Chapter 3
Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Chapter 3
3.1. Salute. The salute is a traditional greeting between military personnel. The salute is deeply rooted in military history from when warriors raised their right arms to show that no weapon was present, to when knights raised their visors with their right hand as a sign of greeting, and to when American soldiers removed their "3-corner" hats to greet others and show them respect. The salute is a way of saying "Hello" while showing respect to the officer's rank. Sometimes the hand salute is rendered to honor the colors, a mark of respect for our country. The way cadets execute a salute is important. A smart salute indicates pride in self and corps. A sloppy, lackadaisical salute indicates lack of confidence and pride. Cadets should develop the habit of carrying books or other objects with the left hand to free the right hand for saluting.
3.1.1. Cadets will, when wearing the uniform, outside, and not under cover, salute:
3.1.1.1. The President
3.1.1.2. All commissioned and warrant officers of United States military services and Friendly Foreign Nations.
3.1.1.3. AFJROTC officer instructors. Salute them also when not in uniform when formally reporting to them.
3.1.1.4. Cadet Officers when in uniform
3.1.2. Cadets will not render hand salutes indoors EXCEPT when formally reporting.
3.1.3. Hand salute is done in the following two counts:
3.1.3.1. COUNT 1. Raise the right hand “smartly” and directly to the forehead while at the same time, extend and join fingers. Keep the hand palm flat, forming a straight line between the fingertips and the elbow. As the hand gets close to the face, tilt the palm slightly toward the face and hold the upper arm horizontally, slightly forward of the body, and parallel to the ground. Finally touch the tip of the middle finger of the right hand to the outside corner of the right eyebrow or to the front right corner of glasses.
3.1.3.2. COUNT 2. Bring the arm smoothly and smartly downward, retracing the path used to raise the right hand and arm after the salute is returned by the one you are saluting.
3.2. United States and National Flags.
3.2.1. Display. Normally unless illuminated, the US flag will only be flown from sunrise to sunset. When it is flown with another national flag, it will be the same size and the flags’ flagpoles or flagstaffs will be of equal height. When the flag is displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union will be uppermost and to the observer's left, flag's right. Generally the flag will be displayed flat or hanging free. The flag will be placed in the position of honor, to the right of a speaker, when displayed on a platform, in a hall, on a stage, or on the same level of the audience. When the flag is displayed at half-mast, it is first hoisted to the top of the staff and then lowered to the half-staff position. When lowering it, it is first raised to the top of the staff and then lowered. At no time will the flag be allowed to touch the ground and after being completely detached from the halyards, the flag is folded properly into the shape of a triangle. When a number of flags are displayed from staffs in a row, the United States flag will be on right of the line, the left of an observer facing the display. If no foreign flags are involved, the United States flag may be placed at the center of the line provided it is displayed at a higher level. When used on a rostrum, it will be displayed above and behind the speaker's rostrum. When bunting is used, since the flag will never be draped over the rostrum, the colors will be arranged blue on top, white in the middle, and red below. No lettering or object of any kind will be placed on the flag, no flag or pennant flown above the flag, and the flag will not be dipped. In a procession with another flag or flags, the United States flag will be either on the marching right, the flag's own right, or if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of the line. It will never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free. The correct way to carry a staffed flag is to hold the staff with one or both hands in front and centered on the body with the base of the staff resting against the body and the staff sloping upward and forward at an angle of about 30 degrees from the body.
3.2.2. Flag Customs and Courtesies. The flag and national anthem are symbols of the people, their land, and institutions. Thus, when we salute these symbols, we are saluting the nation. Flags and national anthems of Canada and other friendly nations are shown the same respect as our own. Flag ceremonies occur during parades, reveilles, retreats, and prior to special events. Reveille starts the official day while retreat signals the end of the official duty day. Most flag ceremonies will be conducted with the playing of the United States national anthem. All cadets will render the following courtesies:
3.2.2.1. When in uniform outdoors and the national anthem or "To the Colors" is played, stand at attention, face the flag (or direction of music), render the military salute, and hold it from the first note of the music until the last note. When in civilian clothes, stand at attention, face the flag (or music), and place the right hand over the heart. A male removes his hat, holds it in his right hand, and places his right hand over the heart. A female places her right hand over her heart but does not remove her hat.
3.2.2.2. When attending any outdoor event and a U.S., Canadian, or other National flag is carried past a cadet in uniform, the cadet will stand at attention, face the path of the flag, render the proper salute six paces before the flag is even with them, and hold the salute until the flag passes six paces beyond them.
3.2.2.3. When ceremonies occur indoors and the national anthem or "To the Colors" is played, face the flag and assume the position of attention. If the flag is not visible, assume the position of attention and face the music. Do not salute unless under arms.
3.2.2.4. Pledge of Allegiance. In military formations and ceremonies, the Pledge of Allegiance shall not be recited. At protocol functions, social, and sporting events, which include civilian participants, cadets will, when in uniform, outdoors, stand at attention, remain silent, face the flag, and render the hand salute. When in uniform indoors, stand at attention, remain silent, and face the flag. Hand salute is not rendered and reciting the pledge is optional.
3.3. Cadet Etiquette. Proper etiquette is "the customary rules of conduct or behavior in a polite society". Our civilized society operates smoother and is more pleasant to live, go to school and work in when all members practice proper etiquette and good manners. The axiom, "Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated", is a good one to live by and is the desired behavior of all cadets. Cadets will:
3.3.1. Say "Please" and "Thank You." Use proper telephone etiquette. If cadets should answer the phone in the AFJROTC office, they will answer in the following manner: “Air Force Junior ROTC, Cadet ‘Last Name’ speaking. How may I help you?"
3.3.2. Use "Sir/Ma'am" or “Military Grade” when addressing AFJROTC instructors, military service members, school officials, teachers, and visitors at all times.
3.4. Position of Honor. This military courtesy began centuries ago when men fought with swords. Since men were primarily right handed, the heaviest fighting occurred on the right side. The left side became a defensive position since the shield was normally carried with left hand/arm. Thus, since units were proud of their fighting ability, the right side (sword bearing side) or right of the battle line became the position of honor, assumed by great warriors and leaders. Thus, a cadet should, while in uniform, walk or sit on the LEFT side of an AFJROTC instructor, military service member, or senior cadet officer who assumes the position of honor on the RIGHT.