Service Etiquette
Agenda Flag Etiquette Receiving Lines Commanders Reception Calling Cards Dress Codes
Our National Flag A military man or woman is expected to be an expert on the history and customs governing the display and handling of the national flag
Display of the National Flag Raised and lowered by hand Displayed only from sunrise to sunset Do not raise flag while furled Lower the flag slowly and with dignity Avoid practice of covering a speakers table with the flag Always face the flag and turned to follow it
Display of the National Flag
Receiving Lines Differences between the way receiving lines are formed at various official, formal and informal receptions Be sure to ask for clarification depending on the level of formality of the reception Do not chew gum while going through the receiving line
Official Reception An aide is at the head of the line and announces guests as they arrive Do not shake hands with the aide, simply introduce youre your date first and then yourself The aide will then turn to the host and introduce you and your date Shake your hosts hand lightly, but with a degree of firmness and extend a greeting depending on the time of day of the reception
Official Reception Official reception line protocol not including the aide 1.The official host (usually the commander) 2.The guest of honor 3.The guest of honors wife or husband 4.The official hosts wife 5.Extra man if possible to avoid leaving a woman at the end of the line
Commanders Reception A social gathering hosted by a commander of an organization to get to know his officers and their spouses in a more casual setting An Example: Commanders New Year Reception – calling cards *Note* - Always send a written thank you note to your host within 24 hours after the social event
Calling Cards David C. Woodruff Jr Captain (P) Corps of Engineers United States Army 3 ¼ 1 ¾ Cadets are not required to have personal cards, but can if they desire. BUT DONT cause I will think you are a pompous Ass Leave cards at receptions such as the commanders reception they are used in the place of a guest book
Dress Codes Formal (formal = Tux or Evening Gown) Military Balls Equivalent to PROM but Grown Up. Informal (Informal = coat & tie) Usually afternoon function Nothing fussy Casual (Polo shirt or Blouse and Slacks or Skirt) Most Often in Army atmospheres ie.. Hail and farewells & Officer Calls
Conclusion Flag Etiquette Receiving Lines Commanders Reception Calling Cards Dress Codes
Questions