1. Coordinate Social Events
SHOW SLIDE 1:  COORDINATE SOCIAL EVENTS
One cold November day your supervisor asks you to coordinate and make the official seating arrangements for the dining in to be held on Wednesday.  You make a note to yourself concerning this duty and continue with your present project.  Wednesday arrives and you suddenly realize that you have done nothing concerning the seating arrangements, etc., for the evening's festivities. 
You frantically call the officers' club and reserve the dining room for the evening.  You rush to the club and hastily make name cards for the guests.  You place these on the respective tables recalling as best you can how the guests are to be seating according to rank.  The guests arrive  as does chaos!  Many people mill around unable to find their seats. 
Husbands and wives are separated, general officers are seated next to lieutenants, and the host and hostess are at different tables.  You are told that your supervisor is looking for you.  You begin mumbling incoherently and rush for the door with your supervisor in hot pursuit.  It's all over for you!
Coordinating social events and official seating arrangements are an important part of your job as an executive administrative assistant.  You could find yourself in an embarrassing situation if you fail to be well prepared for handling official / social events and seating arrangements.

2. Terminal Learning Objective
ACTION: Coordinate Social Events
CONDITIONS: In a classroom environment, given a list of attendees including rank and / or title, a description of the event to be held, a diagram of the table(s) to be used, handouts on seating arrangements, a computer with Microsoft® Office software, printer, access to DA PAM (A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment) and FM 6- 0 Commander and Staff Organization and Operations.
STANDARD: With a minimum of 70% accuracy,
1. Determine order of precedence.
2. Arrange list of attendees.
3. Prepare place cards for guests.
4. Develop a seating chart.
Determine proper flag placement.
Learning Domain: Cognitive - Apply
The Army Learning Areas (ALA) are the baseline focal points Soldiers and Army Civilians must possess to prevail in the ambiguous environments that challenge the Army today. The four ALAs are: Army Profession and Leadership; Mission Command; Human Dimension; and Professional Competence. The Army Learning Area taxonomy provides a framework to assist in grouping the General Learning Outcomes. The four Army Learning Areas serve as the framework to catalogue the 14 General Learning Outcomes.
The General Learning Outcomes (GLOs) are essential outcomes resulting from training, education, and experience along a career continuum of learning. There are three primary purposes for the Army General Learning Outcomes. First, they provide trainers and educators a lens into how effective they are in conveying their support material. Second, it assists in improving instructional design and/or training support packages. Finally it places responsibility on training and education proponents to be nested with ALAs.
GLO14: This includes Branch and Career Management Field proficiency, Career Programs, Series Technical Certifications, and Warfighting Skills.
SHOW SLIDE 2: TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE/ARMY LEARNING AREAS
NOTE. Inform the students of the following Terminal Learning Objective requirements.
At the completion of this lesson, you [the student] will:
ACTION: Coordinate Social Events
CONDITIONS: In a classroom environment, given a list of attendees including rank and / or title, a description of the event to be held, a diagram of the table(s) to be used, handouts on seating arrangements, a computer with Microsoft® Office software, printer, access to DA PAM (A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment) and FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organization and Operations.
STANDARD: With a minimum of 70% accuracy,
1. Determine order of precedence.
2. Arrange list of attendees.
3. Prepare place cards for guests.
4. Develop a seating chart.
Determine proper flag placement.
Learning Domain: Cognitive - Apply
NOTE: The Army Learning Areas (ALA) are the baseline focal points Soldiers and Army Civilians must possess to prevail in the ambiguous environments that challenge the Army today. The four ALAs are: Army Profession and Leadership; Mission Command; Human Dimension; and Professional Competence. The Army Learning Area taxonomy provides a framework to assist in grouping the General Learning Outcomes. The four Army Learning Areas serve as the framework to catalogue the 14 General Learning Outcomes.
NOTE: The General Learning Outcomes (GLOs) are essential outcomes resulting from training, education, and experience along a career continuum of learning. There are three primary purposes for the Army General Learning Outcomes. First, they provide trainers and educators a lens into how effective they are in conveying their support material. Second, it assists in improving instructional design and/or training support packages. Finally it places responsibility on training and education proponents to be nested with ALAs.
NOTE: Inform students of the Army Learning Area depicted on slide is the General Learning Outcome (GLO) related to this lesson.
GLO 14: Soldiers and Army Civilians are technically and tactically competent; includes Branch and Career Management Field proficiency, Career Programs, Series Technical Certifications, and Warfighting Skills

3. Army Command Structure
SHOW SLIDE 3:  ARMY COMMAND STRUCTURE
As depicted on the slide, Headquarters are either designated as Army Commands(ACOM), Army Service Component Commands (ASCC), or Direct Reporting Units (DRU).
Regardless of component, the Army conducts both operational and institutional missions. The operational Army consists of numbered armies, corps, divisions, brigades, and battalions that conduct operations around the world.  The institutional Army supports the operational Army.  Institutional organizations provide the infrastructure necessary to raise, train, equip, deploy, and ensure the readiness of all Army forces.  The training base provides military skills and professional education to every Soldier as well as members of sister services and allied forces.  It also allows the Army to expand rapidly in time of war.  The industrial base provides world-class equipment and logistics for the Army.  Army installations provide the power-projection platforms required to deploy land forces promptly to support combatant commanders. Once those forces are deployed, the institutional Army provides the logistics needed to support them. Without the institutional Army, the operational Army cannot function. Without the operational Army, the institutional Army has no purpose.

