Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions of Service Lesson Plan 150-IMT-5001 Click on “Common Curriculum Development Division” to go to the IMT Lesson Share Point Site.

AGENDA Customs, courtesies, and traditions as they relate to military service. Selected customs and courtesies of the Army. Position of honor Correct use of titles Wear and removal of headgear Responding to a senior officer’s presence Execute a hand salute Report to a senior Render honors Social courtesies

Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions What is a Custom? What is a Tradition? What is a Courtesy?

Mutual Respect A senior Marine Corps officer came upon a strange sight in a company street one day: a private at rigid attention saluted over and over like a robot, a second lieutenant who stood before him, hands on hips. “What’s going on?” The Marine asked. “This Marine, sir. He neglected to salute me as we passed, and I’ve ordered him to salute one hundred times. “You’re right,” the senior Marine replied, “But you know that an officer must return every salute he receives--now let me see you do your share.”

When officers and Soldiers display military customs and courtesies, they demonstrate to themselves and others their commitment to duty, to their country and colleagues, and their tradition of service to others.

Selected customs and courtesies of the Army Position of honor Correct use of titles Wear and removal of headgear Arrival and departure of a senior Execute a hand salute Report to a senior Render honors Social courtesies

Position of honor The higher ranking Soldier stands and walks to the right. This is true both in formation and walking casually.

Correct use of titles Colonels and lieutenant colonels are addressed as “colonel.” 1st and 2nd lieutenants are addressed as “Lieutenant.” Sergeants E5-E8 are addressed as “Sergeant.” First Sergeants (E8 position) are addressed as “First Sergeant.” Sergeants Major (E9) are addressed as “Sergeant Major.” Chaplains are addressed as “Chaplain,” regardless of rank.

Wear and removal of headgear Usually remove headgear when indoors. When under arms (carrying a weapon) will only remove headgear on the following occasions: Attendance at a court or board. Places of worship. Official receptions.

Arrival and departure of a senior If you enter the room and are the senior officer, the first person to see you should call the room to attention. You, then, have three options. Leave them at attention. Call, “At ease.” Call, “Carry on.”

Execute a hand salute The salute is initiated by the subordinate and acknowledged by the superior. Salute all senior officers, including allies. Salute official vehicles. Exceptions to the rule. In civilian attire When part of a formation When part of a work detail When indoors

Report to a senior Reporting indoors Reporting outdoors Position: two steps from officer’s desk Greeting: “Sir, Lieutenant Smith reports” Salute when reporting and when leaving Reporting outdoors Position: three steps from officer Greeting: same

Render honors (Outdoors) National anthem, “Retreat,” “Reveille,” etc. Face the sound of music and salute Vehicles stop, if possible Pledge of Allegiance In uniform Remain silent Salute In civilian attire Remove headgear Right hand over heart Recite pledge

Render honors (Indoors) National anthem, “To the Colors,” “Hail to the Chief” Stand at attention Face the flag Do NOT salute unless under arms

Social courtesies (Attire) Three types Formal: Appropriate Dress Uniform Informal: Suit or Sport Coat Casual: Slacks, Sport shirt and Sweater Picnics and similar company events will probably have “sub-casual” dress requirements. Check with your boss.

Social Courtesies (Invitations) Two Types Formal: Professionally printed and may contain a response card Informal: Delivered in person, by telephone or by hand-written letter All responses should be within 24 hours in the same form as the invitation.

SOCIAL COURTESIES (Introductions) When introducing Soldiers, present the junior to the senior When introducing a lady, present the man to the lady When introduced to a lady, a male shakes hand only if the lady offers her hand When introduced to a man, the handshake is expected

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