units may or may not do. Traditions are expressed in the things we do, the uniform we wear, and the things we say. Many of the words we use in the Army are unique and have been added to our vocabulary from different parts of the world and at different times in history.
In conclusion, the military’s customs, courtesies, and traditions are put into place
When Officers and NCOs step outside the realm of their rank’s authority, which some do, it breeds a feeling of discontent and disrupts the professional quality of the environment. Officers, NCOs and Soldiers alike need to realize that everyone has individual ideas and disrespect is subjective. It is a custom that junior ranking personnel show their respect to the rank of superiors by assuming the position of parade rest or attention, but it is through courtesy that true military professionals earn respect from their subordinates. You should know, as part of military courtesy, to always walk and sit to the left of your seniors. This is another custom with a long past.
Courtesy is a driving force of most human relations. The Army is no different and if leaders expect to be shown respect and courtesy, they must extend the same respects and courtesies to their subordinates. When leaders show arrogance, rudeness, vulgarity, tardiness, lying, and general misconduct or laziness, it shows their Soldiers that they are not respectable. It’s an instance of “the pot calling the kettle black”. Leadership means demonstrating through actions what you want your Soldiers to become accustom to and copy.
There are many ways in the Army to instill discipline, such as drill and ceremony for example. Like drill and ceremony, practicing of the customs, courtesies, and traditions is yet another effective means of instilling discipline, a sense of pride in one’s self and ultimately the Army, and professionalism that we are well known for. Courtesy among members of all the branches of the military is important to maintain discipline. Military courtesy