On many ships, particularly those of destroyer size
and smaller, there may be a first-class or chief petty
officer instead of an officer on the quarterdeck.
Although you do not salute enlisted personnel, you
must salute an enlisted person who is the OOD because
you are saluting the position and authority
represented—not the individual. If you are part of a
working party that will be using the quarterdeck when
loading supplies, you normally salute only when first
leaving the ship.
REVIEW 2 QUESTIONS
Q1. Hoisting the national flag at 0800 and lowering at
sunset are known as
Q2. Define the term shifting the colors.
Q3. What is the significance of national flags flown
at half-mast (half-staff ashore)?
Q4. You are indoors for an event, and the anthem is
being played but the flag is not displayed. What
should you do—
a. When in uniform and covered—
b. When in uniform and uncovered—
c. When in civilian clothes—
MILITARY ETIQUETTE
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to—
Recognize military etiquette when addressing
and introducing enlisted personnel.
Recognize military etiquette when passing,
meeting, addressing, replying to, walking or
riding with an officer of the U.S. or foreign
armed forces to include aboard ship or in a boat.
The rules of behavior to be observed by Navy
personnel at certain times, in specified places, and on
certain occasions are described in this section.
“Behavior,” in this case, means social conduct rather
than strict military behavior, though the two sometimes
are related.
For passing through doorways, let the senior go
first; if possible, hold the door for him or her. On
meeting an officer in a passageway, step aside so the
officer may pass. If other enlisted persons and/or junior
officers are present, call out “Gangway” so everyone
can make way for the senior officer.
Juniors should show respect to seniors at all times
by recognizing their presence and by being courteous
and respectful in speech and manner. Juniors take the
leftmost seat in a vehicle and walk on the left side of
seniors whom they are accompanying.
ABOARD SHIP
There are rules of etiquette to follow during divine
services, on the quarterdeck, or in officer’s country.
When divine services are held on board ship, the
following word is passed: “Divine services are being
held in (such and such a space). The smoking lamp is
out. Knock off all games and unnecessary work.
Maintain quiet about the decks during divine services.”
If you enter the area where divine services are being
held, you must uncover even though you are on watch
and wearing a duty belt. (Remain covered during Jewish
ceremonies.)
Another area in which special rules apply is the
quarterdeck. The quarterdeck is not a specific deck; it
is an area designated by the commanding officer to
serve as the focal point for official and ceremonial
functions. The quarterdeck, consequently, is treated as a
“sacred” part of the ship; and you should obey the
following rules:
1. Don’t be loud or sloppy in its vicinity.
2. Never appear on the quarterdeck unless you are
in complete uniform.
9-15
Student Notes:
