70 ISRW Protocol Handbook

PROTOCOLHANDBOOK70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Fort George G. Meade, MD

FOREWORD (1st Edition) 19 May 2016The purpose of this handbook is to assist in the planning and execution of various ceremonies and official events. It provides a ready reference source for militaryfunctions providing answers to many protocol questions often asked by a project officer planning an event. The goal of Protocol is to ensure the commander and unit make a positive first impression during a visit as well as uphold the military traditions and customsand courtesies in all ceremonies and official events. This handbook will serve as a guide to properly plan your event and ensure all necessary considerations are made. If you have questions, feedback, or need to discuss further the details of your event, please feel free to contact the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Protocol office at 410-854-1167.“Any organization or society must, if it is to thrive, operate under certain rulesif for no other reason than to prevent chaos. Therefore, it is necessary that allcontacts between people be according to universally accepted rules or customs and some form of planned organization. That is Protocol.” ~ Anonymous

TABLE OF CONTENTSSection I: Official Ceremonies 5The Change of Command 6Promotion Ceremonies 8Award Ceremony and Presentation ofMedals 9Retirement Ceremony 11Section II: Social Functions and Official 12Dinners 14Invitations 14Elements of an Invitation 15Invitation Lists 16Envelope Samples 16Social and Personal Correspondence 16Name Tags and Seating Cards 18Place cards 20Menu Card 21Table Place SettingsToasts 22Dining Etiquette 23Section III: Dress and Appearance 29Uniform Equivalents 30Terms of Dress 32 33Section IV: Customs and Ceremonies 34Seating Plans 36Table Examples 38Flightline Greeting and Vehicle Seating 39Receiving LinesDisplay of the Flag 40Honors to the Flag 41Flag Etiquette 43Order of Precedence 44Section V: Rank Structure 44U.S. Military Rank Chart, Enlisted 45U.S. Military Rank Chart, Officers 46Military and Civilian Rank EquivalentsSection VI: ReferencesOrder of States of the U.S.Armed Forces Anniversary DatesProtocol Reference LibraryHelpful Websites

SECTION I OFFICIAL CEREMONIESOfficial ceremonies are a common part of our Air Force life and tradition.Most people have attended an official ceremony of some type, but many havenot been part of the planning and execution. In order for a ceremony to beprofessional and appropriate, many decisions must be made during theplanning process. “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” ~Earl of Chesterfield “Think and do things in order of their importance.” ~Henry Doherty 4

THE CHANGE OF COMMANDThe change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back tothe 18th Century. At that time, organizational flags were developed with colorarrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit. The flag served as arallying point and reminder of their allegiance to their leader during battle. Tothis flag and its commander, military members dedicated their loyalty andtrust. When a change of command took place, the flag was passed to theindividual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit. All unitmembers could witness their new leader assume the responsibility and trustassociated with the position of commander. He who possessed the flag alsoheld the unit members’ allegiance. This symbolic tradition has survivedthroughout military history.The ceremony itself may be executed in an area as small as a squadronconference room or as large as a parade field. No matter the location, thechange of command ceremony is a very significant event in the evolution of aunit.The change of command ceremony, be it at the squadron, wing, or higher level,should be an impressive event whether or not it includes the full parade. Thefollowing sequence is a generic skeleton of events with nearly all of the eventsincluded in a change of command ceremony. Remove events as appropriate todevelop the style of ceremony desired.Pre-ceremony reception (Honors outgoing Commander)Entrance of official party(Ruffles and Flourishes/General’s March, if Presiding Official is a Generalofficer)Present the commandPost the ColorsNational AnthemInvocation (optional)Remarks (Presiding Officer, Outgoing, Incoming)Present decorationsOfficial change of commandPublish retirement orders (if applicable)Present spouse’s Certificate of Appreciation or giftRetire the Colors (optional)Official party departsAir Force SongWelcome reception (newly appointed Commander only)When the ceremony is outdoors, all military personnel salute during Rufflesand Flourishes, the General’s/Admiral’s March, and the National Anthem. Ifyou conduct your ceremony in a hangar, you may assume you are outdoors for 5

the purposes of saluting and wearing headgear. Should you decide to marchthe command in review, it is appropriate for all civilians (men and women) tostand and place their hand over their hearts as the colors pass in review whilethe military in uniform salute. Throughout the ceremony, all civilians (menand women) should stand during the playing of Ruffles and Flourishes, theNational Anthem, and the Air Force Song, the reading of the retirement andchange of command orders, during award presentations, and as the officialparty departs. PROMOTION CEREMONIES For Officers and Enlisted PersonnelPromotion ceremonies are a common part of our Air Force tradition. Thepurpose of the ceremony is to provide public recognition andacknowledgement for appointment to a new rank among unit members, family,and friends. The ceremony and reception may be small or very extensivedepending on the preference of the promotee. Whatever the choice, theceremony must be planned and executed in a professional and honorablemanner.The following two sections provide the generic sequence for executing boththe officer and enlisted ceremonies. Please note, each section contains severaloptional items. Sequence of events for an officer promotion ceremonyWhen promoting officers, the following sequence is recommended:Office call with ceremony host, honoree, and family/special guests (optional)Family/special guests escorted to seatsEntrance of official partyPlaying of Ruffles and Flourishes/General’s March (if appropriate)Playing of the National Anthem (optional)Invocation (optional)Ceremony host makes commentsOfficial promotion: Reading of Promotion Order Pinning of rank General’s flag unfurled (if appropriate) Host administers Officers Oath of Office (optional): I, (NAME), HAVING BEEN APPOINTED A (NEW GRADE), IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; THAT I 6

