MILITARY COURTESY

Courtesy Defined The expression or manifestation of consideration for the rights of others. More than merely obeying the forms of polite conduct. The kind of virtue expected of all individuals be it in the military or in civilian life. It is a deep-rooted spirit of friendliness

mutual respect. Just like loyalty, in the military, courtesy works both ways; a junior officer is courteous and obedient to his senior, but the senior is also considerate and respectful of his junior. We act with courtesy toward our senior/elders because we recognize their authority and responsibility.

Likewise, the senior must show equal courtesy, recognizing the essential role that the junior plays as a member of a team. Discipline and courtesy are two inseparable virtues of people working in the military, for these are integral parts of the soldier’s personality. These ingredients, if religiously practised in the individual’s day to day activities, will indeed foster success in the undertakings of the organization where

he/she is involved. In the military, courtesy is displayed by: - Proper execution of salute - Standing at attention during ceremonies - Observing proper decorum and protocol - Answering superiors with due respect - Giving briefings and making official calls

The Salute The most important manifestation of all military courtesies is the salute. In the military establishments, the salute is mostly used and it distinguishes the military man/woman in its execution. Salute indicates pride in himself/herself and his/her unit and thus enhances the building up of confidence in his/her

ability to perform his/her assigned duties well, even without being told to do so. How to Salute From the position of attention or if walking from an erect position, raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headgear, forearm inclined at 45 degrees, hand and wrist at straight line, palm slightly inward, thumb and fingers extended and joined.

Rules in Rendering the Hand Salute The salute is required on and off military installations during and outside office hours. Persons entitled to the salute: - All commissioned officers of the AFP, both male and female. - Commissioned officers of friendly nations when they are recognized as such

- Officers of the Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey and the Public Health Service when they are serving with the AFP. - All civilians who are entitled by reason of position, to gun salute or other honors, are also entitled by custom to salute. Salute is rendered at a distance of about six (6) paces from the person saluted, or

at a recognizable distance of thirty (30) paces. The salute must be returned by those entitled to it. - It is not rendered when running but at halt or walk. - Never salute with cigarette, cigar or pipe in the mouth. - The salute should not be executed in a haphazard or perfunctory manner.

- Salutes are exchanged whether individuals are covered or uncovered. The salute is rendered but once – - If the senior remains in the immediate vicinity and no conversation takes place. - If a conversation occurs, the junior again salutes when they part from each other. In making reports, the person reporting salutes first regardless of

rank. An example of this case is when a unit commander is reporting to the adjutant during a ceremony. In cases not mentioned above or when there is doubt – whether or not to salute, it is safe or preferably to render a salute. When to Salute: When meeting a senior officer

When not to Salute: When the National Color passes by. When the National Anthem is being played. When reporting. After conversing with an officer. When not to Salute: When standing near or leading a horse. When indoors, except when reporting. When at work. When driving or riding in a fast moving vehicle.

When in a recreational hall, making the salute inappropriate. When engaged in actual games and athletic competition. When meeting a prisoner of war. When both hands are so occupied as to make saluting impractical. When in a public conveyance – especially if in crowded places. When in rank – as if you are part of a formation.

It is a mistake in saluting when: Bowing the head as the salute is given. Bringing the heads down before the acknowledgement. Holding the arms awkwardly high or letting it sag to low. Saluting while in double time. Avoiding the gaze of the person being saluted.

Saluting with cigar/cigarette or pipe in the mouth. Saluting when chewing gum or candy in the mouth. Definition of Terms: Outdoors – is construed to include such buildings as drill halls, gymnasiums and other roofed enclosures used for drill or exercise of troops. Theaters, covered walks and other shelters open on the

sides are also considered as outdoors. Indoors – includes offices, hallways, kitchen, orderly rooms, recreation halls, washrooms and quarters. Under arms – means carrying of arms or having attached to the person by sling, holster or other means. In the absence of arms the wearing of cartridge belts, pistol holster, or automatic rifle belts are also means under arms. Courtesy Call – is a military custom or

Reporting to an Officer: practice whereby a newly reported officer or enlisted personnel makes an official visit to his immediate commander. Reporting to an Officer: The salute is rendered by a junior officer when reporting to a senior officer. He also salutes before leaving. Reporting indoors without arms – - A soldier removes his headgear, knocks at the door of the office, and

enters when told to do so. - Upon entering, he halts at about two paces from the officer and salutes and says “Sir, Pvt Cruz reports to the Company Commander”. - The salute is retained until he completes his report and the officer has returned his salute. - When the business is completed, the soldier salutes, executes about face and leaves the office.

