Posted on Aug 20, 2016
When it comes to greeting Soldiers E5 and above, does "Sergeant" suffice, or should you always use their full title?
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As a Sailor, my pay grade structure is very different than other branches. Last name only for E3 and below, Petty Officer for E4-E6, and Chief for E7 and above, but typically addressed formally by "Chief, Senior, or Master Chief".
How are greetings rendered in the Army for paygrades E5 and above - especially if coming from someone of a different branch?
How are greetings rendered in the Army for paygrades E5 and above - especially if coming from someone of a different branch?
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
NCOs
Customs and Courtesies NCOs
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 37
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If you want the book answer the tables in AR 600-20 chapter 1-6 cover how each rank will be addressed. The simple answer, if they have NCO stripes with nothing in the middle, addressing them by "Sergeant" is appropriate, if there is a diamond in the middle, "First Sergeant" and a star, "Sergeant Major"
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MSG (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) - Master, there is no requirement for anyone to address us as such. Sergeant, is the only requirement unless we are wearing a diamond or star in our chevrons.
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SPC (Join to see)
I've had MSGs rip me a new one for not calling them "Master Sergeant" I know the reg, and I know I'm right but it's not worth the hassle so I just roger Master Sergeant and move on. Some I've known are cool with it but that guy wasn't haha
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I liked the Navy Rates. Take a look at the picture on the sleeve and know what they do. The army addresses all NCOs from E-5 to E-8 as sergeant unless they're in a First Sergeant billet identified with the diamond. SGM is always SGM.
It was disappointing when the officer removed their branch insignia from our utility uniform, especially in a hospital. I don't know if I'm talking with a physician, nurse, provider or admin guy...
It was disappointing when the officer removed their branch insignia from our utility uniform, especially in a hospital. I don't know if I'm talking with a physician, nurse, provider or admin guy...
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ENS (Join to see) - I aim to please.
Funny story, when I was transferring from the Navy to the Army, my recruiter only introduced himself as Sergeant Rodriquez. It never dawned on me the difference between the USMC and the Army. I had been conversing on the phone with him in a pretty informal tone especially considering that I was an E-4 and thought he was an E-5 but he was medical so I just went with it... When I arrived in San Antonio for paperwork I went bouncing into his office looking for Sergeant Rod. A SFC stands up from behind the desk and introduces himself as Sergeant Rodriquez... I almost had a heart attack as I slid to a stop and assumed parade rest for the ass chewing I expected but he explained that he was just addressed as SGT... welcome to the Army.
Funny story, when I was transferring from the Navy to the Army, my recruiter only introduced himself as Sergeant Rodriquez. It never dawned on me the difference between the USMC and the Army. I had been conversing on the phone with him in a pretty informal tone especially considering that I was an E-4 and thought he was an E-5 but he was medical so I just went with it... When I arrived in San Antonio for paperwork I went bouncing into his office looking for Sergeant Rod. A SFC stands up from behind the desk and introduces himself as Sergeant Rodriquez... I almost had a heart attack as I slid to a stop and assumed parade rest for the ass chewing I expected but he explained that he was just addressed as SGT... welcome to the Army.
Capt Michael Greene
Good story. Would also like to hear the story of "Why in God's Name would anybody transfer INTO the Army?" No disrespect. I just wonder what would be the draw, the appeal, of a ground pounding life.
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Capt Michael Greene - I have more time than money; the Army offered to pay me as a LT to sit through graduate school.
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For Army Sergeant is sufficient unless 1st Sgt or Sgt Maj but for the Marine Corps always address Sgt SSGT Gunny etc and yes Navy is petty officer or Chief
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