How do you address female warrant officers?

2014-03-20T23:45:59-04:00

You call NCOs by their rank (Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, et cetera); You call Officers sir or ma'am; and male warrant officers can be called sir or chief... But what about FEMALE warrant officers? Are they addressed as 'Chief' or what? Titles for women differ, Miss, Ms, or Mrs. How do you know if she is married, and how do you know which one to address her as (especially if writing a letter)?

Response by SFC Aaron Calmes made Mar 20 at 2014 11:50 PM

2014-03-20T23:50:04-04:00

AR 600-20 page 3. Warrant Officers should be addressed as Mister for males or Miss, Mrs., Ms. for females. Don't be surprised if someone tells you otherwise though. As how to address Miss, Mrs., Ms. just do it the same as in the civilian world.... Guess! She'll probably let you know.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 20 at 2014 11:50 PM

2014-03-20T23:50:43-04:00

IAW AR 600-20

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 12:18 AM

2014-03-21T00:18:46-04:00

Chief...always Chief. After 10 years of dealing with warrants I have never found one that has had a problem with Chief.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 11:10 AM

2014-03-21T11:10:27-04:00

If I don't know her, I address her as Ma'am. If I am referring to a female WO1 in the third person, I refer to her as Ms, which is appropriate for all females whether they are married or single. If I am referring to a female CW2-CW5 in the 3rd person, I refer to them as Chief ___________.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Mar 21 at 2014 2:02 PM

2014-03-21T14:02:52-04:00

If I am speaking "to" them, I usually refer to them as Sir or Ma'am.  If I am speaking "of" them to someone else, I refer to them as Mr. Mrs. or Ms. or by their rank.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 21 at 2014 3:30 PM

2014-03-21T15:30:13-04:00

For WO1-W05 the correct way to address is Mr, Mrs, or Miss.  However it is acceptable to address W02 -W05 as Chief.  W01 is Warrent Officer, not a chief warrent officer, W02 is the first WO rank with "Chief" in the title, but chief can and is still used for them.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 21 at 2014 3:45 PM

2014-03-21T15:45:33-04:00

I have always called a Warrant Officer by chief, Regardless if male or female. As far as telling if a woman is married regardless of rank is if they are wearing a wedding set. If they are not I see it as same as males shame on you. Mine never comes off. I have also noticed that if you improperly call a female Miss or Mrs. they will correct you and say I am, or am not married.

So I do the catch all. Chief!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 4:20 PM

2014-03-21T16:20:56-04:00

It's not the AR 600-20 answer, but I've always referred to a warrant officer respectfully as Chief. I've never once been corrected.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 2:39 PM

2014-03-22T14:39:39-04:00

While most of us technicians do prefer to be called 'Chief'...by regulation, any warrant officer is properly addressed as 'Mr. Lastname' (if male) or 'Ms./Miss/Mrs. <as appropriate> Lastname'. (if female).  Sir or Ma'am is not wrong, but many of us bristle at it....   

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 2:18 PM

2014-03-23T14:18:30-04:00

As a Warrant Officer I may take some flak from my peers for this but I always answer the phone as Mr. I realize I'm a CW2 in the U. S. Army and the slang vernacular is to address me as Chief. The regulation states Mr. or Ms., Sir or Ma'am, so I will go with that. If I was in the Navy I would be addressed as Warrant until such time as I made CW5 when I would then be called Mr. At least we don't have that confusion running around in the Army where our Senior Non-Commissioned Officers are also referred to as Chief. All that being said as long as I'm not being addressed as "Hey You" I'm usually receptive to any combination of Sir, Chief, or Mr. 

