MILITARY COURTESY

Military courtesy shows a disciplined attitude of the mind. Military courtesy is shown to all ranks through proper saluting and addressing. Courtesy to the National Anthem and the Colors expresses loyalty to the United States and the Constitution.

Military Titles and Addresses:  Always address all Military Officers, regardless of Branch of Service by starting your conversation with the word “Sir/Ma’am” and ending the conversation with the word “Sir/Ma’am.”  All Senior Officers will address their juniors by titles and name.

These shortened titles can be used for the following ranks:

First and Second Lieutenants as “Lieutenant”

Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels as “Colonel”

Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, and General as “General”

Rear Admiral Lower Half, Rear Admiral Upper Half, Vice Admiral, and Admiral as “Admiral”

When given an order by an officer, reply “Aye, aye, Sir/Ma’am” to let them know that you understand how to complete the task. When answering a question, reply with “Yes Sir/Ma’am” or “No Sir/Ma’am."

**Saluting is a Military Custom practiced by those who follow the profession of arms**

All Commissioned and Warrant Officers of all military services as well as high Civilian Officials are entitled to honors by Navy Regulations are to be saluted when you are in uniform.  (You are not required to salute when not in uniform)  The proper saluting distance is 6 to 30 paces.  Only salute individuals that you recognize as Officers, even if they are not in uniform.

The junior cadet will salute first and use a verbal greeting.  The junior cadet will hold their salute until the senior cadet cuts their salute or says, “Carry on”

   - If staying in the same area as an officer, salute them before you leaving.

   - To pass an officer, walking in the same direction, pass them on the right side, salute and say “By your leave, Sir/Ma’am”, and hold the salute until they reply “Carry on,” or “Granted”.

   - When an officer is approaching a group not in a formation the first person noticing the officer will call the group to attention and salute if only in uniform.

   - If you are engaged in work or play, do not salute unless spoken to directly and again if only in uniform.

   - When passing or being passed by an uncased color, salute at 6 paces and hold the salute until it is 6 paces past you.

   - When colors are being raised (0800) or lowered (after school), stand at attention and face them until they are all the way to the top or bottom of the pole.  If you are in uniform salute and stand at attention.  If not in uniform face the flag pole and at stand attention, but do not salute.  

Flag Terminology- The American flag is referred to by different names depending on how and where the flag is being displayed.  Marine Corps terms dealing with flags are precise and particular. 

1. National Ensign- This is the national flag displayed over Marine or Naval Posts, Stations, or Ships.  The National Ensign comes in three sizes:

   1. Post Flag: 10 feet by 19 feet, flown in fair weather except on Sundays and national holidays

   2. Storm Flag: 5 feet by 9 feet six inches, flown during foul weather.

   3. Garrison: 20 feet by 38 feet, flown on Sundays and national holidays.

2. National Color- This is the national flag carried by Marine organizations. When not in the hands of troops, the National Color is entrusted to the command’s adjutant.

3. National Standard- This is the national flag that is carried by a mounted, mechanical, motorized, or aviation unit in Marine organizations.

To Render Honors during Colors and the Playing of the National Anthem (in uniform): Stop on the first note of the music if you are walking, then face the flag or the direction of music and hold a hand salute until the last note of the music.  (Do not salute indoors.)  If in a vehicle, do not salute and remain seated at attention.  If in formation, salute only on the order “Present Arms.”  If in civilian clothes, stand at attention, but do not salute.

During a Colors Ceremony - Aboard military installations there are two times each day which service members salute the National Ensign.  The first is at the beginning of the day, known as morning colors, which the flag is raised at 0800.  During the raising of the flag, either “The Star Spangled Banner” or “To the Colors” is played.  The second is at sunset when the national ensign is lowered.  During the lowering of the National Ensign, either “Retreat” or the National Anthem will be played.  In both instances, when out of doors, all service members must stop, face in the direction of the flag, come to the position of attention and render a hand salute.  They must hold the salute until the last note of the music is sounded.  If in civilian clothes, service members will stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart.  

Marines’ Hymn - On the first note of the Marine’s Hymn, whether in or out of uniform, stand at attention and face the direction of music.  Do not salute. 

Entering Vehicles and Boarding Naval Vessels: When entering a vehicle or vessel, junior cadets will enter first.  When leaving a vehicle or vessel, senior cadets will leave first.  

   - When boarding a vessel, walk up the gangway, face and salute the National Ensign (flag), located at the rear of the ship (stern).  Then face and salute the Officer of the Day (OOD) on the quarterdeck and “Request permission to come aboard, Sir/Ma’am,” then board the vessel after the OOD grants permission.

   - When disembarking from a vessel, walk to the quarterdeck then face and salute the Officer of the Day (OOD) on the quarterdeck and “Request permission to go ashore “Sir/Ma’am,” when permission is granted then face the rear (stern) of the vessel and salute the National Ensign (flag).  After saluting the National Ensign, walk down the gangway.