Courtesies In The Military
Customs are ways of behaving or beliefs that has been established for a long time among a group of people. Courtesies are polite behaviors or polite actions. Customs and Courtesies are an essential aspect of military life, upon which Soldiers are expected abide by both on and off duty. Dating back to the commencement of the military service, they are one of the defining features of an exemplary soldier within that service. These customs and courtesies help to keep discipline and order in a military organization by governing Soldiers not only in their professional life but in their social life as well. They add to the value of military life, and is reiterated throughout a soldier’s career. Military life creates many special situations, not found in civilian life, that require special behavior on the
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soldiers’ part.
Most military customs and courtesies evolve from age-old practices or have some historical importance. To explain, the U.S. flag is folded into a triangle to represent the tricorne hat of early American patriots. Originating from naval custom, the flag is lowered to half-staff. This was done following the death of a crewmember to convey that things were not "ship-shape." Another example being that the position of honor has been, and is to this day, to the right. This originated from the medieval swordsmen who wore their weapons to the left, and drew them to their right side. The most qualified warriors were given the specific place of honor to allow them easy access to their weapons. More over, this practice has carried over to today, and is associated with saluting. The ancient knights used the signal of raising the face visor on their helmets as a greeting. This motion signified amity and assertiveness as it removed the sword hand from the weapon and provided defenselessness in the suit of armor. (Saluting)
In the military, the salute is more than just an honor exchanged; it's a privileged motion of respect and trust among military soldiers. It’s not only authorized by regulation, but is also recognition of each other's commitment, abilities, and professionalism. It is an expression that recognizes each other as a member of the U.S. military, and their personal commitment of self-sacrifice to preserve the American way of life. The fact that the junior extends the greeting first is simply a demonstration of etiquette. A salute extended or returned does the same. The way you salute is a reflection of you as a soldier. A proud, insightful salute shows pride in yourself and your unit. It also shows you're confident in your abilities as a soldier. Sloppy saluting is a very clear reflection of your lack of personal pride and respect in the service. Military enlisted personnel in uniform are mandated to salute when they encounter and acknowledge a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical.
Commissioned officers are soldiers with much more experience in regard to lesser ranks, and they're always addressed politely, using sir or ma'am.
In the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, instructors are also addressed as sir or ma'am. Overly extensive use of these terms isn’t necessary. In the Army and Navy, drill instructors are commonly addressed by using their military rank and their last name. In Marine Corps basic training, avoid using personal pronouns such as "you," "I," or "we". Instead, speak in the third person.
When reporting to an officer in his office, the soldier should remove his headgear, knock, and enter when given the okay. They proceed within two steps of the officer’s desk. Then they stop, salute, and report. The salute is sustained until the report is completed, and the salute has been returned. After the work is completed, the soldier salutes, and holds the salute until it has been returned. They then execute the appropriate facing movement, and depart. The procedure is the same when reporting indoors, under arms, except the headgear is not removed and the soldier delivers the salute authorized for the weapon with which he is
armed.
When reporting outdoors, the soldier moves swiftly toward the officer, stops about three steps from the officer, salutes, and reports as they would salute indoors. When the soldier is discharged, salutes are again exchanged. When underarms, the soldier carries the weapon in the manner prescribed for saluting.
Military customs and courtesies are an important part of our heritage and daily activities. They are fundamental in how we interact with each other and key to building pride and esprit de corps within the profession of arms. Adherence to them connects us with soldiers throughout America's history. They are a huge part of what makes the military special and must be followed at all times.
soldiers’ part.
Most military customs and courtesies evolve from age-old practices or have some historical importance. To explain, the U.S. flag is folded into a triangle to represent the tricorne hat of early American patriots. Originating from naval custom, the flag is lowered to half-staff. This was done following the death of a crewmember to convey that things were not "ship-shape." Another example being that the position of honor has been, and is to this day, to the right. This originated from the medieval swordsmen who wore their weapons to the left, and drew them to their right side. The most qualified warriors were given the specific place of honor to allow them easy access to their weapons. More over, this practice has carried over to today, and is associated with saluting. The ancient knights used the signal of raising the face visor on their helmets as a greeting. This motion signified amity and assertiveness as it removed the sword hand from the weapon and provided defenselessness in the suit of armor. (Saluting)
In the military, the salute is more than just an honor exchanged; it's a privileged motion of respect and trust among military soldiers. It’s not only authorized by regulation, but is also recognition of each other's commitment, abilities, and professionalism. It is an expression that recognizes each other as a member of the U.S. military, and their personal commitment of self-sacrifice to preserve the American way of life. The fact that the junior extends the greeting first is simply a demonstration of etiquette. A salute extended or returned does the same. The way you salute is a reflection of you as a soldier. A proud, insightful salute shows pride in yourself and your unit. It also shows you're confident in your abilities as a soldier. Sloppy saluting is a very clear reflection of your lack of personal pride and respect in the service. Military enlisted personnel in uniform are mandated to salute when they encounter and acknowledge a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical.
Commissioned officers are soldiers with much more experience in regard to lesser ranks, and they're always addressed politely, using sir or ma'am.
In the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, instructors are also addressed as sir or ma'am. Overly extensive use of these terms isn’t necessary. In the Army and Navy, drill instructors are commonly addressed by using their military rank and their last name. In Marine Corps basic training, avoid using personal pronouns such as "you," "I," or "we". Instead, speak in the third person.
When reporting to an officer in his office, the soldier should remove his headgear, knock, and enter when given the okay. They proceed within two steps of the officer’s desk. Then they stop, salute, and report. The salute is sustained until the report is completed, and the salute has been returned. After the work is completed, the soldier salutes, and holds the salute until it has been returned. They then execute the appropriate facing movement, and depart. The procedure is the same when reporting indoors, under arms, except the headgear is not removed and the soldier delivers the salute authorized for the weapon with which he is
armed.
When reporting outdoors, the soldier moves swiftly toward the officer, stops about three steps from the officer, salutes, and reports as they would salute indoors. When the soldier is discharged, salutes are again exchanged. When underarms, the soldier carries the weapon in the manner prescribed for saluting.
Military customs and courtesies are an important part of our heritage and daily activities. They are fundamental in how we interact with each other and key to building pride and esprit de corps within the profession of arms. Adherence to them connects us with soldiers throughout America's history. They are a huge part of what makes the military special and must be followed at all times.