military courtesy

MILITARY MILITARY COURTESY COURTESY

Courtesy DefinedCourtesy Defined The expression or manifestation of The expression or manifestation of

consideration for the rights of others.consideration for the rights of others. More than merely obeying the forms of More than merely obeying the forms of

polite conduct.polite conduct. The kind of virtue expected of all The kind of virtue expected of all

individuals be it in the military or in individuals be it in the military or in civilian life.civilian life.

It is a deep-rooted spirit of friendliness It is a deep-rooted spirit of friendliness

mutual respect.mutual respect. Just like loyalty, in the military, Just like loyalty, in the military,

courtesy works both ways; a junior courtesy works both ways; a junior officer is courteous and obedient to officer is courteous and obedient to his senior, but the senior is also his senior, but the senior is also considerate and respectful of his considerate and respectful of his junior.junior.

We act with courtesy toward our We act with courtesy toward our senior/elders because we recognize senior/elders because we recognize their authority and responsibility.their authority and responsibility.

Likewise, the senior must show equal Likewise, the senior must show equal courtesy, recognizing the essential role courtesy, recognizing the essential role that the junior plays as a member of a that the junior plays as a member of a team.team.

Discipline and courtesy are two Discipline and courtesy are two inseparable virtues of people working in inseparable virtues of people working in the military, for these are integral parts of the military, for these are integral parts of the soldier’s personality.the soldier’s personality.

These ingredients, if religiously practised These ingredients, if religiously practised in the individual’s day to day activities, in the individual’s day to day activities, will indeed foster success in the will indeed foster success in the undertakings of the organization whereundertakings of the organization where

he/she is involved.he/she is involved. In the military, courtesy is displayed by:In the military, courtesy is displayed by:

- Proper execution of salute- Proper execution of salute- Standing at attention during - Standing at attention during ceremoniesceremonies- Observing proper decorum and - Observing proper decorum and

protocolprotocol- Answering superiors with due respect- Answering superiors with due respect- Giving briefings and making official - Giving briefings and making official

callscalls

The SaluteThe Salute The most important manifestation of all The most important manifestation of all

military courtesies is the salute.military courtesies is the salute. In the military establishments, the salute In the military establishments, the salute

is mostly used and it distinguishes the is mostly used and it distinguishes the military man/woman in its execution.military man/woman in its execution.

Salute indicates pride in himself/herself Salute indicates pride in himself/herself and his/her unit and thus enhances the and his/her unit and thus enhances the building up of confidence in his/herbuilding up of confidence in his/her

ability to perform his/her assigned duties ability to perform his/her assigned duties well, even without being told to do so.well, even without being told to do so.

How to SaluteHow to Salute From the position of attention or if walking From the position of attention or if walking

from an erect position, raise the right from an erect position, raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headgear, touches the lower part of the headgear, forearm inclined at 45 degrees, hand and forearm inclined at 45 degrees, hand and wrist at straight line, palm slightly inward, wrist at straight line, palm slightly inward, thumb and fingers extended and joined.thumb and fingers extended and joined.

Rules in Rendering the Rules in Rendering the Hand SaluteHand Salute

The salute is required on and off military The salute is required on and off military installations during and outside office hours.installations during and outside office hours.

Persons entitled to the salute:Persons entitled to the salute:- All commissioned officers of the AFP, - All commissioned officers of the AFP,

both male and female.both male and female.- Commissioned officers of friendly - Commissioned officers of friendly

nations when they are recognized as nations when they are recognized as suchsuch

- Officers of the Coast Guard and - Officers of the Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey and the Public Health Geodetic Survey and the Public Health Service when they are serving with the Service when they are serving with the AFP.AFP.

- All civilians who are entitled by reason - All civilians who are entitled by reason of position, to gun salute or other of position, to gun salute or other honors, are also entitled by custom to honors, are also entitled by custom to salute.salute. Salute is rendered at a distance of Salute is rendered at a distance of

about six (6) paces from the person about six (6) paces from the person saluted, orsaluted, or

at a recognizable distance of thirty at a recognizable distance of thirty (30)(30) paces.paces.

