Military Courtesy: Unity in Ranks, The Code of Honor

By Fouad Sabry

What is Military Courtesy

Military courtesy is one of the defining features of a military force. The courtesies form a strict and sometimes elaborate code of conduct.It 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 by defining how soldiers will treat their superiors and vice versa. They are also thought to enhance esprit de corps.

How you will benefit

(I) Insights, and validations about the following topics:

Chapter 1: Military Courtesy

Chapter 2: Salute

Chapter 3: Colour Guard

Chapter 4: Etiquette

Chapter 5: Maritime Flag

Chapter 6: List of United States Navy Enlisted Rates

Chapter 7: Drill Commands

Chapter 8: Greeting

Chapter 9: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Chapter 10: Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

(II) Answering the public top questions about military courtesy.

Who this book is for

Professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those who want to go beyond basic knowledge or information for any kind of Military Courtesy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Billion Knowledgeable
• Release date: Jun 19, 2024

Book preview

Chapter 1: Military courtesy

One of the characteristics that distinguishes a military unit is its civility toward its members. There is a stringent and sometimes intricate code of conduct that is formed by the courtesies. In other words, it is an extension and a formalization of the courtesies that are practiced in the ordinary life of a culture. By outlining the manner in which soldiers will regard their superiors and vice versa, it is meant to strengthen both the chain of command and the discipline that exists within it. It is also believed that they raise the level of esprit de corps.

The proper forms of salutation (such as Sir, Ma'am, and Mister) and the appropriate times to use each of them, the salute and the notion of standing at attention, the appropriate way to wear military headgear, obeisance, and the norms for etiquette in various ceremonies are all examples of military courtesies. Particulars can change depending on the rank of an individual, their location, and the conditions they are in. A funeral for a member of the armed forces, for instance, calls for more formal behavior than on a typical day. It is possible for officers to discourage salutes in combat situations in order to avoid making oneself a target for snipers. Courtesies are occasionally relaxed when conditions on the battlefield are so favorable. Both inside and outside of the field, it is against the law to salute in the United States of America and in several Commonwealth countries. This is due to the fact that snipers are likely to target officers who are watching for salutes.

In the military, there are several practices that serve a particular purpose. When a senior officer goes by, the practice of bracing in the United States Navy refers to the act of bracing oneself against the bulkhead (wall) at the position of attention. The tight corridors on ships were the impetus for the development of this method. It is common practice for sailors to brace themselves in order to avoid getting in the way of officers who may need to move swiftly around the ship. Although the custom has expanded to include the corridors and hallways of buildings (depending on the circumstances), it is primarily an act of homage; yet, it continues to have a practical purpose on ships, particularly submarines.

Field Manual 7-21.13 4-4 states that the following::

It is essential for personnel of the Armed Forces to show courtesy to one another in order to preserve military discipline. The term military courtesy refers to the courteous and polite manner in which one interacts with other individuals. When it comes to creating positive relationships with other people, courtesy serves as a foundation. The distinction between civilian and military courtesy lies in the fact that military courtesy was created within the context of a military environment and has evolved into an essential component of serving in uniform.

Due to the fact that discipline and structure are the foundation of the military, military courtesy has been formed over the years in order to establish and maintain military order and structure.

The military courtesies may also be adopted by organizations that are considered to be paramilitary.

Understanding the Importance of Military Courtesy in Military Science

In the multifaceted realm of military science, where discipline, strategy, and professionalism are paramount, the concept of military courtesy stands as a foundational principle. Military courtesy encompasses a set of respectful behaviors, gestures, and protocols that foster cohesion, order, and mutual respect within the military community. It is not merely a matter of etiquette; rather, it is deeply ingrained in the ethos of military culture, serving as a reflection of values, hierarchy, and discipline. In this article, we delve into the significance of military courtesy within the framework of military science, exploring its historical roots, practical applications, and enduring relevance in contemporary military operations.

Historical Roots:

The origins of military courtesy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where codes of conduct and rituals governed interactions among warriors. In ancient Greece, for instance, soldiers adhered to strict protocols of respect towards their commanders and fellow fighters. Similarly, in the Roman legions, deference to authority and adherence to hierarchical structures were essential components of military life. As warfare evolved over the centuries, so too did the customs of military courtesy, adapting to the changing dynamics of combat and leadership.

Principles of Military Courtesy:

At its core, military courtesy embodies principles of respect, discipline, and professionalism. It establishes a framework for proper conduct and communication, regardless of rank or status. Some fundamental aspects of military courtesy include:

1. Saluting: The salute is a symbolic gesture of respect and recognition, acknowledging the authority and rank of superiors. It is a universal practice across military organizations worldwide, reinforcing the chain of command and fostering a sense of unity.

2. Addressing Superiors: Military personnel are expected to address their superiors with appropriate titles and terms of respect, such as sir or ma'am. This demonstrates deference to authority and reinforces the hierarchical structure essential for effective command and control.

3. Protocol and Ceremonies: Military ceremonies, such as parades, award presentations, and change of command ceremonies, are steeped in tradition and protocol. These formal occasions serve not only to recognize achievements but also to instill a sense of pride, camaraderie, and continuity within the military community.

4. Courtesy in Communication: Whether in verbal or written communication, military personnel are expected to maintain a tone of respect and professionalism at all times. Clear and concise communication is essential for conveying orders, sharing information, and fostering cohesion among team members.

Practical Applications:

In the context of military operations, the observance of military courtesy has tangible benefits beyond mere tradition. It contributes to the efficiency, morale, and effectiveness of military units in the following ways:

1. Promoting Discipline and Order: By adhering to established protocols of military courtesy, soldiers internalize principles of discipline and respect for authority. This, in turn, fosters a culture of orderliness and obedience essential for effective command and control in combat situations.

