Military Customs and Courtesies Prep School Wando sc-872

Historic Customs And Courtesies Position of honor –Military courtesy Walk or sit to left of seniors –Men fought on right with swords because most men were right handed –When an officer walks on your right, he/she is symbolically filling the post of honor

Salutes –Greeting between military/cadets –Means “I greet you”…returning salute means “I return your greeting.” –Gesture is always friendly and is rendered cheerfully and willingly –Rendered with pride..Signal of recognition and respect between comrades –Tells a lot about attitude –Salutes proudly and smartly…shows pride in him or herself and pride in flight/unit –Shows students have confidence in their ability as cadets –Sloppy salute shows lack of confidence

How to render a proper salute –Demonstrate History –Knights would raise their visors on their helmets for recognition –Friends - leave visors up and drop hands –Done with right hand Who do you salute –President of the U.S., Vice President, Sec. of State, etc –Officer recognition Salutes

–Tradition - if you are junior in rank you salute first –Civilians may be saluted by persons in uniform How and when to salute –All officers outdoors –Not indoors except when Reporting to an officer Under arms (color guard) –Must be in one of the following positions to salute: Standing at attention Marching at attention

Junior member should begin salute in time for senior to return it before passing junior When rendering a salute: –Turn head and eyes toward the officer –Salute and extend a verbal greeting Exceptions –If junior and/or senior individuals have articles in both hands Nod and verbally greet

Always give senior person, enlisted or commissioned position of honor when walking, riding, or sitting with him or her. Entering automobiles –Junior enters first –Senior officer enter last. Will be first out When an officer enters room: –Call room to attention –Only done if they outrank everyone in room –Give examples

In addressing officers orally, use their correct military titles example: “Captain”, “Major”, or “sir” or “ma’am” Address a second or first lieutenant as “lieutenant” Address a chief master sergeant as chief master sergeant or “chief” All other NCO’S below the grade of CMSGT are addressed by full title or “sergeant”

Reporting In Procedures –Demonstrate Entering ROTC Office –Demonstrate

Additional Courtesies Showing respect –Show respect to individual placed in authority at all times Showing courteous and respectful bearing, behavior, and mode of speech toward them Example: standing up and extending a verbal greeting when a person senior in rank enters room or approaches

Say “please” and “thank you” Don’t keep people waiting –Always be on time –If can’t be there on time, call ahead to let people know you are going to be late Taboos –Bad conduct and poor appearance in uniform shows disgrace to uniform and branch of service

–Gossip Affect morale of flight/unit –Vulgar conduct and language Neither cadets nor officers should lose their temper to the point of using profanity Exhibits lack of self control and a limited vocabulary Can receive an official reprimand