Posted on Sep 16, 2016
What is the proper way to address NCOs in different branches?
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As an E-4 in the Army, how would I go about addressing an E-7 in the Marine Corps or another branch? They call them Sir, do we as well?
Reason I asked I'm watching recruits from the USMC boot camp calling NCO's Sir/Ma'am, and for the Army we would call the cadre by their rank... But it was clarified below
Reason I asked I'm watching recruits from the USMC boot camp calling NCO's Sir/Ma'am, and for the Army we would call the cadre by their rank... But it was clarified below
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 347
Suspended Profile
Navy = Chief
USMC = full rank title
Army = Sarge, or big sarge
USAF = first name
USMC = full rank title
Army = Sarge, or big sarge
USAF = first name
As most have said here, learn the service etiquette. When I was fresh caught lieutenant in RVN, the Company Gunny was giving me some necessary advice, to which I replied "Yessir...I mean, yes, Gunny." The Skipper heard me and said, "Oh, it's OK to call him "Sir", lad. He's old enough to be your father!" (I judiciously did not hear the Gunny's reply.)
On a more serious side, an Army Major at Quantico (he was an exchange student at Command and Staff College) once interrupted a conversation I was having with a Master Gunnery Sergeant by saying "In the Army, we do not keep an officer waiting for a conversation with a sergeant to en...." The Master Gunny politely excused himself and I had the rare privilege of throwing a fellow major out of my office for embarrassing me, himself, and the Army.
On a more serious side, an Army Major at Quantico (he was an exchange student at Command and Staff College) once interrupted a conversation I was having with a Master Gunnery Sergeant by saying "In the Army, we do not keep an officer waiting for a conversation with a sergeant to en...." The Master Gunny politely excused himself and I had the rare privilege of throwing a fellow major out of my office for embarrassing me, himself, and the Army.
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LTC Larry Davis
As an Army officer, I'm glad you tossed that Major out on his ear! I've dealt with some who needed to bounced.
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SSgt (Join to see)
We referred to our Master Gunnery Sergeant as Master Guns. Maybe once or twice as Top Gun - but that did not fly as well.
An E-7 - Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny.
An E-7 - Gunnery Sergeant or Gunny.
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Sgt Dale Briggs
Master Guns was always Top, 1st Sgt by rank. No idea why the difference, but I assure you if you called out 1st Sgt Top, he’d... correct you.
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For Marines, full rank. Gunny and Master Gunny / Master Guns are acceptable for Gunnery Sergeants and Master Gunnery Sergeants, respectively, in informal settings and if they allow it, which most do. Outside of that, full rank for everyone else. NCOs and SNCOs are addressed as sir by recruits during boot camp. Once the recruits receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, they are then Marines and will call them by their ranks.
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SP5 Jeannie Carle
MSgt Jose Hernandez - I've not seen this in forever! I intend to keep this one TY for the memory!
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SGT Jay Costanzo Sr
MAJ John Douglas -77-83 I never had a problem with enlisted referring to me as sarge.
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SSgt (Join to see)
It was certainly weird calling any of my DIs by their rank on graduation day - after graduation.
I served with many Tops (E-8/crossed rifles) and 1st Sergeants (E-8/diamond) as well as one Master Guns (E-9/bursting bomb) and a few Sergeant Majors (E-9/star). I also had a WO as my Platoon Commander, a great personal friend who had just made Gunny when I transferred into the unit. Gunner was on the way out unless they had that bursting bomb. Saw one my entire time in. 1984-1996.
I served with many Tops (E-8/crossed rifles) and 1st Sergeants (E-8/diamond) as well as one Master Guns (E-9/bursting bomb) and a few Sergeant Majors (E-9/star). I also had a WO as my Platoon Commander, a great personal friend who had just made Gunny when I transferred into the unit. Gunner was on the way out unless they had that bursting bomb. Saw one my entire time in. 1984-1996.
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PO2 Brad Broerman
I called my senior CC Chief in boot camp, and the other one as MS1... I don't ever remember calling them Sir... As a Gator sailor, I'm definitely familiar with how to address Marines. I'm currently learning Army traditions as my son is now in the Army.
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