4. Operational Units SHOW SLIDE 4: OPERATIONAL UNITS
In order to make up a list of the order of precedence at an official function, you must know how the staff and Army structures are set up.  We will review the basic Army structure itself and then a typical staff organizational chart.  This will enable you to place people in the proper places on a list of the order of precedence first by rank and then by title or position.  For example, you should know that a lieutenant colonel is placed (by rank) higher than a major.  However, you may have more than a lieutenant colonel on the guest list.  If you know where they work, their positions, or titles, you will have some idea where they should go on the order of precedence.  Of course, when you are on the job, you will check with your supervisor to ensure that the order of precedence is correct before you proceed with the seating arrangements.

5. Organizational Structures
Commander
LTC
Battalion
S-1 through S-4 is usually a CPT.
S-1
S-2
S-3
S-4
Commander
COL
Brigade
S-1 through S-4 is usually a MAJ.
G-1
G-2
G-3
G-4
Commander MG
Division
Assistant Chief of Staff
G-1 through G-5 is usually a LTC.
G-5
Corps
Assistant Chief of Staff
G-1 through G-5 is usually a COL or BG.
G-1
G-2
G-3
G-4
Commander
LTG
G-5
SHOW SLIDE 5:  ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES
NOTE:  This is a build slide.  Click mouse to advance through battalion, brigade, division, and corps.
NOTE:  Inform students there may be other staff sections such as S-6 (Signal) or G-8 (Resource Management) depending on the unit's mission.
The basis for staff organization depends on the mission, each staff’s broad areas of expertise, and regulations and laws.  While staffs at every echelon and type of unit are structured differently, all staffs share some similarities.  Every command in the Army, from battalion level on up, has an organized staff.  They are all set up basically the same way in that the major areas of responsibility are divided and assigned to individual staff sections as follows:
At battalion and brigade level, staff sections have an "S" designator.  Their titles and responsibilities are: 
S-1    Personnel and Administration.        
S-2    Intelligence and Security.       
S-3    Plans, Operations, and Training.        
S-4    Logistics and Supply.
BATTALION.  A battalion is normally commanded by a lieutenant colonel and each staff section is headed by a captain. 
BRIGADE.  A brigade is normally commanded by a colonel and each staff section is normally headed by a major.
DIVISION.  The next higher echelon is division level.  A division is usually commanded by a major general.  At this level the staff sections have a "G" designator, and their titles are changed to "Assistant Chief of Staff (ACofS), G , or "for  ."  For example, Assistant Chief of Staff, G1 or ACofS, G1, or Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel.  The names and functions of the various staff sections remain the same, and other staff section may be added such as G-6 (Signal), G-8 (Resource Management) and G-9(Civil Affairs Operations).
Each staff section is normally headed by a lieutenant colonel.  You, as an executive administrative assistant, will probably be working at division level or higher, and may well work for the head of a division staff section.  This is where it is most important to know how to use an organizational chart to determine an individual's position in the order of precedence.
CORPS.  The next echelon is Corps.  A corps usually consists of two or more divisions and is normally commanded by a lieutenant general.  The staff sections at corps level are identical to those at division level.  However, they are normally headed by either a colonel or brigadier general.

6. Army Size Elements
DCSPER
DCSI
DCSOPS
DCSLOG
Commander
GENERAL
DCSIM
DCSRM
Army size elements are usually commanded by a General.
The Deputy Chiefs of Staff are usually Brigadier General, Major General, or Lieutenant Generals.
SHOW SLIDE 6:  ARMY SIZE ELEMENTS
The next echelon is Army.  An Army is composed of two or more corps.  At this level staff sections have the same missions and functions, but the "G" designator is dropped, and the heads of these staff sections are referred to as "Deputy Chief of Staff for ...."  So you'll have
Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel.     
Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Security.      
Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Operations, and Training.      
Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Supply.     
Deputy Chief of Staff for Information Management.      
Deputy Chief of Staff for Resource Management.
Armies are normally commanded by a general and each staff section is usually headed by a brigadier general, a major general, or a lieutenant general.  Armies are directly under the Department of the Army.  This level also includes Army Commands(ACOMs), such as TRADOC and FORSCOM.

