Military courtesy

USPHS Commissioned Officers are required to render proper military courtesy in accordance with USPHS Personnel Instruction 2, Subchapter CC26.1, "Uniformed Services Courtesies". Civilian members of the DMAT should be cognizant of these practices which, except for saluting, are equivalent to courtesy rendered during formal social occasions. When to do otherwise would create confusion or be perceived as rude, the DMAT Commander may advise civilians in uniform to salute or return salutes.

Uniformed services courtesies are an extension of common customs of courtesy in civilian life. When in uniform and serving with uniformed service personnel of other federal agencies or when visiting a military installation, PHS Officers are required to conform to the rules of courtesy practiced by that service. The rules of courtesy should also be observed when out of uniform except for the hand salute.

Saluting

Saluting is a gesture of greeting, courtesy and respect. An enlisted member gives the personal hand salute to a warrant officer or a commissioned officer and by a lower ranking officer to higher-ranking officer. A salute is always returned or acknowledged by the officer saluted.

The hand salute is executed by raising the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress, or the forehead, slightly above and to the right of the right eye, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, upper arm horizontal, forearm inclined at a 45 degree angle, and hand and wrist straight. To complete the salute, the hand is dropped sharply (after the saluted officer has dropped his/hers first) to its normal position.

The hand salute is not normally given when one is in civilian clothes. In uniform, it is normally given on occasions in which a greeting would be given. (Indoors or in a "covered", hats-off area, a verbal greeting or reply is given without a salute). An officer should be alert to give, or return, a salute or verbal greeting. Salutes are exchanged when as close as six paces (always far enough away to allow the senior officer time to respond), and within a maximum distance of 30 paces (about 75 feet). Accompanying the salute with an oral greeting such as "Good Morning (afternoon, evening), Sir/Maim," as the case may be, adds an extra element of courtesy. Verbal replies with the salute do the same, e.g., ,'Good Afternoon or Good Afternoon, Sergeant (Ensign, Captain, Soldier etc.)." When an officer is in uniform and his/her head is covered, he returns all salutes with a salute (unless both hands are not free wherein a verbal response is expected). A senior officer may be saluted when he/she is uncovered (or if in civilian clothes if his/her rank is known). In this case, the senior officer is not expected to return the salute but verbal greeting should be given.

As a special circumstance, when passing a senior officer, the junior officer at passing should render a salute and say, "By your leave, Sir," holding the salute until well past.

An officer entering a post, building or guard post may receive a rifle salute, a presentation of arms, by an armed enlisted person serving as a guard. This is his/her salute to an officer and should be returned as if it were a hand salute.

On some military installations, drivers of cars with the blue automobile registration sticker, (indicating the owner/driver is a commissioned officer) will be saluted by enlisted personnel. Such a salute is always rendered by military police at installation entrances. The driver of the car, even if in uniform, can, but is not required to salute, as a matter of safety.

When in doubt about rendering or returning a salute, it is better to salute than risk a transgression of courtesy. Remember that military service members are taught to take military courtesy seriously and can be subjected to disciplinary action for disregarding it. A breach in military courtesy, especially between enlisted personnel and officers, is considered a serious breach in discipline. (On a related note, fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel, especially when in uniform, is also considered a breach of discipline and is discouraged. On some installations there are enforced command directives forbidding it. Fraternization usually refers to the appearance of an intimate or close personal relationship in public or private.)

If confronted by a senior officer about a remission in courtesy (whether true or not), it is usually advisable to stand at attention and receive the information offered without argument. When the senior officer has finished, the service member salutes (if appropriate), and delivers an appropriate reply, e.g., "Thank you, Sir/Maim, I stand corrected", holding the salute until it is returned or the senior officer turns and leaves.

Boarding a US Ship

When boarding a ship (a commissioned vessel of a uniformed service), personnel in uniform will first face and salute the stern flagstaff (whether the flag/ensign is flying or not) then face and salute the officer-of-the-deck (regardless of the individual's rank as he/she represents the ship's Captain) and state the request, "Permission to come aboard, Sir", setting foot on deck after the salute is returned and permission is granted. On leaving the ship, the service member faces and salutes the officer-of-the-deck requesting permission to leave the ship. When the salute is returned and permission is granted, the service member walks a few steps, turns to salute the aft flagstaff, and then disembarks.

