1. Customs and Courtesies

2. Customs and Courtesies
Overview
Definitions
Rendering Courtesies
Military Etiquette
Reporting Procedures
Rank Recognition

3. Definitions
Custom – a social convention stemming from tradition and enforced by unwritten law
Courtesy – when a custom becomes written guidance
Respect is shown to the senior member acknowledges the senior’s responsibility and authority
Courtesy returned to junior reflects the respect and regard for their part in the AF mission

4. Rendering Courtesies Saluting
Required when in uniform when ‘under cover’
When flag is honored outdoors
Junior initiates and holds until salute is returned

5. Rendering Courtesies Special Considerations
If you are carrying something, verbal greeting only
If the senior and junior member stop to converse, salute at beginning and end of conversation

6. Rendering Courtesies Groups If in a group, all salute simultaneously
In a work detail, only the member in charge salutes
If in formation only the member in change salutes

7. Rendering Courtesies Staff Cars
Pedestrians salute staff cars when someone is inside

8. Reveille, Retreat, National Anthem
Rendering Courtesies
Reveille, Retreat, National Anthem
In uniform outside – come to attention, face flag and salute through music
Civilian clothes outside – stand at attention and place right hand over heart (also allowed to salute if service member or veteran
In uniform inside – stand at attention and face flag
Civilian clothes inside - stand at attention and place right hand over heart

9. Reveille, Retreat, National Anthem
Rendering Courtesies
Reveille, Retreat, National Anthem
If in your car – pull over and sit quietly until the National Anthem is over
DON’T RUN OR DUCK inside to avoid the National Anthem

10. Military Etiquette Individual Courtesies Professionalism
Tardiness/Unreliability – call ahead if you will miss an appointment or deadline
Chain of Command – do not bypass your superior and consult a high level authority
Indebtedness – pay your bills!
PDA – no handholding, embracing, walking arm in arm while in uniform
Appearance in public – professional 24/7

11. Reporting Procedures Knock on door once
When told to enter – ‘march’ to 2 paces from desk, centered
Stand at attention (eyes caged) and salute
‘Ma’am, Cadet XX reports’
Wait until the salute is returned to drop the salute
When the conversation is over sit at attention and ask:
‘Will that be all, Ma’am’?
Stand at attention in front of desk, salute and say:
Good morning, afternoon, evening Ma’am’
Conduct proper facing movements – modified if on carpet

12. Rank Recognition Airmen Basic (AB) Does not wear any rank insignia
Addressed as “Airman Basic” or “Airman”
Pay grade is E-1

13. Rank Recognition Airmen (Amn) Chevron of 1 stripe with star
Addressed as “Airman”
Pay grade is E-2

14. Rank Recognition Airman First Class (A1C)
Chevron of 2 stripes with star
Addressed as “Airman First Class”or “Airman”
Pay grade is E-3

15. Rank Recognition Senior Airman (SrA) Chevron of 3 stripes with star
Addressed as “Senior Airman” or “Airman”
Pay grade is E-4

16. Rank Recognition Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Chevron of 4 stripes with star
Addressed as “Staff Sergeant” or “Sergeant”
Pay grade is E-5

17. Rank Recognition Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
Chevron of 5 stripes with star
Addressed as “Technical Sergeant” or “Sergeant”
Pay grade is E-6

18. Rank Recognition Master Sergeant (MSgt) Chevron of 6 stripes with star
Addressed as “Master Sergeant” or “Sergeant”
Pay grade is E-7

19. Rank Recognition Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
Chevron of 7 stripes with star
Addressed as “Senior Master Sergeant” or “Sergeant”
Pay grade is E-8

20. Rank Recognition Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)
Chevron of 8 stripes with star
Addressed as “Chief Master Sergeant” or “Chief”
Pay grade is E-9

21. Rank Recognition – Special Positions
First Sergeant (1st Sgt)

22. Rank Recognition – Special Positions
Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM)
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF)

23. Rank Recognition Second Lieutenant (2d Lt) Wears 1 gold bar
Addressed as “Second Lieutenant” or “Lieutenant”
Pay grade is O-1

24. Rank Recognition First Lieutenant (1st Lt) Wears 1 silver bar
Addressed as “First Lieutenant” or “Lieutenant”
Pay grade is O-2

25. Rank Recognition Captain (Capt) Wears 2 silver bars connected
Addressed as “Captain”
Pay grade is O-3

26. Rank Recognition Major (Maj) Wears 1 gold oak leaf
Addressed as “Major”
Pay grade is O-4

27. Rank Recognition Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Wears 1 silver oak leaf
Addressed as “Lieutenant Colonel” or “Colonel”
Pay grade is O-5

28. Rank Recognition Colonel (Col) Wears one silver eagle
Addressed as “Colonel”
Pay grade is O-6

29. Rank Recognition Wears 1 silver star
Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
Wears 1 silver star
Addressed as “Brigadier General” or “General”
Pay grade is O-7

30. Rank Recognition Major General (Maj Gen) Wears 2 silver stars
Addressed as “Major General” or “General”
Pay grade is O-8

31. Rank Recognition Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Wears 3 silver stars
Addressed as “Lieutenant General” or “General”
Pay grade is O-9

32. Rank Recognition General (Gen) Wears 4 silver stars
Addressed as “General”
Pay grade is O-10

33. Rank Recognition
Army / Marines

34. Rank Recognition
Navy/ Coast Guard

35. Overview Summary Definitions Rendering Courtesies Military Etiquette
Reporting Procedures
Rank Recognition