NG_M4_Shooter: True, now that we have moved from the BDU in all branches I can call Soldiers and Marines as such. I used to call everyone troop if I didn't know their branch/rank because I was surrounded by all of the branches. You can call everyone in the AF "Sir" and get away with it. Try calling a Chief in the Navy anything other than Chief and they get pissy. That is for another time though.
Hopefully the combat shirt will be for the field and most commanders won't authorize it for garrison wear. Unlikely, but I can hope.
Go For Broke: being surrounded by General staff did make me a lot more aware of the people around me. A PFC straight from basic - I did make sure to watch my Ps & Qs. Thankfully, I am much more aware of the people around me now