7. Staff Organization SHOW SLIDE 7: STAFF ORGANIZATION
PERSONAL STAFF.  Personal staff officers work under the immediate control of, and have direct access to, the commander.  By law and regulation, personal staff officers have a unique relationship with the commander.  The commander establishes guidelines or gives guidance on when a personal staff officer informs or coordinates with the Chief of Staff (COS) or Executive Officer (XO) or other staff members.  Some personal staff officers have responsibilities as special staff officers and work with a coordinating staff officer.  They do this on a case-by-case basis, depending on the commander’s guidance or the nature of the task.  Personal staff officers also may work under the supervision of the COS (XO). 
The personal staff consists of the commander's aide de camp, driver, personal secretary, and/or executive administrative assistant, and enlisted aide.  It may also include other personnel as the need and authorization permit.  This is the general's "inner circle," and as a member of a personal staff, you may be privy to virtually everything of consequence taking place within the headquarters and much of what happens in your supervisor's personal life.  Also, as a trusted member of this inner circle, your supervisor may seek your advice and opinions on selected matters and/or talk to you about possible courses of action just to "bounce" the ideas off another person.  It is imperative that you never violate this trust and confidence.
COORDINATING STAFF.  Coordinating staff officers are the commander’s principal assistants who advise, plan, and coordinate actions within their area of expertise or a warfighting function.  Commanders may designate coordinating staff officers as assistant chiefs of staff, chiefs of a warfighting function, or staff officers.  Coordinating staff officers may also exercise planning and supervisory authority over designated special staff officers. 
SPECIAL STAFF OFFICERS.  Every staff has special staff officers.  The number of special staff officers and their responsibilities vary with authorizations, the desires of the commander, and the size of the command.  If a special staff officer is not assigned, the officer with coordinating staff responsibility for the area of expertise assumes those functional responsibilities.  During operations, special staff officers work in parts of the Command Post designated by the commander, COS, or their supervising coordinating staff officer. 

8. Personal Staff Officers
Aide-de-camp
Chaplain
Command Sergeant Major
Inspector General
Public Affairs Officer
Safety Officer
Staff Judge Advocate
Surgeon
Aide-de-Camp
Secretary
Executive Admin Assistant
Driver
Enlisted Aide
The aide-de-camp serves as a personal assistant to a general officer.
An aide-de-camp is authorized for general officers in designated positions.
The rank of the aide-de-camp depends on the rank of the general officer.
No officer exercises coordinating staff responsibility over the aide-de-camp.
SHOW SLIDE 8:  PERSONAL STAFF
As a member of the Personal Staff, the aide-de-camp serves as a personal assistant to a general officer.  An aide-de-camp is authorized for general officers in designated positions. The rank of the aide-de-camp depends on the rank of the general officer.  No officer exercises coordinating staff responsibility over the aide-de-camp.
Aide-de-camp responsibilities include, but are not limited to-
Providing for the general officer’s personal well-being and security, and relieving the general officer of routine and time-consuming duties.
Preparing and organizing schedules, activities, and calendars.
Preparing and executing trip itineraries.
Coordinating protocol activities.
Acting as an executive assistant.

9. Special Staff Officers Secretary General Staff (SGS)
Aviation
Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer
Engineer Officer
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer
Equal Opportunity Officer
Knowledge Management Officer
Liaison Officer
Operations Security Officer
Secretary General Staff
Secretary General Staff (SGS)
Administrative Branch
Protocol Branch
The SGS is a Special Staff officer who acts as Executive Officer for the Chief of Staff.
Corps, divisions, major support commands, and general officers with a staff are authorized an SGS.
The SGS normally monitors preparation and execution of all official social events and ceremonies involving the commander, deputy or assistant commanders or the Chief of Staff.
SHOW SLIDE 9:  SPECIAL STAFF
The Secretary of the General Staff (SGS) is the special staff officer who acts as XO for the COS.  Corps, divisions, major support commands, and general officers with a staff are authorized a secretary of the general staff.  Secretary of the general staff responsibilities include, but are not limited to—
Planning and supervising conferences chaired by the commander, deputy or assistant commanders, or the COS.
Directing preparation of itineraries for distinguished visitors to the headquarters and monitoring their execution.
Monitoring preparation and execution of all official social events and ceremonies involving the commander, deputy or assistant commanders, or the COS.
Monitoring and disseminating command correspondence.
Acting as the informal point of contact for liaison officers.
The SGS office is usually divided into two components, the administrative branch and the protocol branch. 
The administrative branch takes care of all command level correspondence, monitors suspense items, and provides administrative support to the commander as required.  There may be two or three executive administrative assistants assigned to this activity.
The protocol branch is responsible for such things as transportation, billeting, invitations, escorts, etc., for visitors to the command.  There are usually one or two executive administrative assistants assigned to this branch.  These personnel are heavily involved in setting up luncheons, dinners, parties, conferences, and possibly TDY trips involving the commander.
The underlying principle behind the general, special, and personal staffs is the concept of "compartmentalization," i.e., each major headquarters function is the responsibility of a single person who has assigned to him the necessary personnel and equipment to accomplish the mission.  Each staff and agency is a "compartment" within the command's headquarters, and if each one does his job, the entire headquarters functions effectively.

