Military Customs and Courtesies

Military Customs and Courtesies

Specialist Midgett, Catherine

The Army is an organization that instills great pride in its members because of its history, mission, capabilities, and the respect it has earned in the service of the Nation. A reflection of that pride is visible in the customs, courtesies, and traditions the Army holds. To the most there does not seem to be too many variations between the civilian world and the military world besides the apparent like uniforms, stricter standards of living, and traveling. However there’s one huge difference that stands out. That difference is mutual respect. The fact that mutual respect exists, and is demanded is a major difference between the civilian world and the military world. The Army has even come out with things that set military soldiers from everyone else, such as Army Regulation 600-20, Army Regulation 600-25, DA PAM 600-60. Loyalty to the Army’s Customs and Courtesies connects soldiers and civilians throughout America's history. These rules were put in place not to make an individual that’s within the stand out but to create a bond among Army personal which leads to a mutual respect and understanding.

The word Custom is an established practice .It’s a way that has continued consistently over such a long period of time that it has become similar to a law. A custom is also defined as an established practice. Customs include positive actions-things you do, such as saluting and greeting, and taboos-things you avoid, such as disrespecting Non-Commissioned Officers, Officers, and Warrant Officers. Being in the Army I learned that the Army has its own customs, both official and social. Some have been handed down throughout history, while others are of comparatively recent origin. Those customs that endure stand on their own merits. As a long established social organization, the Army observes a number of customs that add to the interest, pleasure, and graciousness of Army life. In Field Manual 7-21-13...