Tactical Exercises

During field training exercises or deployments the Commander of the exercise may declare the area/exercise/time period as "tactical". During tactical exercises, because of the need to keep movements and noise at a minimum, saluting and verbal greetings are generally not given.

Regardless of the situation however, unless directly engaged in work, it is usually advisable to come to attention and render a greeting when approached by a senior officer, then remain quiet allowing the senior officer to initiate conversation.

Ceremonies

The salute is normally rendered during ceremonies where the national anthem is played and/or the flag is presented or retired, raised or lowered.

The ceremonies of reveille (morning raising of flag) and retreat (evening lowering) honor the national flag. All personnel able to follow the ceremony by watching the flag or hearing the music should stop all activities, face the flag, or the music if the flag cannot be seen, and stand at attention. Personnel in uniform will salute and maintain the salute until the last notes of the music fade away (or, when in a formation, when the command "order – arms" if given). Observance is required by all personnel regardless of activity, e.g., working, recreation, etc. unless safety considerations preclude it.

The "retreat" has two parts. First, the sounding of retreat during which all personnel stand at attention and second, the playing of the national anthem or "To the Colors" during which the salute will be rendered.

On most military installations, at reveille and retreat, vehicle drivers within sight or hearing distance of post headquarters (where the ceremonies are performed) are to stop and exit the vehicle to pay respect to the colors.

When appropriate, officers in civilian clothes should render the breast salute in lieu of the hand salute. For the breast salute, an officer should stand at attention, place the headdress (if any), held in the right hand, at the left shoulder, with the hand holding the headdress placed over the heart.

Calling to Attention

Adhering to strict form, when being addressed by a senior officer, junior officers and enlisted personnel should come to and stand at attention, rendering a salute if in uniform and in an "uncovered area". The subordinate service member should remain at attention until otherwise instructed and speak only when asked or given permission after making a request.

A work party engaged in work will continue to work when approached by a senior officer. The leader of the work party, if junior to the approaching officer, will come to attention and salute. If the work party is at rest, the junior officer will call the party to attention before saluting. The senior officer wil1 normally return the salute and call out "as you were" to the group. When walking as a unit in formation, the unit's leader, when nearing a senior officer, will call the unit to attention (if not walking in cadence, i.e., walking at a state of attention) and the unit leader will render a salute.

When an officer enters a facility (office, mess hall, barracks, etc.) where he out-ranks the senior officer at that facility, the first person recognizing him/her will either call the room to attention (or at-ease if at work or eating). Unless specifically entering the facility to address the group, the senior officer should call out "as you were" and proceed with his/her business.

Courtesy to Civilians

In all the services, uniformed personnel are taught to render proper courtesy to civilians. This not only eases social interaction and helps to elicit cooperation (which is the purpose of courtesy), it leaves a positive and lasting impression on the part of the civilian about the service member and his/her unit. When routinely practiced by members of a unit, this also has the effect of enhancing esprit-de-corps.

Author: Armen Thoumaian, Commissioned Officer, Public Health Service and special thanks to PHS-1 DMAT

A Guide for Commissioned Corps Readiness Force Officers

Commissioned Corps Readiness Force (CCRF) officers should be aware of basic customs, courtesies, and protocols vital to fulfilling civil military operation missions. The basic customs, courtesies, and protocols commissioned officers should be able to demonstrate are addressed in the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) offered by the Commissioned Officer’s Training Academy (COTA). All CCRF officers are strongly encouraged to complete BOTC. There are also specific standards of conduct for the behavior of commissioned officers; these standards are addressed in the Commissioned Corps Personnel Manual (CCPM). This article serves as a review of customs, courtesies and protocols important for the CCRF officer who is fulfilling civil military operations. It also addresses the importance of understanding the policies and procedures of the Department of Defense (DoD) in relation to the culture and politics of that organization.

Uniformed Service Courtesies

Uniformed service courtesy is an extension of the civilian courtesy system. The courtesies are based on societal principles and imply politeness and considerate behavior. The courtesies may be even more strictly followed on DoD installations identified as training bases, than on those bases with other primary missions.

The Salute

The most basic act of military courtesy used at a meeting of two military persons is the salute. The salute is an exchange of greetings between military and/or uniformed service personnel.

