HEADQUARTERS

1502nd (ADS) COMMUNITY DEFENSE CENTER

15th (CARAGA) REGIONAL COMMUNITY DEFENSE GROUP, ARESCOM
Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

LESSON MANUSCRIPT

I. LESSON TITLE: MILITARY COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE

II. INTRODUCTION: Five (5) minutes

Greetings!
It’s a great honor to be here in front of you today, to discuss to you about the
Military courtesy and discipline as what published in our training schedule.

Before we proceed to our discussion, let me introduce myself first, I am

CADET OMEGA MI AMOR R PAQUIBO, ROTC 2CL. Taking up Bachelor of
Elementary Education at Philippine Normal University-Agusan Campus. With
regards to my military training, I have undergone Cadet Officer Candidate Course
(COCC) CL 01-11 and a graduate of Basic ROTC.

Military courtesy is one of the defining features of a professional military

force. These courtesies form a strict and sometimes elaborate code of conduct.

Military courtesy is an extension and a formalization of courtesies

practiced in a culture's everyday life. It is intended to reinforce discipline and
the chain of command, defining how soldiers will treat their superiors and vice
versa. They are also thought to enhance esprit de corps.

Scope of the Lesson:

• INTRO AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

• HAND SALUTE
• COURTESY WHEN DEALING WITH
• OFFICERS AND SENIOR NCOs
• THE NATIONAL FLAG
• CORRECT USE OF TITLES
• GENERAL COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE
• MILITARY TABOOS

III. PRESENTATION: One (1) hour and forty (40) minutes

A. INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITION OF TERMS:
Military Courtesy - pertains to the wholesome relationships between juniors
and seniors, between young and old, with all persons. It includes an essential
element of a full and proper appreciation of the rights of others. It also includes
special acts and ceremonial procedures, which are prescribed in official regulations.
Courtesy among members of the Armed Forces is vital to maintain discipline.
Military courtesy means good manners and politeness in dealing with other people.
Courteous behavior provides a basis for developing good human relations. The
distinction between civilian and military courtesy is that military courtesy was
developed in a military atmosphere and has become an integral part of serving in
uniform.
Most forms of military courtesy have some counterpart in civilian life. For
example, we train soldiers to say sir or ma’am when talking to a higher-ranking
officer. Young men and women are sometimes taught to say sir to their fathers or
ma’am to their mothers and likewise to other elders. It is often considered good
manners for a younger person to say sir or ma’am when speaking to an older
person. The use of the word sir is also common in the business world, such as in the
salutation of a letter or in any well-ordered institution.
Military courtesy is not a one-way street. Enlisted personnel are expected to
be courteous to officers and likewise officers are expected to return the courtesy.
Mutual respect is a vital part of military courtesy. In the final analysis, military
courtesy is the respect shown to each other by members of the same profession.
Some of the Army’s more common courtesies include rendering the hand salute,
standing at attention or parade rest, or even addressing others by their rank.
Discipline - is a combination of Army Values, attributes, skills and actions
that relates directly to the physical and mental sides of each soldier. Can do
everything within their power to identify and preserve military standards and
traditions that encourage individual.
The highest form of discipline is the willing obedience of subordinates who;
1. Trust and follow their leaders without question.
2. Understand and believe in the mission’s purpose.
3. Respect his/her unit and dutifully perform his/her task and obligation, and
4. Ensures the accomplishment of mission at all cause.