10. Check on Learning Q. What is the difference between a G-1 and an S-1?
A. A "G" designator shows that it is division level or higher, while an "S" is battalion or brigade level.
Q. What does “compartmentalization” mean?
A. Each person does his job correctly so the entire headquarters functions effectively.
Q. What is the Secretary General Staff (SGS)?
A. The SGS is the special staff officer who acts as XO for the Chief of Staff.
Q. What is an Aide-de-camp?
A. The aide-de-camp serves as a personal assistant to a general officer.
SHOW SLIDE 10:  CHECK ON LEARNING
Q. What is the difference between a G-1 and an S-1?
A. A "G" designator shows that it is division level or higher, while an "S" is battalion or brigade level.
Q. What does “compartmentalization” mean?
A. Each person does his job correctly so the entire headquarters functions effectively.
Q. What is the Secretary General Staff (SGS)?
A. The SGS is the special staff officer who acts as XO for the Chief of Staff.
Q. What is an Aide-de-camp?
A. The aide-de-camp serves as a personal assistant to a general officer.

11. Arrange the List of Attendees
SHOW SIDE 11:  ARRANGE THE LIST OF ATTENDEES
Now that we have reviewed the basic organizational structure of the Army and staff elements, we are going to learn how to arrange our list of attendees in the correct precedence.

12. Order of Precedence
In the United States, official position is determined by election or appointment to office or by promotion within the military establishment.
Considerations:
#1. Rank - always considered first.
#2. Title or position.
#3 Primary mission has precedence over support.
SHOW SIDE 12: ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
In the United States, official position is determined by election or appointment to office or by promotion within the military establishment.  The relative importance of different offices is weighed.  The date an office was established determines its seniority.
The first step in planning a seating arrangement is to arrange the guest list in the proper order of precedence.  When the attendees have been placed in the proper place on the order of precedence, it is easy to seat the guests accordingly.  You should always check this list with your supervisor to ensure you have done it correctly.
When arranging a list of people in order of precedence, group all of the same ranks together and then check what position they hold.  For example, if you have several people holding the same rank, the order of precedence will be determined by the title or position.  Remember that in the order of precedence spouses are considered to have the same rank as their military sponsor and they are listed together. 
RANK IS CONSIDERED FIRST in the order of precedence, then title or position, then echelon.  Positions dealing with the primary mission of the organization will have precedence over support positions.  Place all officers on the list first, then warrant officers, and then enlisted personnel.

13. Special Considerations
(1 of 2)
Individuals frocked to a higher grade.
Entitled to all honors, courtesies, and benefits of the higher grade except for pay and allowances.
Seated ahead of others in their actual pay grade but behind all individuals actually holding the rank to which frocked.
When more than one frocked person is present (frocked to the same rank), effective date of frocking will dictate precedence.
Individuals on approved promotion lists.
Differ from those who are frocked to the next higher grade in that they continue to wear the insignia of rank of the current pay grade.
There is no requirement to allow their seating above others in the same rank and grade.
SHOW SLIDE 13:  SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS (1 OF 2)
Individuals frocked to a higher grade.  These individuals are entitled to all honors, courtesies, and benefits of the higher grade except for pay and allowances.  They are, therefore, seated ahead of others in their actual pay grade but behind all individuals actually holding the rank to which frocked.  When more than one frocked person is present (frocked to the same rank), effective date of frocking will dictate precedence.
Individuals on approved promotion lists.  Such individuals differ from those who are frocked to the next higher grade in that they continue to wear the insignia of rank of the current pay grade.  There is no requirement to allow their seating above others in the same rank and grade.

