- Enlisted: The Enlisted (but not NCO) ranks can talk to themselves like regular joes, like if I talked to an E-4 (I'm E-3), I don't have to really call him by his rank, I can say "Hey <fill in name>" without no problem. But in infantry (I've heard) is that the lower ranks call the next higher rank by their rank (So an E-2 will call an E-3 by his rank after each sentence ("Yes PFC, no PFC"). Fortunately in some units, we don't have to do this, as I feel offended if I have to get at Parade Rest for a damn E-4. Note however, us Enlisted when talking to NCOs and Officers have to say at least a couple times "Sarge, First Sargeant, Sargeant Major (DO SAY THIS ONE!) at least a few times. That's respect of rank right there, and you say the last two ranks more often than not. You can still talk like regular people, but then again, this isn't the Marines. With officers it's the same way, though I highly recommend saying Sir/Ma'am more often to the field grade (and especially the generals) officers.
- NCOs: NCOs really don't have it that bad. When talking to enlisted, they can talk normally, but then again, they also call other Sargeants by the old "Sarge" or "Sergeant" as needed, like "Hey Sergeant <fill in name>" in either a mess of them, or to make sure they call it right, because it's the NCO pride thing, you really have to walk around and do it to understand I guess. However, like enlisted, they still say First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major (respect of rank even you may be NCO and he/she may be as well). Note that Sir/Ma'am is reserved for officers, it is weird (I am a male of course) to call a woman Sarge (as well as anything what the rank may be), but you do it anyways. One important note. As most people know, the Sergeant Major is the all important one, but he still has to say Sir even to a cherry ell-tee, and salute (but who's got more power is a no brainer, no buck ell-tee is gonna fuck with a SGM unless he's stupid.... hee hee).
- Officers: Officers are weird, and they lead (sometimes it's of course debatable) the militaries of the world. Generals and lower run the show. We all say Sir/Ma'am and all that and salute, it's second nature when you're in the military. One thing that is odd is that a Captain still has to say Sir/Ma'am to a Major, it's funny I guess, but I didn't write the rules... However, those in the know know that a 2nd Lieutenant doesn't have to salute or say Sir/Ma'am to a 1st Lieutenant (Sarcastically, in my own opinion, they're really not worth much to garner that much respect). However, when an ell-tee finally puts on those two silver bars and everything else, it's all the same game and it keeps on going in cycle.
- Ye Old Salute: The salute is the most common form of showing respect for officers (though again, for some it's debatable). Generally, it's the junior that salutes first, it's how it's done, that's it, I don't know how to explain it, but it's the way it's supposed to be. Generally, you only salute officers (junior officers still salute first) and that's it. Those who have been in the military (least in mine) NCOs still salute enlisted, however, this is only in formations where it seems appropriate, though obviously you won't see an E-5 saluting an E-6 while walking down the street anytime in the future. One other thing drilled is not to salute in the field. It's common practice that the snipers go for the brass (none too true of course) and saluting any officer in the field only attracts bullets. While some reading this may agree on the fact that some need a bullet, it's not a good thing. However, if it's not a wartime situation, and if it's decided to salute while in the field, salute then, you didn't decide it (and if an LTC or Major gets killed and it was determined (somehow) that it was because he/she was saluted, it will nevertheless stop.... Note that saluting is permitted indoors, only in the case of interior guards, they salute inside. Note that saluting can also be done with a weapon, which I don't feel like getting into. When the officer has both his hands full, it is considered inappropriate to salute the officer. Saluting is usually done from the right hand (don't know why) but in the Navy, can be done with the left as well if necessary). Also, a good rule of thumb is when in doubt to salute, salute!
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