Military Etiquette and Decorum
The real Rules of a Gentleman, from the army:
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE
Avoid free expression resulting to hostilities. Avoid cliques. It should be a constant aim to broaden acquaintances. Social obligations should be repaid but done strictly in accordance with one’s means without excuses for simplicity or austerity.
Members of the Army are expected to be gentlemen. He must behave like one. One of the first thing a gentleman does is not to offend others. Crude conduct such as spitting and belching in public, to mention only two of such undesirable habits, should be left with the ill-bred. A gentleman is thoughtful of others. His elders he would invariably address as “Sir” unless, of course, they happen to be junior to him in rank.
CORRECT SPEECH
One of the greatest assets of any man is his ability for correct, simple and dignified speech, coupled with a capacity for interesting and intelligent conversation.Correct pronunciation is a foremost requirement. If in doubt avoid its use until after access to a dictionary. Next is enunciation – clearly, distinctly and correctly. Avoid slang and profanity. They indicate a poorly versed individual and tend to perpetuate a broader deficient speaking community.
CONVERSATION
There should be reciprocity in the conversations between military personnel. One should avoid abruptness in dismissing efforts of others to start the conversation. Those who think before they speak are not apt to blunder. Engaging in intelligent conversation requires, among other things a broad contact with literature, and familiarity with current events.
ATTITUDE TOWARDS LADIES
Nothing so quickly discloses the presence or absence of manners in a man as his attitude towards ladies. One of the established rules of good society is that women deserve special consideration and protection. They should be shielded from unpleasant or embarrassing situations, assisted when confronted with difficulties and on all occasions should be treated well with respect.
SHAKING HANDS
The handshake is executed with a firm, straight forward clasp of the hands but no strenuous squeezing. This is particularly to be observed when shaking hands with a lady. It is good to know and understand the various race culture and practices in this matter too.
(Source: Our Army, Customs and Traditions. (April, 2006) - Ministry of Defence)
