Sir names

[PhantomTweak]

Now in my old age, I hear the occasional mutter about Fart.

Gee, I only hear that when they're down-wind...odd...

The military does seem to inculcate (big word for the day!) the habit of surnames from top down, RANK and surname bottom up, and first names peer-to-peer. That happens in boot camp and continues all through the career. And by peer-to-peer, I mean same rank, not one or two up or down, altho in Yuma there seemed an exception to that whole rule within work-center areas Couple ranks either way was first or nick-names (Ziggy for VanZuiden, Spaghetti for Sepulveda, Pebbles for Linda-Lou South, Digital for me...don't ask...).
Of course, the Radar shop in Yuma was also the only shop I ever saw that had a simulated Union designator, FOMDT Local 630. Pronounced FOMM-DET, for Fraternal Order of Microwave Device Technicians, and we were AIMD Avonics, Workcenter 630...And we all had "Codenames", we had specially made T-shirts, etc etc.
Only exception I ever saw in the military to a large rank gap rule was Pilots. They tend to prefer their call-signs (Orca, Tanz, Clutch, Crunch etc etc), and even nugget pilots to squadron commanders it works. Again, there are exceptions, such as CAG, Captain, Boss, Mangler, Top, Chief, and so on...SIR is always a good one too, needs no other designation...

As to the TV shows, only one I ever saw that excepted the Surname rule was CSI: Miami...Everybody called the leader Horatio, instead of Cain. Great name for someone IMO...And they ALL have first (Christian, if you prefer) names, just very rarely used, although a lot of nicknames do get used.

Pat☺

[logjam]

I worked along with quite a few foreign forces and it always amazed me of their different idiosyncracies (where did I get that word from) The USA was overly obsessed with initials or abbreviations. While we did have our own such as SASCO and OPSO and CFO, if they went any longer we went for code names such as Green Satin or Cypher or something that reflected their job. The US on the other hand had great long ones such as OICGRIDCR(Officer in charge of ground radar interpretation device calibration recorders.) Our call signs often reflected the mission such as 91,92 meaning a pair of fast jets on practice interceptions. We found that on excercises with the US where they assigned us call signs such as Limey 31, we couldn't get the words out in a 5g turn let alone in practise combat. Anyhoo as they say in Canada, nicknames in the RAF were more personal, such as "Fat knees" or worse " Fat something else." I was Froggy due to my name. Our CO was Eric, so we called him grumpy. Don't ask. The Aussies were different, they just added "O" after everyone's first name, Robbo, Johno, FredO. I never knew an Aaron or a Claude in the OZ forces, I wonder how that would go over? I say that because in the Canadian forces I knew a Claire, a Marion and a few others with girls names, no wonder they couldn't march.

[expat]

I did not expect this to go to two pages. Some interesting replies. When I was at school it was all surnames and when in basic training and trade training it was also. Once I got into the real world of the RAF, it was first names up to an including Chief Techs, providing you knew them of course. Flight Sargent and above, never..............unless you wanted a size 10 between the legs. Saying that out of hours was another thing and whether you knew them in a club for example. I don't ever recall being called by my surname by the officer ranks without my rank being used.
I left over 15 years ago now and in that time, it has never happened. Mind you if you addressed anyone by their surname in Germany, well that is on a par with public nudity in America............Some one is likely to call the police on you. Beleidigung (insult) in Germany is a big contributor to the legal professions ability to wear Rolex's and drive Porsche's....

Matt

[H]

@H.....

From now on, I will always refer to you affectionately as; "Prince Valient"....(...with the hair extensions).... ....!

I've since shortened my hair (although nearly as long at the nape) to about the earlobe, so I'm no longer looking so much like the longer-haired Anglo-Saxon monks the Normans murdered.

[Fozzer]

@H.....

From now on, I will always refer to you affectionately as; "Prince Valient"....(...with the hair extensions).... ....!

I've since shortened my hair (although nearly as long at the nape) to about the earlobe, so I'm no longer looking so much like the longer-haired Anglo-Saxon monks the Normans murdered.

8)

Apart from a terrifying period requiring long hair with flowers, free love, and a guitar, in the 1970's, my hair has (and is) always been "short-back-and-sides", just like it was when I was in the Army in the 1950's!
I always feel "scruffy" if my hair is long, and I am in need a shave!... ...!

...and, as you know, my Surname is a relic from my ancient Iron Age past...>>> http://fosbery.tripod.com/

Paul....Ironing my shirt.... ...!

[boromir125]

I can't say for sure Matt, but there is a psychology to it, and if I remember correctly, the logic is really simple. Familiarity breeds contempt, contempt in television/movies equates to lost revenue. You have to keep them coming back. Referring to someone by their surname keeps just enough edge on the main characters to keep people interested enough to tune in again next week.....this explanation by the way comes by way of an old videographer who worked in film. I don't really know the truth of it, of maybe he was just having his fun with me.

[H]

I always feel "scruffy" if my hair is long, and I am in need a shave!... ...!

We're aware we have a difference in beliefs, you to yours and I to mine; one of my personal vows was that no one else cuts my hair (not that I mean to put barbers out of business -- and, no, my surname is not Samson, although the first ½ of it is usually translated as 'Strong'); due to my Native American ancestry, my facial hair is a bit lacking so I do shave off what I do have.

...and, as you know, my Surname is a relic from my ancient Iron Age past...>>> http://fosbery.tripod.com/
Paul....Ironing my shirt.... ...!

I hope there was no water under the bridge and you don't use a steam iron -- it might leave you a bit rusty...