What do you call a SCPO or an MCPO?

MCPO Hans Brakob — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 19:49:10 -0500

I was a Chief for 14 years, from 1967-1981. During that time, although I retired as an RMCM, I was known simply as "the Chief", even in 3 commands where I was SEA (roughly equivalent to the current CMC billet, although it was a collateral). The byword was "a Chief is a Chief is a Chief" --- the stars just fattened your payday a bit.

Now I see the Mess sliced into paygrade layers, and those with stars expecting to be addressed not as "Chief" but as "Senior" or "Master".

Is it healthy for our Navy to dilute the unity of the Chiefs just to satisfy some egos?

Response by PO3 Michael James made Mar 28 at 2015 6:19 PM

PO3 Michael James — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 18:19:20 -0400

When I was an active RM, 1968-72, we addressed a Chief as a "Chief".. and to my knowledge no one ever appeared to be up set, no one ever corrected us in reference to Senior, or Master.. Now if we had an awards ceremony, Change of Command, Full-dress, then well maybe.. but, in radio, we were in our own little world, Focus on radio traffic.. Get the job done ! Keep mouth SHUT

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Mar 28 at 2015 11:23 PM

PO2 David Hagwood — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 23:23:18 -0400

We usually address a SCPO as "Senior" and MCPO as Master Chief unless he's the CMC, he sometimes get's called CMC instead of Master Chief. People are very sensitive about that these days. They usually deserve to be addressed as their current rating, though. I wish the junior guys would do the same for us. They're getting to where they don't have the military bearing to address a Petty Officer properly at least until we make 1st Class. Most of us earned it; so we should be addressed with respect. For those who maybe shouldn't have it, we should remember we're addressing the rate, which should never be disrespected, not directly addressing the person wearing it.

Response by PO3 Jennifer McMullin made Jun 4 at 2015 1:28 AM

PO3 Jennifer McMullin — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 01:28:18 -0400

I was an RM3 in 89-93 and a chief was a chief

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 16 at 2015 6:14 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 06:14:37 -0400

"Senior Chief" or "Master Chief". One of most favorite people that ever existed on this earth CTOCM Robert "Red" Adams. He was my first Boss at CINCPACFLT when he was the Admirals Communicator. He went on to be the first Master Chief for the Entire Crypto Community.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 17 at 2015 12:38 AM

SN Greg Wright — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:38:57 -0400

Master Chief for MCPO. Senior for SCPO. Only in formal instances would you actually say the full, "Master Chief Petty Officer'.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 17 at 2015 2:52 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:52:14 -0400

On board ship, Chief does the job. Agree with Hans, but on shore stations and since retirement, I have had the formal title used far more than when I was AD. Enjoy the honorific, but everyone remembers when they made E-7 and appreciates the next one or two promotions, but not with the same thoughts.

Response by CMDCM Richard Moon made Nov 4 at 2015 11:29 AM

CMDCM Richard Moon — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 11:29:04 -0500

I was a Chief for 19 years and view this as a non-issue.

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Nov 4 at 2015 7:27 PM

PO1 Scott Cottrell — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 19:27:24 -0500

I was in from 1986 to 2006. I have to say it depends on the Senior Chief or Master Chief you are talking too. I have been yelled at by Senior Chiefs asking if I can see the star on the Anchor. And then again I have Master chiefs tell me to just to call them chief.

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Nov 11 at 2015 10:33 AM

PO2 Nick Burke — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 10:33:20 -0500

Even in the 80s and 90s we called them chief, senior and master chief. sometimes senior or master for short if familiar. It was just respect for rank.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Nov 12 at 2015 6:18 AM

CPO David Sharp — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 06:18:12 -0500

Senior and Master Chief always worked for me and kept peace. Never underestimate those "fattening stars", they have horsepower you don't know. Be polite, the life you save may be your own. Advice from a "genuine" Chief.

Response by LCDR Terry Hall made Mar 30 at 2016 11:19 AM

LCDR Terry Hall — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 11:19:14 -0400

Was in from 81-2009, Chief and Senior Chief, didn't matter either way what I was called. However when I made Warrant and then on to LDO, I made sure I called them Senior, or Master Chief. The main reason was to instill in the Junior Officers that I was mentoring to give the respect those individuals that "earned" those ranks and titles.

Response by SCPO Douglas Collins made Mar 2 at 2017 4:27 PM

SCPO Douglas Collins — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 16:27:32 -0500

24 years AD - Retired BMCS - The most important day of my life was when I pinned on "Chief" - big change in my life, so much that my wife even commented I was not the same person. After adding the star, I answered to Chief, Senior Chief or Senior - it was nice to be recognized for the extra achievement but was not the most important. Retired in 94 - I still call them by their actual rank, Chief - Senior Chief or Master Chief as appropriate. Bottom line - doesn't hurt to show that extra level of respect.