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Is it correct for a soldier to address an NCO as sir?

Question #84281. Asked by darkpresence.
Last updated Jun 09 2021.

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zbeckabee star
Answer has 5 votes
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zbeckabee star
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18 year member
11752 replies avatar

Answer has 5 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
When addressing a superior officer (not a NCO), "sir" is used to replace the person's specific rank.

link https://www.debretts.com/expertise/forms-of-address/professions/the-armed-forces/


In both the United States Military and British Armed Forces addressing an NCO as "Sir" is incorrect, and the almost universal response to such an address is "Don't call me sir, I work for a living".

In the Royal Canadian Mounted Police only commissioned officers are addressed as "sir", NCOs and constables are addressed by thier rank.

More follows:

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir

Response last updated by satguru on Jun 09 2021.
Aug 07 2007, 2:02 PM
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mctavish99
Answer has 3 votes
mctavish99
18 year member
518 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.
In many militaries, Warrant Officers are classed as senior NCOs, and typically hold positions such as Sergeant Major.

They are addressed by lower ranks as "Sir" or "Ma'am"

Junior NCOs (Corporals, Sergeants and equivalent) are not addressed as sir.

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_Officer

Aug 08 2007, 12:42 AM
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