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

Ope Oguntoyinbo — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:28:35 -0400

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:55:02 -0400

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

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:08:25 -0400

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

MSG Gary Eckert — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:30:26 -0400

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

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:42:39 -0400

Sir or Ma'am till I know otherwise.

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

Cpl Steven Horsley — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:58:22 -0400

Ma'am or sir when in doubt

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

Maj John Bell — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:45:21 -0400

"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

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:57:05 -0400

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

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 20:42:47 -0400

My experience is a little out of date, but I think this might work.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

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:13:49 -0400

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

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:50:07 -0400

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

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:13:50 -0400

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