Posted on Jul 5, 2021
ENS Medical Corps Officer
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1) Out of respect, should you call a higher ranking officer who retired sir/ma'am?
2) Within that same vein, should you call a lower ranking retired enlisted member who retired sir/ma'am? You normally wouldn't, but if you're an ENS like me, and they've given 20+ years, I feel like it's a sign of respect, regardless of rank (As well as a sign of respect to call any civilian sir/ma'am).
3) Does being retired vs serving your time and getting out change the above 2 scenarios?
Posted in these groups: Customs and courtesies logo Customs and Courtesies
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 17
SFC Retention Operations Nco
12
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You should address all civilians as Sir or Ma'am unless you personally know them.
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SrA Steven Houde
SrA Steven Houde
>1 y
ABSOLUTELY!!
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SSG Laurie Mullen
SSG Laurie Mullen
>1 y
I still do that.
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1SG Platoon Sergeant
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
I agree.
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
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12
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I tend to do that with anyone who served that I am not on a first name basis with
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SGT Patrick Reno
SGT Patrick Reno
>1 y
You should call everyone Sir or Ma'am
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SSgt Investigative Analyst
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Edited >1 y ago
I used "sir" or "ma'am" with officers, senior NCOs, junior enlisted personnel, and my commander, whether active duty, Guard, or Reserve. I also used "sir" with the 17 year old that took my order this morning at Panera Bread.
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SrA Steven Houde
SrA Steven Houde
>1 y
Bravo!!
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