14. Special Considerations
(2 of 2)
Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA)
At Army official and social functions, conferences, meetings, and ceremonies, the SMA is accorded protocol ranking equivalent to a general officer.
SMA should be ranked behind the last four-star general officer or civilian equivalent.
Courtesies should, in addition to seating, include billeting, transportation, and parking consistent with existing Army regulations.
Retired Army Officers
Ranked following active duty officers of the same grade.
Ranked in order of recency of retirement, not by age.
Former Chiefs of Staff of the Army are ranked immediately following the current CSA and in order of recency of retirement.
SHOW SLIDE 14:  SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS (2 OF 2)
Sergeant Major of the Army.  At Army official and social functions, conferences, meetings, and ceremonies, the Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is accorded protocol ranking equivalent to a general officer.  He or she should be ranked behind the last four star general officer or civilian equivalent.  However, if the Director of the Army Staff is present, the Sergeant Major of the Army is ranked immediately following the Director of the Army Staff.  These courtesies should, in addition to seating, include billeting, transportation, and parking consistent with existing Army regulations.  Among the senior enlisted representatives of each Service, precedence is determined by Service seniority when at Army events. When the SMA is visiting a command or installation, that command’s command sergeant major should be consulted on protocol issues involving the SMA.  A former SMA retains the rank of Sergeant Major of the Army and should be afforded similar courtesies as the SMA.  When the SMA and one or more former SMAs are present, the serving SMA takes precedence, and the former SMAs are ranked by date of rank as SMA.  In the case of a SMA who held the rank of CSM, use the date of appointment as SMA.
Retired Army officers.  Retired officers are ranked following active duty officers of the same grade.  They are ranked in order of recency of retirement, not by age.  Former Chiefs of Staff of the Army are ranked immediately following the current CSA and in order of recency of retirement.  For example, the last CSA to retire will be ranked first after the current CSA.  Retired Army officers are authorized to wear the uniform of the highest grade held during their active service on ceremonial occasions such as military funerals, memorial services, inaugurals, patriotic parades, national holidays, or other military parades or ceremonies in which any Active Army or Reserve unit is taking part (see AR 670–1, para 21-3e(2).  Retired general officers of the Regular Army, ARNG, and USAR may display their individual flags privately in their homes.  Public display of individual flags is prohibited except when the officer is being honored at an official military ceremony.

15. 54th Infantry Division (Mechanized)
Order of Precedence - Example
1. Commanding General
2. Assistant Division Commander (Operations)
3. Assistant Division Commander (Support)
4. Chief of Staff
5. Commander, 1st Brigade
6. Commander, 2d Brigade
7. Commander, 3d Brigade
8. Commander, 54th Cavalry Brigade(Air Attack)
9. Commander, Division Artillery
10. Commander, Sustainment Brigade
11. Commander, Troops Brigade
12. Deputy Installation Commander
13. Assistant Chief of Staff, G1/AG
14. Assistant Chief of Staff, G2
15. Assistant Chief of Staff, G3
16. Assistant Chief of Staff, G4
17. Assistant Chief of Staff, G5
18. Division Surgeon
19. Provost Marshal
20. Staff Judge Advocate
21. Chaplain
22. Inspector General
23. Public Affairs Officer
SHOW SLIDE 15:  54TH INFANTRY DIVISION (MECHANIZED) – ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
To clarify, let's look at the organization chart for the 54th Inf Div (Mech).   The order of precedence is as shown on the slide.  Note that the division command staff is sequenced:
#1.  Commanding General.
#2   Assistant Division Commander (Operations).
#3.  Assistant Division Commander (Support).

#4.  Chief of Staff. 
After the Chief of Staff, we then want to take care of the remainder of our headquarters staff.  The G-staff will come next followed by the special staff.
Next will come the units involved in the primary mission.  The primary mission units fall in this order: 
1st Brigade
2d Brigade
3d Brigade
54th Cavalry Brigade Division Artillery
Next will be the units that support the primary mission. 
Sustainment Brigade
Troops Brigade
Deputy Installation Commander
The Deputy Installation Commander by virtue of position, falls after ALL commanders of the same rank.  The reason for this is that the Deputy Installation Commander  is involved only in the operation and maintenance of the actual installation - not in the mission or the direct support of the mission. 
It is important to remember that the positions most directly related to the actual mission of an organization will have precedence over the supporting positions.
NOTE:  Place the following example on the dry erase board and talk students through how to determined precedence.
Your guest list includes:
Colonel Moran, Deputy Installation Commander
Colonel Smith, Chief of Staff
Colonel Wright, Commander, 1st Bde
In this situation, all three guests are of equal rank.  Therefore, their order of precedence will be determined by their duty positions. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT ORDER OF PRECEDENCE IS DETERMINED FIRST BY RANK then by POSITION!  Therefore, for this example the correct order of precedence will be:
#1.  Colonel Wright, Commander, 1st Bde
#2.  Colonel Smith, Chief of Staff
#3.  Colonel Moran, Deputy Installation Commander

16. Check on Learning
Q. What are the considerations for Order of Precedence?
A. #1 Rank
#2 Title or position
#3 Echelon
Q. What protocol is the Sergeant Major of the Army accorded?
A. Ranking equivalent to a general officer.
Q. How are retired officers ranked?
A. Retired officers are ranked following active duty officers of the same grade.
SHOW SLIDE 16:  CHECK ON LEARNING
Q. What are the considerations for Order of Precedence?
A. #1 Rank
#2 Title or position
#3 Echelon
Q. What protocol is the Sergeant Major of the Army accorded?
A. Ranking equivalent to a general officer.
Q. How are retired officers ranked?
A. Retired officers are ranked following active duty officers of the same grade.

