5 Army Customs And Courtesies To Know

Army customs and courtesies are an integral part of the military tradition and play a significant role in shaping the behavior and attitude of soldiers. These customs and courtesies are designed to promote a sense of discipline, respect, and unity among soldiers, and to maintain the dignity and prestige of the Army. In this article, we will explore five essential Army customs and courtesies that every soldier should know.

1. Rendering the Hand Salute

The hand salute is a fundamental courtesy in the Army, and it is used to show respect to senior officers, the flag, and during certain ceremonies. The salute is a way of acknowledging the authority and position of a senior officer, and it is an essential part of Army protocol. To render a proper hand salute, soldiers should:

• Stand at attention with their feet together and their hands by their sides
• Look directly at the person being saluted
• Raise their right hand to their forehead, with their palm facing downwards and their fingers together
• Keep their elbow straight and their arm at a 45-degree angle
• Hold the salute for a brief moment before returning to the position of attention

Key Points to Remember

• The salute should be rendered promptly and with precision
• The salute should be held for a brief moment before being returned
• Soldiers should not salute while indoors, unless they are reporting to a senior officer or attending a ceremony
• Soldiers should not salute while wearing a hat or carrying objects in their hands

2. Reporting to a Senior Officer

Reporting to a senior officer is an essential custom in the Army, and it is used to show respect and courtesy to those in positions of authority. When reporting to a senior officer, soldiers should:

• Stand at attention outside the officer's door
• Knock three times on the door and wait for permission to enter
• Enter the office and stand at attention in front of the officer's desk
• Address the officer by their rank and last name
• Briefly state the purpose of their visit
• Remain at attention until the officer invites them to relax

Key Points to Remember

• Soldiers should always knock three times on the door before entering
• Soldiers should address the officer by their rank and last name
• Soldiers should remain at attention until the officer invites them to relax
• Soldiers should not enter the office unless invited to do so

3. Using Proper Titles and Addresses

Using proper titles and addresses is an essential custom in the Army, and it is used to show respect and courtesy to those in positions of authority. Soldiers should use the following titles and addresses when speaking to or addressing senior officers:

• General officers: General (Last Name)
• Field-grade officers: Colonel (Last Name), Lieutenant Colonel (Last Name), Major (Last Name)
• Company-grade officers: Captain (Last Name), Lieutenant (Last Name), Second Lieutenant (Last Name)
• Warrant officers: Warrant Officer (Last Name)
• Non-commissioned officers: Sergeant (Last Name), Staff Sergeant (Last Name), Sergeant First Class (Last Name)

Key Points to Remember

• Soldiers should use the correct title and address when speaking to or addressing senior officers
• Soldiers should not use first names or nicknames when addressing senior officers
• Soldiers should use the correct title and address in written communication, such as emails and letters

4. Observing Flag Protocol

Observing flag protocol is an essential custom in the Army, and it is used to show respect and reverence for the flag. Soldiers should observe the following flag protocol:

• The flag should be raised and lowered with precision and ceremony
• The flag should be folded and stored properly when not in use
• Soldiers should salute the flag when it is raised or lowered
• Soldiers should not touch the flag or use it as a symbol of disrespect

Key Points to Remember

• Soldiers should salute the flag when it is raised or lowered
• Soldiers should not touch the flag or use it as a symbol of disrespect
• Soldiers should fold and store the flag properly when not in use
• Soldiers should raise and lower the flag with precision and ceremony

5. Following Mess Hall Etiquette

Following mess hall etiquette is an essential custom in the Army, and it is used to promote a sense of discipline and respect among soldiers. Soldiers should follow the following mess hall etiquette:

• Soldiers should wait for the senior officer or non-commissioned officer to enter the mess hall before entering
• Soldiers should stand at attention until invited to sit down
• Soldiers should not talk or use their phones while eating
• Soldiers should keep their uniforms clean and neat while eating
• Soldiers should not leave the table until dismissed by the senior officer or non-commissioned officer

Key Points to Remember

• Soldiers should wait for the senior officer or non-commissioned officer to enter the mess hall before entering
• Soldiers should stand at attention until invited to sit down
• Soldiers should not talk or use their phones while eating
• Soldiers should keep their uniforms clean and neat while eating

Gallery of Army Customs and Courtesies:

Army Customs and Courtesies Image Gallery

FAQs:

What is the proper way to salute a senior officer?

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The proper way to salute a senior officer is to stand at attention, look directly at the officer, and raise your right hand to your forehead with your palm facing downwards and your fingers together.

What is the proper way to address a senior officer?

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The proper way to address a senior officer is to use their rank and last name, such as "General Smith" or "Colonel Johnson."

What is the proper way to observe flag protocol?

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The proper way to observe flag protocol is to salute the flag when it is raised or lowered, and to fold and store the flag properly when not in use.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of Army customs and courtesies. Remember, these customs and courtesies are an essential part of the military tradition and play a significant role in shaping the behavior and attitude of soldiers. By following these customs and courtesies, you can demonstrate your respect and commitment to the Army and its values.