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Rank/Title Now

Discussion in 'Vets and Friends' started by Sapper Woody, Oct 15, 2017.

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  1. Sapper Woody

    Sapper Woody Well-Known Member

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    One of my former soldiers contacted me via Facebook just a bit ago. He referred to me as my rank and name (SGT Presswood). Just wondering how often (if ever) that happens to you guys, and how you feel about it.

    For me, it was a bit of nostalgia, honestly.

    Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
     
    #1 Sapper Woody, Oct 15, 2017
  2. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    A former E-7 I worked in the NY State Guard - still calls me Sarge.

    In fact, I am thinking about sending a letter to the VA recommending that Vets be addressed by their title if they request.
    I'm getting tired of be called "young man" by much younger people - "honey" by females, and other such references.
    I earned the Title of SFC and am proud of that
     
    #2 Salty, Oct 15, 2017
  3. carpro

    carpro Well-Known Member
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    We just call each other Marine. Ranks don't seem to matter,but I still call my old CO Skipper. Lotta respect for that man.
     
    #3 carpro, Oct 15, 2017
  4. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    In the Army, we call our Company Cdr - "The Old Man" but it is not a disrespectful term.
    And our First Sergeant is normally addressed as "Top" ( do Marines do the same?)

    Now once he reaches the Pay grade of E-9 he is now "Command Sgt Major"
    but it is permissible to address him as Sgt Major.
     
    #4 Salty, Oct 15, 2017
  5. carpro

    carpro Well-Known Member
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    "Top" is the term, but it depends on the First Sgt....if you know what I mean.
     
    #5 carpro, Oct 15, 2017
  6. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I know exactly what you mean!!!Confused
     
    #6 Salty, Oct 15, 2017
  7. Reformed

    Reformed Well-Known Member
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    Even being out of the AF since the mid-80's, I still get some subordinates refer to me as "Sgt", most of my peers still call me by my nickname which was "Boomer". Most of us had nicknames, and many of them were very non-PC. I still keep in touch with many of my AF brethren and nicknames are always used.
     
    #7 Reformed, Oct 15, 2017
  8. kfinks

    kfinks Member
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    A retired Chief Master Sergeant is part of my team. I call him Chief and he calls me Airman (separated as E3 in 1983). I buy high tech labor from several retired USAF and USA officers who work for or own small businesses. I call them by their rank (or Dr. in a couple of cases). Several of them call me Airman. It seems right. Mutual respect for service rendered, mutual respect for current positions held.
     
    #8 kfinks, Oct 15, 2017
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    The problem, as I see it with your proposal, is, traditionally in the Navy and Coast Guard, rank is not used in address until the senior enlisted ranks (E-7 and above), i.e. "Chief," "Senior Chief", and "Master Chief". E-6 and below are addressed simply by their surname. Though, as I understand it, current usage is Petty Office Surname. And who wants to be:
    • 60 years old
    • in a VA waiting room
    • and hear Private Smithers.
    Personally, my VA providers address me as Mr. Robertsson. Makes me feel like an officer.
     
    #9 Squire Robertsson, Oct 15, 2017
  10. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Strictly voluntarily
     
    #10 Salty, Oct 15, 2017
  11. Rob_BW

    Rob_BW Well-Known Member
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    Hmm...hearing "Mister BW" from someone out of uniform just doesn't have the same ring to it.
     
    #11 Rob_BW, Oct 16, 2017
  12. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    No one has ever contacted me. USAF E4 upon separation. We called the our First Sergeant "The First Shirt".

    HankD
     
    #12 HankD, Oct 16, 2017
  13. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    But if the First Sgt is Female - would she be called the First Skirt?
     
    #13 Salty, Oct 16, 2017
  14. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    Never thought of it - but yes I suppose so.

    HankD
     
    #14 HankD, Oct 16, 2017
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