Practical military customs and courtesies?

[MaxRabbit]

I just got back from Army Basic Training (Whew!), and my NCO called. At first, I did say "Hi Sgt. so and so", but after starting a conversation I just talked to her normally-without saying "Sergeant" in my sentences.

Now, I know of course from Basic that you "always" must say it. But that just seems impossible, especially for carrying on an ordinary conversation... Am I wrong or right? What, in a real life situation, should you do?

Thanks,
max
Thanks for the replies so far! Yes, I am Army Reserves and I have been to several drill weekends with my NCO. She's nice and laid back, so if what I did is commonly acceptable, I'm sure I'm okay.

Any other suggestions still appreciated

 

[Tomo3666]

Hi, first of all what regiment are you joinin?

Personally I would address him/her with there rank until they tell you you can do otherwise, or do what the other blokes do.

From experience I would give it a few months until you call him/her by there nick name though, cuz some can get funny, especially the old school NCO's.

Good luck sprog!

 

[Eagle1 Fox2]

That is generally acceptable. It would actually sound a bit odd if you were to go overboard with it, such as "Hi sergeant. How are you doing sergeant Yes sergeant. No sergeant. Okay sergeant."

Are you seeing my point? After you give your initial greeting, then it is generally okay to be a little less formal, but just keep it respectful none-the-less.

Also, as to what "Well Duh!" said. She is wrong on that. It is never acceptable for a subordinate in the military to call a superior by their first name... ever.

It works like this. Generally a higher ranking person can address a subordinate by their first name, but not the other way around.

 

[Scott]

Professionally, respect for the rank is a must... Hence the yes sir/maam, seargeant, etc. etc. However, once you get into your work center and start establishing a rapport with your supervisors, they may feel comfortable enough to be okay with speaking to you on a first name basis. However, do not ever assume it is okay to do that because you've heard someone else do it. Also, remember that even though you're on a first name basis with that person you must always render proper customs and courtesies to them when in the presence of their senior leadership, officers, etc. etc.

Customs and Courtesies are one of the foundations of the military. I would recommend you always err on the side of caution and address your superiors in a professional manner.

 

[giantsfan]

Well in the USAF (in my shop anyways) we have to address everyone by their rank out of respect. I always start when I'm speaking to a superior with their rank first and continue on with sir or ma'am every time again out of respect. I believe that the army is a little bit stricter on this but I could be wrong.

 

[Well Duh!]

I called my bosses by their first name. Unless we were in a business situation and then I used their rank and last name.

 

[David]

If you just got back from basic training, I take it you are NG or Reserves. Either way you should respect the rank and use her proper rank if she is a higher NonCom or just use sergeant if she is a lower NonCom.
Likewise, if you are talking to someone out of uniform, and do not know them, you treat them as a captian or above until told otherwise...you know, use sir and ma'am. Above all, show the respect you should have been taught when in boot.

 

[David]

If you just got back from basic training, I take it you are NG or Reserves. Either way you should respect the rank and use her proper rank if she is a higher NonCom or just use sergeant if she is a lower NonCom.
Likewise, if you are talking to someone out of uniform, and do not know them, you treat them as a captian or above until told otherwise...you know, use sir and ma'am. Above all, show the respect you should have been taught when in boot.

 

[Well Duh!]

I called my bosses by their first name. Unless we were in a business situation and then I used their rank and last name.

 

[Well Duh!]

I called my bosses by their first name. Unless we were in a business situation and then I used their rank and last name.

 

[Well Duh!]

I called my bosses by their first name. Unless we were in a business situation and then I used their rank and last name.

 

[Well Duh!]

I called my bosses by their first name. Unless we were in a business situation and then I used their rank and last name.

 

[Machinegun Mama]

I never knew anyones first name in the Army Reserves or Active duty. I worked with Special forces on detail and was amazed that they called each other and myself by our first names, but yes call her "SGT" its redundant at best, but respectful. "yo, yo dog." would not cut it.

 

[Jason]

When you go to your unit it may or may not be more laid back on the courtesies. I know all my SGTs don't want us to stand at parade rest or call them "Sergeant" after every sentence. The only person we're supposed to do those courtesies to in my unit is the 1SG like calling "At ease!"