17. Prepare Place Cards for Attendees
SHOW SLIDE 17:  PREPARE PLACE CARDS FOR ATTENDEES
Now that we have determine the correct order of precedence, we must prepare place cards.  Generally, place cards format and content is determined by local SOPs.

18. Titles of Address Title Rank Private PV1, PV2, PFC Specialist SPC
Sergeant
SGT, SSG, SFC, MSG
First Sergeant
1SG
Sergeant Major
SGM, CSM
Mister / Mrs.
Warrant Officer
Lieutenant
2LT, 1LT
Major
Colonel
LTC, COL
General
BG, MG, LTG, GEN
SHOW SLIDE 18:  TITLES OF ADDRESS
Ranks are spelled out.  However, the title or address is used.  For instance, a Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, and Master Sergeant are written as "Sergeant."  However, a First Sergeant (because of the distinction between First Sergeant and Master Sergeant) will be listed as First Sergeant.  A Sergeant Major will be written ("Sergeant Major," but a Command Sergeant Major will be written as "Command Sergeant Major.")  A Lieutenant Colonel will be written as "Colonel."

19. Guest Place Cards Style and format may vary.
Most generally used are heavy, white cards about 2 inches high and 3 inches long.
Flag of host general or a unit crest may be embossed or stamped on the place card.
Ranks are spelled out.
Colonel John J. Jones
SHOW SLIDE 19:  GUEST PLACE CARDS
After you have arranged the guest list in order of precedence, you must then make a place card for each attendee. 
NOTE:  For the practical exercise and test purposes you will select a few of the attendees for whom to make place cards.
Format and style may vary depending on local SOP.  The place cards most generally used are heavy, plain white cards about 2 inches high and 3 inches long with tabs on either end to fold back so the card will stand up.  The flag of the host general or a unit crest may be embossed or stamped on the place card in the upper left corner or top center

20. Check on Learning
Q. What is the correct title of address for a Master Sergeant?
A. Sergeant
Q. What is the correct title of address for Warrant Officers?
A. Mister or Mrs.
Q. What is the general rule for place cards?
A. Most generally used are heavy, white cards about 2 inches high and 3 inches long; however, style and format may vary based on local SOP.
SHOW SLIDE 20:  CHECK ON LEARNING
Q. What is the correct title of address for a Master Sergeant?
A. Sergeant
Q. What is the correct title of address for Warrant Officers?
A. Mister or Mrs.
Q. What is the general rule for place cards?
A. Most generally used are heavy, white cards about 2 inches high and 3 inches long; however, style and format may vary based on local SOP.

21. Prepare Seating Arrangements
SHOW SLIDE 21:  PREPARE SEATING ARRANGMENTS
When preparing seating arrangements, it is always a good idea to refer directly to  DA PAM   There are diagrams available in the publication that will assist you.

22. One-Table Seating Arrangement
Spouses are seated according to their spouse’s rank.
The host does not give up his position unless the guest is the president, king, or queen of a country.
Husband and wife do not sit next to each other.
Men do not sit next to each other, and women do not sit next to each other.
Check with your supervisor for specific instructions.
SHOW SLIDE 22:  ONE-TABLE SEATING ARRANGEMENT
Thus far you have arranged the guest list in order of precedence and have made a place card for each guest.  Now you will determine the seating arrangement that will be used and will write on a seating chart where each guest is to sit.  When you are on the job, remember that a seating chart is not necessary if the guest list is relatively small.  The place cards on the table may be all that is necessary in order for the guest to know where they are to sit.
Seating charts are normally used for larger luncheons and dinners when you wish to have all guests seated at chalkboard specific places.  The chart displaying the arrangement of the tables and chairs with the guests' names written in is displayed at the entrance of the dining facility.  This chart will show each guest where he/she is to sit.
NOTE:  The number of guests, size of the dining area, number and size of tables, and type of function all play a major role in determining the placement of guest.
When preparing a one table seating arrangement, there are several rules we must follow:
Check with your supervisor for specific instructions.
Spouses are seated according to their military sponsor's rank.
The host and hostess do not give up their positions unless the guest is the President or King or Queen of a country.
Husband and wife DO NOT sit next to each other.
Men DO NOT sit next to each other, and women DO NOT sit next to each other.

