Today’s Army possesses a strong sense of tradition and operates through numerous methods. Among these, the oldest is the Army’s customs and courtesies, which have existed since before the Army’s establishment and endure to this day. I have been given a remedial block of instruction to explain the significance of these customs and courtesies, as I believe that I have been unfairly targeted. Customs and courtesies are essential aspects of military life, along with the Seven Army Values that Soldiers are expected to uphold both on and off duty.
A leader who fails to prioritize the unit’s goals over individual goals cannot persuade other unit members to do so, potentially devastating the mission. While personal goals often align with Army objectives, personal agendas that harm the institution or the American people have no place.
Military customs expect leaders to go above and beyond, sacrifice personal time, and show initiative and motivation to inspire soldiers. Tardiness is unacceptable in the military as it reflects a lack of duty. It is also impolite and punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Never keep a senior officer waiting due to forgetfulness or poor planning; if unforeseen circumstances cause a delay, call ahead and provide an explanation. The same applies to appointments and meetings with subordinates – keeping them waiting sets a negative example.
In today’s society, some may settle for mediocrity; however, as individuals entrusted with our nation’s security and a significant portion of national funds, where our mission involves risking lives and sometimes national survival, merely getting by is not an option.
