WHAT DOES CUSTOMS MEANS?

Customs is an established usage. It

includes positive actions - things to do - and
taboos - things to avoid doing.
IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMS

 Continuance of harmonious human relations.

Customs help establish in the Army a life which is
colorful, interesting and rich with friends and
experiences.
Smooths the way for harmonious official and
personal relationships.
 CUSTOMS HONORING THE FLAG OR MILITARY
DEAD, OR PAYING RESPECT TO COMRADES-IN-ARMS

 The Salute
 The Raising of the Right Hand in Taking Oath
 The Evening Gun
 The Wearing of Decorations
 The Flag Raising Ceremony
 The Wearing of Unit Badges or Emblems
 The Retreat Ceremony
 The “First” Salute
 The “Sound Off” and “Three Cheers”
 The Three Volleys Over Graves
 RANK HAS ITS PRIVILEDGES (RHIP)
 Although courtesies, customs, and privileges are traditional and, indeed
historical, they were established and are honored for personal reasons.
 Rank has no influence on many military matters.
 Priviledges are dividends and rewards for faithful service and achievements
and for having more responsibility than those of lower rank.
 The Priviledge of Being First to Choose
 New Year’s Call on the CO
 “I Wish” and “I Desire”
 How to Obtain an Appointment with the CO
 The Place of Honor
 Persmission of the First Sergeant
 Use of the Word “Sir”
 The Open-Door Policy
 Departing Before the Commanding Officer (CO)
THE NEWCOMER SHALL BE WELL RECEIVED

 Reception of a Newly Joined Officer

 Reception of a Spouse
 Receiving Officers of Sister Services
 Birth of a Child
 Military Weddings

CUSTOMS IN CONNECTION WITH SICKNESS AND DEATH

 Visiting the Sick

 Death of an Officer or Family Member
 Death of an Enlisted Personnel
SUPPORT OF POST AND ORGANIZATION ACTIVITIES

 The Officer’s Club and Mess

Active - votes and holds office
Associate - neither votes nor holds office but enjoys club’s
service and facilities
Honorary - same as associate members, usually on non-
dues paying basis
Attendance at Unit and Orgn Parties sponsored by EP
Attendance at Athletic Events is Desirable
Ceremonies at Holiday Dinners
Farewell Tendered a Departing Officer
 TABOOS
 Uniform must not be defamed
 Avoid Praising Your Commander to His or Her Face
 Never Shrink under Cover to Avoid Retreat
 “Old Man” to be Spoken with Care
 Proffer No Excuses
 Avoid “Going over an Officer’s Head”
 Abstentations by Officer’s Relations with EP
 Harsh Remarks are to be Avoided
 Use of Third Person by Officer is Poor Taste
 Avoid Vulgarity and Profanity
 Servility is Scorned
 Never Lean on a Senior Officer’s Desk
 Never Keep Anyone Waiting
 Carrying an Umbrella in Uniform
 Avoid Having People Guess your Name
 NCO Not to Work on Fatigue
BUGLE CALLS
First Call
Tattoo
Reveille
Attention
Assembly
Church Call
Mess Call
Taps
Retreat
Fire Call
To the Color
First Sergeant’s Call
 MILITARY TRADITIONS
 Public Service
 Achieving the Mission
 Leadership
 Loyalty
 Officer’s Words is His or Her Bond
 Discipline
 Readiness
 Taking God Care of Soldiers
 Cooperation
 Being a Lady or Gentleman
 Avoiding Matters of Politics
 Candor in Making Recommendations
 THREE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF A
PROFESSIONAL MILITARY MAN

“The point I wish to make here, and to repeat it for emphasis, is that the
professional military man has three primary responsibilities:
First, to give his honest, fearless, objective, professional military opinion
of what he needs, to do the job the nation gives him.
Second, if what he is given is less than the minimum he regards as
essential, to give his superiors an honest, fearless, objective opinion of the
consequences. Third, and finally, he has the duty, whatever the final decision,
to do the utmost with whatever is furnished.”

GEN. MATTHEW B RIDGWAY, USA

“THAT ENDS MY
LECTURE”