1. What Not To Wear ~ What Not To Do!
Protocol & Etiquette
What Not To Wear ~
What Not To Do!

2. Etiquette
What is it?
Etiquette is just the basics of kindness and politeness
Good Manners
Consideration of Others
Thoughtfulness
General Courtesy
When in doubt, do the kindest thing possible

3. Protocol
Protocol: “A code of diplomatic or military etiquette or precedence”.
More simply put it is understanding the established official, diplomatic code of ethics or behavior.
The term Service Etiquette or Military Etiquette is interchangeable with the term Protocol.

4. FLAG ETIQUETTE
Stand and salute or place your hand over your heart as the American Flag passes you
Hold it there until the last note of the National Anthem is played or sung
Be the example for those
around you- they may not
be aware of the proper
way to show respect for
our flag
Stand for the flag or anthem
of other nations as well

5. Respect for Rank or Position
At Ceremonies and formal programs Flag Officers and often Captains as well as guests of honor may be announced before they enter after everyone else is seated. A band may play “Ruffles and Flourishes” for Flag Officers.
At dinner functions military may seat their spouse, but will stand by their chair for the ranking officer at the table to arrive, waiting to be seated at their cue.
At a Ceremony, service members will be called to Attention to Orders or Attention to Award. Service members will stand, civilians remain seated unless asked to stand.

6. Receiving Lines
Receiving Lines can be extremely formal or quite casual with little in between.
At a Formal event state your name to each person in the line as you shake their hand. Speak only briefly to keep the line moving. Follow the example of those in front of you.
At a Casual event such as a CPO Pinning, first the members of the Chiefs Mess, and then the guests congratulate the new Chiefs. Guests at this event are usually familiar with some of those in the receiving line and conversations should be kept brief, but are usually much more personal and heartfelt than in a formal receiving line.

7. Introductions
Always greet or speak to the Senior or elder person first. Introduce using rank or title. Use Mr. or Mrs. for spouses unless invited to use first names.
Rule of thumb is to introduce Junior to Senior, Non-Official to Official, colleague to customer and younger to elder, introduce children before adults.
Be prepared and comfortable introducing yourself. Our spouses are often occupied behind the scenes or may be participating in the event.
Have confidence when introducing yourself.
It is okay to tell someone “ It is nice to see you again, I am so sorry I cannot recall your name”.

8. Invitations
ALWAYS respond or RSVP within 48 hours of receiving an invitation.
NEVER arrive early, bring uninvited guests, or children (unless specifically invited).
KNOW who the Host and Hostess are and their relationship to your spouse as well as what type of event you are invited to.
If you have a dietary restriction or allergy inquire and inform the Hostess when you accept expressing the simplest of solutions.

9. Hostess Gifts
It is polite but not necessary to bring a small Hostess Gift if you desire ($10 to $15 or less) to a non-official function held in someone’s home.
Avoid a gift that requires immediate attention such as flowers as the hostess will be busy with guests.
Candles, a small plant, set of cocktail napkins, or something personally to her liking if you know the hostess well would all be acceptable.

10. Expressing Thanks
A hand written Thank You note is a MUST after attending a party or gathering in some ones home. An will NOT do.
Write a thank you within 24 hours while memory of the event is fresh.
Mention something specific so they know you enjoyed yourself and it is not generic.
NEVER pre write a thank you and leave it for the hostess to find.

11. Traditional Social Events
Khaki Ball- within 2 weeks after Pinning
Navy Ball- some time near October 13th
CPO Birthday Ball- near April 1st
Dining Out- upon planning by the Mess
Spouses Included
Dining In- upon planning by the Mess
Active Duty Only
Community Balls- planned by associations
Submarine, Surface, Aviation, SeaBee, Supply Corps, etc..

12. Interpreting Invitations
Formal
White Tie
Black tie
Semi-Formal
Official
Business
Business Casual
Informal
Casual
Open Collar
Very Casual
What will I wear!
HELP
Anyone been to Hawaii??
Aloha Royal
Aloha
Aloha Crisp
Luau on the Beach
Resort Casual
Tropical Attire

13. From THE NAVY WIFE copyright 1949
“Then, too, there will come a day when you get lonesome, blue, and homesick. Buying a frivolous new hat does wonders for the feminine morale on such an occasion. Try it and see for yourself!”
It’s hard to find a good fashion source, these days, for military spouses!

14. Dressing to the Uniform
If it is a uniformed function, no matter what phrase is on the invitation you must determine:
What Uniform will your spouse wear?
What type of event are you attending?
Your choice of outfit should match the level of formality of the Uniform your spouse will wear or the role they have at the event.
To “Dress to the Uniform” is to align what you wear to the importance of the event and the level of formality of the uniform your spouse will wear.

15. Formal Social Occasion Dinner Dress Blue Jacket
Navy Ball
Formal Military Balls
Social Balls
Military Wedding Party

16. Formal Social Occasion Dinner Dress White Jacket
Navy Ball
Formal Military Ball
Military Wedding Party
Social Ball

17. Formal Social Occasion Dinner Dress Blue
Navy Ball
Military Wedding Party
Formal Military Ball
Social Ball

18. WHAT NOT TO WEAR!

19. Formal Ceremonial Full Dress Blue
Change of Command
Inauguration
Christening
Commissioning
Parades
Decommissioning

20. Business/Official Meeting Service Dress White
Retirement
Promotion
Funeral
Dinner Meeting
Guest Speaking
Wedding
Navy League Luncheon

21. Business/Official Meeting or Social Summer White
Weddings- Funerals
Promotions
Luncheons- Dinners
Socials - Retirements
Receptions
Ombudsman Appreciation

22. Informal or Casual Service Khaki
Khaki Ball
Khaki Ball
Informal or Casual Service Khaki
ONLY
ONLY
CPO Pinning
Casual Business Lunch
Khaki Ball
Ombudsman Assembly

23. Casual Attire

24. WHAT NOT TO WEAR!

25. Very Casual- Picnic or BBQ

26. DRESS TO THE UNIFORM What Will I Wear? Remember...
…It is easier than you think