Officer Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions

Question 1

3 General Fundamentals of Social Conduct:

Answer 1

1. Projection- quality derived from you
2. Presentation- first impression is lasting
3. Perception- know and live by the standards

Question 2

Identify the 2 terms that best represent the basic tenet- consideration for the rights and feelings of others:

Answer 2

1. Please
2. Thank you
   “Please, step away from the gate. Thank you..”

Question 3

3 Characteristics of Military courtesy:

Answer 3

1. Military courtesy is essentially no different from courtesy in civilian life
2. Military courtesy is not a one-way street. (mutual respect)
3. Military courtesy is the respect shown to each other by members of the same profession

Question 4

A ___ is an established observance or precedent. (unwritten law)

Answer 4

custom

Question 5

7 ACCEPTABLE customs and courtesies:

Answer 5

1. Position of honor (senior officer on right side)
2. Correct use of titles (Sir, ma’am)
3. Response to a senior officer’s presence (Attention!)
4. Salutes (senior officers)
5. Honors (songs, cannons)
6. Salute to the Colors (uncased, spearhead)
7. Desires of the Commander

Question 6

5 UNACCEPTABLE customs and courtesies:

Answer 6

1. Uniform defamation
2. No excuses
3. Juniors do not touch seniors (or their desk)
4. Juniors do not sit in the presence of a senior (until senior sits)
5. Bypassing the Chain of Command

Question 7

3 common military SOCIAL courtesies:

Answer 7

1. Invitations (formal and informal, RSVPs, regrets, respond in same manner the invitation was issued)
2. Thank you notes
3. Introductions (present junior to senior, man to lady)

Question 8

6 common military social functions:

Answer 8

1. Hail and Farewell (informal dress)
2. Officers’ Call or the Stand-To (weekly Happy hour)
3. Thanksgiving Dinner (officers serve enlisted)
4. Official Call on New Year’s Day (Officer’s house)
5. Dining-In (military only, very rigid) THE GROG!
6. Dining-Out (can bring dates) GROG

Question 9

Chronology of Events (Dining-In/Out):

Answer 9

1. Arrival (10 min early)
2. Receiving Line (introductions, Lady first, don’t shake hands w/ Aide)
3. Locate your seat
4. Posting of the Colors
5. Toasts (Scripted)
6. Dining
7. Host Comments/Skits/Entertainment
8. Retiring of the Colors
9. Departure (senior first)

Question 10

5 different dress codes:

Answer 10

1. Formal (class blues)
2. Semi-formal (business suite)
3. Informal (sport coat and tie)
4. Casual (button down and slacks)
5. Very Casual (jeans, dress shorts)

Question 11

Remember… the ____, the more formal the attire.

Answer 11

later the affair.

Question 12

Two basic ingredients to perception

Answer 12

Knowing what the standard is and having the strength of character to live by them

Question 13

Actions are

Answer 13

things to do

Question 14

Taboo is

Answer 14

things to avoid doing