How do you address a Senior Serving member of the US Army whose rank you are unsure of?

2021-03-22T15:28:35-04:00

For the purpose of building a strong network, How do you address a serving member of the US Army who occupy positions such as Chief, Force Management or Chief, Support Branch who don't have their ranks on their LinkedIn profiles unlike rallypoint? This is just to be sure one is not being disrespectful in the process of connecting with them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-03-22T15:55:02-04:00

The branch Chiefs are usually Colonels so Sir or Ma'am would be the appropriate term

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 22 at 2021 4:08 PM

2021-03-22T16:08:25-04:00

I have always been taught if you do not know their rank to always address as if they outrank you. Sir or Ma'am works and if they get their panties in a wad, that is their issue, not yours.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Mar 22 at 2021 4:30 PM

2021-03-22T16:30:26-04:00

If you are not a DOD employed civilian, it seems to me you would address them on a employment site in the same manner as you would other Sr Managers. It you are employed by DOD, you should probably take the extra step and determine their rank.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 22 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-03-22T16:42:39-04:00

Sir or Ma'am till I know otherwise.

Response by Cpl Steven Horsley made Mar 22 at 2021 5:58 PM

2021-03-22T17:58:22-04:00

Ma'am or sir when in doubt

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 22 at 2021 7:45 PM

2021-03-22T19:45:21-04:00

"Excuse me sir/mam, how would you like me to address you?"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2021 7:57 PM

2021-03-22T19:57:05-04:00

Sir or ma'am should be fine until you know otherwise, those positions sound like officer territory so you should be good to go. Even if they're enlisted they won't show any fuss about it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 22 at 2021 8:42 PM

2021-03-22T20:42:47-04:00

My experience is a little out of date, but I think this might work. Check their military e-mail account address. Find their name, select it with right mouse click, select properties. Their rank should be listed. Try a similar technique with AKO or JKO if those systems still exist.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 22 at 2021 9:13 PM

2021-03-22T21:13:49-04:00

Don’t over think it. Sir and Ma’am has worked for a long time. Go with that

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Mar 23 at 2021 5:50 PM

2021-03-23T17:50:07-04:00

If you don't know someone's rank - just call them sir or ma'am. They'll correct you if enlisted.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Mar 23 at 2021 6:13 PM

2021-03-23T18:13:50-04:00

Sire? No... that's not it. How about Sir?