Salute Form

Proper salute form is performed by raising the right hand until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress, thumb and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, upper arm horizontal, forearm inclined at 45 degrees, hand and wrist straight while turning the head toward the person being saluted. To complete the salute, drop the arm to its normal position, by the side in one motion, while turning the head and eyes to the front.

Salute Timing

Salutes are usually rendered between 6 and 30 paces while under cover (wearing your headgear); however, saluting is more effective between 6 and 10 paces. If running, you should slow down to a walk prior to saluting. If standing you should face the senior officer, come to attention, and then render the salute. Salutes should be rendered when officers meet and just prior to departure if a conversation is held. It is the junior officer's responsibility to initiate the salutes prior to departure. Salutes should be rendered and returned to all members of uniformed services. Some services salute in uncovered situations, the proper response is to greet the person saluting you with “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” or “Good Evening,” depending on the time of day. When approaching a group of officers of different ranks, the salute should be directed toward the senior officer. Likewise, if a senior officer approaches a group of officers, the officers should all stop what they are doing and render a proper salute to the senior officer.

Salute Protocol

Enlisted personnel salute officers

Junior officers salute senior officers when meeting or passing. When several officers are being saluted, all shall return the salute. When overtaking a senior officer (passing), salute when abreast, while saying “By your leave, sir or ma’am.” The senior officer should return your salute and say, “carry-on,” “very well,” or “permission granted.” You may then drop the salute and proceed.

Salute and Greeting

A salute should be accompanied with a greeting such as “Good Morning Sir or Ma’am.” Officers below the rank of Commander (CDR 0-5) may be addressed as “Mister” or “Miss,” while officers at or above the rank of CDR are usually addressed by their rank – “Good Evening CDR Smith.” You can never go wrong using “Sir” or “Ma’am,” but it is a nice touch to properly address a senior officer.

Salute and “Honors”

Playing of National or PHS Anthem When an officer is covered during “Honors,” he/she salutes. When an officer is not covered during “Honors,” he/she is to stand at attention facing the American flag for the playing of the National Anthem or facing the PHS flag for the playing of the PHS Anthem.

Do NOT Salute

• When uncovered (not wearing your “cover” /hat); indoors
• When carrying articles in both hands
• When in public conveyances or when obviously inappropriate
• When in public places and where inappropriate (theaters, hotels, restaurants, etc.)

Posting of Colors

Uncovered officers, not in uniform, should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart. Officers in uniform should never place their hand over their heart. Officers in uniform and covered (wearing hat) should salute; officers in uniform and uncovered (not wearing hat) should stand at attention.

Pledge of Allegiance

Officers in uniform uncovered (not wearing hat) should face the flag, stand at attention, and recite the pledge.

Covered vs. Uncovered

You can never go wrong if you are outdoors and wearing your cover (headgear). Outdoors includes covered walks, theater marquees and overhangs that extend over the sidewalk. Officers should be uncovered (not wearing headgear) when indoors.

Riding in a Car

The place of honor is always on the right, so the senior officer should sit on the right (curbside). This also holds true when walking with a senior officer. It is the junior officer’s responsibility to line up on the correct side of the senior officer. When entering a vehicle, the junior officer should enter first and the senior officer last, so the senior officer will be in position to exit the vehicle first followed by the next in rank and so on.

Man or woman first

If a male officer is with a female officer, the woman goes first except when (1) assistance is needed, (2) there is no one to escort the female officer to the appropriate seat in a public area, (3) there is a large crowd where the man will clear the way, (4) at official military occasions when rank takes precedence over gender.

Standing

When seated and uncovered, a junior officer should stand and come to attention when approached by a senior officer. At this point, the senior officer should say “At ease,” “Carry on,” or “Be seated.” All junior officers should stand immediately when a flag rank officer enters the room. The flag rank officer should then give one of the above commands.

Meals

During meals, junior officers should begin eating only after the highest ranking officer begins to eat. The highest-ranking officer at a table should begin eating after the highest-ranking officer in the room begins his/her meal, then other officers at the table may begin. It is the junior officer’s responsibility to perform this act of courtesy; however, the senior officers should also be aware others are waiting for their lead.

