1. Protocol and Etiquette

2. Agenda
Helpful References
General Observations
Office Calls and Courtesy Visits
Social Calls and Events
Official Visits
Ceremonies
Invitations/RSVPs/Regrets
A Word about Etiquette
A Word about Proper Attire

3. Helpful References
DA PAM – A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment
AR – Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy
AR – Description and Use of Flags, Tabards, and Automobile Plates
FM 22-5 – Drill and Ceremonies
Protocol, The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official, and Social Usage by Mary Jane McCaffree and Pauline Innis
Service Etiquette by Oretha D. Swartz

4. General
Observations
Take time to learn the basic rules now
Consult regulations, books, senior officers/NCOs, SGS/Protocol office
Remember respect, good manners, social grace, practicality
Use common sense

5. Office Calls
Courtesy Visits
Made at the office of the person being visited
Made by subordinate to immediate superior and next higher superior
If initial counseling involved, prepare by bringing your ORB
Check with S1 or XO for commander’s wishes
Departure Calls (outprocessing) – with immediate commanding officer at minimum, check with S1/XO

6. Social Calls
& Events
Hail and Farewell
Check with higher as to common practices
If making a social call and commander is married, visitor should bring spouse
Commander’s receptions/New Year’s Day Receptions

7. Be informed (can generate conversation)
Social Calls
& Events
Work on comfort level around senior officers – don’t be afraid to introduce yourself/interact
Be informed (can generate conversation)
Be yourself (most can see through brown-nosing or someone with an agenda)
Always be polite, respectful of others (includes peers/subordinates)

8. Map out/plan sequence and logistics based on agenda
Official Visits
Provides commander the opportunity to view your operations, visit subordinate personnel
Develop agenda
Map out/plan sequence and logistics based on agenda
Review his/her biography
Check/re-check critical nodes (billeting, transportation, welcome packet, comfort items, etc)

9. Official Visits
Alert installation staff and/or protocol office
Schedule office calls, if required
You are the escort
Brief next level commander
Spousal involvement considerations

10. Ceremonies
It is appropriate to invite senior officers to events
Confirm the proper sequence of events for type of ceremony (Changes of Command, Promotions, Awards, Receptions)
If a senior officer is participating, prepare to brief them on the sequence of events PRIOR to the event
Consider guest list, seating (if required) for official party, senior officials, personally invited guests (check with protocol office)

11. Ceremonies Other Considerations Date, time, location Attire
Guest list, invitations (acceptance and regrets)
Menu
Programs, name tags, place cards
Podium, acoustic/audio visual requirements
Parking facilities
Flags
Decorations
Music
Photographer
Receiving line requirements

12. Formal Invitations
Usually include the phrase “request the honor (or pleasure) of your company” or “cordially invites you to attend”
Generally addressed from the individual hosting the event
Electronic invitations are generally acceptable Check with S1/XO
Send at least 2-3 weeks in advance, 3-4 weeks for large functions

13. Formal Invitations
Usually appropriate for informal dinner parties, luncheons, teas, buffet dinner, etc…
If a reply is desired, then include RSVP or Regrets Only (for expected guest count)

14. RSVP
Respond NLT date on the invitation. If no date, then respond within 48 hours
REGRETS are sent if unable to attend
There are few valid reasons to withdraw acceptance of a formal invitation – should only be done in extreme unavoidable circumstances
REMEMBER TO SEND THANK YOU CARDS AFTER SOCIAL EVENTS !

15. Ethical Etiquette
ALWAYS consider your audience – who will read the message?
Proper respect afforded to higher rank is still a requirement
What intended/unintended message will your words send (ALL CAPS)?
Review proper spelling and grammar
Get to the point (BLUF)
Appropriate beginning and ending
“Sir/Ma’am”,“Ladies and Gentlemen”, “To All Concerned”
“Sincerely”, “Respectfully”, “Very Respectfully”
Use common sense

16. Proper Attire
General Rules
Very Casual = Shirt, Slacks, jeans
Casual = Collared Shirt, Open Collar or Sweater
Civilian Informal = Coat and Tie, afternoon dress/suit
Formal = Usually dark business suit, tux, cocktail dress, long/short evening dress

17. Proper Attire
Balance trendy with classic styles
Be careful of extremes (color, flashiness, fit)
Always consider location, type of social event
It’s OK to invest in appropriate civilian attire for social events (you won’t always wear a uniform for all required events)

18. Common Issues
Walking and Talking/Texting
Do not salute
Do not call a group to attention
When to call a room to attention
D&C in a formation
Saluting a vehicle
Standing at attention, parade rest, reset

19. Questions?

20. Quote:
“Always do the right thing. It will gratify most people, and astonish the rest!”
Mark Twain