Where can I find the regulatory guidance for the proper way for a commissioned officer to address an NCO?

2016-11-22T10:50:16-05:00

I have an Officer who insists on addressing NCOs by their first name. Several have professionally expressed that they feel this is unprofessional and the response is, "There is nothing stating that I can't call you by your first name." I have not been able to find anything specific outlining this.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Nov 22 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-11-22T11:01:44-05:00

Just tell him/her your first name is SSG.
Then remind him/her to be professional. You have soldiers under you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-11-22T11:10:37-05:00

I can't locate anything specific, either. I would recommend letting the Officer know that addressing you by your first name (especially in front of your troops) feels and makes the appearance of being unprofessional.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2016 11:23 AM

2016-11-22T11:23:36-05:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member AR 600-20 tells you how to say each rank in the Army, TR350-6 shows new Soldiers how to address and how to be addressed, AR 600-25 covers salutes and visits. There used to be an FM that as called the Soldier's Guide that also covered customs and courtesies.

Response by MSgt Mike Briney made Nov 22 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-11-22T11:28:21-05:00

While I cannot speak to Army Regulations ( SSG Warren Swan ?) I can say that in the Air Force, this is covered under AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, which prescribes the proper terms of address for enlisted Airmen at each grade. Perhaps there is something similar for each branch?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-11-22T11:52:46-05:00

I have been off active duty for over 41 years. Last Reserve drill was 30 years ago. Here is my take.

The proper address for an NCO is Sgt (or completer rank e.g. SSG) and last name. Anything other than that can be acceptable if the NCO does not object. But, it should be rare that the first name is standard. Using the first name could show a lack of respect for the NCO who has earned the strips worn.

Response by Sgt Tom Pass made Nov 22 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-11-22T11:56:51-05:00

When I was in the Marine Corps, to get the tension off of new people arriving in our squadron I would tell them that we had a relaxed shop and called everyone by their first name, and my first name was SGT.

Response by Sgt Tom Pass made Nov 22 at 2016 11:58 AM

2016-11-22T11:58:09-05:00

Probable under the UCMJ. I would think.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Nov 22 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-11-22T12:24:40-05:00

SSG Patrick Wise - It is a custom and courtesy. Not a reg. Fm7-21-13 is the Manual you are looking for. Chapter 5 I think.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 22 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-11-22T12:28:27-05:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member, this really doesn't seem that difficult and why this officer is struggling is beyond me. The Army makes it really easy for everyone to address everyone else. You'll find everyone's "first" and last names right on their uniforms. The first name is rank and the last name is on the nametape! Easy! For example, were I to address you, I would simply say, "Good morning, Sergeant Wise." How hard is that?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-11-22T14:41:12-05:00

AR620-1 chapter 1.

Response by LCpl Sam Southard made Nov 22 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-11-22T14:47:14-05:00

Politely and consistently ignore him. When he calls you on it, apologize and tell him of your confusion since you have gotten used to being respected enough by others to be addressed by your sir name especially since you don't know if there are any others with your first name which you only respond to when the women in your life use it. This worked for me

Response by GySgt David Weihausen made Nov 22 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-11-22T15:22:33-05:00

It should be somewhere within the regulations concerning fraternization and over familiarity with subordinates.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2016 3:24 PM

2016-11-22T15:24:11-05:00

You respectfully tell him to stop. If it doesn't stop you got to tall to the CO. Our PL calls are PSG by his first name all the time and finally he just address the CO man.

Response by CW3 Christian Johnson made Nov 22 at 2016 3:44 PM

2016-11-22T15:44:10-05:00

Staff Sargent, I'm sure you have heard "Respect is not demanded or granted, it is earned". An officer must earn the respect of those he or she works with by demonstrating respect to everyone. That is not done by calling them by their name with out stating their rank first. I only spent 20 years in the army and worked with the Navy for almost 30 years and never heard an officer address an enlisted by his or her first name.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2016 4:02 PM

2016-11-22T16:02:55-05:00

While I might have "slipped" once or twice in a private setting (just the other person and myself), I always made it a practice to address NCO's/Petty Officers properly according to their title. It is disrespectful to use first names in normal settings. Each of our subordinates should receive proper respect, as do each of our seniors. To do otherwise would be contrary to the morale of others and traditions of the services.

