use of the formal 'Pan' (Sir) was frowned upon and 'Obywatel' (Citizen) (as in: ) was used. This has reverted to prior style in the post-communist era. It is customary to include other titles when referring to an officer in writing. This can lead to some interesting abbreviations. For example, a Lt. Col. in the airforce by the name Nowak who is a pilot and has an MSc in engineering would be written (LtCol plt MEng Nowak). Uniquely, Polish forces use a two-fingered version of the salute, and the saluting custom does not allow saluting with the fingers to the head without having headgear on (cap/beret or helmet). Land Forces, Territorial Defence Force and Special Forces Commissioned Ranks Non-Commissioned Ranks and Privates Military Gendarmerie Officers Enlisted Air Force Commissioned Ranks Non-Commissioned Ranks and Airmen Navy Commissioned Ranks Petty Officers and Seamen Obsolete Ranks Ranks Discontinued on 1 July 2004 Other changes after July 1, 2004 Until 2004 the ranks of (OR-9 and OR-8) constituted a separate group, roughly corresponding to U.S. Warrant Officers. On July 1, 2004, the number of these ranks was reduced and they were included in the group of non-commissioned ranks. Pay Grade changes on July 1, 2004 : OR-8 to OR-9 : OR-8 to OR-7 : OR-3 to OR-4 On January 1, 2014, all reserve NCOs, holders of the rank of and were promoted to the rank of ; holders of the rank of and were promoted to the rank of ; and holders of the rank of were promoted to the rank of . Thus the ranks discontinued on July 1, 2004, were officially abolished in the Polish Armed Forces. Historical Ranks in the Polish Armed Forces See also Certified officer, a title in Polish Armed Forces Police ranks of Poland Ranks and insignia of NATO Armies Comparative military ranks Polish Scouts rank insignia Notes References Polish Armed Forces Insignia in the International Encyclopedia of Uniform Insignia