Something that has irritated me every time I see it is the inclusion of this beneath this persons signature when it has nothing to do with anything. Say John works for the Parks Department. He will sign his correspondence, as it relates to park related business as follows:


John Doe
Any City Parks Department
United States Marines

Is that ok?

I can understand if retired from the military, but I see no need to have it on your signature if not otherwise relevant.

Yep. If they're still serving, or retired, it could make more sense. Otherwise, it seems unnecessary and irrelevant.

Kinda like the folks who insist on listing their degrees after their name when they're totally irrelevant to their current position:

"I'm glad you liked our coffee."

Jane Doe, M.Ed., B.A.
Lead Coffee Pourer
Stinky's Coffee

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
If they're still serving, or retired, it could make more sense.

Huh? That seems to cover all possibilities except maybe "Never Served".

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
Huh? That seems to cover all possibilities except maybe "Never Served".

Most folks who serve in the military don't retire from the military, which requires 20+ years of service (or an earlier disability retirement).

If dude did an enlistment stint in the Marines and then left after his contract ended, or even reupped and did a few stints but didn't hit 20, he's not "retired".

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
Something that has irritated me every time I see it is the inclusion of this beneath this persons signature when it has nothing to do with anything.

Appears to be a personal issue with your statement here. You begrudge those of us who faithfully served from displaying a "badge of honor" in our signature area? For me a simple "USN (RET)."
Yes, I'm retired military as well as retired civil service.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Yep. If they're still serving, or retired, it could make more sense. Otherwise, it's unnecessary and irrelevant.

Kinda like the folks who insist on listing their degrees after their name when they're totally irrelevant to their current position:

"I'm glad you liked our coffee."

Jane Doe, M.Ed., B.A.
Lead Coffee Pourer
Stinky's Coffee

My LinkedIn account has half dozen+ certifications and licenses after my name. Didn't think about the BA, maybe I should add it? I put all the credentials there just because I thought it would be funny to list them all.

My work signature is just my title/address/phone/site. Maybe I should include all my letters there too.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
My work signature is just my title/address/phone/site. Maybe I should include all my letters there too.

I used to work with a lady who did exactly that, totally seriously, listing like nine different degrees and certificates. Every single email was signed similar to:

Jane Doe LMSW, MA, MS, BA, CP, OMG, WTF, ETC...


Kinda like my bitchy 11th grade English teacher, who used to get irate with students in class who referred to her as "Mrs. X" instead of "Doctor X", since she held a PhD in Dance Theory. Which has absolutely nothing to do with high school English, lady.

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
You begrudge those of us who faithfully served from displaying a "badge of honor" in our signature area? For me a simple "USN (RET)."

He appears to be referring to email signatures in work-related email correspondence, not forum signatures here.

I think it’s more of a networking tool than anything else. “Oh you were in the Marines. Me too. I was with the 1st Marine Division…” and they build a common bond or understanding from there.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
You begrudge those of us who faithfully served from displaying a "badge of honor" in our signature area? For me a simple "USN (RET)."

He appears to be referring to email signatures in work-related email correspondence, not forum signatures here.

Ah yes. Thanks. Apologies to the OP.

I have an active CPA license & sign business emails with Tom Doe CPA. I was released from active duty in the Army as a 1LT & since I went to OCS I have a permanent enlisted rank of Spc5. Also at my age all males joined a service or were drafted. I do not sign;
Tom Doe CPA, Spc5, 1Lt
US Army

I served during the Cold War / Vietnam but my service experience pales in comparison to what others have done. I would not call attention to my military service in any form of communication.

You get a 20 percent discount at the SIGforum cafeteria. And they always say “Thank you for your service.”

I see dudes do that from time to time at work. I 100% blame the overused “Thank you for your service” people for this. My opinion only, but guys who work their military service into everyday conversations just for the sake of pointing out that they were/are in the military drive me crazy.

I long for the days of the silent professionals. This clip of Larry David gets me every time, and I absolutely know two dude like this guy…

NSFW

...and NO, I don't cite my military service on any correspondence period. Here I agree with the OP...stupid and unnecessary.

I’ll go one further,

At work folks will list every single collateral they have.

Reminds me of folks listing out every handgun they own here.

James Otto
SAM
LPO
CAPP
SPC
IMR
Work #
Cell #

But imagine all of them listed out. Nobody gives a fuck.

I list my certs on LinkedIn and email because they are relevant to my job and recruiters.

The day I retire, if ever, they will go to the dustbin of history.

For what I did, when I did it and for how long I did it, the answer is a resounding No.

My time in service is mildly interesting to me and maybe a few close friends and some family. No one else gives a rats ass and nor should they.

When more than one credential is listed I am skeptical. Physicians should sign MD if it is work related same as a PhD. for a University Professor. More than one credential is ridiculous.