In the End, Language is Always About People I once read an article about the issue of addressing ranks between officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). The core argument was this: During a video conference with NCOs, the Army Chief of Staff made a statement that led to a petition being filed with the Human Rights Commission. His remark was: "If a young officer gives an order to an older NCO in informal speech and is questioned about it, that should not happen in military culture. NCOs should be grateful that officers use honorifics when speaking to them." The context in which this statement was made is unclear, but it sparked controversy. Many, including politicians, defended the Chief of Staff, arguing that in the military, rank takes precedence above all else. Reflecting on my own military experience, most officers I worked with over my six years of service used honorifics when addressing older NCOs. For newly commissioned officers, speaking informally to someone...
Former nurse officer turned Korean–English interpreter, a curious spirit always chasing diverse experiences