Was I in the right?

SA Harold Hansmann — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:58:38 -0400

I have a question, this has bugged me off and on over the years. While we were doing a training exercise in the field. I was in position to overhear a Lt make disparaging remarks about several enlisted personnel, from that point on, I refused to call the Lt "sir", always refered to him by his rank. It came down to the point that the Lt was annoyed and complained to a scpo, whom promptly proceeded to ream me a new one. My question was I in the right? Seing as I had no respect left for the Lt.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jul 8 at 2014 3:09 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:09:26 -0400

No, you were not in the right on this one. While what you overheard may not have been proper by that LT, by acting out the way that you did, you were also wrong. In hindsight, the proper thing to do would have either tactfully discussed your concerns with the LT on the spot, or take what you had heard to your first line supervisor and let it rise up the chain. By showing disrespect to that LT, you put yourself out there for repercussions just like what you explained happened.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 3:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:22:35 -0400

SA Harold Hansmann I recently have had some professional issues with a 2LT, but I respectfully stated my position and when that person disagreed, I sent the matter to my OIC (a CPT). Let the Os handle direct "mentorship" when you are rebuffed as a Senior NCO. In the example you provided, you were wrong as you should still respect the rank and position the LT held and with it is the right to be called "Sir". But like 1SG Steven Stankovich and MAJ Carl Ballinger alreaday stated, send it up the chain to let them deal with it.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jul 8 at 2014 3:34 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:34:56 -0400

I guess I stand corrected. Maybe this will be a learning experience for someone else who happens to be in the same predicament. For the record, I did not notify my shipmates of the remarks made about them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 4:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 16:02:37 -0400

Yes, you were definitely in the wrong. I do agree with all the other comments and rationale. First and foremost, we are to respect the rank, not the person. All individuals, as a person, must earn that respect although some of the same respect is naturally given with the rank. Second, the proper course of action would either to have spoken, respectfully and tactfully, to the officer or spoken to your first line supervisor. The latter one would have been the best way since it could have been properly address by a CPO or SCPO.

With that said, I too have had disagreements with many people over my career. Regardless of my own personal feelings as well as their rank, I will still and always respect the rank that is own their chest. I will admit though there are a number of personnel, that I can count on both my hands, who I will ONLY respect their rank. They have totally lost my respect as a service-member let alone as a decent human being.