MILITARY COURTESY

AND DISCIPLINE
 I. DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Courtesy - the manifestation for consideration
for others.

2. Military Courtesy – officially prescribed code of

deportment for members of the military
establishment.

3. Military Discipline – the willingness to accept

with conviction and without reservation and
necessity for a common law that rules and
coordinates the effort of a group.
4. Salute – it is the most important and highest
form of courtesy.

5. Customs of Service – it is the body of unwritten

and common law of the armies, navies and air
forces.

6. Morale – the mental state and spirit of an

individual or unit.

7. Outdoors – is construed to include such

buildings as drill halls, gymnasiums and other
roofed enclosures use for drill and exercise troops.
8. Indoors – includes offices, hallways, kitchens,
orderly rooms, recreational rooms, washrooms
and headquarters.

9. Under Arms – means the carrying of the

ornaments or having them attached to the person
by sling. Holster or by any other means.

10. Cover – wearing of headgear such as cap.

 II. ORIGIN OF SALUTE
In historic times, men of arms used to salute
not only as a form of greeting, but also an
expression of mutual respect.

The golden age of chivalry brought about the

evolution of a more refined form of greeting.

When two friendly knights met, it was

customary for them to raise their visor, thus
exposing the face to the view of the other.
This was always done with the right hand
since the left was being used to hold the
reigns of the mount.

This was a significant gesture of friendship

and confidence because the sword hand
had been seen veered away from the
vicinity of the lethal weapon.
III. RULES IN RENDERING
THE SALUTE
1. Persons entitled to a salute
( Whom to salute )

a. Commissioned Officers of the AFP both

male and female.

b. Commissioned Officer of friendly nations

when they are recognized as such.

c. All civilian high authorities.

2. When to salute
a. The salute is ON and OFF military installations
during and outside office hours.

b. The salute is rendered at a distance of about six

(6) paces form the person being saluted, or at a
recognition distance of about thirty (30) paces.

c. The salute must be returned by those entitled to

it.
d. The salute is rendered but once if the senior
remains in the immediate vicinity and no
conversation takes place.

e. When several soldiers are in a group but not in

formation, all will rise and salute.

f. A soldier salutes an officer if he meets and

recognizes him inside a military camp even though
they are in civilian clothes or if either one of them is
in uniform.

g. Unlike Navy personnel, soldiers never salute with

the left hand.
 h. Enlisted personnel salute other enlisted
personnel only in formation when rendering
reports.

i. In making reports, the person reporting

salutes first regardless of rank.

j. In case of doubt to absence of specific

restriction, salute is rendered.
3. When not to salute

a. Standing near or leading a horse.

b. While at work.

c. Indoors, except when reporting or when a

soldier is a guard or a sentinel on duty.

d. When carrying an article with both hands

or being so occupied making the salute
impractical.
e. When riding a fast moving vehicle.

f. When meeting a prisoner of war (POW).

g. At social functions.
V. REPORTING TO AN
OFFICER
The salute is rendered by a junior when
reporting to a senior. He also salutes
before leaving.

Reporting Indoors without Arms

Reporting Indoors under Arms

Reporting Outdoors
 Reporting Indoors without Arms.
A soldier removes his headgear, knocks at
the door of the office of the officer, and
enters when told to do so. Upon entering, he
halts at about two paces from the officer and
says “Sir, Pvt. Cruz reports to the Company
Commander.” The salute is retained until he
completes his report and the officer has
returned his salute. When the business is
completed, the soldier salutes, executes
about face, and leaves the office.
Reporting Indoors under Arms
The procedure of reporting is the same as
discussed above except that the soldier
remains covered. If carrying a rifle, the
soldier carries it and salutes at trail arms
otherwise the hand salute is given.
 Reporting Outdoors
The procedure of reporting to an officer
outdoors is the same as discussed above,
except the headgear is not removed.
Rifles should be carried at trail or at right
shoulder arms. The hand salute or rifle
salute is given as the case may be.
VI. OTHER COURTESIES TO
INDIVIDUAL
a. When an officer enters a room or tent,
officers junior to him and enlisted men
present will uncover (if unarmed) and
stand at attention until the officer directs
otherwise or leaves the room .

b. When an officer enters a room or tent used

as an office, workshop or recreational
room, those at work or at play are not
required to come to attention unless
addressed by the officer.
c. When accompanying a senior, a junior
walks or rides on his left except when
accompanying an senior during
inspection.

d. When entering a car or small boat, the

junior goes in first and others follow in the
inverse order of the rank.
VII. UNCOVERING
 UNCOVERING
1. Seated as a member for in attendance at a
court or board. Sentinels guarding prisoners
do not uncover.