Response by SGT(P) Gary Neal made Mar 23 at 2014 7:29 PM

2014-03-23T19:29:51-04:00

When I was in, I wouldn't address WO1s as "Chief", I didn't feel they were entitled.  CW2-5 I would address as "Chief".  Of course, they all would be Sir, or Ma'am.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 5:03 AM

2014-04-06T05:03:15-04:00

When you don't know a females marital status the Default is Ms. This is also the same in the real world.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 11:12 AM

2014-04-08T11:12:14-04:00

Address any WO who is CW2 and higher as Chief, regardless of their gender. This isn't how it's written in the regs but it's how we tend to operate. If a Warrant doesn't want you to call them Chief, they will tell you. I hate being called Sir so I tell folks to call me Chief. I was an NCO for 8 years (E5-E7) and I just don't like being called Sir. Anyways, Mister or Miss/Missus is appropriate as are Sir and Ma'am. WO1s should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., Sir, or Ma'am.

In the end, it's up to the Warrant how they would like to be addressed. I know this isn't how the regs are written but it's how we operate.

Response by COL Robert White made Apr 27 at 2014 1:58 AM

2014-04-27T01:58:22-04:00

In my 1st few years, I asked what thy preferred to be called. Most said "Chief". I never worked with a female Warrant.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 7:59 AM

2014-04-27T07:59:07-04:00

When in question you can not go wrong with following regulation. However after 24 years in avaition and a now retired father who was a CW5. All the men and women are Chief unless they have asked you to say otherwise.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 6 at 2014 5:16 PM

2014-05-06T17:16:59-04:00

Good Question, Never met a Female Warrant Officer. In the Navy we call Jr Officers Mister but that won't work.

Response by A1C Jack Koontz made May 7 at 2014 3:25 PM

2014-05-07T15:25:02-04:00

my uncle was a w4 and called him chief in the air force even thro hes was army

Response by SFC Dave Mccain made May 7 at 2014 3:38 PM

2014-05-07T15:38:41-04:00

It is extremely easy. Respectfully.
ma'am. Ms. Mrs. or Chief where appropriate.

Response by CPT Erik Fedde made May 11 at 2014 7:51 PM

2014-05-11T19:51:01-04:00

The Air Force doesn't have warrants anymore; I believe Marine Warrants are addressed as "Chief" as are Army Warrants. I believe the Navy warrants were always addressed as "Mister" or "Miss."

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Jun 19 at 2014 12:37 PM

2014-06-19T12:37:42-04:00

In the Navy, it's usually "Warrant" or "Chief Warrant". Not "Chief" or Mr/Mrs/Ms. You have to be a Chief Petty Officer "Chief" to apply for a CWO commission and it can become a problem. The Mr/Mrs/Ms is reserved for junior officers and might be offensive.

If a Warrant has a problem with the way they are being addressed and the person is being respectful (no matter what title they use), then he/she should not be a Warrant. We prefer to be helpful and lead.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 1:23 PM

2014-06-19T13:23:29-04:00

The most common one I hear is chief. Though Ms. or Mrs. if married won't do you wrong.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 22 at 2014 10:37 PM

2014-06-22T22:37:20-04:00

According to the USPS website; in the middle of the envelope, parallel to the longest side of the envelope. Sounds about right. I think it's the same for males too, but not sure.
I'll send out a test letter and let you know how it goes.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 3 at 2014 9:11 PM

2014-07-03T21:11:33-04:00

Based on my experience in the commo community, and all in fun, whatever you do, don't call a WO (M or F), "for a formation" they generally do not answer or show :-)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 8:27 AM

2014-07-04T08:27:28-04:00

Why do soldiers not know the regulations? What are NCOs teaching these days?
Pick up AR600-20 it will answer many questions.
Grade of rank: Chief Warrant Officer
Title of address: Mister (Mrs./Miss/Ms.)
Of course many just say Sir, Ma'am or Chief.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 9 at 2014 12:05 PM

2014-07-09T12:05:02-04:00

Well being one of the "Chiefs" on the RP block, I feel obligated to chime in on this one and it has been addressed across the board, forwards, backwards and sideways, but a lot of the answers make sense, but with all things military courtesy, it is about SITUATIONAL AWARENESS and the right thing to do.

For enlisted, ALL enlisted, they have two legal options for addressing a female warrant, Ma'am and Miss/Mrs (last name).

As for the either sex, the word "CHIEF" has both endearment and offense to some (more to follow, see below), so it is best to know the person you are addressing so you do not end up with a blistering OTSC!

