call, “Petty officer of the guard, post number ____, relief.” 6.   To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and petty officers of the guard only. During your tour of duty, you are subject to the orders of the CO, XO, OOD, and the officers and petty officers of the guard only. Other officers and petty officers have no authority to take or inspect your weapon, to tell you how to stand your watch, or to order you to leave your post. Such other officers, however, still have the authority to investigate your conduct and to report it. Thus an enemy agent cannot dress up in an officer’s uniform and order you from your post. You obey orders only from officers whom you know are authorized to give you commands related to your sentry duty. However, a passing naval officer who believes you are standing a poor watch may ask your name and post and report any observations to your superiors. 7.   To talk to no one except in the line of duty. When you challenge or talk with a person, take the position of port arms. Answer questions briefly but courteously. Normally, if you maintain silence and military bearing, visitors will not try to engage you in long conversations. If, however, visitors or other naval personnel show a desire to pass the time of day with you, you must say politely to them “Excuse me, I am on duty and cannot talk with you further. Please move on.” If they refuse to move on or show signs of becoming disorderly, you should call for the petty officer of the guard. Remember, if your superiors see you chatting while on duty, they will hold you responsible-not your visitor. 8.   To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder. In case of fire, you immediately call, “Fire, post number ____” and sound whatever alarm is available. When you are sure your alarm has been heard by the other sentries or by the petty officer of the guard see what you can do to put out the fire. (If you can do so safely and without leaving your post, do so; otherwise, remain where you can direct apparatus to the fire.) Remember that the fire may be a trick to lure you away from your post. You must remain vigilant (alert), even   amid   the   confusion   and   excitement   that accompanies a fire. What  we  have  said  about  fire  applies  also  for disorder.  In  the  event  of  a  disorder,  call  the  guard immediately;  then  try  to  quiet  the  trouble.  If  you approach the disorder first, you might be overcome and then could not give the alarm. Sometimes you can stop a disorder before it becomes too serious by calling to the persons involved, “I have reported you to the guard, who will be along immediately. Come to order now; further trouble will make matters worse for you.” The persons concerned might realize you are right and follow your orders. If they do, maintain watch over them but do not approach too closely. Keep your weapon at port arms. 9.   To call the petty officer of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.  When  you  do  not know what to do, call the petty officer of the guard. 10.   To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased. As used here, colors and standards both refer to the national ensign. The ensign is called the national colors (or just colors) when it is flying from a staff or pike carried by an individual or displayed in a fixed location, as from a flagpole. When mounted on a vehicle, the ensign is called the national standard. (Colors and standards are cased when they are furled and placed in  a  protective  covering.)  For  sentries,  the  rules  for saluting are the same as those described in chapter 9 of this manual with the following modifications: a.   If  you  are  walking  your  post  or  patrolling while armed with a rifle, you halt and salute by presenting arms; when at sling arms, you render the hand salute. b.   If  you’re  in  a  sentry  box,  you  stand  at attention  in  the  doorway  when  an  officer approaches; if you’re armed with a rifle, you present arms. If otherwise armed, render the hand salute. If you’re on duty in front of a building  or  passageway  entrance  where there  is  heavy  traffic  of  officers,  you  may render the rifle salute at order arms. If you’re in  conversation  with  an  officer,  you  don’t interrupt the conversation to salute another officer.  If  the  officer  with  you  salutes  a senior, however, then you also salute. c.   During  the  time  of  challenging,  you  don’t salute  an  officer  until  the  officer  has advanced and has been duly recognized. You don’t salute if to do so will interfere with the proper execution of your specific duties. 3-9 Student Notes: