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How to address military person as a civilian in business relationship
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How to properly address a person in a military hospital who is commander/chief/head-of-institution, university professor and colonel at the same time?
I am a civilian from a software development company, offering a service.
Should I address him professor, colonel or commander/chief...
solution: it was professor
thanks for your advices
professionalism title
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
How to properly address a person in a military hospital who is commander/chief/head-of-institution, university professor and colonel at the same time?
I am a civilian from a software development company, offering a service.
Should I address him professor, colonel or commander/chief...
solution: it was professor
thanks for your advices
professionalism title
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
3
What country, what army, what title, what relationship, what position, what question, ... ?
– Lilienthal♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:37
2
Have you asked him? He's the best person to tell you how he prefers to be addressed.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:52
7
Start with "sir", then ask him how you should address him. That is the most professional way to approach this. I say this as a civilian who has worked with both military personnel and academics. He may well tell you to address him by his first name. Ask.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:57
3
Just a reminder to our commentators of our Be Nice policy.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:07
1
You have your solution, but it is never inappropriate to address a military person by their rank. It's a title they've sought and earned. If they'd rather you use something else, they will tell you, but will not be offended.
– Wesley Long
Jun 28 '16 at 20:10
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
How to properly address a person in a military hospital who is commander/chief/head-of-institution, university professor and colonel at the same time?
I am a civilian from a software development company, offering a service.
Should I address him professor, colonel or commander/chief...
solution: it was professor
thanks for your advices
professionalism title
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
How to properly address a person in a military hospital who is commander/chief/head-of-institution, university professor and colonel at the same time?
I am a civilian from a software development company, offering a service.
Should I address him professor, colonel or commander/chief...
solution: it was professor
thanks for your advices
professionalism title
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
edited Jun 28 '16 at 13:17
A E
5,26611625
5,26611625
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
asked Jun 28 '16 at 10:34
dllhell
6762513
6762513
3
What country, what army, what title, what relationship, what position, what question, ... ?
– Lilienthal♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:37
2
Have you asked him? He's the best person to tell you how he prefers to be addressed.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:52
7
Start with "sir", then ask him how you should address him. That is the most professional way to approach this. I say this as a civilian who has worked with both military personnel and academics. He may well tell you to address him by his first name. Ask.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:57
3
Just a reminder to our commentators of our Be Nice policy.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:07
1
You have your solution, but it is never inappropriate to address a military person by their rank. It's a title they've sought and earned. If they'd rather you use something else, they will tell you, but will not be offended.
– Wesley Long
Jun 28 '16 at 20:10
 |Â
show 3 more comments
3
What country, what army, what title, what relationship, what position, what question, ... ?
– Lilienthal♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:37
2
Have you asked him? He's the best person to tell you how he prefers to be addressed.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:52
7
Start with "sir", then ask him how you should address him. That is the most professional way to approach this. I say this as a civilian who has worked with both military personnel and academics. He may well tell you to address him by his first name. Ask.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:57
3
Just a reminder to our commentators of our Be Nice policy.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:07
1
You have your solution, but it is never inappropriate to address a military person by their rank. It's a title they've sought and earned. If they'd rather you use something else, they will tell you, but will not be offended.
– Wesley Long
Jun 28 '16 at 20:10
3
3
What country, what army, what title, what relationship, what position, what question, ... ?
– Lilienthal♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:37
What country, what army, what title, what relationship, what position, what question, ... ?
– Lilienthal♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:37
2
2
Have you asked him? He's the best person to tell you how he prefers to be addressed.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:52
Have you asked him? He's the best person to tell you how he prefers to be addressed.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:52
7
7
Start with "sir", then ask him how you should address him. That is the most professional way to approach this. I say this as a civilian who has worked with both military personnel and academics. He may well tell you to address him by his first name. Ask.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:57
Start with "sir", then ask him how you should address him. That is the most professional way to approach this. I say this as a civilian who has worked with both military personnel and academics. He may well tell you to address him by his first name. Ask.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:57
3
3
Just a reminder to our commentators of our Be Nice policy.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:07
Just a reminder to our commentators of our Be Nice policy.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:07
1
1
You have your solution, but it is never inappropriate to address a military person by their rank. It's a title they've sought and earned. If they'd rather you use something else, they will tell you, but will not be offended.
– Wesley Long
Jun 28 '16 at 20:10
You have your solution, but it is never inappropriate to address a military person by their rank. It's a title they've sought and earned. If they'd rather you use something else, they will tell you, but will not be offended.
– Wesley Long
Jun 28 '16 at 20:10
 |Â
show 3 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
You can't go wrong with sir, at least the first time, then whatever reply you get I'd use the title on his email signature if you're contacting by email. If not by email then:-
I would use his military title if he is a soldier for general communication.