2. Building Cohesion and Trust: Mutual respect and courtesy among soldiers strengthen bonds of camaraderie and trust within military units. When individuals demonstrate respect for their comrades and leaders, it enhances teamwork, morale, and the willingness to support one another in challenging circumstances.

3. Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness: Leaders who exemplify and promote military courtesy inspire greater loyalty and cooperation among their subordinates. By setting a positive example through their conduct and communication, they foster an environment conducive to mission success and personal growth.

4. Facilitating Interactions with Civilians and Allies: Military personnel often interact with civilians, foreign counterparts, and allied forces in various operational contexts. The observance of military courtesy in these interactions not only reflects positively on the military organization but also facilitates effective communication and collaboration with external stakeholders.

Enduring Relevance:

In an era marked by technological advancements and evolving forms of warfare, the timeless principles of military courtesy remain as relevant as ever. While the nature of conflict may change, the need for disciplined, respectful, and cohesive military forces endures across diverse operational environments.

Moreover, military courtesy serves as a tangible expression of the values and ideals that underpin the profession of arms. It reinforces the commitment to duty, honor, and service that defines military service and distinguishes it from other vocations.

Conclusion:

In the intricate tapestry of military science, where strategy meets discipline and leadership intersects with teamwork, military courtesy emerges as a thread that binds the fabric together. Its significance extends beyond mere tradition or protocol; it embodies the essence of professionalism, respect, and unity within the military community.

By upholding the principles of military courtesy, soldiers honor the legacy of those who have gone before them and reaffirm their commitment to the noble calling of defending their nation and upholding the principles of freedom and justice. In this way, military courtesy remains an enduring pillar of strength in the ever-evolving landscape of military operations and challenges.

{End Chapter 1}

Chapter 2: Salute

In military contexts, a salute is typically a formal hand gesture or other action that is designed to demonstrate respect for the receiving party. Utilize proper salutations. A tip of the hat or a hand wave to a friend or neighbor is an example of an informal salute that ordinary citizens use to greet or acknowledge the presence of another individual.

Salutes have been performed by military organizations in a variety of different ways throughout the course of history. It is possible for a salute to take the form of a hand or body gesture, the firing of a cannon or rifle, the raising of flags, the removal of headgear, or any other method of demonstrating respect or deference, depending on the circumstances.

The ancient Roman military salutation, known as salutatio militaris, was said to have been comparable to the military salute that is used today, according to historical reconstruction that was conducted. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate that they are not carrying a weapon [in their right hand], this is a sign of peace.

Another theory for the origin of the hand salute is provided by the United States Army Quartermaster School. According to this account, the hand salute originated as a long-standing military courtesy for subordinates to remove their helmets when they were in the presence of superiors. As late as the time of the American Revolution, a soldier in the British Army would remove his hat as a form of salute. With the introduction of increasingly burdensome headgear in the 18th and 19th centuries, the process of removing one's hat gradually evolved into the more straightforward gesture of grabbing or caressing the visor and extending a polite greeting to the person who is wearing it.

The following is an excerpt from a British order book that was written in 1745: The men are ordered not to pull off their hats when they pass an officer, nor are they to speak to them; rather, they are only to clap their hands to their hats and bow as they pass. Over the course of time, it evolved into something that is comparable to the hand salute used today.

It is believed that the naval salute, in which the palm is bent downwards, originated due to the fact that the palms of naval ratings, particularly deckhands, were frequently dirty as a result of working with lines. It was considered offensive to show a dirty palm to an officer, which is why the palm was turned downwards. Over the course of the Napoleonic Wars, British crews would show their respect for officers by caressing their foreheads with a clenched fist, as if they were holding a hat brim between their fingers and thumb.

Hand salutes are often performed by bringing the right hand to the head in some fashion. The specific manner in which this is done varies from nation to country and sometimes even between different branches of the armed services of the same country. With the palm pointing outward, the salute that is used by the British Army is almost identical to the salute that is used by the French. The two-fingers salute, which is a version of the British military salute with only two fingers extended, is the standard salutation that is used in the Polish Armed Forces. When serving in the Russian military, the right hand is brought to the right temple with the palm facing down, approaching but not quite reaching the temple. Additionally, the head must be covered. In the salute of the Hellenic Army, the palm is presented in a downward position, and the fingers are directed toward the coat of arms.

It is only when a cover, which is a type of head covering that is typically a hat, is worn that hand salutes are delivered in many different forces.

A two-step motion is used by European military personnel and their cultural ancestors when holding a sword, which is still done on ceremonial occasions. To begin, the sword is brought up to the level of the front of the neck and brought close to it. This is done out of the right hand. The real edge of the blade is to the left, and it is angled forward and upward at a point that is thirty degrees from the vertical. The sword is then sliced downward until it is in a position where the point is situated in front of the right foot and is quite close to the ground. The real edge of the blade is positioned to the left, and the blade is angled downward and forward. During the Crusades, this gesture had its beginnings. As a result of the fact that the hilt of a sword formed a cross with the blade, a Crusader may kiss the hilt of his sword when praying, before entering battle, for oaths and vows, and so on. This was done in the event that a crucifix was not yet accessible. One of the most common ways that people show their submission is by lowering the point to the ground.

Prior to putting on their masks and beginning a bout, fencers give each other a salute before beginning the competition. It is possible to accomplish this in a number of different ways; however, the most frequent approach is to bring the sword in front of the face in such a way that the blade is facing upward in front of the nose. A salute is also given by the fencers to the referee and the spectators.

Two different ways of saluting are accessible to those who are armed with a rifle. The most common technique is referred to as present arms, and it involves bringing the rifle to the vertical position, with the muzzle facing upward, in front of the center of the chest, while keeping the trigger away from the body. Despite the