2. Entering places of divine worship.

3. Indoors when not in duty.

4. In attendance at an official reception.

 VIII. HONORS TO THE
NATIONAL ANTHEM OR TO
THE COLORS
HONORS TO THE NATIONAL
ANTHEM OR TO THE COLORS
Whenever the National Anthem in play or
when the uncased colors pass by, come to
attention, face the flag and render a smart
salute.

When no flag is near during the playing of

the National Anthem, face the source of
music and salute.
Vehicles in motion are brought to a halt.
Troops aboard the vehicle need not
disembark. Together with the driver, they
remain seated at attention and do not
salute. It is acceptable however, for the
driver to disembark and stand by the door
of the vehicle and to salute during the
ceremony.
These courtesies to the National Colors
and Anthem are also rendered in respect
to the flag and anthem of other friendly
nations
IX. DISPLAY AND SALUTE TO
THE FLAG
a. The Philippine Flag represents our nation
and should always be given a place of
honor.

b. The National Flag is never dipped for

salute, nor is it permitted to touch the
grounds.

c. The flag is displayed in following manner;

1. When hoisted at a flagpole, it should

be hoisted fully at the top of the pole,
blue part above.
2. When the National Flag is displayed with
another flag, whether they are standing side by
side or with their staff crossed, the National flag
is at the right side; blue part up.

3. When place in a vertical manner, the triangle is

up; the blue color at the right.

4. When displayed in the horizontal position, the

triangle is at the right side, with the blue part
up.
5. When displayed over a casket, the triangle is in
the direction of the head of the cadaver, with the
blue part on the right side.
d. Do’s and Don’ts:

1. The flag is not flown on inclement weather, however,

it can stay afloat in drizzles or light showers.
2. When raising and lowering the flag, no part thereof
should touch the ground.
3. The flag should never be used to return the salute of
any individual or organization.
4. No imprint should be made on the flag nor shall it be
marked by advertisement or any manner desecrating it.
5. The flag should not be used as a pennant in the hood
or any part of a motor vehicle except in celebration of
Independence Day or on such other patriotic occasions.
6. The flag shall never be used as a staff or whip,
covering for tables, as a costume, or for curtains of doorways.
7. The flag may be mended, washed or dry-cleaned.
X. MILITARY TITLE
 COMMISSIONED OFFICER
(Army, Airforced & Marines)

1 to 5 Star Generals General

Colonel & Lieutenant Colonel Colonel

Major Major

Captain Captain

2nd & 1st Lieutenant Lieutenant

 Navy

Admiral & Rear Admiral Admiral

Commodore Commodore

Captain Captain

Commander & Lt. Commander Commander

Lieutenant Senior Grade Lieutenant

Lieutenant Junior Grade Lieutenant

Ensign Mister
 NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
(Army & Marines)

Master Sergeant Sergeant

Technical Sergeant
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal
Corporal
Private First Class
Private
Private
Private
XI. MILITARY RANKS
 COMMISSIONED OFFICER

Army, Air Force & Marines Navy

General (4&5 stars) Admiral

Lieutenant Gen. Vice Admiral

Major Gen. Rear Admiral

Brigadier Gen. Commodore

Colonel Captain

Lieutenant Colonel Commander

Major Lieutenant Commander

Captain Lieutenant Senior Grade

1st Lieutenant Lieutenant Junior Grade

2nd Lieutenant Ensign

 NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
Army & Marines Navy Air Force

Master Sergeant Chief Petty Officer Master Sergeant

Technical Sergeant Petty Officer 1 Technical Sergeant

Staff Sergeant Petty Officer 2 Staff Sergeant

Sergeant Petty Officer 3 Sergeant

Corporal Seaman 1st Class Airman 1st Class

Private 1st Class Seaman 2nd Class Airman 2nd Class

Private Apprentice Seaman Airman

 CAT/ROTC RANKS
Army & Air Force Navy

C/Colonel M/Captain

C/Lieutenant Colonel M/Commander

C/Major M/Lieutenant

C/Captain M/Lieutenant Senior Grade

C/1st Lieutenant M/Lieutenant Junior Grade

C/2nd Lieutenant M/Ensign

C- Cadet M- Midshipman
 XII. RELATION OF
COURTESY AND DISCIPLNE
 The relation of military discipline to
courtesy is clearly explained by the fact
that discipline is founded upon respect and
loyalty to superiors and lawfully
constituted authorithies.
XIII. IMPORTANCE OF
DISCIPLINE
 Mass discipline and morale are essential
factors for securing cohesive action and for
ensuring that singleness of purpose which
alone can triumph over the most difficult
conditions of war
XIV. DEVELOPMENT OF
DISCIPLINE
1. Training

2. Reward and Punishment

3. Instill a Sense of Self Confidence and

Responsibility
XV. MAINTENANCE OF
DISCIPLINE
 Discipline is instilled in men through
instruction, pride tradition and regulations.

Discipline is maintained in much the

manner it is attained.
THE END