Officers, usually will extend first name courtesy if that is their leadership style, and while legal, usually should for the sake of being a leader use Miss/Mrs/Mister with last name. However, most use your first name and some others Chief.

CHIEF! Well in aviation it is used from ALL levels of rank up and down the chain for warrants, however we have these things called 'Crew Chiefs" on the helicopters and they like to reserve Chief for their title in the back of the helo in lieu of SGT So and So. We encourage warrants to NOT use first names with Crew as we try not to fray or blur the lines in the Helo where it could have spillage to the garrison. It does and when someone witnesses it, it gets ugly fast. So, with that being said, the endearment is the cool "Chief" title which I only get from OTHER branches other than aviation when I am addressed by both NCOs and Officers alike. In aviation, usually it is Mister or "Sam" for the officers.

This discussion could go on for days, think I can talk (type actually) online, in person is worse! I hope this sheds some light, but soon to be SGT Gasho, Ma'am or Miss/Mrs (lastname) will work exactly as the regulation dictates. If your "Chief" says it is okay to use "Chief Lastname", then go right ahead, but do not expect the same leeway with other warrants, some are quite irritable as they have no feathers growing out of their head!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 11:05 PM

2014-07-12T23:05:42-04:00

I have always referred to them as Chief. It seems to be well received. Then again for WO1 they are technically not chiefs....so I would go with Ma'am if you were enlisted and go with Warrant Officer ____ if an officer addressing them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 11:32 PM

2014-07-19T23:32:41-04:00

Ma'am, Ms. (since Ms. does not indicate a marital status, it's universal.), Chief

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 11:57 PM

2014-07-19T23:57:19-04:00

I've always called female warrant officers "ma'am" and "Chief". You can also refer to them as Ms Soandso or Chief Soandso. Our WO is Native American, so we felt a little weird calling her "Chief", but that's a legit title.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2014 2:26 PM

2014-08-07T14:26:38-04:00

Keep in mind that the use of "Chief" when addressing (or referring to) a CWO is exclusively an Army usage. Air Force Chiefs are E9s, in the Navy Chief is properly a member of the Chief's Mess who is in the E7 pay grade but can also refer to Senior and Master Chiefs (pay grades E8 & E9, respectively), and the Marine Corps has no ranks at all that are called "Chief." My experience in the Navy is that CWOs (we don't have WOs) are addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2014 9:52 PM

2014-08-10T21:52:53-04:00

In accordance with AR 600-20, Warrant Officers should be referred to with the title of "Mrs./Miss/Ms." Well, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that, I always hear "chief" if it's a WO in the same unit, or "sir" if it's a WO not in the same unit.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Aug 30 at 2014 1:15 PM

2014-08-30T13:15:25-04:00

Miss or Mrs as the case may be.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 28 at 2014 5:22 AM

2014-09-28T05:22:32-04:00

I don't think babe would go over to well so I'd stick with "maam". Although some women do like sir. I've also heard them refered to directly by rank as warrant officer or chief warrant officer.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 28 at 2014 5:27 AM

2014-09-28T05:27:13-04:00

I think in the Airforce you still refer to them by their first name only. Atleast thats been my experience.
Example: Karen, can I bring you a doughnut with your coffee to the 9th hole?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 3:57 PM

2014-10-30T15:57:30-04:00

I believe its: CW1 Mr., Ms. ; CW2-5, Chief.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Oct 30 at 2014 6:49 PM

2014-10-30T18:49:16-04:00

I prefer to let them dress themselves. I got too much else to do.

Response by SP5 Timothy Cooper made Oct 31 at 2014 8:38 AM

2014-10-31T08:38:28-04:00

I was in the Army over 20 years an all I said was Ma'am or Chief when it come to being look a ring or the white mark where a ring is in a letter use WO ? an then name hope this help's

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 4 at 2014 8:16 AM

2014-12-04T08:16:42-05:00

Cultural difference: Marines call Warrant Offices and Chief Warrant Officers just that, usually followed by their names. People junior to them call them Sir or Ma'am. Kind of simplifies things.

