Correct Forms of Address, Rank, and Titles
In the United States Corps of Chaplains

When personnel (Chaplains excepted) are addressed or referred to, orally or in writing, the rank or title of address will normally be used depending on the circumstance and place used. (more on title of address further down)

All chaplains are addressed as "Chaplain," regardless of rank or professional title; for example, Chaplain John S. Doe, or Chaplain Doe. When a chaplain is addressed in writing and the rank is used, the rank is indicated in parentheses, either spelled out or abbreviated; for example, Chaplain (Major) John F. Doe, or Chaplain (MAJ) John F. Doe. We do not use Civilian Professional Titles in the USCOC such as: Rev., Dr., Phd, Thd, etc.

When directly addressing someone (verbally) or speaking about someone (verbally) you use the "title of address", not the "modifier". For Chaplains, the title of address is simply "Chaplain."

In formal written addresses and signature blocks in emails, the Chaplains will use the form of: Chaplain (MAJ) John S. Doe.

In formal written addresses and signature blocks in emails Non-Chaplains will use the rank and name as in: Major John S. Doe, or MAJ John S. Doe.

Now, back to the "title of address" in verbal conversation and salutations in letters and emails.

For Chaplains, as stated above, it is: Chaplain Surname, as Chaplain Doe.

For Non-Chaplains it is: title of address Surname, as Major Doe or MAJ Doe.

Below are the "title of address" for the different ranks of Non-Chaplains as used in verbal conversation and salutations:

     Written                  Spoken
Rank (Abbreviation)      Title of Address
-------------------------------------------
General (GEN)                General
Lieutenant General (LTG)     General
Major General (MG)           General
Brigadier General (BG)       General

Colonel (COL)                Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)     Colonel
Major (MAJ)                  Major
Captain (CPT)                Captain
First Lieutenant (1LT)       Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant (2LT)      Lieutenant

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Command Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major (SGM)         Sergeant Major
Master Sergeant (MSG)        Sergeant
Sergeant First Class (SFC)   Sergeant
Staff Sergeant (SSGT)        Sergeant
Sergeant (SGT)               Sergeant

Corporal (CPL)               Corporal
Private First Class (PFC)    Private
Private Second Class (PSC)   Private
Private (PVT)                Private