Response by PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson made Nov 22 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-11-22T16:57:10-05:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member Look under fraternization. It's inappropriate for an officer to be so familiar with an enlisted person in any case, however in the case that the enlisted person has objected to it the behaviour becomes harassment, as the officer is obviously doing it intentionally to upset or disturb the enlisted person. If you are not able to convince the officer to stop, then the issue may need to be referred to his superior. Be very careful when doing so, and provide documentation.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 22 at 2016 10:41 PM

2016-11-22T22:41:28-05:00

FM 7-21-13 Chapter 4 and AR600-20

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 22 at 2016 11:04 PM

2016-11-22T23:04:42-05:00

Look In FM 7-21-13 it has lot of Information that Might help You the Chapter would you are asking is in Chap 3

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 23 at 2016 12:59 AM

2016-11-23T00:59:33-05:00

this is not a good thing

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2016 1:13 AM

2016-11-23T01:13:43-05:00

In my opinion, this shouldn't be an issue. I would o as far as to consider it boarding on fraternization, so long as it remains a select group of individuals. All encompassing, it is extremely unprofessional.

Response by PO3 David Adams made Nov 24 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-11-24T16:06:20-05:00

Fine Call Him By His 1st Name NCO'S Earn Their Rank That's Why We Say Sgt or Cpl 1st Before the Name Plus You Can Always Ask Him To Fetch a Level Bubble Calibration Kit

Response by CPO Scott Walker made Nov 29 at 2016 6:27 AM

2016-11-29T06:27:28-05:00

Your rank is your first name. Navy Chief Walker sends....

Response by SSgt Kevin Hopkins made Nov 29 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-11-29T07:58:26-05:00

Who cares? This really sounds petty. You should feel lucky that the officer took the time to learn and remember your first name, Id consider it a compliment and only makes him seem more personalable. I find this far better than an officer thats disconnected

Response by CMSgt Scott Haskins made Nov 29 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-11-29T08:23:55-05:00

This is a first for me. To this day I can't get officers I worked with to call me by my first name. They all still call me Chief. While still in the Air Force I had some officers try to call me by my first name. I usually requested they address me by my proper title. That usually solved it. A few called me Scotty, when in private, but they were usually Commanders who I respected greatly & it did not bother me. Never in front of the Airmen. Sounds like an officer who doesn't realize the effort & sacrifice it takes to earn rank.

Response by CMSgt Mickey Wright made Nov 29 at 2016 8:41 AM

2016-11-29T08:41:17-05:00

One someone is senior in rank it's totally appropriate for them to call you by your first name. I can't imagine you'd only call those under you, who you work close with every day, only by their given rank. What a great feeling that is, "he SSgt, how's your family...don't know their names, don't really care I only care about the mission, not you or yours!" What an assclown leader. All good leaders know their people, their people's lives/wives/husbands/sig others/children and what issues are affecting them today. If your only worry is your boss must call you by your rank, then you are one super lucky fella! Time to get a lotto ticket!

Response by CPO Earl Jones made Nov 29 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-11-29T08:53:44-05:00

In the Navy its either Petty Officer or Chief. Ive had officer who addressed me by my first name in private, because of knowing them, because either having served with before, or them being prior enlisted.. But this is something that should never been done in public. There is a line between officer and enlisted and I believe calling an NCO by his first name in public, crosses that line and is a bad example for junior troops

Response by SFC Robert Jackson made Nov 29 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-11-29T09:00:04-05:00

FM 7-21.13

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Nov 29 at 2016 9:20 AM

2016-11-29T09:20:04-05:00

I saw this more with Air Force and Army Personnel. So many officers used to be enlisted in those services that I think they forget who they are now.
Not in the Navy. Few Commissioned Officers were ever enlisted and there is strict discipline against fraternization. When I was jogging years ago on the base I had to go completely around the officer housing area. The excuse given was that I might see something that might demean my respect for them as if I didn't see enough of that at work. Or the night I was on duty and a call came in on the radio that a certain officer's wife was chasing him around the housing area with a butcher knife. He was in a pair of boxers. Their next door neighbor was the Captain. They were moved off base the next day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 9:45 AM

2016-11-29T09:45:49-05:00

This was just a quick search so validate that this FM is still current.

FM 7-21.13

4-4. Courtesy among members of the Armed Forces is vital to maintain discipline. Military courtesy means good manners and politeness in dealing with other people. Courteous behavior provides a basis for developing good human relations. The distinction between civilian and military courtesy is that military courtesy was developed in a military atmosphere and has become an integral part of serving in uniform.

4-6. Military courtesy is not a one-way street. Enlisted personnel are expected to be courteous to officers and likewise officers are expected to return the courtesy. Mutual respect is a vital part of military courtesy. In the final analysis, military courtesy is the respect shown to each other by members of the same profession. Some of the Army’s more common courtesies include rendering the hand salute, standing at attention or parade rest, or even addressing others by their rank.

