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Military Customs

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Military Customs and Courtesies In the Army and throughout every branch there are certain customs and courtesies that every soldier and military member must follow in order for there to be order and discipline on a daily basis. Customs and courtesies are put in to place to show respect for Non Commissioned Officers and for Officers of all rank. In this essay, I will be writing about the importance of salutes, standing at the correct position when talking to someone higher ranking than yourself, using proper language when talking to someone of a higher rank, where you should walk when walking with someone of a higher rank, as well as other customs and courtesies you find throughout the army and all other branches. A custom is an …show more content…

Salutes are not required when you are indoors unless you are reporting to an officer or when on guard duty or when saluting is obviously inappropriate. It is important to show noncommissioned officers respect as well. You do not salute them; you stand at parade rest when talking to them and address them by their proper rank. The ranks you say when speaking to a noncommissioned officer are Corporal, sergeant, master sergeant, first sergeant and sergeant major. When talking to an NCO, you always finish your sentence with his or her rank. Here is an example: “I do not know the answer but I will find out and let you know Sergeant.” It is simple and easy to remember for most soldiers, while other soldiers need to remind themselves constantly to do this. Another military custom from ancient times states that you should always sit or walk to the left of your superiors. This custom came about in old English times and stems from very old English tradition. The right is known as the “position of honor.” Most people are right handed and back in the time of knights, the majority of knights would hold their sword in their right now and their shield in their left hand.

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