Question to those who were kids in military families

[Krosan]

I am reading Christopher Hitchens's before-death memoir. I noticed that he always addressed his dad as "the Commander" (OF-4 in the Royal Navy) as he was taught.

Was this usual for kids born into military families in ~1949 or was it unusually strict?

[rktman]

I was a twenty year milbrat. My dad was a U.S. Navy officer. I called him dad and sir. Until he swore me in. Then I called him Captain. LOL!

[Bubba_Leroy]

I grew up in the 60s. I knew kids who called their career military fathers by their rank (Colonel or Captain that I specifically recall) but I think that was more of a Southern thing.

My father was in the Navy for 10 years, during World War II through the mid 1950s (eventually becoming a Commander), and remained in the Naval Reserves during the 1960s. I never heard anyone call him Commander.

[null and void]

Dad was always dad, not Sgt, Gunny, MSgt, or Top.

Can’t speak for officers’ families...

[Thank You Rush]

“”Dad was always dad, not Sgt, Gunny, MSgt, or Top.””

I was beginning to wonder if everyone posting only had NAVY in their families. Your post says “USMC” or “US Army”, right?

[rktman]

Of course other milbrat’s parents were addressed by rank. When my dad swore me in in ‘67, as a seaman recruit I obviously had to address him as Captain. At home, not so much. 😁

Merry Christmas.

[Macho MAGA Man]

My cousins always referred to my dad as Uncle Sarge!

[ealgeone]

I run a detail business as a side gig....every customer is sir or ma’am.

[bdfromlv]

I met a retired E-1 and he wanted to be called Mike but a retired Gunny is always Gunny, all respect for earned positions. john kerry will always be Kerry.

[null and void]

MARINES!

[cuz1961]

I refer t him as someone sir. Old habits are hard to break.

\/

i cant remember how many times ive been told by elders

” dont call me sir”

only to reflexively reply “ yes sir”

/-)

upbringing + boot.

[cuz1961]

( boot taught me to address enlisted by rank, officers by sir , civilians by sir )

[cyclotic]

I knew a really weird bunch of kids. When I met their father, I asked one of the sons what his first name was. “Sir.” Was the reply.

The guy was really weird. Ended up in prison for tax evasion.

[TangoLimaSierra]

I met a retired E-1

Did he get busted just before getting out? I don't think you can remain an E-1 for 20 years.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

According to DH, military brat, Dad was Dad or Sir.

Never Sarge.

Mom was Mom and Ma'am.

Never anything else or you got the wrath of Dad. :)

[null and void]