Response by SMSgt Steve Neal made Nov 29 at 2016 9:54 AM

2016-11-29T09:54:57-05:00

There are specific times and circumstances that customs and courtesies can be relaxed, but only when both parties agree to that. ALWAYS use rank/name when subordinates or leaders and peers from other units are present. Professional military respect is our "payback" for the hard work and training we do, and it is expected of all of us; especially our leaders. Just do it!

Response by 1SG Jay Vanderford made Nov 29 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-11-29T10:13:52-05:00

Its hard to say for sure why your Officer is calling people by their first name without knowing his/her background. I've seen a lot of this in the medical community while I was in and I understood it that they wanted to be more hospital like atmosphere. That said, as it has been pointed out, your first name is Sergeant, in fact, that is the only name you need when it comes down to it. Lastly I will leave you with this, there is a great different between a Sergeant and a Non Commissioned Officer, Sergeants are promoted everyday, just like Officers come from colleges, neither makes a leader, that is something you have that can be developed, or not. A Non Commissioned Officer will know and understand his/her place in the military structure and where their authority comes from, as a SSG you are both in the NCO Support Chain, but also in the Chain of Command, in that, you are in a Section Chief position (I assume) and that is the first position position that a LT can interact with the Enlisted through you. There are things that all NCOs must know in order to lead, you are the backbone of the Army in you know and enforce these things. When ever an Officer is telling troops what to do, there is a large lacking in NCOs in that unit. I have observed and corrected this in many a unit as a 1SG, you and your Soldiers are a weapon system, Officers need only point you at the target if you are doing what you are supposed to do, and yes, anyone regardless of rank that ever tried to address my by other than my rank would have a closed door meeting, had a few West Pointers try to challenge me on a few leader topics, unfortunately had to get them squared away at the COL level. So in a nutshell, pull that Officer aside, be tactful, explain that it undermines the units discipline and if it doesn't stop, use your chain.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Nov 29 at 2016 10:18 AM

2016-11-29T10:18:24-05:00

As leaders, you will have to issue orders which may put personnel in difficult if not life threatening situations. If you personalize a subordination that removes the objective aspect of leadership. Professionalism must be maintained and I agree with LTC Curlee's statement whole heartedly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-11-29T10:42:58-05:00

This response is purely opinion but ill share it none the less. An officer knows he outranks his NCO's. I have found that when an officer used my first name it was a sign of trust. In todays army theres a rift between the officers corp and NCO corp more often than not. I don't think every fine detail should constantly be scrutinized unless your loosing face with your troops.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Nov 29 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-11-29T10:49:51-05:00

Consulting Army regulations would be your first step, SSGT.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 11:04 AM

2016-11-29T11:04:53-05:00

In my experience, officers in the Army address other officers of equal or lesser rank by their first names. They are expected to address those of greater rank appropriately regardless of how they are addressed. My guess is that this is a 1LT/2LT you're referring to and he or she does not realize their mistake. It could also be someone who just doesn't care. I would push the issue through the NCO support channel. As a battalion CSM, I would have been interested to know this was occurring in my unit and I am sure the Bn Cdrs I worked for would have supported me in making the correction.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-11-29T11:19:03-05:00

I serve for 39 years, during all this time there was only 3 way's to address and NCO "Sergeant" "1SG" and "SGM"

Response by SFC Bob Arnold made Nov 29 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-11-29T12:01:21-05:00

Call him by his first name and see how he reacts!

Response by PO1 Roger Waddle made Nov 29 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-11-29T12:02:13-05:00

First off, tell your NCO,s to grow some , if if the officer calls them " John" then he also gets called John . as for you looking for "regs" you need to grow some also and quit feeling inferior.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Nov 29 at 2016 12:13 PM

2016-11-29T12:13:11-05:00

all of the officers I work for call me Dan. I am totally fine with it even though I refer to them as sir. This is a close community and I work very hard to be here. We are family and this is why we are so effective. These kind of questions makes me proud to have left the conventional Army.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Nov 29 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-11-29T12:29:54-05:00

I cannot speak for the other services, and from the comments, I cannot speak for the "modern Navy" but back in my day. In the shop you called a person by their name. First if you were friends or last if you weren't or if that's what they preferred to be called. Some even had nick names. If the Shop had a LPO he was addressed by his last name as a sign of respect All Chief's were CHIEF. Officers were called by their Rank and name or Mister ____ . The X.O. was XO and the Skipper was The SKIPPER When you have a shop full of 1st @nd and 3rd class Petty officers plus Airmen it was unthinkable to call anyone "Petty Officer Such an such. We did not have that much time. We were too busy trying to keep the Missiles on the roof and keep the birds armed. This was all behind the scenes. In public or as Introductions that is another thing and all that is spelled out in the Blue Jackets Manual for the Enlisted and the Newly Commissioned Naval Officers Guide for Officers.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Nov 29 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-11-29T12:42:18-05:00

