Off-duty Military Titles: Usage in Civilian Life?

So random question, if someone's served in the military and earned a rank, are they generally referred to by their military title in everyday life even after retiring or moving on from active service? Just curious about the balance between military and civilian life.

It's a good question and reflects a respect for and curiosity about military traditions. The use of military titles in civilian life after active service depends on the individual and the context. While it's not unheard of, it's far less common than say, referring to a retired physician as "Doctor."

Once a person has transitioned from active military service, they typically don't use their military rank in everyday life, at least in the U.S. They might list it on a resume or use it in professional or formal contexts, particularly if they're working in a field related to the military or government, like consulting or contracting. It’s also common to use the title informally when addressing veterans in recognition of their service, for instance in Veterans Day gatherings or other military-related scenarios.

In general, the etiquette here is that it’s better to use the title if you’re uncertain whether it's appropriate. This respects the time and effort the person put into earning their rank. However, many military veterans see themselves as civilians once they've transitioned to civilian life and prefer not to use their old military titles. When in doubt, it's best to ask the individual about their personal preference.