PRIDE, PATRIOTISM AND PROTOCOL IN THE MILITARY ARENA
By Fannie L. Allen As many of you may know after visiting my web site, I am
a 20-year (plus) veteran of the United States Army Reserve and a certified etiquette
and protocol consultant. I honor my commitment to the United States Army and I
take great pride in the uniform and the pomp and circumstance associated with
military service. I am always impressed by the protocol and etiquette of the armed
forces. This protocol and etiquette, as well as the pride, pomp and circumstance
were most evident recently during the Twenty-eighth Annual Spring Gala and Awards
Banquet sponsored by The Rocks, Incorporated. That program, in part, encourages,
honors and rewards outstanding Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets
through scholarships and recognition. At a military function, one expects
a certain kind of formal discussion and decorum befitting the uniform. There is
military protocol as well as prescribed social behavior. That military protocol
is referred to as Service Etiquette. As defined by Oretha D. Swartz, in the book
Service Etiquette, "…It is all aspects of everyday good manners combined
with the tradition and customs of the various branches of the armed forces. Servicemen
and servicewomen are considered as representatives not only of their service but
also of the United States government. They are judged not only by their professional
ability but by their manners in social and official life, at home and abroad."
By blending both military and civilian social customs, they are a part of both
worlds. Whether we are serving on active duty or as reservists or national
guardsmen, we are required to blend both military and civilian customs properly
because we are part of both worlds. In this short article, I would like to share
a few examples of this "Protocol and Service Etiquette". I will address
three aspects: protocol with deference to rank, proper dress and ceremonial toasting. In
exercising proper protocol, it is customary in an introduction or in a verbal
acknowledgment before a group, to recognize the person of higher rank first. For
example, the Honorable Togo D. West, Jr. was our guest speaker at the Rocks Gala.
During the evening's program, whenever a new person addressed the audience initially,
an acknowledgement was first made to former Secretary West, followed by consideration
for ranking general officers and other guests. Protocol, as defined by Mary Jane
McCaffree and Pauline Innis, in their book Protocol, "...is a set of rules
prescribing good manners in official life and in ceremonies involving governments
and nations and their representatives. It is the recognized system of international
courtesy." Protocol is the recognized system of courtesy both at home
and abroad. It is evidenced by a show of deference at home, in the workplace,
etc. We show deference in recognizing rank or position (in the military or on
the job, for example), to an older person over a younger person, to a female over
a male and so on. This is a way of acknowledging an everyday courtesy. Formal
attire was the required dress for the Gala. It was an Army affair; however, there
was representation from the other armed services. The soldiers were in their Mess
Dress and Dress Blues. Wearing the uniform denotes pride. The serviceman's demeanor
should reflect that pride. Because it was a formal affair, according to fashion
consultants, the woman should be (and they were) in long dresses and the gentlemen
were in their tuxedos. It is prudent to be attentive to the dress code mentioned
in an invitation to avoid showing up underdressed or overdressed for the occasion.
Additionally, a couple should complement one another. If in doubt about the attire,
consult your host or your etiquette reference books in your personal or public
library. The ceremonial toasting began the evening. One of the five ceremonial
toasts proposed included a toast to the "United States of America,"
with the response "To the United States." The history of toasting goes
back to ancient times. Toasts are delivered while all in attendance are standing
and alcohol is not required. A glass filled with water is considered appropriate.
A toast represents a show of appreciation, love or respect shown to a person or
institution. It is considered disrespectful for anyone present not to participate
in a toast. In a non-military setting, if a toast is made to an honored guest
during a meal, the honoree remains seated and does not drink with the others.
The honoree does not toast himself or herself. There is obvious pride and
patriotism that is reflected by soldiers in the armed services. There is also
decorum and dignity in wearing the uniform (formal or informal) and a positive
attitude that is reflective of genuine patriotism. At present, our country and
its armed forces face many challenges. I solicit your support, respect and appreciation
for the men and women who dedicate their lives to the service of this country
and to defend the freedom that we hold so dearly. If you would like to know
more about The Rocks, Inc., please visit the web site at www.Rocksinc.org
Fannie L. Allen is Director of the Allen Etiquette Institute, 2009 North
14th Street, Suite 706, Arlington, Virginia 22201. Her telephone number is: 703-566-3270.
She lectures throughout the country on Etiquette and Protocol. Ms. Allen
welcomes etiquette questions and comments. While she cannot respond to each and
every one, your question and a response may appear on this web site: www.blacksocietypages.com.
You may E-mail Ms. Allen at: faassoc@erols.com
or visit her web site: www.allenetiquette.com.
Copyright ©2002 Allen Etiquette Institute
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