Lack of military discipline by wannabe friends establishes inconsistency in leadership that perplexes sound leadership as well as morale. In my tenure as a senior enlisted man, when I saw faternization of junior officers out side of the normal hierarchy of general duties or the weakening of the chain of command by immature contact leadership, it heightened my anger and disrespect for those who violated this mutually respected rank structure. Even worse was a command led by micro managers who bypassed seniors! Good military pride is structured by observing the chain of command built on holding each level responsible and not based on personality but absolute competence, high performance standards and loyalty! Leadership conduct comes with each step in advancement and respect is the goal and not patronization to be likeable!

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Nov 29 at 2016 12:43 PM

2016-11-29T12:43:25-05:00

Even though this is wrong, call him by his first name. For me, if it is just him and me, I will have no issues. However, if there were junior enlisted (E1-E4) he should address me by rank and last name. If he doesn't, I would pull aside an explain to him that by calling me by first name in front of junior soldiers is killing my authority over them. I would give him an example on how he would like it if I call him by first name in front junior officers and even front of senior officers.

Response by SP5 Steven Doyle made Nov 29 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-11-29T12:56:05-05:00

I would reply that you earned the title, you are to be addressed as Ssg, Sgt, Sfc, 1sg, whatever. It is HIGHLY unprofessional unless your in group (Special Forces) where sometimes that's used for opsec or integrity. There is a regulation, Google it. If you can't find it contact your local NCO Academy, thete should have the answer. Let me know if you find it

Response by SSG Don Waggoner made Nov 29 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-11-29T13:31:49-05:00

I don't understand why it's an issue. It doesn't hurt anything and I don't think many senior to you do it. basically, your boss can call you by whatever name he prefers. I would prefer my rank and last name, my rank, or just my last name, but it's not something I would let get to me, unless it is done in a disrespectful manner. To some, it is a term of endearment. If it does bother you, go to that officer, let him/her know how you feel, and request that use a more formal term of address for you. If they don't, then get used to it. Maybe if your first name is all they go by, then it probably is a problem and should be addressed formally if necessary.

Response by MSG Richard Johns made Nov 29 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-11-29T13:44:45-05:00

ONLY If he is in Special Forces. Otherwise it is military Rank (SSG, NOT E-6) and Last Name.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 1:52 PM

2016-11-29T13:52:27-05:00

Wow, I guess I must be one of the few that didn't think that an officer using my first name was degrading, fraternizing, or disrespectful when being spoken to. Guess I had too much of a mellowed out personality in that regard. Had a LTC that I was assigned as a driver for who asked my name and I gave the standard my name is Specialist to which he grinned and asked what my real name was. When it was just he and I, he was "Sir" and I was "John" in other company I was Specialist Wingfield.either way there was no disrespect up or down.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Nov 29 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-11-29T15:22:09-05:00

Reading some of the comments below makes
Me
Consider if some have missed the point of the question. Restating, it appears the question, is there any regulatory requirement on how to address someone? This officer believes he can address NCOs by their first. Mae in front of the troops.

I would start with the UCMJ where it talks about respect and disrespect towards officers and NCOs and the consequences of not rendering proper courtesies and respect. There used to be a study guide regarding customs and courtesy of the military. In that pamphlet consequences were annotated by citations to the proper regulations.

Being discourteous to either an NCO or officer carries a stiff penalty per UCMJ. I'm surprised this question comes up. This has always been simply understood and didn't need explaining after basic training or ROTC/commissioning program.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 5:23 PM

2016-11-29T17:23:42-05:00

I worked hard to earn the name master Sgt. And that officer should be told if not by a staff or senior Nco then try going to another officer to get him straight.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Nov 29 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-11-29T18:56:36-05:00

This is one of those questions that appears from time to time on RP that makes me wonder what is happening in today's military. SSG Wise I'm assuming that the officer in question is a junior officer, 2nd or 1st Lt. As a SNCO you should sit them down and calmly explain the error of their ways. The customs and courtesies of service are there for a reason. And that addressing NCO's by their given names instead of their rank is unprofessional and disrespectful to an individual that has earned their rank. I would have gone high and to the right if some shavetail, fresh from TBS, greeted me with a cheery, "Morning Chuck". OH NO, NO, NO! That's, GYSGT O'Connell, Sir, SNCO of Marines. While you may swap spit and towel snaps with your fellow O's, and call each other by clever Top-gun-like nicknames, you will address and treat with respect the NCO's in your charge as they will address and treat you with respect. This ain't play camp, you are here to lead.

