Customs and Courtesies

Overview Custom and Courtesy Defined Respect for the Flag Saluting Rank, Recognition and Respect Titles of Address Military Etiquette

Custom and Courtesy Defined Custom: An act or ceremony stemming from tradition which is enforceable as an unwritten law. Courtesy: An act of respect or politeness paid to people or symbols. Military courtesy is based on mutual respect among members of a unique profession.

Respect for the Flag Two musical tributes: National Anthem and To the Colors-- Once first note is played: –Uniform--Outdoors: Come to attention, face the flag (or direction of music) and salute. –Uniform-- Indoors: Face the flag and stand at attention, do not salute. –Civilian Clothing--Outdoors: Same action as in uniform--salute is right hand over the heart (hat over the left shoulder). (cont)

Respect for the Flag (cont) –Civilian Clothing--Indoors: Stand at attention and place right hand over the heart. –Vehicle: Driver stops, all personnel remain quietly seated (do not get out of the vehicle). Disposition of the Flag: When condition is no longer a fitting emblem for display, destroy it in a dignified manner--burning. (cont)

Respect for the Flag (cont) Flag Ceremonies: –Reveille: Signals the start of the official duty day--National Anthem or To the Colors is played. –Retreat: Serves a twofold purpose; signals end of the official duty day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag. (cont)

Respect for the Flag (continued) Reville: Military style uniform--render military salute. Civilian clothes--stand at attention with right hand over heart (remove headdress). Retreat: Bugle call “Retreat” sounded, followed by either National Anthem or To the Colors--stop, face, salute. Vehicle; stop and sit at attention.

Saluting Courtesy exchanged between members of JROTC when in military-style uniform-- greeting and symbol of mutual respect. Do Salute : –When in military-style uniform. –President, Medal of Honor recipients, commissioned and warrant officers. –Indoors when formally reporting in to an officer senior in rank. –On military installation--salute all officers, warrant officers, and staff vehicles (flag or metal plate). (cont)

Saluting (cont) Do Not Salute: –When carrying articles in both hands--verbal greeting should be exchanged. –Designated covered area/no salute area (SMA on Campus after Formation). –Military formation--senior person salutes. –Public gathering--sporting event.

Rank, Recognition and Respect (R 3 ) R 3 are common acts of courtesy by all JROTC members that aid in maintaining discipline and promoting smooth conduct of affairs. –Always give seniors position of honor: Right. –Report-in by removing hat, knocking once and entering when told to do so--two paces from desk, halt, salute and report-in. –Rise and stand at attention when senior official enters the room. (cont)

Rank, Recognition and Respect (cont) –Junior personnel enter automobiles first (sit to the left) and exit last. –Military courtesy and respect are “two-way streets”--officers must practice courtesy and good human relations when dealing with subordinates. –RHIP--rank has its privileges--do not abuse.

Titles of Address All military personnel are addressed by their title/rank--acceptable for senior person to address subordinates by first name. –Sir, Ma’am, Doctor, Chaplain, Father, etc., in place of title/rank can all be used. –Cadets are addressed by “Cadet” or by their title/rank by senior members (Mr or Miss is acceptable).

Military Etiquette Etiquette is defined as common, everyday courtesy. Everyone must practice good manners such as: –Say “Please” and “Thank You” –Don’t keep people waiting –Don’t gossip –Use proper telephone etiquette –Call if you’re going to be late –Don’t interrupt

Summary Custom and Courtesy Defined Respect for the Flag Saluting Rank, Recognition and Respect Titles of Address Military Etiquette Questions