What is the difference between a custom and a courtesy

Traditions are important as they can bind loved ones or groups of people together. The military is built on traditions, customs and manners, and as a result its members share a common experience. As a family member or friend of a service member, it can be valuable to learn about those traditions and customs your loved one participates in as a part the military community. Knowing the basics of common military traditions and customs can help you feel more comfortable visiting your service member on an installation or attending a military ceremony.

Take a look at some of the most common military customs for all service branches. Bugle calls and the playing of the national anthem are common on military installations. This is done through commanding officers.

The chain of command is a hallowed tradition in the military. It involves more direct oversight and responsibility than most workplace supervisor structures. Military courtesy is not a one-way street. Enlisted personnel are expected to be courteous to officers, and 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.

Commissioned officers and to a lesser extent, warrant officers run the U. They are the top dogs. As such, they're always addressed politely, using sir or ma'am. Tip: In the Marine Corps , Air Force and the first couple weeks of Coast Guard basic training, instructors also also addressed as sir or ma'am. Don't overuse these terms, though.

In other words, don't say something like, "Sir, I have to go to the bathroom, sir. Warning: If you're attending Army or Navy basic training, do not address your training instructor as sir or ma'am. This is guaranteed to result in a loud tirade about how they work for a living.

In the Army and Navy, drill instructors are addressed by using their military rank and often their last name -- for example, Chief or Staff Sergeant Smith. In Marine Corps basic training, do not use personal pronouns such as "you," "I" or "we. Instead, speak in the third person: "Does the drill instructor want this recruit to inform the other recruits of his instructions? The salute isn't simply an honor exchanged; it's a privileged gesture of respect and trust among military members.

Remember: The salute is not only prescribed by regulation, but is also recognition of each other's commitment, abilities and professionalism. 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 this interpretation isn't true at all. 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 the American 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. Tip: The way you salute says a lot about you as a military member. A proud, smart salute shows pride in yourself and your unit and that you're confident in your abilities as a soldier. A sloppy salute can mean that you're ashamed of your unit, lack confidence or, at the very least, haven't learned how to salute correctly. You'll get plenty of practice saluting in basic training, but it wouldn't hurt to practice in front of a mirror several times before you leave so that you can do it correctly automatically.

All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical for example, if you're carrying something using both hands. A salute also is rendered:. Military courtesy shows respect and reflects self-discipline.

While some of these courtesies seem to wane after basic, they're strictly adhered to during military basic training:. We can put you in touch with recruiters from the different military branches.

Learn about the benefits of serving your country, paying for school, military career paths and more: sign up now and hear from a recruiter near you. Hobbies like BMX, motocross, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and others are now full-time sports for many young athletes. Get the scoop on discounts and latest award-winning military content. Right in your inbox. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps was established in and looks "to build leaders of character" through military instruction and