Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst -- Fellow Airmen,
Last year, our protocol office published the below article on customs and courtesies in the base newspaper. It is time that we as Airmen refocus (again) on these timeless traditions that in no small way distinguish us from the broader civilian community. Appropriate conformance to professional customs and courtesies is often the hallmark of a cohesive and professional military organization. Conversely, sloppiness in extending appropriate customs and courtesies is often among the first symptoms of organizational decline and ultimately failure.
Recently, a number of senior commissioned and non-commissioned leaders returning from deployments have observed failed salutes, inappropriate informality, and in a few cases contentious responses to correction on the parts of some of our Airmen. Although anecdotal, these observations are nonetheless powerful data points for Airmen of all ranks to ponder. On a joint base installation, comprised of five Total Force Air Force wings, a Naval engineering center of excellence, and the Army's largest reserve and guard mobilization/demobilization center, we are making enormous contributions to the global fight against terrorism while often being the first on scene for humanitarian crises; we have so much to be proud of. I simply ask for your continued vigilance to honor that noble collective responsibility by getting back to basics with our customs and courtesies.
-Chief Master Sgt. Warren Wofford
87th Air Base Wing command chief
Customs and courtesies are a large part of our military culture and are profoundly rooted in pride and tradition. While we all learn the basics in formal training environments throughout our careers, we sometimes need to be reminded of the appropriate action to take in a given situation whether it is saluting or standing when a senior officer is speaking to you.
Saluting is one of the most frequently used customs and is deeply ingrained in our military culture. We exchange salutes as a respectful greeting with members of both U.S. and foreign Armed Services. Upon recognition, the junior member renders a salute to the senior member and, as is Air Force custom, offers a verbal greeting. All servicemembers, whether active, Guard or Reserve, are also required to render a salute in PT gear upon recognition of a senior member. Besides recognizing individuals, we must also salute properly marked staff vehicles. If an occupied vehicle has rank displayed, execute a salute upon recognition and hold it until the salute is returned or the vehicle passes.
In addition to greeting fellow military members, we salute to pay respect to our nation's flag and anthem. During Reveille and Retreat on military installations, there are required actions all servicemembers, must take if outdoors. When you hear the music of Reveille or Retreat over the public address system, stop and face the flag when visible, or the music when not visible, and come to parade rest. At the first note of the National Anthem or To The Colors, come to attention and salute if in uniform. If in civilian clothes, you may place your hand over your heart or render a salute. Drop your salute once the last note is played and continue on your way. If you are driving, pull over and sit quietly until the last note of music.
Along with saluting, there are other courtesies to keep in mind day to day. Always give the senior ranking member the position of honor; to the right and/or in front. Stand and, if more than one person is in the room, call the room to attention when a senior officer enters. As a sign of respect, you should stand when talking to any senior member.