Response by SFC Terry Strauss made Nov 29 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-11-29T19:47:18-05:00

It is inappropriate for a commissioned officer to call any enlisted personnel by first name.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-11-29T19:47:31-05:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member I agree with the people posting references to the regulations which provide guidance on the proper forms of address and I disagree with the (non-Marine) people who think that full ranks should be used at all times.

Here's something I copy/pasted from my answer to a similar question about NCOs addressing each other...

Per the regulation, in the Army at least, I refer to all Army NCOs senior to me as Sergeant, First Sergeant, or Sergeant Major...no exceptions (well, occasionally "Top"). I don't call E8's Master Sergeant. I don't mind when other people do, but I won't.

My second biggest pet peeve with regard to these sorts of things is first names. Soldiers frequently like to say they can keep business and work separate and know the time and place for first names. My theory on that is "If from listening to you speak I know that you know SPC Smith's first name, you are failing at keeping things separate".

My biggest pet peeve with regard to things like this is as follows....

There are several titles or names "authorized" to refer to me and below are the ways to begin an interaction with me...

- Staff Sergeant Andrews
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant Andrews
- Sergeant
- Andrews (depending on your rank)
- Soldier
- establish eye contact or physical contact so that, per normal human interaction, it is understood that you are addressing me

...and those are what I will respond to.

No matter who you are, unless we have established eye/physical contact and there is literally no way you could have meant anybody else, if it's not on that list, I am ignoring you. I might not have heard you, I have no reason to think or assume that you're talking to me, and if you are you're doing it in a disrespectful manner.

Examples of this are...

- Douglas or variants on my first name (not necessarily disrespectful, but not professional either)
- Hey you
- Pssst
- Killer
- High Speed

Response by TSgt James Carson made Nov 29 at 2016 7:49 PM

2016-11-29T19:49:15-05:00

There was a regulation that addressed this. It was Reg- 35-10. I don't know what regulations you fallunder now.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Nov 29 at 2016 11:23 PM

2016-11-29T23:23:12-05:00

SSG Wise,

First, these kind of officers are NOT leaders. They mistake (confuse) friendship or being "user friendly" with professionalism.

Before I go too far here is an interesting and useful site for addressing military personnel from a general sense (http://www.formsofaddress.info/USA.html).

Let me echo LTC Curlee's approach! It is simple, your LAST name and noticing your rank on you collar or sleeve is "self-evident"! You have to be a very STUPID officer to not be aware of this and the protocols required when working with enlisted people!

The VERY BEST Officers, especially those I worked with when I was more senior would never have addressed me by my 1st name when in uniform, but we did play golf or work together in Boy Scouting we both served in off duty hours. In those venues, I would ALWAYS refer to them by their rank and common military courtesy, until they gave me permission to do otherwise specific to those functions. Example: While stationed in Okinawa, I was a PO2 working for the Group Surgeon, and our office was just down the all from the Chief of Staff. He was the 3rd most senior Colonel in the USMC at that time. We were are active in Boy Scouting together on the island. Even at scout meeting when we were both in scout uniform, I called him Colonel.

One meeting he pulled me aside. Here is that exchange I remember over nearly 40 years later:
"Nate, I respect your position regarding my rank and position, but you have my permission when we are in scouting uniform at scouting event to call me Bob."
"Yes, Colonel" I responded.
"Nate, whats my name?"
"Colonel (Last Name)"
"Nate, do I have to give you and order?" he said with a gentle smile.
"No sir!"
"Nate, who am in the these kind of venues"
"Bob, Colonel"

Well, you see where I am going! Finally, I became comfortable ONLY referring to him by his 1st name in Scout Uniform, but always kept in the forefront of my thoughts he was a USMC Col and the Chief of Staff. No amount of time we spent doing scouting activities together gave me permission to abuse this privilege when in military uniform! Likewise, he always referred to me by my military rank and my last name, those also respecting my role as one of the many Hospital Corpsman under his command. Of course he like all Marines called me "Doc" on less formal occasions, but always lifted my spirits and confidence by referring to me in those critical times requiring professional decorum (e.g. meetings, etc.), thus setting the example of how to develop mutual respect (aka TRUST).