23. Usual Mixed Dinner Figure 3-1, DA PAM 600-60
SHOW SLIDE 23:  USUAL MIXED DINNER
Follow the seating charts in DA PAM unless otherwise instructed.  First, we will use the chart in Figure 3-1 for the usual mixed dinner. 
NOTE:  This chart is used when the guest are married couples and even in number.
The host sits at the head of the table and the hostess at the foot of the table.
The place of honor (or highest ranking guest) is to right of the host if the guest is a woman and to the right of the hostess if the guest is a man.  Generally, when the event involves both men and woman, guest are seated alternating a man and then a woman.
The second ranking guest sit to the left of the host and hostess.  This procedure continues alternating men and women to the right then to the left of the host and hostess until all guest are seated in accordance with the established order of precedence.
Sometimes the number of guest will not allow us to use Figure 3-1.  If the total number of people sitting at the table can be evenly divided by four, you will end up with two men sitting together and two women sitting together.  In this instance the hostess and the guest of honor (man) will move one seat to their left.  The remainder of the seating arrangement will fall into sequence according to Figure 3-3.
Check the seating chart with the list of the order of precedence to ensure that the guest of honor and other guest are all properly seated.  Follow any special instructions of the host or hostess.
Figure 3-1, DA PAM

24. Couples at Mixed Dinner
SHOW SLIDE 24:  MARRIED COUPLES AT MIXED DINNER
Mixed dinner—multiples of four.  Arrangements used for seating guests in multiples of four at the usual mixed dinner are shown in figure 3–3 and figure 3–4.
(1)  The plan in figure 3–3 is used when all couples are married.
(2)  The plan in figure 3–4 is suggested when a couple (such as the fifth ranking man and woman) are not married.  They should be seated side-by-side.
(3)  At tables of 8, 12, or any multiple of 4, the host and hostess cannot sit opposite each other without putting two males or two females together if there is an equal number of each present.  To balance the table, the hostess moves one seat to the left, putting her right-hand guest opposite the host.
NOTE:  REMEMBER, Guests are always seated according to rank at formal dinners no matter how small the dinner may be.  This order of seating must always be followed even if the “ranking guest” is not necessarily the one for whom the dinner is given.
Figure 3-3, DA PAM
Married Couples
Figure 3-4, DA PAM
Unmarried Couples

25. Check on Learning Q. When are Seating Charts normally used?
A. Seating charts are normally used for larger luncheons and dinners when you wish to have all guests seated at chalkboard specific places.
Q. What plays a major role in determining the placement of a guest?
A. The number of guests, size of the dining area, number and size of tables, and type of function.
Q. How are spouses seated?
A. Spouses are seated according to their military sponsor's rank.
SHOW SLIDE 25:  CHECK ON LEARNING
Q. When are Seating Charts normally used?
A. Seating charts are normally used for larger luncheons and dinners when you wish to have all guests seated at chalkboard specific places.
Q. What plays a major role in determining the placement of a guest?
A. The number of guests, size of the dining area, number and size of tables, and type of function.
Q. How are spouses seated?
A. Spouses are seated according to their military sponsor's rank.

26. Determine Flag Placement
SHOW SLIDE 26:  DETERMINE FLAG PLACEMENT
Proper placement of flags is critical to a successful social event or ceremony.  Flags are immediately visible to all attendees so proper placement is critical.

27. Display of Flags
Placement. At military receptions and dinners the custom is to display appropriate national colors and distinguishing flags in the “flag line.”
The flag line is centered behind the receiving line and/or the head table and are arranged in order of precedence.
The U.S. flag is always located at the place of honor, that is, the flag’s own right (the observer’s left), regardless of the order or location of individuals in the receiving line.
When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from a radiating stand, the U.S. flag is in the center and at the highest point of the group.
SHOW SLIDE 27:  DISPLAY OF FLAGS
Placement.  At military receptions and dinners, especially when general officers are present, the custom is to display appropriate national colors and distinguishing flags in the “flag line.” 
(1)  The flag line is centered behind the receiving line and/or the head table.
(2)  Flags displayed behind the receiving line or head table are arranged in order of precedence.  The flag of the United States is always located at the place of honor, that is, the flag’s own right (the observer’s left), regardless of the order or location of individuals in the receiving line.  When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from a radiating stand, the flag of the United States is in the center and at the highest point of the group.

28. Flags - Order of Precedence
The U.S. flag is always displayed when foreign national flags, State flags, positional flags, individual flags, the U.S. Army flag, or other organizational flags are displayed or carried.
The order of precedence of flags is as follows:
The flag of the United States.
Foreign national flags. Normally, these are displayed in alphabetical order (English alphabet).
Flag of the President of the United States of America.
Normally, the State flags are displayed in order of admittance to the Union. The territorial flags are displayed after the State flags in order of entry into the Union.
Military organizational flags in order of precedence or echelon.
Positional flags in order of precedence.
Personal flags in order of rank.
SHOW SLIDE 28:  FLAGS - ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
Order of precedence:
The flag of the United States is always displayed when foreign national flags, State flags, positional flags, individual flags, the United States Army flag, or other organizational flags are displayed or carried.
The order of precedence of flags is as follows:
(a)  The flag of the United States.
(b)  Foreign national flags. Normally, these are displayed in alphabetical order (English alphabet).
(c)  Flag of the President of the United States of America.    
(d) Normally, the State flags are displayed in order of admittance to the Union.  The territorial flags are displayed after the State flags in order of entry into the Union.
(e)  Military organizational flags in order of precedence or echelon.
(f)  Positional flags in order of precedence.     
(g) Personal flags in order of rank.

