Customs and Courtesies

Customs and Courtesies CAPP 151, 1 January 1989 AFPAM 36-2241, Vol. 1, 1 July 1995

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. Other CAP uniform or 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 CAP 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 (aircraft marshaling/flightline). • Military formation--senior person salutes. • Public gathering--sporting event.

Rank, Recognition and Respect (R3) • R3 are common acts of courtesy by all CAP 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 aircraft/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

Customs and Courtesies