Department of Defense and Public Health Service

The Department of Defense (DoD) and Public Health Service (PHS) may work together on common missions; however, they each have their own persona. For instance, in DoD, it is common for rank to decide what and how something will be done; whereas in PHS, the perspective is frequently that all contribute. DoD has both a formal chain of command (not agency specific, adherence mandatory) and a perceived chain of command (senior officer asserts “in-charge”). Understanding the differences between DoD and PHS perspectives is important to the success of joint civil military operations.

The PHS officer needs to understand the politics as well as the policy of when to speak or confront someone in DoD. If the mission is an Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8 response, and PHS is the lead, PHS gives DoD a specific task and then the DoD individual-in-charge determines the parameters for his/her personnel. If the mission is an augmentation of a DOD led international humanitarian mission, PHS may support DoD, and PHS would fall under DoD guidelines (using their regulations for courtesy, rank, etc.). In the case that an operation is an augmentation of a DOD led international humanitarian mission, the mission direction and parameters are from entities based at the Pentagon or Regional Command and not in the field, so the DoD individual-in-charge in the field will follow the mission as the authority commands. In a similar circumstance, a PHS officer may tend to be more flexible and adapt the response of the mission to immediate needs as they arise.

DoD officers are accustomed to being in-charge. Therefore, when DoD officers are supporting a PHS led mission and are interacting with PHS, they may experience difficulty-relinquishing command. They may not understand the Federal Response Plan (FRP) and their role in Emergency Support Function #8 (ESF #8), as most DoD officers are not taught FRP ESF #8.

DoD has very explicit regulations (standards of conduct) regarding interactions among enlisted personnel and officers. For example, first names are never used. DoD enlisted personnel wear “cloth” rank and PHS officers should extend courtesy (return salutes) to them. It should also be noted that enlisted personnel expect to be directed by their senior DoD enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). If a CCRF officer is to interface with a DoD enlisted personnel unit, he/she should find the unit’s senior NCO and tell him/her what needs to be done and allow the NCO to direct his/her unit. It is crucial that PHS officers be aware of these standards of conduct and respectful of them when interacting with DoD personnel.

PHS officers should NOT socialize (be overly friendly with, mix with, etc.) the DoD enlisted personnel. They don’t expect it – in fact it makes them quite uncomfortable. This is not MASH 4077. Do not fraternize! From the Initial Entry Training (IET) Soldier’s Handbook, Tradoc Pamphlet 600-4, 01October1999, page 3-12 “It has been a long-established military custom that officers will not associate with enlisted persons on terms of military equality. Such associations commonly are defined as fraternization and have been punishable by court martial. Fraternization is easier to describe than it is to define, and it is seldom the subject that commands attention unless it occurs along with some other criminal offense. Nevertheless, the President expressly has forbidden fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel and between drill sergeants, NCOs, and soldiers. As a matter of loyalty to the Army and your unit, you have the responsibility to avoid fraternization, or even the appearance of fraternization."

The more successful PHS officers not only understand the policies and procedures of DoD, they also learn the culture and politics of the organization. It is important to mention that DoD is on duty 24/7 where PHS is “subject to” duty 24/7. Each is equally significant to the success of civil military operations but each begins that mission from a different perspective.

Military courtesy has developed over the years from earlier customs and traditions. They are often very similar to the courtesies found in civilian organizations and in daily life. In the military, courtesies help to recognize the respect from junior to senior ranking members. When rendering a military courtesy, always do so with pride. The following are some guidelines of common military courtesies:

• Addressing an Officer:
• When speaking to a senior officer (cadet or cadre), the term “Sir” or “Ma’am” precedes the conversation.
• It is also appropriate to use the persons rank and proper name, i.e. “Captain Jones, I have a question.”
• Non-Commissioned Officers are addressed by rank and proper name.
• Cadets are referred to as Cadet or by rank and proper name.
• A subordinate never states the rank of a superior only, i.e., “Yes, Captain”.

The Hand Salute

One of the most important courtesies is the hand salute. The hand salute is a greeting rendered between military personnel and should be given willingly, properly, and with pride. The following are some key points on when and how to render the hand salute.