Edit: Commented before I saw that the clear the duty expert CWO4 Maria Pettus and Cpl Joseph Radzinski had handled this, see their superior answers.

Response by CW4 Scott Kjendlie made Dec 8 at 2014 9:24 AM

2014-12-08T09:24:37-05:00

Either Ma'am or Ms. (Last Name), or the best yet, Chief!

Response by PO1 Donald Kennelly made Dec 8 at 2014 1:36 PM

2014-12-08T13:36:34-05:00

Navy is different. We have CWOs also, but you do NOT address them by Chief. We have Chiefs (E7-E9). You address them by Chief Warrant Officer or Warrant Officer (sir or ma'am is always appropriate). In correspondence they would be addressed as CWO3 for instance.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Dec 9 at 2014 12:33 PM

2014-12-09T12:33:18-05:00

I had a female CWO3 for a platoon commander (let me remind you, I was Signal, not Aviation). I have always called her "Ma'am". I wouldn't risk calling her "Chief" unless I wanted to be smoked by the NCOIC. Although she was technically a "Chief", it was frowned upon back in the day, since regulations were strict. Long story short, I would address any WO, regardless of service, as "Ma'am".

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 15 at 2015 7:02 AM

2015-01-15T07:02:20-05:00

As far as addressing correspondence, the attached snip-it is right out of AR 25-50. The middle column is the proper manner to write the name on the address. The right column is the appropriate salutation and closing for the actual letter.

As far as how they are addressed in speaking to them, I personally liken "Chief" to "Top". I'm not sure you would call a First Sergeant that you don't know "Top" and I feel like "Chief" should be used with the same discretion. You can never go wrong with Sir/Ma'am, and once you are on familiar terms with them they will tell you if they would prefer to be called "Chief". Just my personal opinion though.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-07-22T21:24:32-04:00

**delete this post**

thought this was a much more current issue due to someone else's reply.

Response by MAJ Anthony Henderson made Sep 22 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-09-22T10:10:51-04:00

The correct address for a warrant officer is Mister or Miss or Sir or Ma'am. The Misses (Mrs) is not relevant in this case. You are addressing a person for their rank not their martial status. You can also use Chief but it should be cleared with the warrant officer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-12-03T09:32:51-05:00

As a Captain, I address a WO1 as Warrant Officer "Last name", and CW2 and above Chief, unless I know someone specifically prefers Miss. I do the same for male warrant officers as well, i.e. Warrant Officer "...", Chief "...", or Mr. "...".

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 29 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-02-29T11:51:08-05:00

Ma'am.. That's what I was always taught. When in doubt or if you don't know their name or status, Ma'am & Sir are the best way to go.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 4:02 PM

2016-02-29T16:02:52-05:00

Ma'am or in the case of the Army: Chief, Mrs., or Ms.; FYSA, don't address Marine WOs/CWOs as such unless you're looking for trouble.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 4:56 PM

2016-02-29T16:56:52-05:00

I call them "Ma'am" or "Chief." The same as I would with a male. It makes it easier to follow because you're still rendering the respect. Generally, I would say "Chief" is the way to go, but I've never had a female Warrant get upset by me calling her "Ma'am."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-03-10T12:41:52-05:00

hope that she's a CW2 or above so that you can just call her "Chief". lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-08-17T21:55:15-04:00

Ms. is the general way to address if you do not know if they are married or not. That information is learned in grade school.....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 9:56 PM

2016-08-17T21:56:14-04:00

the general way to address a female when you don't know her marital status is always as "Ms." ...this is learned in grade school....

