Posted on Oct 17, 2016
Do you still refer to yourself by rank when not actively serving?
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Good Afternoon RallyPoint members!
I have been out for almost 2 years. Despite working closely with Marines as a contractor, I have always been addressed as "Goolsby" or "Mr. Goolsby". Well today I met a Marine and introduced myself as "Cpl Goolsby". Has anyone else found themselves using rank in introductions? Do you find that to be a normal or do you just slip up now and then?
I have been out for almost 2 years. Despite working closely with Marines as a contractor, I have always been addressed as "Goolsby" or "Mr. Goolsby". Well today I met a Marine and introduced myself as "Cpl Goolsby". Has anyone else found themselves using rank in introductions? Do you find that to be a normal or do you just slip up now and then?
Posted in these groups: 
Rank
Customs and Courtesies
Rank Customs and Courtesies
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 28
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I never have, Cpl Justin Goolsby. I have a few friends though, that insist on calling me colonel. It sounds nice, so who am I to object?! Again, I'd never introduce myself as such.
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
Thank you for your response Sir. I can understand those that were under your charge wanting to call you by rank since that's how they've known you. Like you I've never typically introduced myself by rank which is what made it so weird that it happened 2 years after separation.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
As a Gunnery Sergeant most that knew me in the Corps still address me a "Gunny" as a term of endearment as an individual and respect to the legacy of the rank. I believe being a "Gunny" is unique as compare to other ranks in retirement for that reason, but unless I'm in uniform (as Toys for Tots Coordinator) I like the fact that I am "John" again.
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No, except for here on RP. And that was done by the system.
I am referred to by rank when using on base services. It really surprised me the first time and I looked behind me to see if there was someone else that was being addressed.
I will confess I sort of like it. Brings back memories that I cherish.
I am referred to by rank when using on base services. It really surprised me the first time and I looked behind me to see if there was someone else that was being addressed.
I will confess I sort of like it. Brings back memories that I cherish.
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
Thank you for your response Sir. I agree that there are definitely cherished memories that are tied to our service. I was more amused that the rank had come out of my mouth first.
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Capt (Join to see)
One guy asked me as he looked at my cap, which did you like the best Capt or SFC.
I answered I liked them both.
I answered I liked them both.
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Never but a friend tells his teenage son that if he doesn't square away he'll have to see "The Captain". I give the kid "the look" and that's the end of it. Worked well when he was unkind to a dog. When people call me Captain, I just say I don't do that anymore. I'm more in the category of when you're done being rank, stop calling yourself it :)
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
Thank you for your response Sir and I can respect that. I don't think I'm capable of being done with being an NCO and that's probably what my problem is. I might not call myself Cpl, but I still think like a Cpl. Maybe I just need more time before that switch shuts off.
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