How should a lower ranked soldier address a female officer of a higher rank?
by 
jim.cox@crafco.com
ANSWERS: 4
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It depends on the location, where the encounter takes place. on a military base, the female officer is saluted, by the lower ranking officer or non - commissioned officer. "good morning, maam" is appropriate. saying sir, to a female military officer is 50-50. some female officers accept it, others say its offensive. being off-base is just that, off-base. saluting is not allowed, but the same greeting is permissiable.
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To begin with, it depends on the country involved. JP's answer,it seems, is in regard to American armed forces. Here in Canada, if you used "sir", you'd get a scowl and likely, if left uncorrected, some defaulters. It's maam always, with a salute if covered. A salute is only given on the street if you are covered and you recognise the officer whether she is in civvies or not. Aboard ship,slautes aren't used as a rule, but women officers are still addressed as maam.
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In the Marines, if I was the low ranking troop, I would address the female officer by her rank and last name or by saying Ma'am...Plain and simple.
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In the Navy and Marines, all officers are addressed as "Sir" whether male or female. Some Female Officers prefer to be addressed as "Mam" but the protocol is Sir for both genders.
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