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Mar 28 at 2017 6:28 PM

2017-03-28T18:28:19-04:00

"Ma'am" until told otherwise; they are tougher than the men!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 2 at 2017 6:50 AM

2017-07-02T06:50:59-04:00

I addressed them as I would a female officer, called them Ma'am.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 2 at 2017 8:28 AM

2017-07-02T08:28:14-04:00

I found that the easiest thing to do was ask and remember.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Jul 3 at 2017 11:16 PM

2017-07-03T23:16:58-04:00

no closer than 2 feet

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 12 at 2017 2:51 PM

2017-07-12T14:51:09-04:00

I'd say you're safe with "Ma'am" and "Chief". In the Air Force female E-9s, Chief Master Sergeants, are called "Chief."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 6:34 PM

2017-07-20T18:34:38-04:00

Chief or ma'am is what they'll get from me. But 10 times out of 10 it's Chief. I'm not sure why this is even a question.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-08-02T12:34:41-04:00

Either by their rank and last name or Ma'am. Common sense should prevail when addressing any Officer of any military branches. Semper Fidelis

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 1:30 PM

2017-08-02T13:30:36-04:00

you ask to find out, then proceed.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 2 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-08-02T13:49:34-04:00

Officially see chart attached from AR 600-20. Commonly, "Chief" is used for WO2 and up. If you see a WO5, addressing him or her as "My Lord" while averting your gaze and lowering your head is commonly acceptable as well....lol

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 6:42 PM

2017-08-02T18:42:25-04:00

Name, street address, city, state, zip code? Same as any other Army WO/CWO I'd guess though. Definitely not with some of the terms I've heard directed toward USMC male WO/CWO's, unless you want to meet the CG up close and personal, while standing at attention. Ma'am maybe or Chief?

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 3 at 2017 2:35 AM

2017-08-03T02:35:43-04:00

My suggestion: Ask them, and remember what they tell you.

Response by CW2 Denise St. Clair made Jan 15 at 2018 5:18 PM

2018-01-15T17:18:41-05:00

I was always fine with Ms. since its not indicative of being married or not.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 15 at 2018 5:37 PM

2018-01-15T17:37:36-05:00

CSM Poll is spot on, I would also add Ma'am, Miss, or Chief, or ask them what they prefer. Some Warrants prefer Chief and some prefer Mr. or Ma'am (for the record I never met a female warrant who wanted to be referred to as Ma'am, but that means nothing).

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Jan 19 at 2018 5:33 AM

2018-01-19T05:33:57-05:00

Miss.

Response by SSgt Mahlon Jenkins made Mar 13 at 2018 3:14 AM

2018-03-13T03:14:01-04:00

The same way that you would any other officer

Response by CW3 David Covey made May 7 at 2018 3:54 PM

2018-05-07T15:54:28-04:00

I really want to go off like a male chauvinist. But I will try to restrain myself. The title for a female warrant is the same as the male.. Oral salutations, "Chief" if W2 or above or Mr. or Ms., if WO1 it would be Mr. or Ms. when greeting, sir or ma'am if used for something like greeting of the day.
Full rank when using as salutations in writing. The use of Ms. over Miss or Mrs. would be proper for females, as you really can't tell if they are married or not unless asked. The same thing for males.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Aug 4 at 2018 11:34 AM

2018-08-04T11:34:08-04:00

Over 30 years in USARMY, never met one

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 20 at 2018 4:58 PM

2018-08-20T16:58:10-04:00

Just say sir or ma'am for everyone wearing shiny rank ;o)

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Aug 20 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-08-20T17:06:08-04:00

Mrs or Ma'am.

Response by LTJG John Cadrain made Sep 23 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-09-23T18:34:48-04:00

Miss

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2018 6:33 AM

2018-11-23T06:33:23-05:00

Ma’am

Response by LTC Charles Patchin made Apr 7 at 2020 11:31 AM

2020-04-07T11:31:42-04:00

Same as any other female officer: Ma'am.
Why does one have to make things seem difficult? That's one of those Basic Training classes on how to address officers and NCOs. It's called Military Courtesy.

Response by Amn Dennis Williams made May 22 at 2020 3:34 PM

2020-05-22T15:34:01-04:00

Chief or Ma'am/Sir whatever is appropriate.

Response by Bill Hunt made May 27 at 2020 8:57 PM

2020-05-27T20:57:03-04:00

It is best to address them as "bitch" or "slut" occasionally "whore" works as well