Page 98 - MMI Cadet Manual SY2017.18

CHAPTER 14
CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE

14.1 Introduction

Customs and Courtesies are very important in a military career as is knowledge of common
etiquette when pursuing a business career. This chapter does not contain all the rules of etiquette
or military customs and courtesies, but it provides a introduction. Being conscious of good
manners will provide a level of comfort and confidence in any social environment. A cadet will
meet thousands of people during his/her lifetime. The impression made upon them depends very
much on the cadet’s social conduct in all its aspects including politeness, dress, respect for
seniors, table manners, courtesy, and correct correspondence. It is, therefore, in the cadet’s best
interest to become familiar with these social customs.

14.2 Titles

In a military environment, each member has a military grade which becomes his/her title by
force of regulation and custom:

a. Titles of Officers. Lieutenants are officially addressed as “Lieutenant.” The
terms “First” and “Second” are generally used only in written correspondence.
Other commissioned officers are addressed by their title. In non-official
correspondence and conversation, Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, and
Lieutenant Generals are addressed as “General.” Under the same conditions,
Lieutenant Colonels are referred to as “Colonel.” Chaplains are addressed as
“Chaplain.” Frequently, senior officers will address juniors by their name.
However, this in no way gives the junior the privilege of referring to the
senior any way other than by his/her proper title.
b. Titles of Non-Commissioned Officers. Non-Commissioned officers are
addressed by their titles. Sergeant Major and First Sergeant are addressed as
“Sergeant Major” and “First Sergeant,” respectively. All other sergeants are
referred to simply as “Sergeant.”
c. Titles of Cadets. Cadets are referred to as “Cadet (followed by Cadet rank
and last name),” or simply as “Mister” or “Miss.”
d. Use of “Sir” or “Ma’am.” In addressing a military senior, a cadet uses the
word “Sir” or “Ma’am”. In the military, however, the matter of who says
“Sir” or “Ma’am” to whom is clearly defined. As a general rule, “Sir” or
“Ma’am” is used in speaking either officially or socially to any senior. “Yes”
or “No” should not be used in speaking to a superior without including “Sir”
or “Ma’am.” On the other hand, “Sir” or “Ma’am” should not be said with
every other breath to the point of annoyance.

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