Forms of Address

Forms of address are directly related to the rank system. Private soldiers are addressed by their title and their surname. The title may vary depending on the regiment, or the arm or service. For example Highlander, Rifleman, Private, Guardsman, Bugler, Gunner, Sapper, Fusilier, Trooper, Signalman etc.

Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Major Generals are addressed as General;Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels as Colonel ; Corporals and Lance Corporals as Corporal, or Bombardier in the Artillery; Staff Sergeants and Colour Sergeants as Staff or Colour; Company or Squadron Sergeant Majors as Sergeant Major, Miss or Mr and Regimental Sergeant Major as Sir, Ma'am, Regimental Sergeant Major, Miss or Mr, depending on the rank of the addressor.

Conversation is conducted in the first person. Compliments are paid by saluting and returning that salute. The salute is often followed by a handshake on first meeting. First names are widely used within the rank groupings. Nicknames and terms of endearment reflect a mixture of popularity, unpopularity and respect. Crossing of boundaries is achieved by the widespread use of a combination of rank and Christian name, for example, Colonel John. When working in multi national environments, such as in Bosnia, it is not uncommon for christian names to be used by all ranks.

Key to Badges of Rank - Non Commissioned and Warrant Officers
a	Lance Corporal	e	Warrant Officer Class 2
b	Corporal	f	Warrant Officer Class 2
c	Sergeant	g	Warrant Officer Class 1
d	Staff Sergeant