The salute must be returned by those The salute must be returned by those entitled to itentitled to it. . - It is not rendered when running but at - It is not rendered when running but at

halt or walk.halt or walk.- Never salute with cigarette, cigar or - Never salute with cigarette, cigar or

pipe in the mouth.pipe in the mouth.- The salute should not be executed in a - The salute should not be executed in a

haphazard or perfunctory manner. haphazard or perfunctory manner.

- Salutes are exchanged whether - Salutes are exchanged whether individuals are covered or uncovered.individuals are covered or uncovered.

The salute is rendered but onceThe salute is rendered but once – – - If the senior remains in the immediate - If the senior remains in the immediate

vicinity and no conversation takes vicinity and no conversation takes place.place.

- If a conversation occurs, the junior - If a conversation occurs, the junior again salutes when they part from each again salutes when they part from each other.other. In making reports, the person In making reports, the person

reporting salutes first regardless of reporting salutes first regardless of

rank.rank. An example of this case is when a An example of this case is when a unit commander is reporting to the unit commander is reporting to the adjutant during a ceremony.adjutant during a ceremony.

In cases not mentioned above or when In cases not mentioned above or when there is doubt – there is doubt – whether or not to whether or not to salute, it is safe or preferably to render a salute, it is safe or preferably to render a salute.salute.

When to Salute:When to Salute: When meeting a senior officerWhen meeting a senior officer

When the National Color passes by.When the National Color passes by. When the National Anthem is being When the National Anthem is being

played.played. When reporting.When reporting. After conversing with an officer.After conversing with an officer.

When not to Salute:When not to Salute: When standing near or leading a horse.When standing near or leading a horse. When indoors, except when reporting.When indoors, except when reporting. When at work.When at work. When driving or riding in a fast moving When driving or riding in a fast moving

vehicle.vehicle.

When in a recreational hall, making the When in a recreational hall, making the salute inappropriate.salute inappropriate.

When engaged in actual games and When engaged in actual games and athletic competition.athletic competition.

When meeting a prisoner of war.When meeting a prisoner of war. When both hands are so occupied as to When both hands are so occupied as to

make saluting impractical.make saluting impractical. When in a public conveyance – When in a public conveyance –

especially if in crowded places.especially if in crowded places. When in rank – as if you are part of a When in rank – as if you are part of a

formation.formation.

It is a mistake in salutingIt is a mistake in salutingwhen:when: Bowing the head as the salute is given.Bowing the head as the salute is given. Bringing the heads down before the Bringing the heads down before the

acknowledgement.acknowledgement. Holding the arms awkwardly high or Holding the arms awkwardly high or

letting it sag to low.letting it sag to low. Saluting while in double time.Saluting while in double time. Avoiding the gaze of the person being Avoiding the gaze of the person being

saluted.saluted.

Saluting with cigar/cigarette or pipe in the Saluting with cigar/cigarette or pipe in the mouth.mouth.

Saluting when chewing gum or candy in Saluting when chewing gum or candy in the mouth.the mouth.

Definition of Terms:Definition of Terms: Outdoors –Outdoors – is construed to include such is construed to include such

buildings as drill halls, gymnasiums and buildings as drill halls, gymnasiums and other roofed enclosures used for drill or other roofed enclosures used for drill or exercise of troops. Theaters, covered exercise of troops. Theaters, covered walks and other shelters open on thewalks and other shelters open on the

sides are also considered as outdoors.sides are also considered as outdoors. Indoors –Indoors – includes offices, hallways, includes offices, hallways,

kitchen, orderly rooms, recreation halls, kitchen, orderly rooms, recreation halls, washrooms and quarters.washrooms and quarters.

Under arms –Under arms – means carrying of arms or means carrying of arms or having attached to the person by sling, having attached to the person by sling, holster or other means. In the absence holster or other means. In the absence of arms the wearing of cartridge belts, of arms the wearing of cartridge belts, pistol holster, or automatic rifle belts are pistol holster, or automatic rifle belts are also means under arms.also means under arms.

Courtesy Call –Courtesy Call – is a military custom or is a military custom or

practice whereby a newly reported officer practice whereby a newly reported officer or enlisted personnel makes an official or enlisted personnel makes an official visit to his immediate commander.visit to his immediate commander.

