Formality of using call signs...

[AD SUPT Hopeful]

I recently spoke with a couple of pilots from a guard unit I plan on applying with who gave me some POCs to talk to regarding a trip to the unit.

Unfortunately, I underestimated the limitations of my pea-brain and forgot all but the call signs of the POCs. My question is, when I give a phone call to arrange a visit, would it be appropriate to address someone by their call sign? Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[AlbieF15]

Until you have wings on your chest, are a mission ready pilot in the squadron, and 100% sure of your surroundings, the callsign "SIR" is about the only one appropriate.

 

[Rush Limbaugh]

I don't think I'd want a job with a unit who gets their panties in a wad because a hopeful called someone by their callsign. Call the unit and tell whoever answers the phone who you are looking for and that you forgot their rank and name. If they have a problem with that, tell them to go screw themselves. Then go apply to a unit who isn't so petty and childish. Chances are though that it will be a non issue and whoever it is probably won't even think twice about it.

 

[LearLove]

Yo don't listen to Albie. Even though I dream of flying at Fedex with him someday he's your type A F-15 Eggle boy, I bet he wears his hat off base. Don't pass him too close in the hallway or the creases in his flight suit will cut you. Don't look at his boots or they will blind you and you'll fail the eye exam.

Back when I was applying to guard units (A-10's and C-130's) I used first names or call signs as applicable for anyone maj and down. Don't call a 28 year old Lt. sir unless you want funny looks from that guy. Lt. Col and up I addressed as col so and so unless otherwise told. I got to know my unit well as I was an instructor in the base flying club. I worked out daily on base with the bums and full timers so the more you know them the informal it becomes. However in Albies support if I were in my early 20's and walking through the suqadron building and met a guy I did know I'd use Sir. Most likley the next thing you will here is "the names John or they call me Dirt". Anyway it doesn't matter what name you use you'll always be welcome if you BRING BEER.

 

[AD SUPT Hopeful]

Maybe I was a little vague in my post. My question is if it is appropriate to initially ask if [callsign] is available to speak, and then address that person by whatever he/she identifies themselves as once a phone dialouge has been established. Any additional thoughts? Sorry for the confusion.

 

[AlbieF15]

AD,

Your plan sounds fine. What I wouldn't recommend is saying "Hey, (Rocket, Spuds, Killer, etc.), its me....and I want to join your unit". NOTHING wrong with asking for XXX, then saying "Sir...I remembered your callsign but forgot your name and rank. I was told you were THE man to talk to at the XXX unit". All of that is 100% inbounds, and I'm sure the guy will appreciate your call. He might even then say "just call me XXX", which is fine. But don't walk around acting like you've known these guys your whole life and they are your buddies...that will happen later.
What I would suggest NOT doing is walking down the halls going "hey Spuds, hi Killer, what's happening Rocket etc." until you have earned that right. Generally, thats when you get back from your FTU/RTU and have gotten MR. The squadron CC is usually known by his callsign around the bar, but in more formal settings, his office, or when guests from higher HHQ are around then he goes back to "sir". Anyway...you'll figure it out based on your experience and your gaining unit when you join the team. However, one of the most UNCOMFORTABLE things to ever happen is to address someone by their tactical callsign and then get told (then or later) that it wasn't appropriate. That usually happens to everyone at least once, and you sort of plan on it never happening to you again. I'm just trying to save you the pain and embarrassment (and potentially not getting called back) by telling you to play it cool with regards to using callsigns until you know all the rules.

I'd write more, but I got to get back to ironing these flightsuits and shining these boots. As for someone gaffing off a unit deemed "petty and childish" for scoffing at people off the street who think they automatically have the right to act like "Joe Cool"...well...knock yourself out. If I had the chance to joing a fighter unit (or even a local airlift unit) when I was in my early 20s, I'd be doing everything I could to play the game by their rules...cause they have the keys to all the toys. Sounds like you are on the right track, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Rush Limbaugh]

I'd agree that you shouldn't walk around a unit calling everyone by their callsign, but we are talking about the freakin' guard. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who actually gives a crap about being called sir.

Hey Patmack, thanks for the lecture but I was out in the "mud" a long time ago. Good luck with the rest of OCS and pilot training.

 

[ExAF]

Packman, you really have some stones passing on your "wealth of experience in military decorum." Back in the good old days you wouldn't have had time to log on to this board much less have an opinion unless it was issued to you. Right or wrong, why don't you wait until you at least pin on some butter-bars before you go telling someone how they should conduct themselves in a military unit. And while your at it.....Give me 10!

