“V/R” in an email stands for “Very Respectfully,” a formal sign-off used to convey deference and professionalism, primarily in military and government correspondence. It is not “Virtual Regards,” a common misconception; rather, it is a time-honored closing that signals respect for hierarchy and protocol.
What Is V/R in Email?
At its core, “V/R” is an abbreviation for “Very Respectfully,” a complimentary close reserved for formal written communication. You’ll most often encounter it in emails exchanged within the U.S. military, government agencies, and other highly structured organizations where rank and protocol govern every interaction. The sign-off appears immediately before the sender’s name and signature block, serving as a verbal salute that acknowledges the recipient’s position. For civilians, seeing “V/R” for the first time can be puzzling, but its meaning is straightforward: the writer holds the reader in high regard and is following established etiquette.
The Military Origins and Strict Hierarchy of V/R
The use of “V/R” traces back to official U.S. military correspondence protocols, where every element of a message, from the salutation to the closing, is codified. In this rigid structure, “V/R” is not merely a polite gesture; it is a marker of rank awareness. A junior service member (e.g., a Lieutenant) writing to a senior officer (e.g., a Colonel) must use “V/R” to show proper deference. Misusing these terms, such as a senior writing “V/R” to a junior, or a junior using “R/” to a senior, is considered a protocol error that can signal ignorance of military customs or, worse, a lack of respect. On the question of peer-to-peer communication, sources conflict: some state that “V/R” is standard and courteous between same-rank service members, conveying mutual professional respect, while others argue that “R/” is the correct choice for equals and that using “V/R” with a peer is a breach of etiquette.
The Correct Format: V/R, v/r, or Something Else?
While you’ll see “V/R” in all caps across countless emails, the officially sanctioned format, according to governing documents like the SECNAV Manual, is “V/r,” with a capital “V,” a lowercase “r,” and a comma. This precise punctuation is the gold standard in formal military writing. However, common variations persist: “v/r” (all lowercase) is used for a slightly less formal tone, “V/R” (all caps) is widely recognized and accepted, and “VR” (no slash) appears occasionally but is less standard. For maximum formality in an initial email, the full phrase “Very Respectfully” is recommended; the abbreviation “V/r,” is then reserved for subsequent replies within the same thread. This two-step approach, full phrase first, abbreviation later, strikes a balance between tradition and practicality, ensuring that the recipient understands your intent even if they are unfamiliar with the shorthand.
When to Use V/R (and When to Avoid It)
Use “V/R” in environments where communication follows established traditions: military branches, government agencies, defense contractors, and other workplaces with clear professional hierarchies. It is also appropriate in corporate settings when addressing high-ranking executives or officials, provided the culture leans formal. However, avoid “V/R” in casual or civilian correspondence. Writing to a civilian client, a vendor, or a colleague in a non-military industry with “V/R” can confuse or alienate the reader, who may not recognize the abbreviation. If there is any doubt about whether the recipient will understand “V/R,” the safer choice is to use the full phrase “Very Respectfully” or switch to a universally accepted alternative like “Best regards,” “Respectfully,” or “Sincerely.” These closings convey professionalism without the military-specific baggage, making them ideal for general audiences.
Examples of V/R in a Military Email Chain
To see the rules in action, consider this realistic exchange between a Lieutenant and a Colonel. In the initial email, the Lieutenant writes:
Subject: Request for Approval of Training Schedule
Colonel Davis,
I respectfully request approval of the attached training schedule for next quarter. Please let me know if you require any adjustments.
Very Respectfully,
Lt. James Carter
3rd Infantry Division
Here, the full phrase “Very Respectfully” is used because it is the first interaction, maximizing formality. The Colonel replies:
Subject: RE: Request for Approval of Training Schedule
Lt. Carter,
Schedule approved. Well done on the preparation.
R/
Col. Sarah Davis
Commanding Officer
Note that the Colonel uses “R/” (Respectfully) because he is the senior party writing to a junior. In a second reply, the Lieutenant might now use “V/r,” since the formal introduction is complete and the thread has established the relationship. This pattern, full phrase first, then abbreviation, demonstrates attention to protocol and reinforces the hierarchical bond. By following this example, you can apply “V/R” correctly in your own military or government email chains, ensuring that every sign-off respects the chain of command.
