When are Cadets, Cadets?

[Krapenhoeffer]

Wow... And I thought I was the only one with the Awkward Taco Bell Encounter... Except that I walked into Tango Bravo in civvies, and I find the Cadet Commander and First Shirt in BDUs (Both GTLs, and were surveying potential targets for an upcoming Statewide SAREX). All they said was, "You see nothing. Don't ask questions. About, FACE! Tacos, MARCH!"

Now, for the "other topic" that came up, I'll have to talk with my ROTC instructors, but last time I checked, when the NCA says "Jump," I'm supposed to respond with something to the effect of "How high, sir?"

[JohnKachenmeister]

Off-duty encounters are common in reserve forces.  There is a certain awkwardness on both sides as to what to do.  The duty is usually on the senior in the encounter to set the tone.  While use of titles is never inappropriate, salutes in civilian clothes and in a civilian setting are usually not exchanged.  But if a troop recognizes me, and renders a salute, it must be returned.

If I am with another person, I will introduce the trooper... "(Spouse), this is Private (Trooper), one of my very best soldiers.  (Trooper), this is my wife, (Spouse).

Cordiality and courtesy, but not necessarily military correctness.

[Major Lord]

Wow... And I thought I was the only one with the Awkward Taco Bell Encounter... Except that I walked into Tango Bravo in civvies, and I find the Cadet Commander and First Shirt in BDUs (Both GTLs, and were surveying potential targets for an upcoming Statewide SAREX). All they said was, "You see nothing. Don't ask questions. About, FACE! Tacos, MARCH!"

Now, for the "other topic" that came up, I'll have to talk with my ROTC instructors, but last time I checked, when the NCA says "Jump," I'm supposed to respond with something to the effect of "How high, sir?"

You have Cadet GTL's? Sweet.

Major Lord

[Eclipse]

Cordiality and courtesy, but not necessarily military correctness.

For those of you who are espousing the "I'm just a regular teenager who uses a choice word or two...", it may come as a shock to
realize that there is still an expectation in this world that children and adolescents respect adults simply by virtue of their being "adults", and if you have to consciously adjust your behavior radically simply because you encounter a senior member, its time to dial things down at least in public.

You really shouldn't find yourself yelling "You can't make me get off your lawn, old man!", more than a couple times in your whole life - the people who realize that have a much better chance at careers that don't involve asking about biggie sizing.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Cordiality and courtesy, but not necessarily military correctness.

For those of you who are espousing the "I'm just a regular teenager who uses a choice word or two...", it may come as a shock to
realize that there is still an expectation in this world that children and adolescents respect adults simply by virtue of their being "adults", and if you have to consciously adjust your behavior radically simply because you encounter a senior member, its time to dial things down at least in public.

You really shouldn't find yourself yelling "You can't make me get off your lawn, old man!", more than a couple times in your whole life - the people who realize that have a much better chance at careers that don't involve asking about biggie sizing.

I think that what it comes down to is the cultural differences when interacting with peers and adults.

I'll cuss with friends,  because that seems like the "style" of conversation, but I won't do it with adults.

I'll throw out an F bomb here and there when referencing my college and their billing department, and maybe throw in a WTF here and there online, but nothing on the level of Patti Blagojevich.