How should one address BGO's?

Zimmermann 45

5-Year Member
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I am about to contact my local BGO for the first time
but I am curious as to how to address one. Is it sir (I know
mine is a male) or something else?
 
Mr. XXXX..... and if you want to use "sir", sure, but as long as it's respectful, like yes v. yeah.... you'll be fine. How would you talk to your principal?
 
I am about to contact my local BGO for the first time
but I am curious as to how to address one. Is it sir (I know
mine is a male) or something else?
If your BGO has a rank, try to use that also. For introductions, you can never go wrong with a sir or Mr along with a friendly smile and a firm handshake while making solid eye contact. The use of rank tells him you recognize his position and you understand deference, which is fundamental in military protocol. Cheers.
 
Many BGOs are female -- "Ms." is appropriate.

If you discover they are on active duty, their rank is appropriate. For retirees . . . some prefer to be called by their ranks; others default to Mr. or Ms. If you learn they are a physician, "Dr." would be appropriate.

Start with Mr. or Ms. and see how they respond. I.e., if they introduce themselves as, or their email return is "signed" as, "CDR Jones," I might go with "Commander." :smile:

If in doubt, simply ask how he/she prefers to be addressed. No one should take offense at that.
 
Guys Like Titles

So hard for me to refer to retirees by their ranks...

When I was first interviewing for my current line of work, a tip I read was if a member of the interview panel has a title, try to throw it in now and then. People who have earned a title/rank like to hear it. Probably one of the best pieces of advice I ever received. Yes, I got the job :) Cheers.
 
So hard for me to refer to retirees by their ranks...

we are soooo far from a military family that all of the etiquette is Greek-to-me. Why is it hard to do this? Is it inappropriate? (this is not a rhetorical or sarcastic question-I sincerely have no clue)
 
we are soooo far from a military family that all of the etiquette is Greek-to-me. Why is it hard to do this? Is it inappropriate? (this is not a rhetorical or sarcastic question-I sincerely have no clue)

No, it's appropriate. Retirees can use their rank.

For me, it's just a "move on" kind of thing. I also don't like when people want other, non-military folks, to use their ranks. Um....no. Admiral and general being the exception for me, usually, if I worked/knew them as flag/general officers.
 
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For retirees, a lot depends on the person, his/her rank, his/her feelings about time spent in the service, and his/her feelings about leaving the service. It can also be impacted by what they do after leaving the military. It's complicated . . .:wink: However, if you retire, you are entitled to be addressed by your rank at retirement.

For flag officers, I would always defer to addressing them by rank. It's almost like "Dr." in terms of usage.

For O-6 retirees (Colonels, Captains), it's probably 50/50. Some very much use their ranks; others drop their rank the minute they retire.

I would say that most who retire at O-5 (Commander, Lt. Col.) or less, as well as retired enlisted personnel, do not go by their rank. However, there are definitely exceptions.

I would look at the way your BGO is listed in CIS and start with that. If it is a rank, address an email or conversation as "Commander X." If the person prefers "Mr." or "Ms.," he/she will likely let you know.
 
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