because it depended on the particular tracked vehicle traverse I was OIC on. So it was Marble One, Siple One, SAR One, whatever. I did get "Delta Alpha" One hung on me for a while due to a superior moment at the bar.

One thing I learned is perhaps due to size, necessity, or culture naming conventions are generally tighter with the Army and Air Force. Marines take it as a point of pride to state rank directly more of the time amongst peers.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:21:02 -0400

The only time I would refer to someone by their last name was if I was working directly w/ them & in the middle of a task, such as in the armory: Hey Airman Young, can you bring me the log book? I only ever called someone by their first name when off duty or told to do so, but usually we all referred to everyone by their last names when off duty - hard to turn the switch off.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Apr 30 at 2015 10:15 AM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:15:11 -0400

I absolutely hated being called by just my last name. It was almost always done in a condescending or derogatory manner. I was taught in basic that you use rank and last name or rank if you could not see the name tag/tape on the uniform. I enforced this with my subordinates and requested this of my peers and superiors. No one had a problem with my request, especially when I explained the reason for it

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Apr 30 at 2015 3:26 PM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 15:26:02 -0400

Rank Last Name should be the standard and only superiors should optionally use last name only....

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 2 at 2015 9:13 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 02 May 2015 21:13:47 -0400

SSG Robert Burns:

In the work place it is not professional or appropriate. Off duty and away from the work environment I would only address those who had given me specific permission to use their first name or any nickname they choose. I still use rank and name here in the comments and if given permission will call them whatever they prefer in any messages I send them.

Any questions?

C.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 2 at 2015 10:12 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 02 May 2015 22:12:01 -0400

Years ago when I was on CQ, someone called and they wanted a phone number from the recall roster binder. I introduced myself as "SGT Martin" and along with the organization. The caller identified him as a CSM who I never heard of and proceeded to call me by my last name only. So I proceeded to tell this CSM my rank was SGT and he needless to say he was upset about that. I gave him the number he wanted and that was the last I heard of him.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 10:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 22:54:58 -0400

First of all Staff Sergeant, you know better than to compare us with the Air Force.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Oct 22 at 2015 1:12 PM

PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 13:12:00 -0400

When we were deployed, sure we did. of course not to OIC or anything like that. We were all brothers. As for homeport/ around all the "stupid" environment... yes, we addressed each other accordingly. Just have to play the game thats all.

In the end it all comes down to military bearing and being a good influence to the boots... and also showing your chain of command above you that you can be a good influence to others.

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Oct 23 at 2015 11:12 PM

SSG Delanda Hunt — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 23:12:32 -0400

CSM can call Specialist and below anything he wants to, Sergeants call each other Sergeants, Sergeants call lower enlistees by their last name or depending on the Sergeants mood he may call them a host of other colorful names.

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Feb 13 at 2016 10:16 AM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:16:25 -0500

SPC and below, fine. Peers, fine. But if that Soldier is an NCO or officer, they should still have that professional courtesy extended to them, even by their superiors. E.g. the CSM should still address Sgt. Smith as "Sergeant", especially if in front of Sgt. Smith's Soldiers, and not just "Smith". First names are never ok when in uniform.

Response by Sgt Shely Hanson made Apr 22 at 2016 4:07 PM

Sgt Shely Hanson — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:07:51 -0400

I was in the Air Force and actually got my ass ripped for that. A SSgt (who was flirting with me) got all butt hurt because I did not address him as Sgt. ****... And while he did it, he addressed me by last name only. It pissed me off... If you want to be a stickler for it, address everyone by their rank, not just superiors or peers... However, I still say it is no big deal. This political correctness in the military is asinine...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 4:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:47:39 -0400

It is all how it is said. I mean in my squadron, if I'm looking around for someone I'll just ask "hey have you seen **insert last name** around anywhere?" or "hey **insert last name**, how's things going?"

Now as far as chewing someone out, eh I don't prefer it or prefer seeing it happen to someone. But it happens

Response by MSgt Devon Saunders made Apr 22 at 2016 11:05 PM

MSgt Devon Saunders — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 23:05:29 -0400

First. The Air Force IS the military. Now... In the Air Force, members of the same rank will address each other by first or last name... But most of us will NOT allow our Airmen or Jr. NCOs to address us without Rank and last name... Some of our leadership will address us by first name depending on the nature of working relationship.

