Military courtesy
Encyclopedia
Military courtesy is one of the defining features of a professional military
force. These courtesies form a strict and sometimes elaborate code of conduct.
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 sniper
s, 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.
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
force. These courtesies form a strict and sometimes elaborate code of conduct.
Discipline
In its original sense, discipline is referred to systematic instruction given to disciples to train them as students in a craft or trade, or to follow a particular code of conduct or "order". Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order –...
and the chain of command
Chain of Command
Chain of Command may refer to:* Chain of command, in a military context, the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed* "Chain of Command" , the fifth episode of the first season of Beast Wars...
, 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
Salute
A salute is a gesture or other action used to display respect. Salutes are primarily associated with armed forces, but other organizations and civil people also use salutes.-Military salutes:...
, and the related concept of standing at attention
At attention
The position of At attention, or Standing at attention is a military posture which involves the following general postures:* Standing upright with an assertive and correct posture: famously "chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in"....
; proper wear of military headgear
Headgear
Headgear, headwear or headdress is the name given to any element of clothing which is worn on one's head.Headgear serve a variety of purposes:...
; obeisance; and the rules for behavior in various ceremonies. Specifics can vary depending on an individual's rank
Military rank
Military rank is a system of hierarchical relationships in armed forces or civil institutions organized along military lines. Usually, uniforms denote the bearer's rank by particular insignia affixed to the uniforms...
, 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 sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
s, and indeed in the United States of America as well as some Commonwealth
Commonwealth
Commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has sometimes been synonymous with "republic."More recently it has been used for fraternal associations of some sovereign nations...
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
Paramilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
organizations.