When it comes to greeting Soldiers E5 and above, does "Sergeant" suffice, or should you always use their full title?

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 15:57:16 -0400

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?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 4:03 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:03:49 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member Use their full title. I would not call a Sergeant Major a Sergeant.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 20 at 2016 4:04 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:04:35 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member It depends for me - If I kn0w them then I address them by SGT and their last name. If I'm making an on the spot correct (or when I use to make an on the spot correction - sorry retired) I would jus address them as Sergeant. If I didn't know them peronally and I was at a distance where I couldn't see their last name, but close enough that they knew I was addressing them I would just say Sergeant. The respectful thing to do is always use Sergeant and their Last name in my opinion (I think that is good for all ranks) when in uniform to show proper military bearing and courtesy. Just my two cents

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 4:08 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:08:37 -0400

This is just me but I respectfully greet and address E5-E7 as SGT on conversations except on formal occasions such as promotion/award or any ceremony that is deemed appropriate, E8 1SG/MSgt, E9/E10 SM because they all earned that title!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 4:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:09:41 -0400

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...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 4:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:12:22 -0400

In the Army, E-5 to E-7 are usually addressed only as Sergeant. The full title is not often used, but you wouldn't be wrong if you did. For E-8's, a First Sergeant is addressed as First Sergeant and Master Sergeants are addressed only as Sergeant. E-9s are addressed as Sergeant Major regardless of if they are a Command Sergeant Major or just a Sergeant Major.

Using an NCO's full title (i.e. Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class) is often usually only done during formal settings, introductions, and so forth.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Aug 20 at 2016 4:12 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:12:41 -0400

According to AR 600-25 Customs and Courtesies there are only 3 NCO ranks not addressed as "Sergeant:" Sergeant Majors, First Sergeants, and Corporals. I know the Marines are different so I can only go with the what I know from the Army

Response by SGT Connor Haynes made Aug 20 at 2016 4:13 PM

SGT Connor Haynes — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:13:27 -0400

Typically for E-5 to E-7 you can use SGT. Obviously depends on who you come in contact with. But always call E-8 and E-9 by their full title.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 4:13 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:13:56 -0400

Sgt was always good enough for me. Heck, I don't even think I knew for sure what my correct rank was as an E-6 and E-7.

Response by GySgt Bryan A. McGown "Gunny" made Aug 20 at 2016 4:19 PM

GySgt Bryan A. McGown "Gunny" — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:19:07 -0400

For Marines, it better be the proper title!
The only Sergeants we have are in pay grade, E-5. Each title is distinctly different.

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made Aug 20 at 2016 4:21 PM

1SG Jeremy Evans — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:21:28 -0400

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"

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 4:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 16:26:21 -0400

In the Air Force. E-5 through E-8 may be addressed as "Sergeant" and E-9, "Chief."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 5:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 17:17:58 -0400

In the Army it is fine for everyone but the SGM and 1SG. In the Marines, it isn't, but in the Marines everyone will answer to Marine with no offense taken, even the Commandant.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Aug 20 at 2016 5:31 PM

Capt Michael Greene — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 17:31:05 -0400

Never say 'sergeant' to a Chief Master Sergeant. Address her as 'chief' at all times.
And 'sarge'? My own feeling was that E's could use the term, but an O would not call anyone 'sarge' because some SGTs might feel that was speaking down to them.

Response by SSG Michael Hale made Aug 20 at 2016 5:52 PM

SSG Michael Hale — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 17:52:13 -0400

I usually call them SGT and their last name unless it is a 1SGT or SGM

Response by SGT Alan D. Garrison II made Aug 20 at 2016 5:59 PM

SGT Alan D. Garrison II — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 17:59:26 -0400

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

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Aug 20 at 2016 6:22 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:22:47 -0400

In the Army,
e5 to e7, you call them sergeant in response but start by addressing them with rank and title.

E8+ call them by their rank and respond by their rank.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Aug 20 at 2016 6:28 PM

SPC James Harsh — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:28:20 -0400

Just don't call top "Sergeant." As lower enlisted, it important to communicate through the proper chain of command. If you don't know them I would at least start with "Staff Sergeant". A nice rule of thumb is not to speak unless spoken to, works out good.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 6:34 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:34:53 -0400

I definitely appreciate all the advice!
Thank you!

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Aug 20 at 2016 6:56 PM

SGT Tim Soyars — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:56:20 -0400

No one had addressed the unofficial titles. Of course we have "Sarge" for E-5 through E-7. E-8 First Sergeants get called, "Top". Finally, at least in units I was in, informally the SM got called, "Smaj" (a highly compressed "Sgt Major", pronounced "Smeg"). No one ever took offense. Now what I can't figure out is that WO-1 through WO-4 are addressed as "Chief". This has GOT to be confusing for the Navy! POs are "Chief". WOs are "Chief". Only the Air Force gets a break on this, as they have no WOs. However, they have a lot of joint bases with the Army and Navy, especially in aviation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 8:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 20:05:02 -0400

I'm sure this is mentioned already, but Army regs state that E5 through E7 are addressed as "Sergeant", E8 is also addressed as "Sergeant" unless they hold the rank of First Sergeant. It is common to address the E8 as "Master Sergeant", but that is often only as a sign of affection or respect for the person with that rank

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 9:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 21:01:45 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member, My opinion is calling a SSGT Staff Sergeant, an SFC a Sergeant First Class, etc. I think it's proper to call a Sergeant by their rank title. Would you call a LT. Colonel a Colonel?