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Apr 22 at 2016 11:10 PM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 23:10:32 -0400

While in the Air Force I always addressed everyone by rank and last name. Once, when asked by a Senior Airman what my first name was, my response, "To you, it's Sergeant." That was the end of the conversation.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 22 at 2016 11:45 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 23:45:37 -0400

It is when the CSM is addressing you! SSG Robert Burns

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2016 12:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:46:16 -0400

For me it varies greatly from situation to situation. During certain training exercises I insisted everyone call eachother by first name regardless of rank. This includes officers, NCOs, and junior enlisted. On a normal garrison day, everyone goes by rank. When on mission it was very likely myself and peers called one another by first name.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Apr 23 at 2016 12:47 AM

LTC Trent Klug — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:47:49 -0400

I try very hard to use the persons rank and last name. He'll, I work side by side with the last BC XO'd for and I still call him Sir most of the time.

But then, it could be I was raised that way too.

Response by SGT Javier Mendoza made Apr 23 at 2016 2:47 AM

SGT Javier Mendoza — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 02:47:55 -0400

Only problem I had was when I was Pvt/PFC/SPC some NCO's tried calling me by my last name alone in a demeaning manner, so I responded alike. Once they asked me why I disrespected them by not addressing them by their rank, I told them I was only doing so because I thought we were buddies, since they did not address me by my rank, as regulation required. After that all was well in soldier land.

Response by SGT Connor Haynes made Apr 23 at 2016 6:20 AM

SGT Connor Haynes — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 06:20:46 -0400

Are you in uniform? Did you not earn your rank? Why would you allow anyone, regardless of rank, address you as such. I look at it as that is your name now. You're in the military act like it.

Now with that said outside of uniform that's a little different. We are all human and we all want to keep that relaxed atmosphere when we're not at work. I called my peers and friends of same rank by their last name or first name depending on how close we were. But letting a junior enlisted call you by just your name is still a no go in my book.

Response by COL David Turk made Apr 23 at 2016 7:41 AM

COL David Turk — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 07:41:37 -0400

What's the difference between answer #2 and #3?

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Apr 23 at 2016 12:12 PM

CW2 Carl Swanson — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 12:12:20 -0400

I can't remember for sure, it's been several years, but I thought I read in the command authority AR that it is only appropriate for someone of higher rank to address someone by their last name, but only for E-4 and below. All others should be address by rank and name or just rank or Sir if talking to a more senior officer. Like I said, can't remember for sure.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2016 2:34 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 14:34:52 -0400

I guess the surface Navy types posting are showing the major difference between them and us(submariners). To us with a few exceptions, it's no big deal. We're a bit more relaxed and tend to stress the actually important parts, like keeping water out of the people tank and sinking the enemy/turning their homes into glass parking lots than caring what you call me. I've even been known to respond to "hey asshole". :p I'd prefer you not use my "slave name"(I don't feel very petty usually and I'm not an officer) and just listen to what I say. That being said, it is a privilege that is immediately rescinded if you're being yelled at and doesn't extend to Officers and Chiefs(referring to going up the chain, I've been addressed by my first name from above and it usually takes me a few seconds to process it and respond, doesn't bother me, just not used to it).

More specifically, in small commands like submarines, there are a whole lot of people the same damn rank usually, we have 5 MT1's right now including myself. It's far more efficient to just use my last name if you need my attention.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Apr 24 at 2016 1:41 AM

SFC Shane Funkhouser — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 01:41:04 -0400

From a peer or superior, I don't mind them using just last name. If you outrank me I almost expect it if we are friendly I don't mind. If we don't like each other I'll probably just call you by your rank and prefer you just call me by mine. If I don't know you I'll call you by your rank and name if we are peers or your my superior once conversation has been initiated I'm probably just going to address you by rank and would expect the same from you. Why would we be calling each other by name and rank over and over again in a conversation.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2016 4:29 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 16:29:49 -0400

The way I have ALWAYS been taught is that names without titles, are reserved for familiarity. A subordinate is not supposed to have that kind of familiarity that a supervisor or a peer should. therefore, it is not acceptable to be called out by name, without your title attached. In this case, if I were to address you specifically (out of a group), I would call to you by "Excuse me, SSG (Sarn't) Burns." I would never dream of addressing you as common, because you have time, age, rank, and experience over me. This is a bit different in the Lower Enlisted category, because realistically, we all have pretty much the same practical experience level, in that most of us are not, and have not been in a leadership position, and were not superiors or supervisors to anyone.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Oct 13 at 2016 4:07 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 16:07:52 -0400

When we were junior enlisted we called our peers by their last name but as NCO's we never did (in front of soldiers).

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 26 at 2018 1:36 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:36:56 -0500

I personally don't like being called Castaneda. Either call me Dan, Sergeant, or Master Sergeant. Not just Castaneda.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 26 at 2018 1:55 PM

SPC David Willis — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:55:20 -0500

It all just depends. I doubt very much CSMs would mind me yelling their last name only in a firefight to get their attention or warn them quickly. Command Sergeant Major takes a couple seconds to roll off the tongue. However in garrison I doubt there's ever an instance where I would survive calling him by his last name only.