How would I use my rank in an email signature block?

SGT Michael Overholt — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:52:10 -0500

Served in Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. I am not retired but an Honorable Medical Discharge. How would I use my rank in my signature block? Not sure if I am authorized to use "Ret.". Thank you in advance.

Response by SrA John Monette made Jan 8 at 2020 8:02 AM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 08:02:43 -0500

if you are not retired, i would not use rank or retired in a signature

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jan 8 at 2020 8:51 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 08:51:30 -0500

I would let this one go. I've been retired from the Army for over six years, and have been working for a private company in a federal building. No one cares to tell the truth. Most of us go by first name basis even through emails. The only time I brought up the fact that I was retired and a veteran was when I first applied to the job I currently hold. Civilian world is so different, it is what it is.

Response by SGT Michael Overholt made Jan 8 at 2020 9:03 AM

SGT Michael Overholt — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:03:15 -0500

Let me clarify. I am not looking to stroke my own ego. The company I work for does a lot for veterans and wounded soldiers. My boss mentioned putting it in my work email signature block. If this is not something normally done then I will not do it. I apologize if anyone was offended by my question. Thank you for all of your responses.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jan 8 at 2020 9:03 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:03:33 -0500

Retirees maintain their retired rank as an honorary title. When using that title they must identify themselves as retired. When a retiree works as either a federal government employee or contractor they may only use their honorary title in official correspondence if the the correspondence pertains to the retired status. For example if I am corresponding with the MTF concerning an appointment I can I identify myself at MSG(R) Eckert since the appointment is predicated on my retirement. If I am replying to an email concerning Army Doctrine that was sent to me as an Army Civilian, I cannot use the MSG(R) designation since the correspondence does not pertain to my retirement. Adding an edit, while you do not have your rank as an honorary title, there is nothing to keep you from identifying as a veteran in you signature block.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 8 at 2020 9:42 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 09:42:37 -0500

After reading the original post and your clarifying post, I think that while your boss may believe it's a good idea--and I'm sure it's for benign reasons--this falls under the category of "That was then; this is now". *I wouldn't put it in a signature block.

*Confession: I used a modified version of my old rank twice, both times where when recruiters emailed me at my school email address to let me know about the benefits of joining the Army. I thanked them for the email and let them know I agreed with those benefits of enlisting having been there/done that, wished them luck and signed it "(Former) SGT..." But that doesn't really count as a signature block. ;-)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 3:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:00:29 -0500

I've not seen it done but possibly:

Michael Overholt
Job Title and Organization
Veteran, SGT, US Army
Or
SGT, US Army, Veteran

Personally, I'd just not include it.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 9 at 2020 3:54 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 03:54:22 -0500

Normally it's a field grade or flag officer gig... maybe SGTMAJ.