Response by MAJ David Brand made Aug 20 at 2016 9:20 PM

MAJ David Brand — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 21:20:27 -0400

Learned something new about the Navy! Thanks! Dave

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 9:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 21:26:47 -0400

Don't forget about the poor Corporal trying to figure out life as an NCO.

NCO's in the Army are addressed as Corporal, Sergeant (for SSG, SFC, or MSG), First Sergeant, or Sergeant Major.

In the Marine Corps they are addressed rank specific.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 21 at 2016 12:03 AM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:03:36 -0400

'Seaman'/'Airman'/'Fireman' for E3 and below is also appropriate.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2016 1:10 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:10:00 -0400

Depends on the tradition of the branch.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2016 11:43 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 11:43:06 -0400

Private - Private First Class, Private.
Specialist - Specialist
Corporal - Corporal
Sergeant - Sergeant First Class, Sergeant

Master Sergeant - Master Sergeant, You can get away with calling them Sergeant, but call them MSG it's more respectful of their time and grade. You might catch shit around other Soldiers if you call Master Sergeant just Sergeant too.

First Sergeant - First Sergeant, Top
Sergeant Major - Sergeant Major
Command Sergeant Major - Usually just Sergeant Major but some instances I've seen CSM used, usually when a Private is scared out of his mind.

Warrant Officer 1 - Sir, could use Mr. if you outranked them.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 - 5, Sir or Chief

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Aug 21 at 2016 11:45 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 11:45:15 -0400

I always addressed 1SG, SGM, and CSM as such (ie: 1st Sergeant, Command Sergeant Major). All other NCO's were "Sergeant" unless they expressed a desire to be addressed differently.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 21 at 2016 5:36 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 17:36:31 -0400

I generally call them by their full rank.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 22 at 2016 10:44 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 10:44:27 -0400

E-5 to E-8 Master Sergeant, Sergeant is the recognized greeting.
E-8 1SG (First Sergeant), Personally I didn't mind if the Soldiers called me (Top) or (First Shirt) some folks have been known to melt down over both, but they knew I was running shit and those titles have tradition and history to them. (know the person you're addressing before calling a 1SG anything other than First Sergeant, some folks need their egos stroked)
E-9 Sergeant Major for both (SGM) and (CSM).
E-1 to E-3 Private, is appropriate but I always recognized the PFCs as (PFC).
E-4 Specialists its (Specialist) E-4 Corporal (Corporal) It took me years to get used to calling specialists , (Specialist) because we used to have SPC-4 to SPC-7 when I came in, so an E-4 Specialist was commonly called a (Spec-4) in conversation and their title was (specialist) for all grades as title of address .

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 23 at 2016 5:55 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:55:10 -0400

There is only one Sergeant in the Army and Marine Corp. Imagine walking up to the Division CSM and saying "Hi Sergeant how are you today". It would like be an educational moment!

Response by SSG Jake Ragan made Aug 26 at 2016 11:24 PM

SSG Jake Ragan — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 23:24:42 -0400

Sergeant is fine for E-5 thru E-7

Response by SGT Gary Sokol made Dec 8 at 2016 11:49 AM

SGT Gary Sokol — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:49:53 -0500

it was appropriate and proper to address me as "sergeant". since I was an E-5, that was my title.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Oct 25 at 2018 10:25 AM

CW3 Michael Bodnar — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 10:25:59 -0400

I'm glad someone started this discussion. Regardless of what the regulation says, I think it's disrespectful to not address a Soldier by the entire rank. As a prior service Marine, if you called a GySgt a Sergeant, you were essentially demoting them. The Army, in my opinion, should not call a rank higher than E5 sergeant. I always address an NCO by their rank because at the end of the day, they earned it and they deserve to be called that rank. You wouldn't call a CPT or MAJ a lieutenant so why do that on the enlisted side.

Response by SP5 Marilyn Mathews made Mar 9 at 2019 9:47 AM

SP5 Marilyn Mathews — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 09:47:31 -0500

is there a jeffery Steven in the USA Army station in Nigeria on peace work. He is first class Sargeant.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 9 at 2019 10:58 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 10:58:42 -0500

I thought Navy addressed NCO by rate, so you would be IT1 Martin? Which confuses the hell out of the Army.

Response by SFC Billy Huether made Jan 7 at 2020 8:11 PM

SFC Billy Huether — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 20:11:12 -0500

Don't complicate the simple! E5 thru E8 are addressed as Sergeant. Now, 1stSergeant is an E8 and is addressed as such. E9 is addressed as Sergeant Major.
As you're a Sailor, they should give you a break and explain. However, you should always be prepared for the individual who has a hard on.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2020 11:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2020 23:49:18 -0400

I'm a fan of the full title...just me.