Reporting Indoors Under Arms – the procedure in reporting is the same as discussed above except that the soldier remains covered. If carrying a rifle, the soldier carries it and salutes at trail arms. Otherwise the hand salute is given. Reporting Outdoors – the procedure of reporting to an officer outdoors is the same as discussed above except that the headgear is not removed. The rifle should be carried at trail or right shoulder. The hand salute or rifle salute

is given as the case may be. Reporting for Pay – A soldier reporting for pay answers “here” when his name is called, approaches and salutes the officer paying. He picks up and counts his money and leaves without saluting. The officer does not return his salute.

Other Courtesies to Individuals: When an officer enters a room or tent – Officers junior to him and enlisted men present will uncover (if unarmed) and stand at attention until the officer directs otherwise or leaves the room. - When more than one individual are present, the first one who perceives the officer will command “attention” loud

to be heard by everybody present . - Everybody stands at attention until the officer says otherwise. When an officer enters a room or tent used as an office, workshop, recreation room – - Those at work or at play are not required to come to attention unless addressed by the officer. - A junior when addressed by a senior

comes to attention, except in the transaction of routine business between individuals at work. When an officer enters an enlisted men’s mess hall – - The group is called to at ease by the person noticing him first. - Men remain seated at ease and continue eating unless the officer directs otherwise.

- A soldier addressed stops eating and sits erect until the conversation is ended. When accompanying a senior – a junior walks or rides on his left except when accompanying a senior during inspection. When entering a car or small boat – the junior goes in first and others follow in the inverse order of rank. In getting off, the senior goes out first and others following the order of rank.

Uncovering: Officers and enlisted men under arms uncover when: - Seated as a member for an attendance at court or board. - Entering places of divine worship. - Indoor when not on duty. - In attendance at an official reception.

Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel Military Titles: All AFP personnel are addressed by their full titles in official correspondence. In conversation or official correspondence they are addressed as follows: Rank Addressed As Brigadier General to General Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel Colonel

First Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant Lieutenant Chaplain Nurse Rank Addressed As Major Captain First Lieutenant and Second Lieutenant Lieutenant Chaplain Nurse Sergeant to Master Sergeant Sergeant Corporal

Private to Private First Class Private Cadet Mister Rank Addressed As Private to Private First Class Private Cadet Mister Navy personnel are addressed in conversations and unofficial correspondence as: Rank Addressed As Rear Admiral to Admiral Admiral Commodore

Lieutenant Commander to Commander Commander Rank Addressed As Captain Lieutenant Commander to Commander Commander Lieutenant Junior Grade to Lieutenant Senior Grade Lieutenant Ensign/Cadet Mister

Any naval officer in command of a ship regardless of size or class while exercising such command is called “CAPTAIN”. When introducing a Naval Captain, it is customary to add after his name “of the Navy”, because a Captain of the Navy is equivalent to a Colonel in the Army.

Ranks & Insignias in AFP

Commissioned officers ARMY / AIRFORCE / MARINES NAVY Collar Insignia Shoulder Board (NAVY) 2nd Lieutenant Ensign 1st Lieutenant Lieutenant Junior Grade

ARMY / AIRFORCE / MARINES NAVY Collar Insignia Shoulder Board (NAVY) Captain Lieutenant Senior Grade Major Lieutenant Commander

ARMY / AIRFORCE / MARINES NAVY Collar Insignia Shoulder Board (NAVY) Lieutenant Colonel Commander Colonel Captain

ARMY / AIRFORCE / MARINES NAVY Collar Insignia Shoulder Board (NAVY) Brigadier General Commodore Major General Rear Admiral

ARMY / AIRFORCE / MARINES NAVY Collar Insignia Shoulder Board (NAVY) Lieutenant General Vice-Admiral General Admiral