Reporting to an Officer:Reporting to an Officer: The salute is rendered by a junior officer The salute is rendered by a junior officer

when reporting to a senior officer. He when reporting to a senior officer. He also salutes before leaving.also salutes before leaving.

Reporting indoors without armsReporting indoors without arms – – - A soldier removes his headgear, - A soldier removes his headgear,

knocks at the door of the office, andknocks at the door of the office, and

enters when told to do so. enters when told to do so. - Upon entering, he halts at about two - Upon entering, he halts at about two

paces from the officer and salutes and paces from the officer and salutes and says says “Sir, Pvt Cruz reports to the “Sir, Pvt Cruz reports to the Company Commander”. Company Commander”.

- - The salute is retained until he The salute is retained until he completes his report and the officer has completes his report and the officer has returned his salute.returned his salute.

- When the business is completed, the - When the business is completed, the soldier salutes, executes about face soldier salutes, executes about face and leaves the office.and leaves the office.

Reporting Indoors Under Arms –Reporting Indoors Under Arms – the the procedure in reporting is the same as procedure in reporting is the same as discussed above except that the soldier discussed above except that the soldier remains covered. If carrying a rifle, the remains covered. If carrying a rifle, the soldier carries it and salutes at trail arms. soldier carries it and salutes at trail arms. Otherwise the hand salute is given. Otherwise the hand salute is given.

Reporting Outdoors –Reporting Outdoors – the procedure of the procedure of reporting to an officer outdoors is the reporting to an officer outdoors is the same as discussed above except that the same as discussed above except that the headgear is not removed. The rifle headgear is not removed. The rifle should be carried at trail or right should be carried at trail or right shoulder. The hand salute or rifle saluteshoulder. The hand salute or rifle salute

is given as the case may be.is given as the case may be. Reporting for Pay –Reporting for Pay – A soldier reporting A soldier reporting

for pay answers “here” when his name is for pay answers “here” when his name is called, approaches and salutes the called, approaches and salutes the officer paying. He picks up and counts officer paying. He picks up and counts his money and leaves without saluting. his money and leaves without saluting. The officer does not return his salute.The officer does not return his salute.

Other Courtesies to Other Courtesies to Individuals:Individuals:

When an officer enters a room or tentWhen an officer enters a room or tent – – Officers junior to him and enlisted men Officers junior to him and enlisted men

present will uncover (if unarmed) and present will uncover (if unarmed) and stand at attention until the officer stand at attention until the officer directs otherwise or leaves the room. directs otherwise or leaves the room.

- When more than one individual are - When more than one individual are present, the first one who perceives the present, the first one who perceives the officer will command “attention” loud officer will command “attention” loud

to be heard by everybody present .to be heard by everybody present .- Everybody stands at attention until the - Everybody stands at attention until the

officer says otherwise.officer says otherwise. When an officer enters a room or tent When an officer enters a room or tent

used as an office, workshop, used as an office, workshop, recreation roomrecreation room – – - Those at work or at play are not - Those at work or at play are not

required to come to attention unless required to come to attention unless addressed by the officer.addressed by the officer.

- A junior when addressed by a senior - A junior when addressed by a senior

comes to attention, except in the comes to attention, except in the transaction of routine business between transaction of routine business between individuals at work.individuals at work.

When an officer enters an enlisted When an officer enters an enlisted men’s mess hallmen’s mess hall – – - The group is called to at ease by the - The group is called to at ease by the

person noticing him first.person noticing him first.- Men remain seated at ease and - Men remain seated at ease and

continue eating unless the officer continue eating unless the officer directs otherwise.directs otherwise.

- A soldier addressed stops eating and - A soldier addressed stops eating and sits erect until the conversation is ended.sits erect until the conversation is ended.

When accompanying a seniorWhen accompanying a senior – a – a junior walks or rides on his left except junior walks or rides on his left except when accompanying a senior during when accompanying a senior during inspection.inspection.

When entering a car or small boatWhen entering a car or small boat – – the junior goes in first and others follow in the junior goes in first and others follow in the inverse order of rank. In getting off, the inverse order of rank. In getting off, the senior goes out first and others the senior goes out first and others following the order of rank.following the order of rank.