MILITARY DISCIPLINE – is a state of order and obedience existing within a

command. It involves the ready subordination of the will of the individual for the
good of the group. It is an extension and specialized application of the discipline that
demands habitual but reasoned obedience that preserves initiative and functions
unfalteringly even in the absence of the commander.
Is the result of effective training, it is manifested in individuals and units by
unity, bonding and a spirit of; by smartness of appearance; by cleanliness and
maintenance of equipment; by respect to seniors and subordinate personnel justice;
justice and equality for all soldiers, regardless of religion and belief, gender and what
group they respect.
B. HAND SALUTE:
The salute is not simply an honor exchanged. It is a privileged gesture of
respect and trust among soldiers. Remember the salute is not only prescribed by
regulation but is also recognition of each other’s commitment, abilities, and
professionalism.
Some historians believe the hand salute began in late Roman times when
assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to
approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Knights in
armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. By 1820, the
motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the hand
salute used today. You salute to show respect toward an officer, flag, or our country.
The salute is widely misunderstood outside the military. Some consider it to
be a gesture of servility since the junior extends a salute to the senior, but we know
that it is quite the opposite. The salute is an expression that recognizes each other
as a member of the profession of arms; that they have made a personal commitment
of self-sacrifice to preserve our way of life. The fact that the junior extends the
greeting first is merely a point of etiquette—a salute extended or returned makes the
same statement.
The way you salute says a lot about you as a soldier. A proud, smart salute
shows pride in yourself and your unit and that you are confident in your abilities as a
soldier. A sloppy salute might mean that you’re ashamed of your unit, lack
confidence, or at the very least, that you haven’t learned how to salute correctly.
In saluting, turn your head and eyes toward the person or flag you are
saluting. Bring your hand up to the correct position in one, smart motion without any
preparatory movement. When dropping the salute, bring your hand directly down to
its natural position at your side, without slapping your leg or moving your hand out to
the side. Any flourish in the salute is improper.
The proper way to salute when wearing the beret or without headgear is to
raise your right hand until the tip of your forefinger touches the outer edge of your
right eyebrow (just above and to the right of your right eye). When wearing
headgear, the forefinger touches the headgear slightly above and to the right of your
right eye. Your fingers are together, straight, and your thumb snug along the hand in
line with the fingers. Your hand, wrist, and forearm are straight, forming a straight
line from your elbow to your fingertips. Your upper arm (elbow to shoulder) is
horizontal to the ground.
Salute will be exchanged between officers and enlisted personnel. Military
personnel under arms will render the salute prescribed for the weapon with which
they are armed. Military personnel in civilian clothes will render salute with each
other upon recognition. Covered or uncovered, salute is rendered in the usual
manner. A person running will come to a walk before saluting. Organization and
detachment commanders salute officers of higher grades by bringing the
organization to attention before saluting except when in the field. The smartness
with which the officer or soldier gives the salute is held to indicate the degree of pride
he has in his military responsibilities.
1. All soldiers in uniform are required to salute when they meet and
recognize persons entitled (by grade) to a salute except when it is inappropriate or
impractical (in public conveyances such as planes and buses, in public places such
as inside theaters, or when driving a vehicle). A salute is also rendered:
 a. When the Philippine National Anthem, or foreign national
anthems is played.
b. To uncased National Color outdoors.
c. On ceremonial occasions such as changes of command or
funerals.
d. In reveille and retreat ceremonies, during the raising or lowering
of the flag.
e. During the sounding of honors.
f. When turning over control of formations.
g. When rendering reports.
h. To officers of friendly foreign countries.
2. Salutes are not required when:
a. Indoors, unless reporting to an officer or when on duty as a
guard.
b. Sentinel armed with pistol does not salute after challenging.
c. An enlisted man in ranks and not in attention comes to attention
when addressed by an officer.
d. A prisoner. (POW)
e. In churches, theaters or public assemblies
f. When on the march in combat and other combat conditions
g. Driver of a vehicle in motion is not required to salute
h. Either the senior or the subordinate is wearing civilian clothes.
In general, you don’t salute when you are working (for example, under
your vehicle doing maintenance), indoors (except when reporting), or when saluting
is not practical (carrying articles with both hands, for example). A good rule of thumb
is this: if you are outdoors and it is practical to salute, do so. Outdoors includes
theater marquees, shelters over gas station pumps, covered walkways, and other
similar shelters that are open on the sides.

C. COURTESY WHEN DEALING WITH OFFICERS AND SENIOR NCOs:

Military courtesy shows respect and reflects self-discipline. Consistent and
proper military courtesy is an indicator of unit discipline, as well. Soldiers
demonstrate courtesy in the way we address officers or NCOs of superior rank.
Some other simple but visible signs of respect and self discipline are as follows:
1. When talking to an officer of superior rank, stand at attention
until ordered otherwise.
2. When you are dismissed, or when the officer departs, come to
attention and salute.
3. When speaking to or being addressed a noncommissioned
officer of superior rank, stand at parade rest until ordered otherwise.
 4. When an officer of superior rank enters a room, the first soldier
to recognize the officer calls personnel in the room to attention but does not salute. A
salute indoors is rendered only when reporting.
5. When an NCO of superior rank enters the room, the first soldier
to recognize the NCO calls the room to “At ease.”
6. Walk on the left of an officer or NCO of superior rank.
7. Entering automobiles and small boats - The senior enters a boat
of automobile first and leaves last.
8. When outdoors and approached by an NCO, you greet the NCO
by saying, “Good morning, Sergeant,” for example.
9. Procedure when an officer enters a squadron of tent - In a
squadron of tent, uncover and stand at attention when an officer enters.
The first person that sees an officer enter a dining facility gives the
order “At ease,” unless a more senior officer is already present. Many units extend
this courtesy to senior NCOs, also when you hear the command “At ease” in a dining
facility, remain seated, silent and continue eating unless directed otherwise.
When you report to an officer of superior rank, approach the officer to
whom you are reporting and stop about two steps from him, assuming the position of
attention. Give the proper salute and say, for example, “Sir, Private Cruz reports.” If
you are indoors, use the same procedures as above, except remove your headgear
before reporting. If you are armed, however, do not remove your headgear.
A soldier addressing a high-ranking officer uses the word sir or ma’am
in the same manner as a polite civilian speaking with a person to whom he wishes to
show respect. In the military service, the matter of who says sir or ma’am to anyone
is clearly defined; in civilian life it is largely a matter of discretion. In the case of
NCOs and soldiers, we address them by their rank because they’ve earned that
rank.
Simple courtesy is an important indicator of a person’s bearing,
discipline, and manners. It is a fact that most people respond positively to genuine
politeness and courtesy. Walk down a street in most towns and cities and see the
response you get from people when you just say “good morning.” It is no different for
soldiers.
10. Reporting to a superior officer in his office - When reporting to a
superior officer, the junior (unless under arms) removes his headdress, knocks and
enters when told to do so. Upon entering, he marches up to within about 2 paces of
the officer’s desk, halts, salutes and reports.
11. Courtesies exchanged when an officer addresses a soldier -
During conversations, salutes are exchanged, conversation is completed, salutes are
again exchanged

