How to Address Military Personnel

The structure and rank categories of the military can be a little confusing. The military consist of personnel with names and numbers that signifies who answers to who. There may be minor variations in different branches of the military, but military personnel must use certain forms of address when speaking to each other. Below are a few ways to show respect by properly addressing personnel.
Even if you are not in the military, you can show respect to the men and women of the military who put their lives on the line to protect this country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   flickr.com

   Someone of junior ranking may address a senior officer by his or her rank and last name, or "Sir" or "Ma'am", but they are not to use the senior officer's first name.
   
   Lieutenant generals, brigadier generals, and major generals are all addressed as "General".
   
   All Lieutenants are addressed as "Lieutenant". Only when writing is "First" or "Second" used.

2. 
    
   bradleynoe.com

   A Master Sergeant is called, "Master Sergeant" and their last name or "Sergeant" and last name.
   
   Chief Master Sergeant is called "Chief" plus last name. Never "Sergeant" only.
   
   Senior officers may call or speak to a junior officer by their last name only, but the junior officer can not do the same for a senior officer.
   
   Regardless of the military's official title, Chaplains are addressed "Chaplain".

3. 
    
   flickr.com

   Sergeants Major are addressed as "Sergeant Major".
   
   First sergeant are addressed as "First Sergeant".
   Other sergeants are addressed as "Sergeant", and a corporal is addressed as "Corporal".

4. 
    
   oregon.gov

   Privates are generally orally addressed by only their last name, but "Private" and their last name is usually used in written communication, and special situations like standing before a panel or board such as the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice).

Resources

• MARINE CORPS INFORMATION
• MILITARY PERSONNEL
• MILITARY EMPLOYMENT

[eac913]

on 9/8/2009 Great article. The military world is so intricate. Thanks.

[misthaven]

on 8/14/2009 Very informative article on how to address military personnel. My brother's a Sergeant, so now I know how to address him! 5*

[marthareggie]

on 6/18/2009 I enjoyed reading your article. My husband is retired Navy. Even though I spent 26 years as a Navy spouse, even now, understanding the different ranks can be confusing to me. Rate: 5*

[mashell3752]

on 6/10/2009 Great information. We all should know this very valuable information at some time.

[Dlaniger]

on 6/1/2009 This is good to know. It can be confusing.