Is the numerical pay grade used as a form of address or title in place of the proper title of address of grade?

• A. No; the numerical pay grade will not be used to address Soldiers
• B. Yes; the pay grade is used to address Soldiers in place of their title
• C. Only during formal ceremonies
• D. Only in pay stubs

Answer: (A)

In the Army, how you address someone is based on their rank, not their pay grade. The numerical pay grade is an administrative designation used for pay, payroll, and personnel records, and it does not replace the proper title you use when talking to or about a Soldier. So you’d address someone by their rank and last name, such as “Sergeant Smith” or “Private Jones,” rather than by their pay grade like “E-5 Smith.” The pay grade will appear on pay stubs and official documents, but it isn’t used as the form of address in conversation or in formal address.