If I'm specifically contacting him just because he is a professor I would use professor.
If I had a bit of time and cared enough, I'd ring his secretary and ask.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
6
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
1
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
2
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
A few suggestions.
1) Google him, if he his high profile enough there may be some clues online.
2) Call the hospital contact number (if you have it) and ask them.
3) If you've had any correspondence via email see how he identifies himself in his email signature.
4) If they have a contact directory see how he is listed.
5) Follow what Jane S says and start with Sir.
I don't think there is a definite answer to this question.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
You can't go wrong with sir, at least the first time, then whatever reply you get I'd use the title on his email signature if you're contacting by email. If not by email then:-
I would use his military title if he is a soldier for general communication.
If I'm specifically contacting him just because he is a professor I would use professor.
If I had a bit of time and cared enough, I'd ring his secretary and ask.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
6
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
1
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
2
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
You can't go wrong with sir, at least the first time, then whatever reply you get I'd use the title on his email signature if you're contacting by email. If not by email then:-
I would use his military title if he is a soldier for general communication.
If I'm specifically contacting him just because he is a professor I would use professor.
If I had a bit of time and cared enough, I'd ring his secretary and ask.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
6
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
1
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
2
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
You can't go wrong with sir, at least the first time, then whatever reply you get I'd use the title on his email signature if you're contacting by email. If not by email then:-
I would use his military title if he is a soldier for general communication.
If I'm specifically contacting him just because he is a professor I would use professor.
If I had a bit of time and cared enough, I'd ring his secretary and ask.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
You can't go wrong with sir, at least the first time, then whatever reply you get I'd use the title on his email signature if you're contacting by email. If not by email then:-
I would use his military title if he is a soldier for general communication.
If I'm specifically contacting him just because he is a professor I would use professor.
If I had a bit of time and cared enough, I'd ring his secretary and ask.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:06
Kilisi
94.4k50216374
94.4k50216374
6
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
1
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
2
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
suggest improvements |Â
6
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
1
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
2
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
6
6
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
One visual cue is if he is wearing his uniform.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:08
1
1
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
Sir is always a valid way to address a military officer.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 28 '16 at 15:37
2
2
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
Sir is always a way to address a male officer, @Chad. Most female officers I know would be insulted.
– HLGEM
Jun 29 '16 at 15:36
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
@HLGEM - Only if they are Air Force...
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
The OP does mention it's a man, but in general I agree, nurses are officers and you don't call them sir. It depends on the army, in some there is no gender for 'sir' so the equivalent applies equally.
– Kilisi
Jun 29 '16 at 16:13
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
A few suggestions.
1) Google him, if he his high profile enough there may be some clues online.
2) Call the hospital contact number (if you have it) and ask them.
3) If you've had any correspondence via email see how he identifies himself in his email signature.
4) If they have a contact directory see how he is listed.
5) Follow what Jane S says and start with Sir.
I don't think there is a definite answer to this question.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
A few suggestions.
1) Google him, if he his high profile enough there may be some clues online.
2) Call the hospital contact number (if you have it) and ask them.
3) If you've had any correspondence via email see how he identifies himself in his email signature.
4) If they have a contact directory see how he is listed.
5) Follow what Jane S says and start with Sir.
I don't think there is a definite answer to this question.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
A few suggestions.
1) Google him, if he his high profile enough there may be some clues online.
2) Call the hospital contact number (if you have it) and ask them.
3) If you've had any correspondence via email see how he identifies himself in his email signature.
4) If they have a contact directory see how he is listed.
5) Follow what Jane S says and start with Sir.
I don't think there is a definite answer to this question.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
A few suggestions.
1) Google him, if he his high profile enough there may be some clues online.
2) Call the hospital contact number (if you have it) and ask them.
3) If you've had any correspondence via email see how he identifies himself in his email signature.
4) If they have a contact directory see how he is listed.
5) Follow what Jane S says and start with Sir.
I don't think there is a definite answer to this question.
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
answered Jun 28 '16 at 11:03
Dustybin80
5,85732125
5,85732125
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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3
What country, what army, what title, what relationship, what position, what question, ... ?
– Lilienthal♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:37
2
Have you asked him? He's the best person to tell you how he prefers to be addressed.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:52
7
Start with "sir", then ask him how you should address him. That is the most professional way to approach this. I say this as a civilian who has worked with both military personnel and academics. He may well tell you to address him by his first name. Ask.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 10:57
3
Just a reminder to our commentators of our Be Nice policy.
– Jane S♦
Jun 28 '16 at 11:07
1
You have your solution, but it is never inappropriate to address a military person by their rank. It's a title they've sought and earned. If they'd rather you use something else, they will tell you, but will not be offended.
– Wesley Long
Jun 28 '16 at 20:10