Is there a regulation in the Army about how to address military retirees?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 17:42:06 -0400

I am just curious about addressing military retirees. They've done time plus more and they deserve the title they retired at. Is it more of a courtesy or is there a regulation that I have not found yet?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 19 at 2015 5:56 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 17:56:02 -0400

They earned every bit of the rank, but with everything you have to learn to let it go. It is a hard lesson to get through sometimes.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 19 at 2015 6:30 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 18:30:02 -0400

At my last "Command" (Quantico) the number of Retirees & Prior military was staggering to say the least.

The "standard practice" was NOT to use rank when dealing with them in any sort of official capacity. I worked with Sergeants through Colonels (and Generals, but I'll get to them in a second). All of them were referred to by their first name, or Mr./Ms. as appropriate. The Generals, were an exception as they were specifically hired as "Generals" (Senior Mentors of the Program).

Now, in a social setting, sure, call someone Col, or Sgt, etc, but.. as I already worked with John, or Larry, etc... Why would I call them something different than I called them at work?

Now, there were a couple of folks who did "cadre" (Active Reserve) duty at our site for the summer, while being a contractor for the rest of the year. When in uniform, "Yes/No Gunner (WO1)," when not in uniform, "Hi Wayne."

Now, we had a few folks retire, who didn't come back to work for us. Until they said otherwise, they were referred to by their old rank. A few years back one of the old CMCs said it was appropriate to call honorably discharged Marines by their highest rank achieved.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 20 at 2015 2:33 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 02:33:33 -0400

600-8-7 says you should address retirees by their rank. Might just be during the retirement process.

Response by MSG Anthony DiFondi made Oct 15 at 2015 6:21 PM

MSG Anthony DiFondi — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:21:19 -0400

I will always have my rank, but I would rather you just call me Brother.

Response by CPT Brent Ferguson made Oct 15 at 2015 6:27 PM

CPT Brent Ferguson — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:27:28 -0400

Most of us are more interested in thanking YOU for your service, carrying on our proud traditions, than we are worried about our former rank. That you thought to ask how to address is is respect enough for me!

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Feb 14 at 2019 1:47 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 13:47:12 -0500

I once met a retired Navy Commander (O-5) who has a Ph.D. and is a professor at the Naval War College. I asked him if he preferred to be addressed a commander, doctor or professor. He replied, "I prefer to be addressed as "Will".

I would address a retiree by their rank unless they told me to use their first or nickname. I am on a first name basis with a retired brigadier general. He calls me "John" and I call him "General".