If your Officer is having difficulty with this go to your CSM and ask his/her advice. They have the ear of the Commanding Officer. The CO then has a responsibility to maintain "Good Order and Discipline". The BEST COs take the council of QUALITY CSM or in my case Command Master Chiefs and always get remind their Officers to display professionalism as outlined by military protocol and other guidance.

Finally, don't look for "regulations" so must as it is YOUR responsibility as an ENLISTED person, to appropriately challenge, what I assume is the behavior of a Junior or mid-grade Officer, via your ENLISTED chain of command (aka your CSM) to get such guidance! YOU set the example! It is tough, but your SELF-RESPECT is at stake!

Take Colonel Curlee's example. He is an Officer, (and we have never met in person), but his response is just that "Good Morning, Sgt Wise." is what military protocol requires for Officers worth a damn! Loot for them to RESPECT you as much as they require respect as a matter of their rank.

In closing, RESPECTING rank and RESPECTING the person are TWO different issues. I have respected rank of many senior to me, but is some cases I NEVER came to respect (aka TRUST) the person! Officers for me STILL HAVE TO EARN MY RESPECT at people! That is NOT automatic!!!

USA.html).

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Response by SFC Arai Pooley made Nov 30 at 2016 2:18 AM

2016-11-30T02:18:56-05:00

AR 600-20, Army Command Policy

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Nov 30 at 2016 3:37 AM

2016-11-30T03:37:10-05:00

In every service, there are documents and regulations that keep mutual respect in mind, as well as phrases and words that might easily pass as fraternization; I got into leadership positions early in my Naval career, but I never allowed my juniors to call me by my first name. It was sometimes uncomfortable as I rose up in the chain of command, as my senior enlisted tended to call me by my first name in private, never in public, because I was more their age and life experience. When I was the most senior enlisted on the command, I would allow the CO and XO to call be by my first name in private, and I would never reciprocate, unless they insisted, as long as it would pass scrutiny as not being construed as favoritism. I would advise a commander to eschew calling anyone by their first name in public, and would remind them of the rules on fraternization, as they were developed to promote command cohesiveness.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2016 6:29 AM

2016-11-30T06:29:16-05:00

Couldn't go wrong with using rank and last name to address I'd think. I think it's common to use Sergeant to all that it applies to at E-5 and above in Army. Not sure about the rest i.e. 1stSgt, SgtMaj as it applies to Army. Courtesy and respect apply also because they've earned it. The Bill, Bob, and Joe thing depends on unit & individuals I guess but I wouldn't think it would be common practice. The USMC Officers do that a lot but only senior addressing junior or equals in rank. Not a good idea for a Lt to address Bn Cmdr by first name unless he tells you to, which I've never seen. He's the boss though and whatever he wants, you give. Small and remote units might be less formal such as Spec Ops, small detachment like embassy duty, in academia etc.

Response by TSgt Rafael Lebron made Nov 30 at 2016 7:40 AM

2016-11-30T07:40:00-05:00

It is professional courtesy to address every individual by their rank, they have worked hard to earn that rank and the commissioned officer should respect that.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Nov 30 at 2016 7:58 AM

2016-11-30T07:58:39-05:00

I always said my first name is SGT. My last name is Fridley anything else is not Professional. Does this officer allow the NCOs to address him by his first name? I am guessing probably not.

Response by SFC Don Vance made Nov 30 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-11-30T08:29:11-05:00

I always told my soldiers and officers that they could call me anything they wanted as long as they put SGT in front of it. It got the intended results.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2016 8:39 AM

2016-11-30T08:39:34-05:00

https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/catalog/nlm:nlmuid-1308037R-bk this publication, though dated, serves to show a basic principle of Officer conduct. Using this as a guideline, the term familiarity breeds contempt would apply.

Military courtesy and discipline

Response by Sgt Larry Irvine made Nov 30 at 2016 9:04 AM

2016-11-30T09:04:33-05:00

First name basis, in my experience, was commissioned to commissioned. Commissioned to Non- Commissioned was by rank.
Seems unlikely professional to me.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Nov 30 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-11-30T10:39:22-05:00

I would mention it to another officer that you find it unprofessional. He may take it a lot better from a peer.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Nov 30 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-11-30T10:56:52-05:00

Depends on your operating environment, and I suspect that that's why the regs are vague. I and many others have worked in settings in which formal name and rank would have compromised our ability to get stuff done, and I'm not talking about super secret clandestine stuff. Operating in the interagency environment requires some flex, and I'm pleased to say that even among our junior enlisted Soldiers, they seem to be able to move between those settings and the garrison environment, which is obviously more formal, with ease.

