Expert: Rod Powers - 7/11/2006

Question
Thanks for a quick reply ..... no question, but a comment.  I won't make a deal of it, but it's amazing the pride Vet's have to be recognized correctly....and i must add, due respect.  I made the mistake onbce of calling my father - in- law and "ex" Marine......never again !!!

Thanks for the help !!!
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Followup To

Question -
Rod:

I am addressing a Community gathering and want to show proper respect.  I usually refer ro "soldiers" generically, but realize that we have Army "Soldiers", Navy "Sailors or Seamen", "Marines", and Air Force "Airmen", but how do I refer to the Coast Guard ?

Answer -
Hi Todd,

Members of the Army are addressed as "soldiers," (although there are some "traditionalists who will point out that "soldiers" are enlisted Army members, and that the term "soldiers" is not proper to address Army officers -- but this is very "old school.")

The same is true of the Navy.  The term "Sailors" traditionally is used to address enlisted Navy personnel, not Naval Officers.

All Marines can be addressed as "Marines," whether officer or enlisted.  All Air Force personnel can be addresses as "Airmen," whether officer or enlisted.  All Coast Guard Personnel can be addressed as "Coast Guardsmen," whether officer or enlisted.

I wouldn't get too wraped up with a "community speech," between the distinctions of "soldiers and officers" or "sailors and officers."  Most Army officers are not going to be offended if they are referred to as "soldiers," and most Naval officers are not going to be offended if referred to as "sailors," (Don't call Navy personnel -- in general -- "seamen," however, as this term indicates a Navy person who has not been issued a specific rating (job)).

In short, for Army, "soldiers," for Air Force, "airmen," for Navy "sailors," for Marines, "Marines," for Coast Guard, "Coast Guardsmen," and when all grouped together (probably the easiest of all), "servicemembers."

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


Answer
Hi Todd,

I should have added that.  A person who once served in the Marine Corps is *never* an "ex-Marine."

Along those lines, as I mention in one of the articles on my website, when you ask someone in the Air Force what they do for a living, the likely response will be "I'm in the Air Force."  If you ask an Army person what they do for a living, he/she will probably tell you, "I'm in the Army."  The same for the Navy and Coast Guard.

If you ask a Marine what they do, the response will *never* be "I'm in the Marine Corps."  It will always be "I *am" a Marine."

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com