Help, DU military types!

[dolo amber]

I'm writing a grant proposal (which I REALLY should've had done last week :blush:) but am having a hard time reaching some of the people involved. If someone is a "First Sergeant" do you write it as "First Sergeant", "1st Sergeant", "Sergeant", or is just plaing "Sgt." ok? Does the "first" part make any significant difference? I mean I'm sure it probably does to them (if it's an earned thing...see? I clearly need help x() but in so far as just referring to the person does it matter?

edit: Oh, also (again, if it matters)...he's a First Sergeant, US Army, Retired. If there's any appropriate way to indicate all that that would also be helpful to know. Like, I don't have to say that every time, right?

Any help would be appreciated. :hi:

[TheBaldyMan]

1. 1SGT USA (Retd)

although I'm not sure. (I'm British)

[dolo amber]

4. Hrm...I'm not sure about that either

Thanks, though. :hi:

[Aristus]

2. Formally addressed, he should be "First Sergeant".

If you know him well enough to address him informally, you can call him "Top". Since he's retired, it probably wouldn't hurt to call him "sir."

[dolo amber]

3. I need more the protocols for "writing", not speaking

He's very intimidating in person, visually...but he's just about the biggiest softie I've ever met once you get the balls to actually sit and talk to him. :D

[Aristus]

5. Well, in writing or speaking, First Sergeants and Sergeants Major

should ALWAYS be addressed by their full rank title. You can usually get away with calling a Master Sergeant simply "sergeant", and all ranks below can also be addressed that way. But NEVER First Sergeant or above.

[dolo amber]

6. Ok, that's good to know

So if you were writing this, the first time you'd say "First Sergeant xxxx xxxxxx, US Army, Retired", and subsequent mentionings you'd just say "First Sergeant xxxxx", right? But it must be the WORD First? Not 1st?

I do appreciate the help. :)

[Aristus]

7. Yes. First Sergeant. Always. Unless you are using the official

military abbreviation, 1SG. I wouldn't, BTW.

[dolo amber]

8. Thanks Aristus

:thumbsup: :)

[yellowdogmi]

9. I would be very careful about the "Sir"

Usually Sir denotes an officer not a senior enlisted person. You would probably hear something to the effect of "Do I look like a sir to you? I work for a living." just my two cents.

[qnr]

10. If not "My parents were married." n/t

[Aristus]

11. Shoot, I know that. I'm a former NCO myself. But nowadays, when

people call me sir, I don't mind. The guy's retired; he's probably okay with it. :-)