Military Courtesy and Discipline
Military Courtesy and Discipline
Military Courtesy and Discipline
COURTESY
Courtesy Defined
How to Salute
From the position of attention or if
walking from an erect position, raise the
right hand smartly until the tip of the
forefinger touches the lower part of the
headgear, forearm inclined at 45
degrees, hand and wrist at straight line,
palm slightly inward, thumb and fingers
extended and joined.
Rules in Rendering the
Hand Salute
The salute is required on and off
military installations during and
outside office hours.
Persons entitled to the salute:
- All commissioned officers of the AFP,
both male and female.
- Commissioned officers of friendly
nations when they are recognized as
such
- Officers of the Coast Guard and
Geodetic Survey and the Public Health
Service when they are serving with the
AFP.
- All civilians who are entitled by reason
of position, to gun salute or other
honors, are also entitled by custom to
salute.
Salute is rendered at a distance of
about six (6) paces from the person
saluted, or
at a recognizable distance of thirty
(30) paces.
The salute must be returned by those
entitled to it.
- It is not rendered when running but at
halt or walk.
- Never salute with cigarette, cigar or
pipe in the mouth.
- The salute should not be executed in a
haphazard or perfunctory manner.
- Salutes are exchanged whether
individuals are covered or uncovered.
The salute is rendered but once –
- If the senior remains in the immediate
vicinity and no conversation takes
place.
- If a conversation occurs, the junior
again salutes when they part from each
other.
In making reports, the person
reporting salutes first regardless of
rank. An example of this case is when a
unit commander is reporting to the
adjutant during a ceremony.
In cases not mentioned above or when
there is doubt – whether or not to
salute, it is safe or preferably to render a
salute.
When to Salute:
When meeting a senior officer
When the National Color passes by.
When the National Anthem is being
played.
When reporting.
After conversing with an officer.
Definition of Terms:
Outdoors – is construed to include such
buildings as drill halls, gymnasiums and
other roofed enclosures used for drill or
exercise of troops. Theaters, covered
walks and other shelters open on the
sides are also considered as outdoors.
Indoors – includes offices, hallways,
kitchen, orderly rooms, recreation halls,
washrooms and quarters.
Under arms – means carrying of arms or
having attached to the person by sling,
holster or other means. In the absence
of arms the wearing of cartridge belts,
pistol holster, or automatic rifle belts are
also means under arms.
Courtesy Call – is a military custom or
practice whereby a newly reported officer
or enlisted personnel makes an official
visit to his immediate commander.
Reporting to an Officer:
The salute is rendered by a junior officer
when reporting to a senior officer. He
also salutes before leaving.
Reporting indoors without arms –
- A soldier removes his headgear,
knocks at the door of the office, and
enters when told to do so.
- Upon entering, he halts at about two
paces from the officer and salutes and
says “Sir, Pvt Cruz reports to the
Company Commander”.
- The salute is retained until he
completes his report and the officer has
returned his salute.
- When the business is completed, the
soldier salutes, executes about face
and leaves the office.
Reporting Indoors Under Arms – the
procedure in reporting is the same as
discussed above except that the soldier
remains covered. If carrying a rifle, the
soldier carries it and salutes at trail arms.
Otherwise the hand salute is given.
Reporting Outdoors – the procedure of
reporting to an officer outdoors is the
same as discussed above except that the
headgear is not removed. The rifle
should be carried at trail or right
shoulder. The hand salute or rifle salute
is given as the case may be.
Reporting for Pay – A soldier reporting
for pay answers “here” when his name is
called, approaches and salutes the
officer paying. He picks up and counts
his money and leaves without saluting.
The officer does not return his salute.
Other Courtesies to
Individuals:
When an officer enters a room or tent
– Officers junior to him and enlisted men
present will uncover (if unarmed) and
stand at attention until the officer
directs otherwise or leaves the room.
- When more than one individual are
present, the first one who perceives the
officer will command “attention” loud
to be heard by everybody present .
- Everybody stands at attention until the
officer says otherwise.
When an officer enters a room or tent
used as an office, workshop,
recreation room –
- Those at work or at play are not
required to come to attention unless
addressed by the officer.
- A junior when addressed by a senior
comes to attention, except in the
transaction of routine business between
individuals at work.
When an officer enters an enlisted
men’s mess hall –
- The group is called to at ease by the
person noticing him first.
- Men remain seated at ease and
continue eating unless the officer
directs otherwise.
- A soldier addressed stops eating and
sits erect until the conversation is ended.
When accompanying a senior – a
junior walks or rides on his left except
when accompanying a senior during
inspection.
When entering a car or small boat –
the junior goes in first and others follow in
the inverse order of rank. In getting off,
the senior goes out first and others
following the order of rank.
Uncovering:
2nd
Ensign
Lieutenant
Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
Junior Grade
ARMY /
Shoulder
AIRFORCE / NAVY Collar Insignia
Board (NAVY)
MARINES
Lieutenant
Captain Senior
Grade
Lieutenant
Major
Commander
ARMY /
Shoulder Board
AIRFORCE / NAVY Collar Insignia
(NAVY)
MARINES
Lieutenant
Commander
Colonel
Colonel Captain
ARMY /
Shoulder Board
AIRFORCE / NAVY Collar Insignia
(NAVY)
MARINES
Brigadier
Commodore
General
Major Rear
General Admiral
ARMY /
Shoulder Board
AIRFORCE / NAVY Collar Insignia
(NAVY)
MARINES
Lieutenant Vice-
General Admiral
General Admiral