D. THE NATIONAL FLAG:

The flag of the Philippines is the symbol of our nation. Some of the rules for
displaying the flag are as follows:
1. All Army installations will display the flag of the Republic of the
Philippines.
 2. Installations will display the flag daily from reveille to retreat.
3. When a number of flags are displayed from staffs set in a line,
the flag of the Philippines will be at the right; to the left of an observer facing the
display. If no foreign national flags are present, the flag of the Philippines may be
placed at the center of the line providing it is displayed at a higher level.
4. When the flag of the Philippines is displayed with state flags, all
of the flags will be of comparable size.
When the flag is being raised in the morning, you should stand at attention on
the first note of “Reveille” and salute. In the evening "Retreat" is played prior to “To
the Colors.” ("Colors" refer to the flag of the Republic of the Philippines and can also
include the unit flag). When you hear the first note of “Retreat” come to the position
of attention and face the flag (or the direction the music is coming from if the flag is
not visible). Render the hand salute at the first note of “To the Colors.” You normally
face the flag when saluting, unless duty requires you to face in some other direction.
At the conclusion of the music, resume your regular duties. If you are involved in
some duty that would be hampered by saluting, you do not need to salute.
When in a formation or a group, the senior soldier present will call the group
to “Attention” and then “Parade, Rest” at the first note of “Retreat.” That soldier will
then call the group to “Attention” and “Present, Arms” at the first note of “To the
Colors” and then “Order, Arms” at the conclusion. When in civilian clothing, the only
change is to place your right hand over your heart instead of saluting. Vehicles in
motion should stop. If you are in a car or on a motorcycle, dismount and salute. If
you are with a group in a military vehicle or bus, remain in the vehicle. The individual
in charge will dismount and salute. These honors also apply to the national anthems
of foreign countries during ceremonies or parades.
When you are passing or being passed by colors that are being presented,
paraded, or displayed, salute when the colors are six paces from you. Hold the
salute until the colors are six paces beyond you.

E. CORRECT USE OF TITLES:

Titles of Commissioned Officers
1. Lieutenants are addressed officially as lieutenants
2. Other officers are addressed or referred to by their titles
3. Ma’am will be used in addressing a female officer
4. All chaplains are officially addressed as chaplain regardless of their
military grade
5. Women officers of the Technical service as well with those WAC are
addressed by their titles.
Titles of Cadets
Cadets are addressed as “cadet”
Titles to Non Commissioned Officers
Sergeant Majors are addressed as “Sgt Major”
A First Sergeant is addressed as “F/Sgt”
Sergeants are addressed as “Sgt”
Corporals are addressed as “Cpl”
Use of titles by retired personnel
 Individuals who retire from the armed forces and not active on duty are
authorized to use their titles socially, and in connection with commercial enterprises,
subject to prescribed limitations.

F. GENERAL COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE

1. Being late for any engagement is the height of bad manners.

2. A military personnel is expected to behave and conduct himself with
dignity and restraint.
3. It is bad taste to address a woman by her first name or nickname
unless she has indicated otherwise.
4. A military personnel always asks to be permitted to smoke in the
presence of a woman especially in a room of automobile.
5. If military personnel invite a friend to his club, he should be out of sight
only when necessary.
6. A military personnel always stands when introduced to a woman, a
clergyman, an official or an old man.
7. It is not polite to compliment a person in a company because the others
might feel slighted.
8. A military personnel must be careful in speaking about his
wife/husband. To people who have not met her/him socially, she/he is referred to as
my wife/husband or her/his first name.

G. MILITARY TABOOS

1. Uniform must not be defamed

2. Never slink under cover to avoid retreat
3. Offer no excuses
4. Use of third person by an officer is of poor taste
5. Servility is scorned
6. Avoid praising your commander to his face
7. Old man to be spoken with care
8. Avoid going over the officer’s head
9. Harsh remarks are to be avoided
10. Avoid vulgarity and profanity
11. Excessive indebtedness to be avoided

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