Customs, courtesies show respect to unit, fellow Airmen and country

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Hubert Thomas
  • 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Why do we have them?

Customs and Courtesies are acts of respect when dealing with other people. They have evolved as a result of the need for order, as well as the mutual respect and sense of fraternity that exists among military personnel.

Military customs and courtesies go beyond basic politeness. They play an extremely important role in building morale, esprit de corps, discipline and a respected chain of command because they are the foundation for ensuring mission effectiveness.

When we salute a higher ranking officer it displays respect for the office held.

A salute to our flag displays honor to a higher cause and our commitment to our nation. A flag flown at half staff ensures people missing in action or fallen in combat know we have not forgotten them.

Our customs and courtesies are based on time honored and tested traditions. They exist because of those who came before us and will only continue if we honor them and continue the legacy. As military members we have a duty to educate ourselves and ensure those around us observe proper customs and courtesies to include correcting violations.

We must not allow our members to discredit our organization.

Members of the armed forces are volunteers from various cultures, religions nationalities and various parts of the world. Because different people from different parts of the world often see things differently we need to have a common understanding about what is acceptable and what is not.

We must always remember we are ambassadors of the United States of America.

This is especially important overseas where we are viewed and judged closely by others as representative of all Americans. We have an obligation to ensure honor to our country and all of our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces.

We are an exceptional military force, there is no question of our strength and might, but we can lose our credibility in an instant with an unkind word or disrespectful action. We cannot allow others to point at the United States and discredit it because of our actions or inactions.

So, why do we have customs and courtesies?
Because they articulate discipline, display respect and enable us to be the most powerful military force on earth. They allow us to operate in a diverse environment and equip us with the tools for success.