 

[NavyGuy]

Patmack, not to give you a rash-of-sh!t but where the heck do you find the time to even post on this board while going through OCS? When I went through AOCS back in the early 90's we weren't even allowed to take a crap without permission. I realize OCS is not nearly as challenging as AOCS was but jeez, you guys get internet breaks. Congrats on your accomplishments at OCS and all, but like the big boys said, until you get butter-bars, gold wings, etc., leave the advice giving to the guys in the know.

P.S. Don't let the DI's get you down. BATT I rules.


AD,
Word of advice. Be professional until told otherwise. It's the safest way to cover you a$$. No one is going to hammer you for calling them "sir". But run into that one 0-4 that's a tool and piss him off by calling him 'Ace' and you'll probably get your tits hammered just on GP. Take it for what it's worth.

Peace

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Patmack...
Typical Air Force Sallies only do 10 push-ups...how about gimme 50!!?!! As for how you get the time to log on to the internet... Well, all I can think of is that one of your shipmates who is struggling could use some help, and you're surfing the web..... hmmm

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

AD SUPT hopeful,
Yeah, good question. Good advice offered by all...even our newest sea lawyer Patmack. Anyway, couldn't resist taking a shot at the gay, lame-assed thing that looks vaguely like a miniature version of wave. Tell me that's not you on that little ankle-snapper!

Good luck in nailing down that job and I hope you find some real waves out there in your travels!

 

[BMD]

OCS

I'll be sure to let my buddy, the director of AI at PCola, know that Patmack is coming so he can lecture some of the other Enswines on leadership.

 

[AD SUPT Hopeful]

Hugh Jordan,

Yup thats me, unfortunately when i reduced the size of the picture, it didn't pick up the remnant spray coming off that backside snap so I just look like some kook hanging on for dear life. Oddly enough, those are probably the largest waves we've seen in a couple of months (head+1ft sets).

To all,

I appreciate the time spent to help out a total stranger. I'm no doubt at an advantage in the process thanks to advice from you all. Thanks again!

Mike

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Head + 1 ft sets... which head are you measuring from? Just kidding ya'. Really good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[BMD]

ygbsm

Moderator, Please place Patmack's posts on the YGBSM board. He couldn't possibly be for real.

 

[LearLove]

Up here you can call anyone anything you want if you BRING BEER, get the message!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ExAF]

Patmack...
Typical Air Force Sallies only do 10 push-ups...how about gimme 50!!?!! As for how you get the time to log on to the internet... Well, all I can think of is that one of your shipmates who is struggling could use some help, and you're surfing the web..... hmmm

Hey, what can I say....I figured if OCS has softened up enough to allow "internet breaks"...10 might be pushing it!

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Good point!

 

[Pintarski]

Patty,
How about some attention to detail there candidate! Hugh suggested that while you are browsing the internet, one of your buddies could use some help. Don't tell me that your entire class is completely squared away. Buddy is only half a word, right Patty? Please don't reply to this, a mere aye aye sir and and log off will do.
Pintarski
P.S.
Have a nice day!
P.P.S.
Navy Guy, I think the official switch to OCS was in 1994 sometime. Were you in 07-93?

 

[talondriver]

I recently spoke with a couple of pilots from a guard unit I plan on applying with who gave me some POCs to talk to regarding a trip to the unit.

Unfortunately, I underestimated the limitations of my pea-brain and forgot all but the call signs of the POCs. My question is, when I give a phone call to arrange a visit, would it be appropriate to address someone by their call sign? Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

A rule of thumb for callsign usage--if they introduce themselves by their callsign, they probably expect you to use it. But a "sir" won't hurt your chances. If they tell you to KIO with the sir, then KIO. I'm in a reserve unit and have seen my share of baffoons pushing the envelope with the SNAP (sensitive new age pilot) attitude which starts and ends with "ME". Telling a unit to screw off WILL hurt your chances...and possibly your chances at other units (Bros talk). Remember, guard/reserve units can be picky. It all boils down to how much you want it. Oh...bringing beer to the unit's UTAs can't hurt! Good luck

 

[NavyGuy]

Pintarski,
I'm almost afraid to ask how you knew I was in O7-93. SSGT Pointer, USMC, was the deliverer of pain for my class.
So what's your story? You're a bit cryptic with your bio. You can hit me back with a PM if you wish. I'm glad to see there are other members of the AOCS Beach Club on this board.