Response by SFC Mikael Boyd made Nov 30 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-11-30T16:43:57-05:00

I had a Lt that called me by my first name when i was his Plt Sgt but never in front of other soldiers if you dont like it tell them if they dont change then take it up the chain of command

Response by LT James Smith made Nov 30 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-11-30T20:57:49-05:00

When I first arrived in sunny South East Asia, I was met by a CPO who asked me my name. I was in civilian clothes. I said Jim: he said well FU Jim. I was his new CO. We called each other by first names and neither of us were upset by that. The only time I used his rank was during quarters.

Response by COL William Oseles made Dec 1 at 2016 1:29 PM

2016-12-01T13:29:09-05:00

This is like an NCO refusing to call an Officer "Sir" and instead using his rank, or the abbreviation like L T. It goes both ways.
Now if a senior officer who has known the Sergeant a long time calls the NCO by his first name it is not a professional thing to do in a public setting. For a Junior Officer to do so publicly are really not that smart when the NCO objects.

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Dec 1 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-12-01T15:05:17-05:00

If an officer can order you to your death, the least they can do is be professional to you. The military is not like working for Walmart.

Response by PO1 Charles Babcock made Dec 2 at 2016 11:37 PM

2016-12-02T23:37:07-05:00

While in uniform, In the Army or Marines and Air Force, the proper way to address anyone is by their rank and last name. Sgt Jones, Lt Smith. in the Navy (and Coast Guard) it would be Petty Officer Jones. Cdr Smith. Off duty, it all depends on the relationship of the people involved.

Response by SrA Michael Magnuson made Dec 3 at 2016 9:24 PM

2016-12-03T21:24:35-05:00

Not sure actual refs, but it's really about respect.
If it was a good officer, they called me by my nickname.
A term of endearment for me.
Bad officers I expected to be called by my rank as Sgt

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-12-05T19:38:25-05:00

When I was in Germany I had a Commander who was calling by my first name. I spoke to my 1SG and he nipped in the bud.

Your 1SG should talk to the Commander and inform him/her that NCO prefer being called by their rank. Regardless, if the Officers call each other by name they should respect us as they want to be respected. We are the Back Bone of the Army and we are more experienced than they are and should respect us as well.

I never seen an NCO calling another NCO by their first name we are not the same breed as them and we are professional as deserve to be respected as they want to be respected.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 11:07 PM

2016-12-05T23:07:41-05:00

There is an order that states that you must address all military personnel by there rank and name regardless if they are above or below you. I can try to find the order SSG

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Dec 30 at 2016 4:40 PM

2016-12-30T16:40:43-05:00

Speak to your senior command NCO "off the record" with the details. A command NCO will talk to the CO and a good CO will remind the junior officers how to address subordinates in a professional manner.

Response by SSG Russell Watson made Dec 30 at 2016 6:41 PM

2016-12-30T18:41:36-05:00

NCOs in the Army have 4 first names: Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Sergeant, or Corporal

Response by SFC Arai Pooley made Jan 5 at 2017 12:46 PM

2017-01-05T12:46:53-05:00

AR 600-20

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jan 24 at 2017 8:03 AM

2017-01-24T08:03:09-05:00

Back in the mid 60s at the Benning School for Boys I was a PFC and driver for BN XO. First thing in the morning when I would pull up to his residence, he would literally hop in the jeep and say Good Morning, Ronnie, and a fine day it is. In fact, he always called me Ronnie. I asked the BN SGM about it and he said that it was OK for the Senior to be familiar with the Junior, but not vice versa.
When just Sir wasn't appropriate, to use the third person. Served me well. I would think that is still good advice today.

Response by LTC Ed McAlister made Jan 24 at 2017 8:30 AM

2017-01-24T08:30:53-05:00

I can recall being called by my first name when I was a lieutenant; obviously trying to test me. I responded that my name was Lieutenant McAlister, but my friends called me sir. Seriously though, this officer is ill-disciplined not to mention rude. Step one is for the NCO to take him aside, and politely tell him that referring to NCOs by their first names is contrary to the customs and courtesies of the service, and undermines the sergeants authority. If that doesn't work, drop a dime to the CSM or company commander.