Uncovering:Uncovering: Officers and enlisted men under arms Officers and enlisted men under arms

uncover when:uncover when:- Seated as a member for an attendance - Seated as a member for an attendance

at court or board.at court or board.- Entering places of divine worship.- Entering places of divine worship.- Indoor when not on duty.- Indoor when not on duty.- In attendance at an official reception.- In attendance at an official reception.

Military Titles:Military Titles:

All AFP personnel are addressed by their All AFP personnel are addressed by their full titles in official correspondence. In full titles in official correspondence. In conversation or official correspondence conversation or official correspondence they are addressed as follows:they are addressed as follows:

RankRank Addressed AsAddressed AsBrigadier General toBrigadier General to

GeneralGeneralGeneralGeneral

Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel and Lieutenant ColonelColonel

ColonelColonel

RankRank Addressed AsAddressed AsMajorMajor MajorMajor

CaptainCaptain CaptainCaptainFirst Lieutenant and First Lieutenant and Second LieutenantSecond Lieutenant

LieutenantLieutenant

ChaplainChaplain ChaplainChaplainNurseNurse NurseNurse

Sergeant to Master Sergeant to Master SergeantSergeant

SergeantSergeant

CorporalCorporal CorporalCorporal

Navy personnel are addressed in Navy personnel are addressed in conversations and unofficial correspondence conversations and unofficial correspondence as:as:

RankRank Addressed AsAddressed AsPrivate to Private First Private to Private First

ClassClassPrivatePrivate

CadetCadet MisterMister

RankRank Addressed AsAddressed AsRear Admiral to AdmiralRear Admiral to Admiral AdmiralAdmiral

CommodoreCommodore CommodoreCommodore

RankRank Addressed AsAddressed As

CaptainCaptain CaptainCaptain

Lieutenant Commander to Lieutenant Commander to CommanderCommander

CommanderCommander

Lieutenant Junior Grade to Lieutenant Junior Grade to Lieutenant Senior GradeLieutenant Senior Grade

LieutenantLieutenant

Ensign/CadetEnsign/Cadet MisterMister

Any naval officer in command of a ship Any naval officer in command of a ship regardless of size or class while regardless of size or class while exercising such command is called exercising such command is called “CAPTAIN”. “CAPTAIN”. When introducing a Naval When introducing a Naval Captain, it is customary to add after his Captain, it is customary to add after his name name “of the Navy”“of the Navy”, because a Captain , because a Captain of the Navy is equivalent to a Colonel in of the Navy is equivalent to a Colonel in the Army.the Army.

Ranks & Insignias Ranks & Insignias in AFPin AFP

ARMY / ARMY / AIRFORCE / AIRFORCE /

MARINESMARINESNAVYNAVY Collar InsigniaCollar Insignia Shoulder BoardShoulder Board

(NAVY)(NAVY)

2nd 2nd LieutenantLieutenant

EnsignEnsign

1st Lieutenant1st LieutenantLieutenant Lieutenant

Junior GradeJunior Grade


MARINESMARINESNAVYNAVY Collar InsigniaCollar Insignia Shoulder Shoulder

Board (NAVY)Board (NAVY)

CaptainCaptainLieutenant Lieutenant

Senior Senior GradeGrade

MajorMajorLieutenant Lieutenant

CommanderCommander



(NAVY)(NAVY)

Lieutenant Lieutenant ColonelColonel

CommanderCommander

ColonelColonel CaptainCaptain


MARINESMARINESNAVYNAVY Collar InsigniaCollar Insignia Shoulder Board Shoulder Board

(NAVY)(NAVY)

Brigadier Brigadier GeneralGeneral

CommodoreCommodore

Major Major GeneralGeneral

Rear Rear AdmiralAdmiral



(NAVY)(NAVY)

Lieutenant Lieutenant GeneralGeneral

Vice-Vice-AdmiralAdmiral

GeneralGeneral AdmiralAdmiral

military courtesy

Documents

gun salute

hand salutethe salute

proper execution of

military installations

military courtesies

military manwoman

military establishments

courtesy works