It just seems like it should be the other way around.
2007-08-15 04:12:03 · 34 answers · asked by Michael W 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes.
2007-08-15 04:15:03 · answer #1 · answered by kno3ko 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The rank is saluted and respected, not the individual although after the rigorous training of the 2nd Lieutenant, the Queen's Commission given carries authority. It has worked for centuries and the Lieutenant knows that he can rely on the experience of those he leads. Having served myself, I can appreciate what you are saying but in practice all are serving together as a unit or a team and it is the teamwork that delivers. Getting the best out of the team is the art of leadership and a good leader will draw on the strengths of the individuals within it. So, respect for the Commission, respect for the rank...which is in reach of all and the machine will work as it should.
2007-08-15 04:24:36 · answer #2 · answered by John G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its respect for the rank not the age of the person carrying it.
A Sgt-Major is just a senior Non-Commissioned Officer
A 2nd Lieutenant is a junior Commissioned Officer.
2007-08-15 06:17:56 · answer #3 · answered by conranger1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not in the military, but I have worked with it, and I think the answer is "yes." An officer is an officer. If the Sgt major is a non-commissioned officer then I'm not sure. As far as I know, the officer has always completed college before joining, and that is where the division lies, not how many years of service however well it has been served.
2007-08-15 04:16:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It does not matter how old an NCO is or his time in service. By the Military rank structure an enlisted member must show an officer "respect" by addressing them as Sir or Ma'am whether or not that officer has earned that title.It is just a formality and the junior officer will either really earn that respect or will not be a leader very long.
2007-08-15 04:39:30 · answer #5 · answered by Lonely joe 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. All NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers) are required to call officers Sir or Ma'am and salute them when appropriate. Additionally, there are Warrant Officers, which are like a middle rank between NCOs and Officers. NCO's are required to call Warrant Officers sir (or Chief) but even a CW5 (which is the highest Warrant Officer rank and the hardest to get to, It's like being a Colonel or a General) has to call a 2LT sir and salute him.
It's a matter of respect and Military Custom and Tradition.
Ranks in the Army are like this and all ranks must show respect to those above them at all times. However, there are some instances when a Soldier may be appointed to be in charge of a detail or duty and other Soldiers who outrank him must follow his orders, though, the lower ranked can not disrespect them.
PVT (Private)
PV2 (Private)
PFC (Private First Class)
SPC/CPL (Specialst {Lower Enlisted} Corporal {Jr. NCO})
SGT (Sergeant)
SSG (Staff Sergeant)
SFC (SergeantFirst Class {Senior NCO})
MSG/1SG (Master Sergeant, First Sergeant {Command Position})
SGM/CSM (Sergeant Major, Command Sergeant Major {Command Role})
WO1 (Warrant Officer 1)
WO2 (Warrant Officer 2)
CW3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3)
CW4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4)
CW5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5)
2LT (Second Lieutenant)
1LT (First Lieutenant
CPT (Captain)
MAJ (Major)
LTC (Lt. Colonel)
COL (Colonel)
BGN (Brigadier General)
MGN (Major General)
LGN (Lt. General)
GEN (General)
2007-08-15 04:36:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is yes. You would have to understand the complete workings of the military to fully appreciate the complexity of this situation. However, it is a rank system and that is the way it is set up. You would find that usually a 2LT would not disobey a request by s sgt maj.
2007-08-15 04:20:52 · answer #7 · answered by tsugamoto 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's wierd, but true. The title indicates a respect for the office, not necessarily the person holding the office.
A wise Lieutenant is going to recognize that he or she needs the experience and wisdom of the SGM or CSM, but the SGM will also realize that proper military courtesy is a good example to the less experienced troops.
2007-08-15 04:17:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I became an Ensign in the Navy (equivalent to 2nd LT) around age 22-23 and I was in charge of a detachment of Seabees, some of whom had been in the Navy as long as I had been born. They called me sir, because they respected my rank. I treated them with respect and heeded their advice on a lot of things, because I respected their experience. It worked very well because both sides had mutual respect and worked together for the good of the unit.
2007-08-15 04:21:53 · answer #9 · answered by DGS 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes they would. I know one Sgt. in Atlanta who's son is a Lt. and when they are on base together, the father has to call the son "Sir" but he made it VERY clear that it's only on base. when they are at home the son calls dad Sir.
2007-08-15 04:20:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep. A 20 year SgtMaj. would be professional enough and understand the tradtions of the military to call a 20 year old Lt. "Sir".
2007-08-15 04:18:08 · answer #11 · answered by upnorthguy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