Response by Daniel McEleney made Jan 31 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-01-31T18:06:09-05:00

The NCO"s have earned their titles and should be addressed by it, The use of first names is overly familiar, How would the officer like to be addressed by his first name by his subordinates

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2017 4:59 PM

2017-12-24T16:59:59-05:00

One Sgt simply told the Captain "Call me by my first name - Sergeant"

Response by SGT Jim Wiseman made Jun 23 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-06-23T21:25:16-04:00

To my understanding, officers of superior rank address lower ranked officers by first name. I'm not sure how long that has been going on, but I was told it's a way to make sure you get used to operating in the business world, no matter how long your military career ends up being. I certainly don't condone it for officer to NCO or Enlisted, for reasons already stated above. I enlisted later in life into the Army and by the time I was an E-4, I was among younger E-6's. They seemed to think of me more as a peer, and at one mandatory safety briefing, I entered the theater and answered the SSG who greeted me by first name with: "Sergeant." He half-wonderingly asked what's with the "Sergeant shit? You can call me 'Phil.'" Another E-6 friend told him that I was a professional and that in front of others, I would do the right thing.

Response by MAJ John Douglas made Sep 2 at 2018 11:58 PM

2018-09-02T23:58:26-04:00

Senior officers call lesser ranking officers by their first names all the time. I never heard an officer call his NCOs by their first name and I never even considered doing that. I would consider it a breach of military etiquette and decorum. Very unprofessional.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 27 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-03-27T15:52:50-04:00

It isn't regulatory, and the new edition may have changed it (I doubt it), but I'd check "Service Etiquette", 5th Edition by by Cherlynn Conetsco, Anna Hart.

I have the 2nd edition which has an entire chapter on how and when to use formal, informal and casual forms of address.

If the officer in question is company grade he/she should NEVER address an NCO or SNCO by their first name or nickname (air wing call sign) if there is another enlisted member present. Nor should he/she address an NCO if another officer not in the NCO's chain of command is present.

If you give me the specifics I can tell you what my edition of "Service Etiquette says." Find a West Point, VMI, or Citadel grad for your branch. They were most likely issued a copy.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 27 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-03-27T16:07:57-04:00

Probably a directive somewhere. I tried it once with a CMSgt. Chief Curtiss smiled and said, I’ll call you Lieutenant, sir, and you can call me Chief. That made things pretty clear. When I attended his retirement a year later, I realized he had served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He certainly deserved the respect. I strongly recommend officers address enlisted personnel by their rank and last name. Just the rank in some situations is okay. Address superior officers by rank and last name. Maybe just rank in some situations. Same for more junior officers. In a casual setting officers of the same rank can address each other by their first name, but only if there’s no enlisted present. This formal system of address avoids the whole pronoun problem.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Mar 30 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-03-30T14:27:22-04:00

This is an old post, so maybe no-one is watching anymore, but I'll just put in my two cents anyway. Regulations smegulations, "there more like guidelines actually". The use of first names really has to do with time, place, unit, familiarity, traditions and personalities. When I was in the 82nd airborne div. My CO always called me Lieutenant Arnold and I always called my platoon sergeant, Sergeant ________ (I don't remember his name). I called my squad leaders, Sergeant __________. I called my buck sergeants, Sergeant ___________. We did not use first names at all.

When I was with in the 19th SFG and the 5th SFG and the 1st Psyop Bn. we used first names or nicknames all the time. All the NCOs were addressed each other by first name. I was LT (not lieutenant) or OX. The team leader was called skipper or Cap or Captain, but the use of rank was more like a nickname than a rank (you'd have to be there to get it). When one of us went to the battalion HQ we used normal etiquette and called all those non-familiars by rank and last name, but even then there were exceptions due to familiarity. I heard the Colonel and LTCs and Majors call each other by their first names, and Captains were most always called there first name.

After a few year in the infantry I want to flight school: Aviators were somewhere in between a regular infantry battalion and a special forces group. Of course, no one calls the battalion commander by his first name. There is usually one or two W4s (this was before W5) that no one dare call by their first name except the battalion commander. Sometimes this is out of shear awe and respect. Sometimes it is because he insists on it being so. Some battalion commanders were informal and called us all by first name in staff meetings and other situations where just officers and senior NCO were present. We called familiar crew chiefs and aircraft mechanics by their first names. They called us by our rank. Company grade officers (W1 - O3) were on a first name basis with the exception of the company commander. Of course there were individuals who based on personality preferred the army standard formality.

Well, this has been way to long, about something that no longer matters. But, my point is, many different things determine how informal or how formal members are in one unit.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 1 at 2021 11:58 AM

2021-04-01T11:58:01-04:00

We were always addressed by rank and sometimes name by anyone E6 and above or commissioned officers, especially so in a group where there are multiple of the same rank obviously. I was never on a first name basis with any Staff NCO.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 1 at 2022 11:12 AM

2022-04-01T11:12:15-04:00

???? By rank and last name of course.