Write a topic of the customs and courteousness as well as the importance of them in the daily life of a Marine. Another thing, continue with the essay of how a marine should act when in public and how to maintain oneself when not wearing the uniform
Write a topic of the customs and courteousness as well as the importance of them in the daily life of a Marine. Another thing, continue with the essay of how a marine should act when in public and how to maintain oneself when not wearing the uniform
Unlike many other professions, the military profession is a calling and a way of life. The Air Force, like the other Armed Services, has its special problems, its customs, and its standards, all developing out of the nature of its mission and the serious responsibility
inherent in carrying it out. The more you understand the character of military life in all its facets, the better understanding you’ll have of the opportunities the Air Force has to offer.
Military conduct is based on accepted standards of behavior as demonstrated by good manners, consideration for others and courtesy. The Air Force is made up of people from various social groups. It is, in fact, a cross section of America exhibiting all the
various manners, aims, morals, and ideals existing throughout the nation.
Unless this heterogeneous social group accepts a common code of conduct, no semblance of unity can exit. Hence, there is a vital necessity for military customs. A custom is a social convention stemming from tradition and enforced as an unwritten law. On the other hand, if the guidance is in written form, it’s a military courtesy. Military customs and courtesies go beyond basic politeness. They govern our regard for the rights and ideas of others.
History shows that a lack of military customs and courtesies has a direct relationship with a decrease in esprit de corps, morale, discipline, and, most importantly, mission effectiveness.
Fundamental to this idea is that it’s a two-way street. The respect shown
to a senior by a junior acknowledges the senior’s responsibility and authority. In turn, the courtesy extended to a subordinate reflects the respect and regard for his or her part in accomplishing the Air Force mission.
CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES
Most military customs and courtesies evolve from long-standing practices or have some historical significance. The US flag is folded in a triangular shape to represent the tricorner hat of early American patriots. The lowering of the flag to half-staff comes from the
naval custom of lowering sails upon the death of a crewmember to indicate that things were not “shipshape.”
The position of honor has always been to the right. This originated from the medieval swordsmen who always wore their weapons on the left side and drew them to their right.
The strongest and most experienced warriors were given the place of honor to allow them easy access to their weapons. This practice carried over to today. To allow ease of saluting, the senior person walks on the right.
SALUTING
Origin and Reasons
As with other customs and courtesies, saluting has evolved from history. The ancient knights used the gesture of raising the face visor on their helmets as a greeting. This move signified friendship and confidence as it removed the sword hand from the weapon
and provided vulnerability in the suit of armor. The salute is a respectful greeting exchanged between members of the same profession.
It’s an everyday courtesy based on mutual respect. It’s one of the traditions that bind military personnel together. Salutes are required when you’re in uniform. They’re exchanged onand off-duty and on- and off-base. Salutes are exchanged when meeting outdoors and must be rendered during ceremonial occasions and in public gatherings when the National Anthem or the bugle call “To the
Colors” is played. The salute is also required during situations outdoors when the US flag is honored and during the playing of “Ruffles and Flourishes” when specific individuals are being honored.