29. Service Flags - Order of Precedence
The order of precedence for Service Flags is as follows:
United States Army.
United States Marine Corps.
United States Navy.
United States Air Force.
United States Coast Guard.
Army National Guard.
Army Reserve.
Marine Corps Reserve.
Naval Reserve.
Air National Guard of the United States.
Air Force Reserve.
Coast Guard Reserve.
SHOW SLIDE 29:  SERVICE FLAGS - ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
(3) The order of precedence of Service Flags is as follows:
United States Army.
United States Marine Corps.
United States Navy.
United States Air Force.
United States Coast Guard.
Army National Guard.
Army Reserve.
Marine Corps Reserve.
Naval Reserve.
Air National Guard of the United States.
Air Force Reserve.
Coast Guard Reserve

30. General Officer Flags
(1) For each general officer present at the head table of a reception or dinner, only one general officer “star” flag for each grade may be displayed, regardless of the number present for each grade.
(2) If two or more service general officers are participating in an event, star flags for each Service are displayed. The star flag of the senior officer precedes the others.
(3) Positional flags take precedence over personal flags. It is incorrect to display a four-star personal flag for the Chief of Staff or Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. When these individuals visit an installation or agency, someone in the official party normally carries a positional flag for this purpose. Keep in mind that the host’s flags are always displayed / flown.
SHOW SLIDE 30:  GENERAL OFFICER FLAGS
General Officer flags.
(1) For each general officer present at the head table of a reception or dinner, only one general officer “star” flag for each grade may be displayed, regardless of the number present for each grade.
(2) If two or more service general officers are participating in an event, star flags for each Service are displayed. The star flag of the senior officer precedes the others.
Positional flags take precedence over personal flags. It is incorrect to display a four-star personal flag for the Chief of Staff or Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. When these individuals visit an installation or agency, someone in the official party normally carries a positional flag for this purpose. Keep in mind that the host’s flags are always displayed / flown.
While AR 840–10 does not address the issue of the display of positional or personal flags of guests attending military functions, the HQDA procedure is to display the positional or personal flags of individuals participating in the function.  Positional or personal flags of guests in attendance but not participating are not displayed.
Personal colors for retired general officers are not authorized for public display (AR 840–10, para 3–37), except when the officer is being honored at an official military ceremony.  Also, if the officer is in attendance on the reviewing stand in an official ceremony and the flag displaying his or her rank is not already on display.

31. Check on Learning Q. Where is a "flag line" positioned?
A. The flag line is centered behind the receiving line and/or the head table.
Q. Where is the U.S. Flag always located?
A. The flag of the United States is always located at the place of honor, that is, the flag’s own right (the observer’s left), regardless of the order or location of individuals in the receiving line.
Q. What is the general rule for display of General Officer flags?
A. For each general officer present at the head table of a reception or dinner, only one general officer “star” flag for each grade may be displayed, regardless of the number present for each grade.
SHOW SLIDE 31:  CHECK ON LEARNING
Q. Where is a "flag line" positioned?
A. The flag line is centered behind the receiving line and/or the head table.
Q. Where is the U.S. Flag always located?
A. The flag of the United States is always located at the place of honor, that is, the flag’s own right (the observer’s left), regardless of the order or location of individuals in the receiving line.
Q. What is the general rule for display of General Officer flags?
A. For each general officer present at the head table of a reception or dinner, only one general officer “star” flag for each grade may be displayed, regardless of the number present for each grade.

32. Terminal Learning Objective
ACTION: Coordinate Social Events
CONDITIONS: In a classroom environment, given a list of attendees including rank and / or title, a description of the event to be held, a diagram of the table(s) to be used, handouts on seating arrangements, a computer with Microsoft® Office software, printer, access to DA PAM (A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment) and FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organization and Operations.
STANDARD: With a minimum of 70% accuracy,
1. Determine order of precedence.
2. Arrange list of attendees.
3. Prepare place cards for guests.
4. Develop a seating chart.
5. Determine proper flag placement.
SHOW SLIDE 31:  TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ACTION: Coordinate Social Events
CONDITIONS: In a classroom environment, given a list of attendees including rank and / or title, a description of the event to be held, a diagram of the table(s) to be used, handouts on seating arrangements, a computer with Microsoft® Office software, printer, access to DA PAM (A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment) and FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organization and Operations.
STANDARD: With a minimum of 70% accuracy,
1. Determine order of precedence.
2. Arrange list of attendees.
3. Prepare place cards for guests.
4. Develop a seating chart.
5. Determine proper flag placement