Understanding the Importance of Army Customs and Courtesies
As a member of the United States Army, it’s essential to understand and adhere to the customs and courtesies that have been an integral part of the military tradition for centuries. These customs and courtesies are designed to promote respect, discipline, and esprit de corps among soldiers, and are an important part of what sets the Army apart from other organizations. In this article, we’ll explore seven essential Army customs and courtesies that every soldier should know.
1. Rendering the Hand Salute
The hand salute is a fundamental custom in the Army, and is used to show respect to senior officers, the flag, and other symbols of authority. The salute is performed by raising the right hand to the forehead, with the palm facing outward and the fingers extended. The salute is held for the duration of the greeting or until the senior officer returns the salute.
👮 Note: The salute is an important way to show respect, but it should only be rendered when in uniform or when authorized to do so.
2. Using Proper Titles and Forms of Address
In the Army, using proper titles and forms of address is an important way to show respect to senior officers and other soldiers. For example, when addressing a senior officer, soldiers should use their title (e.g. “Lieutenant,” “Captain,” “General”) followed by their last name. When speaking to a senior officer, soldiers should use the title “Sir” or “Ma’am” unless otherwise instructed.
- Lieutenant: "Lieutenant [Last Name]"
- Captain: "Captain [Last Name]"
- General: "General [Last Name]"
- Non-commissioned Officer (NCO): "Sergeant [Last Name]"
3. Displaying the Flag
The United States flag is an important symbol of the Army and the country, and should be treated with respect. When displaying the flag, soldiers should ensure that it is properly secured and that the canton (the blue field with white stars) is facing the viewer. The flag should also be raised and lowered ceremoniously, with the proper protocol observed.
| Flag Display Protocol | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Raising the Flag | The flag should be raised briskly and with ceremony, with the canton facing the viewer. |
| Lowering the Flag | The flag should be lowered slowly and ceremoniously, with the canton facing the viewer. |
4. Participating in Reveille and Retreat
Reveille and Retreat are two important ceremonies in the Army, which mark the beginning and end of the duty day. During Reveille, the flag is raised and the national anthem is played. During Retreat, the flag is lowered and the national anthem is played. Soldiers should participate in these ceremonies by standing at attention and facing the flag.
5. Observing Proper Table Manners
In the Army, proper table manners are an important part of showing respect and discipline. When eating in a dining facility, soldiers should follow the rules of proper table etiquette, including keeping their elbows off the table, not talking with their mouth full, and not leaving the table until dismissed.
6. Rendering Honors to Senior Officers
When senior officers enter a room or approach a group of soldiers, it’s customary to render honors by standing at attention and saluting. This is a sign of respect and is an important way to show deference to senior leaders.
7. Participating in Change of Command Ceremonies
Change of command ceremonies are an important part of Army tradition, and mark the transfer of authority from one commander to another. During these ceremonies, soldiers should participate by standing at attention and following the proper protocol.
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to Army customs and courtesies is an important part of being a soldier. By following these seven essential customs and courtesies, soldiers can show respect to their fellow soldiers, senior officers, and the Army tradition.
What is the proper way to render a hand salute?
+
The proper way to render a hand salute is to raise the right hand to the forehead, with the palm facing outward and the fingers extended. The salute is held for the duration of the greeting or until the senior officer returns the salute.
What is the proper title to use when addressing a senior officer?
+
The proper title to use when addressing a senior officer is their rank followed by their last name (e.g. “Lieutenant Smith”). When speaking to a senior officer, soldiers should use the title “Sir” or “Ma’am” unless otherwise instructed.
What is the proper way to display the United States flag?
+
The proper way to display the United States flag is to ensure that it is properly secured and that the canton (the blue field with white stars) is facing the viewer. The flag should also be raised and lowered ceremoniously, with the proper protocol observed.
