Customs and Courtesies

Customs and Courtesies

• Definitions• Rendering Courtesies• Military Etiquette• Reporting Procedures• Rank Recognition

Overview

Definitions

• Custom – a social convention stemming from tradition and enforced by unwritten law

• Courtesy – when a custom becomes written guidance

• Respect is shown to the senior member acknowledges the senior’s responsibility and authority

• Courtesy returned to junior reflects the respect and regard for their part in the AF mission

Rendering Courtesies

Saluting• Required when in

uniform when ‘under cover’

• When flag is honored outdoors

• Junior initiates and holds until salute is returned

Rendering CourtesiesSpecial Considerations

• If you are carrying something, verbal greeting only• If the senior and junior member stop to converse, salute at

beginning and end of conversation

Rendering CourtesiesGroups

• If in a group, all salute simultaneously• In a work detail, only the member in charge salutes• If in formation only the member in change salutes

Rendering Courtesies

• Pedestrians salute staff cars when someone is inside

Staff Cars

Rendering CourtesiesReveille, Retreat, National Anthem

• In uniform outside – come to attention, face flag and salute through music• Civilian clothes outside – stand at attention and place right hand over heart (also

allowed to salute if service member or veteran• In uniform inside – stand at attention and face flag• Civilian clothes inside - stand at attention and place right hand over heart

Rendering CourtesiesReveille, Retreat, National Anthem

• If in your car – pull over and sit quietly until the National Anthem is over• DON’T RUN OR DUCK inside to avoid the National Anthem

Military Etiquette

Individual Courtesies• Professionalism• Tardiness/Unreliability – call ahead if you will

miss an appointment or deadline• Chain of Command – do not bypass your superior

and consult a high level authority• Indebtedness – pay your bills!• PDA – no handholding, embracing, walking arm

in arm while in uniform• Appearance in public – professional 24/7

Reporting Procedures• Knock on door once• When told to enter – ‘march’ to 2 paces from desk, centered• Stand at attention (eyes caged) and salute

• ‘Ma’am, Cadet XX reports’• Wait until the salute is returned to drop the salute• When the conversation is over sit at attention and ask:

• ‘Will that be all, Ma’am’? • Stand at attention in front of desk, salute and say:

• Good morning, afternoon, evening Ma’am’• Conduct proper facing movements – modified if on carpet

Airmen Basic (AB)•Does not wear any rank insignia •Addressed as “Airman Basic” or “Airman”

•Pay grade is E-1

Rank Recognition

Airmen (Amn)•Chevron of 1 stripe with star•Addressed as “Airman”•Pay grade is E-2

Rank Recognition

Airman First Class (A1C)•Chevron of 2 stripes with star•Addressed as “Airman First Class”or “Airman”

•Pay grade is E-3

Rank Recognition

Senior Airman (SrA)•Chevron of 3 stripes with star•Addressed as “Senior Airman” or “Airman”•Pay grade is E-4

Rank Recognition

Staff Sergeant (SSgt)•Chevron of 4 stripes with star•Addressed as “Staff Sergeant” or “Sergeant”•Pay grade is E-5

Rank Recognition

Technical Sergeant (TSgt)•Chevron of 5 stripes with star•Addressed as “Technical Sergeant” or “Sergeant”•Pay grade is E-6

Rank Recognition

Master Sergeant (MSgt)•Chevron of 6 stripes with star•Addressed as “Master Sergeant” or “Sergeant”•Pay grade is E-7

Rank Recognition

Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)•Chevron of 7 stripes with star•Addressed as “Senior Master Sergeant” or “Sergeant”•Pay grade is E-8

Rank Recognition

Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)•Chevron of 8 stripes with star•Addressed as “Chief Master Sergeant” or “Chief”•Pay grade is E-9

Rank Recognition

First Sergeant (1st Sgt)

Rank Recognition – Special Positions

Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM)

Rank Recognition – Special Positions

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF)

Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)•Wears 1 gold bar •Addressed as “Second Lieutenant” or “Lieutenant” •Pay grade is O-1

Rank Recognition

First Lieutenant (1st Lt)•Wears 1 silver bar •Addressed as “First Lieutenant” or “Lieutenant” •Pay grade is O-2

Rank Recognition

Captain (Capt) •Wears 2 silver bars connected •Addressed as “Captain” •Pay grade is O-3

Rank Recognition

Major (Maj)•Wears 1 gold oak leaf•Addressed as “Major” •Pay grade is O-4

Rank Recognition

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)•Wears 1 silver oak leaf•Addressed as “Lieutenant Colonel” or “Colonel” •Pay grade is O-5

Rank Recognition

Colonel (Col)•Wears one silver eagle•Addressed as “Colonel” •Pay grade is O-6

Rank Recognition

Brigadier General (Brig Gen)

•Wears 1 silver star•Addressed as “Brigadier General” or “General” •Pay grade is O-7

Rank Recognition

Major General (Maj Gen)•Wears 2 silver stars•Addressed as “Major General” or “General” •Pay grade is O-8

Rank Recognition

Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)•Wears 3 silver stars•Addressed as “Lieutenant General” or “General” •Pay grade is O-9

Rank Recognition

General (Gen)•Wears 4 silver stars•Addressed as “General” •Pay grade is O-10

Rank Recognition

Army / Marines

Rank Recognition

Navy/ Coast Guard

Rank Recognition

Summary

• Definitions• Rendering Courtesies• Military Etiquette• Reporting Procedures• Rank Recognition

Overview