Military Customs & Courtesies
Leave
Wear & Appearance of Uniform
Grooming Standard
Duties, Responsibilities, & Authority
Green to Gold (Enlisted to Officer)
Military courtesy is simply the display of good manners and politeness in dealing with other people.
Military courtesy conveys respect from both subordinate and senior to each other.
Rendering the Hand Salute
When on campus and in uniform, cadets will salute all cadet officers and cadre officers of all services. It
is appropriate to accompany the salute with a word of greeting, for example, “Good morning, sir/ma'am.”
Use of "Sir/Ma'am" & "Sergeant"
All cadre and cadet officers are addressed as “SIR”/”MA’AM”. As a general rule, “Sir”/”Ma’am” is
used in speaking either officially or socially to any senior. The word is repeated with each complete
statement. “Yes” and “No” should always be accompanied with “Sir”/”Ma’am”. All NCOs will be
addressed as “Sergeant” with the exception of the Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major. They will be
addressed by their title.
Attention & Parade Rest
When an officer enters a room occupied by enlisted personnel or cadets, the room is called to attention.
It is not proper, however, for officers to follow this custom at the approach of a senior officer. Parade Rest is the modified position of attention and is a form of respect given to NCOs by those junior in rank. When a Senior
NCO enters an area of junior enlisted soldiers or cadets, the room is called to “at ease”. All personnel
should immediately go to the position of “stand at-ease” until told to “carry-on”. Likewise, when
speaking to an NCO, soldiers junior in rank or cadets, will maintain the position of “parade rest” until
instructed to “stand at ease”, “at ease”, or “rest”/relax.
Military courtesy conveys respect from both subordinate and senior to each other.
Rendering the Hand Salute
When on campus and in uniform, cadets will salute all cadet officers and cadre officers of all services. It
is appropriate to accompany the salute with a word of greeting, for example, “Good morning, sir/ma'am.”
Use of "Sir/Ma'am" & "Sergeant"
All cadre and cadet officers are addressed as “SIR”/”MA’AM”. As a general rule, “Sir”/”Ma’am” is
used in speaking either officially or socially to any senior. The word is repeated with each complete
statement. “Yes” and “No” should always be accompanied with “Sir”/”Ma’am”. All NCOs will be
addressed as “Sergeant” with the exception of the Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major. They will be
addressed by their title.
Attention & Parade Rest
When an officer enters a room occupied by enlisted personnel or cadets, the room is called to attention.
It is not proper, however, for officers to follow this custom at the approach of a senior officer. Parade Rest is the modified position of attention and is a form of respect given to NCOs by those junior in rank. When a Senior
NCO enters an area of junior enlisted soldiers or cadets, the room is called to “at ease”. All personnel
should immediately go to the position of “stand at-ease” until told to “carry-on”. Likewise, when
speaking to an NCO, soldiers junior in rank or cadets, will maintain the position of “parade rest” until
instructed to “stand at ease”, “at ease”, or “rest”/relax.
Leave
Leave may be granted to Soldiers for any circumstances that arise that are outside the realm of control. Commanders may authorize up to 30 days of leave. If more than 30 days is necessary, the soldier must request the desired amount of days, which will be reviewed by the respected channels; Batallion level Command, i.e. Lieutenant Colonel and Brigade level Command, i.e. Colonel.
Wear & Appearance of Uniform
The SF is a profession. A Soldier’s appearance measures part of their professionalism. Proper wear of the uniform is a matter of personal pride for all Soldiers. It is indicative of esprit de corps and morale within a unit.
Soldiers have an individual responsibility for ensuring their appearance reflects the highest level of professionalism.
Leaders, at all levels, have a responsibility for implementing and applying the standards contained in this regulation to ensure the best interests of the Green Berets, including our shared traditions and customs. If the soldier is unable to meet the standard, leaders will determine what disciplinary action, if any, is necessary.
Soldiers have an individual responsibility for ensuring their appearance reflects the highest level of professionalism.
Leaders, at all levels, have a responsibility for implementing and applying the standards contained in this regulation to ensure the best interests of the Green Berets, including our shared traditions and customs. If the soldier is unable to meet the standard, leaders will determine what disciplinary action, if any, is necessary.
Grooming Standard
Much like the uniform, personnel's grooming and hygiene measure their professionalism in Special Forces. All soldiers are required to keep hair length no longer than past the shoulder blades. No unnaturally colorful dyes; any shade of pink, blue, purple, or green. There are no restrictions on eyes, piercings, and tattoos. Beards are authorized but must be groomed, not dyed any unnatural colors, and maintained; no longer than past the adam's apple in the throat.
Duties, Responsibilities, & Authority
Every soldier has certain duties, responsibilities, and most have some level of authority. You should know what these are and how they apply to you. One of your obligations as a soldier is to carry out your duties to standard and the best of your ability. Bear your responsibilities knowing that you are part of a great team that only works well when each of its members do their best. If you are in a leadership position, exert authority to build the team and develop your soldiers. Your fellow soldiers are depending on you each and every day to make tough decisions based on your rank and duty position. Duties are general requirements to be performed. For example, soldiers have a legal duty to obey the lawful orders of their leaders. Likewise, all officers and NCOs have a duty to "Take care of their soldiers."
Green to Gold (Enlisted to Officer)
Green to Gold is the process in which an Enlisted soldier gets the chance to become an officer. Soldiers can apply as early as E5 (SGT), though must have time in grade for as long as 3 months, and efficient in T1 RP. Soldiers will undergo an examination, testing their leadership skills and knowledge in Special Forces operations. If soldier's Green to Gold packet is denied, that soldier will get one more opportunity to apply, but must wait until promotion to E6 (SSG). If denied a second time, the soldier will have to wait until promoted to E9 (CSM) and have served in that grade for a period of 3 months.
