Ranks, Titles, and Terms of Address
Address by Rank or Title
Address by Rank/Grade
Military personnel are addressed by the rank associated with their grade or title.
Officer Address
Officer Address
While all USAF personnel are Airmen, it is appropriate to address officers by their grade, such as Lieutenant Colonel.
Enlisted Address
Enlisted Address by Grade
Enlisted members may be addressed by their grade, such as Master Sergeant.
Enlisted Tier Address
It is also acceptable to address enlisted members relative to their tier:
- Airman
- Sergeant
- Senior
- Chief
…as appropriate.
Sir/Ma'am
Sir/Ma'am Acceptable
USAF members may also be addressed as "Sir" or "Ma'am".
Chaplains
Chaplain Address
Chaplains may be addressed as "Chaplain" or by their ecclesiastical title.
Respect for Civilians
Civilian Address
Civilians and civil service employees should be addressed appropriately as:
- "Mr."
- "Mrs."
- "Miss"
- "Ms."
…and their last name.
Sir/Ma'am for Civilians
Also, using "Sir" or "Ma'am" is appropriate.
Respect for Retirees
Retirees = Same Respect
Retirees are entitled to the same respect and courtesies as active military members.
How to Address Retirees
Retiree Grade Use
They will be addressed by their retired grade on all official records and official correspondence, except for correspondence and other matters relating to a retiree's civilian employment.
Reference
Retiree Reference
Refer to AFI 36-3106, *Retiree Activities Program*, for additional details.
Respect for Uniformed Forces and Other Services
Other Service Courtesy
Extend military courtesies to members of:
- Other uniformed forces
- Other services
- Friendly foreign nations
Anthem and Flag Equivalence
Foreign Anthem/Flag Respect
Pay the same respect to the national anthems and flags of other nations as rendered the United States national anthem and flag.
Foreign Insignia Recommendation
Frequent Foreign Insignia
While not necessary to learn the identifying insignia of the military grades of all nations, you should learn the ranks, grades, and insignia of the most frequently contacted nations, particularly during an overseas assignment or deployment.