1. Salute when reporting to an officer in or out of uniform.
2. Salute all officers when outdoors and both parties are in uniform. The salute is initiated six paces from the officer. As you salute the officer you should greet him.
3. When in formation, the person in charge shall command the formation to attention and then render the hand salute.
4. When an officer approaches a group of cadets not in formation, the first cadet to see the officer will either command the group to attention and the hand salute is rendered by all present or he will address the senior cadet present and inform him that an officer is approaching. When the group is part of a detail, only the cadet in charge of the detail will come to attention and render the salute. All other members will continue to work.
5. When indoors, salutes are not exchanged except when reporting.
6. The hand salute is rendered by all personnel when the National colors pass by, the National Anthem is played outdoors, or when the National

Colors are being raised or lowered Military Courtesy Page 2 of 2

Military courtesy is one of the defining features of a professional military force. These courtesies form a strict and sometimes elaborate code of conduct.

Admiral Jay L. Johnson and Admiral Vern Clark of the United States Navy salute each other during a change-of-command ceremony. Clark is relieving Johnson as Chief of Naval Operations.

Military courtesy is an extension and a formalization of courtesies practiced in a culture's everyday life. It is intended to reinforce discipline and the chain of command, defining how soldiers will treat their superiors and vice versa. They are also thought to enhance esprit de corps.

Some military courtesies include proper forms of address ("Sir", "Ma'am", "Mister") and when each should be used; the salute, and the related concept of standing at attention; proper wear of military headgear; obeisance; and the rules for behavior in various ceremonies. Specifics can vary depending on an individual's rank, location, and circumstances. A military funeral, for example, requires stricter etiquette than a normal day. Courtesies are sometimes relaxed under battlefield conditions; officers may discourage salutes in combat areas to avoid making themselves a target for snipers, and indeed in the United States of America as well as some Commonwealth nations, it is forbidden to salute both indoors, and when in "the field", a battle situation where snipers are likely to pick out officer targets watching for salutes.

Other military courtesies serve a practical purpose. In the United States Navy, "bracing" is the practice of bracing one's self against the bulkhead (wall) at the position of attention as a superior officer walks by. This practice arose because of the narrow passageways on ships. Since officers may need to quickly move about the ship, sailors would get out of the officer's way by bracing. The tradition has extended to include the corridors and hallways of buildings (depending on the situation) and is mostly an obeisance, however it still serves a useful purpose aboard ships (especially submarines.)

According to Army Regulation 600-25, chapter 4, ‘’Courtesy among members of the Armed Forces is vital to maintain military discipline. Military courtesy means good manners and politeness in dealing with other people. Courteous behavior provides a basis for developing good human relations. The distinction between civilian and military courtesy is that military courtesy was developed in a military atmosphere and has become an integral part of serving in uniform. ’’ Military courtesy has been established over the years from earlier and sometimes remote customs and traditions. But one thing they all have in common is they show the respect and honor the soldiers and superiors have for one another. Military courtesies are often very similar to the civilities found in the civilian world as well as daily life. The only difference is that it is mandatory for the courtesies seen in the military to be adhered to and followed by its soldiers. If these courtesies are not followed, the offending soldier can, and almost always will, be punished. This punishment can come in the form of corrective training, known commonly to the soldiers as a “smoking session”, essays, extra duty and can go as far as court martial, jail time and/or being discharged from the military. In the military, manners and levels of respect help to identify the difference between junior to senior ranking members.Courtesies and customs of the Army have been practiced for hundreds of years. They involve a code of conduct that is mandatory for every member of the army to follow. Some are obviously against the rules of professionalism such as public display of affection in uniform, as is being intoxicated in uniform and exhibiting violent behavior are conducts that are punishable in the military code of conduct. Others are unique codes of behavior that must to be followed in order to present a one of a kind organizational structure to the military as these customs and practices instill and show discipline and professionalism among its members. Most military courtesies have similar manners in the civilian world. For example, it is mandatory for members of the military to address officers with "sir" or "ma'am," and senior enlisted with their rank , such as “sergeant” or “first sergeant”. This similar to many parents teaching their children the way to address an adult. Even though it is not necessary for the senior officers to be considerate and polite, military courtesy is designed to foster mutual respect among its members. It is give and take. A private will find it hard to respect and show courtesy to an officer if they do not return the same respect.

Military courtesies may also be adopted by paramilitary organizations.

See also

• Warrior code

References

• Swartz, Oretha. Service Etiquette, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD.

  (covers customs of the United States Military)