TAKE THIS OBLIGATION FREELY, WITHOUT ANY MENTAL RESERVATION OR PURPOSE OF EVASION; AND THAT I WILL WELL AND FAITHFULLY DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE UPON WHICH I AM ABOUT TO ENTER, SO HELP ME GOD.Promotee makes comments (optional)Official photo (optional)Receiving line (optional)Reception Sequence of events for enlisted promotion ceremonyThe unit commander is the promotion authority for E-1 thru E-7 and theMAJCOM for E-8 thru E-9. The following is a commonly used statement usedduring enlisted promotions:Office call with ceremony host, honoree, and family/special guests (optional)Family/special guests escorted to seatsEntrance of official partyPlaying of the National Anthem (optional)Invocation (optional)Ceremony host makes commentsOfficial promotion: Reading of the Promotion Order Pinning of rank Host administers Enlisted Oath of Office (optional) I, (STATE YOUR NAME), DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE, SO HELP ME GOD.Promotee makes comments (optional)Official photo (optional)Receiving line (optional)Reception 7

AWARD CEREMONY AND PRESENTATION OF MEDALSIn the event of a unit member receiving an award of medal, the awardceremony provides an opportunity for the entire unit to share in the success ofone of its members. The ceremony also provides the recipient an opportunityto share words of thanks and acknowledge special family members or guests.The following sequence is a suggested format for planning an award ceremonyor presentation of medals:Office call with host and special guests (optional)Entrance of official partyComments by hostOfficial presentation of award or medalReading of official orderAward Citation is readPinning on of medalOfficial photos (optional)Honoree comments (optional)Receiving line (optional)Reception (optional)In many cases, several medals will be presented in the same ceremony.Specific rules apply to the sequential presentation of medals or awards. Thesequence of presentation of awards and decorations is based, first, on theprecedence of the decoration (highest first), then, on the rank of the recipient(most senior first). An oak leaf cluster does not indicate an award higher thanthe basic medal. Present a master sergeant the Meritorious Service Medalbefore you decorate a captain with the Air Force Commendation Medal.Present a senior major the Meritorious Service Medal before a junior majorreceives the Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster. 8

RETIREMENT CEREMONYAt the culmination of a full career in the military, many individuals welcomethe opportunity to publicly retire and thank the many individuals whocontributed and supported them. As with many traditional Air Forceceremonies, the host and format of the ceremony are the preferences of theretiree. The following is the suggested sequence provided with severaloptional items:Office call (optional)Entrance of the official partyPlaying of Ruffles and Flourishes (when appropriate)Posting of the Colors (optional)Playing of the National Anthem (optional)Opening remarks by hostMedal presentation (when appropriate)Reading of official orderAward Citation is readPinning on of medalOfficial photos (optional)Reading of Retirement Order and President’s CertificatePresentation of certificates and lettersRetiree comments (optional)Special presentations (optional)Group photo (optional)Receiving line (optional)Reception (optional)Several considerations must be made when planning and executing aretirement ceremony. Some considerations include seating arrangements,escorts, and social celebrations. For seating arrangements, consider the seatingsection in this handbook. When considering escorts, the retiree may prefer tohave escorts for special guests to ensure they have someone to show themaround and answer questions. Finally, a retirement luncheon or dinner is left tothe preference of the retiree, but are definitely appropriate for the occasion. 9

SECTION II SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AND OFFICIAL DINNERSOfficial functions such as luncheons, socials, and dinners are a very large partof our military heritage, usually given in honor of retirements, promotions,distinguished visitors, award winners, or professional military traininggraduations. Many considerations are made when planning for an officialfunction to include menu selection, guest lists, dress, sequence of events,seating, and identifying a host. This section will assist in the many details andproper protocol when planning or attending an official function. “Eating is not an executive skill...but it is especially hard to imagine why anyone negotiating a rise to the top would consider it possible to skip mastering the very simple requirements...What else did they skip learning? ~Fortune 500 CEO 10

INVITATIONSAs soon as an event is in the planning stage, it is critical to determine the guestlist or invitation list with addresses. Once determined, the next step is to draftthe invitation.The invitation, or guest first notification creates the first impression of the an-ticipated event, and also provides the critical information about the event. Theinvitation may be handwritten or printed by computer. We recommend print-ing the invitation on high quality paper in a font appropriate to the formal na-ture of the affair.The following is a sample invitation and the key pieces of information to lookfor in an invitation. 11

ELEMENTS OF AN INVITATION1. Who Host of the event2. What Type of function3. Why ‘In honor of…’4. When Date/Day/Time5. Where Location6. R.s.v.p. and Dress Contact number/Type of dress7. Menu Choice of meals1. The “Who” defines the host of the event. This is the first line of the invitation and will indicate who is hosting and if spouses are invited (in formal circumstances). The following are examples of hosts:Colonel and Mrs. Thomas HensleyThe Men and Women of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance WingThe Commander, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing2. The “What” defines the type of function planned. Examples of events include a Farewell Dinner, Change of Command Ceremony, or a Reception3. The “Why” clearly identifies who or what the event honors. The invitation will state ‘in honor of’ and provide a specific name or reason for the celebration.4. The “When” is self explanatory, but take note to read the invitation clearly. The day and hour should be spelled out and only the day of the week and month are capitalized.5. The “Location” should be clearly stated and specify which room if the event location has more than one room.6. The “R.s.v.p. and Dress” are two of the most important. The initials R.s.v.p. stand for the French phrase “respondez s’il vous plait” meaning “please reply.” In most cases, you will provide a telephone number on the invitation for R.s.v.p. purposes. You may, as the situation warrants provide an R.s.v.p. card that allows you to maintain a written record of responses. An R.s.v.p. card is especially useful when you invite guests from outside the local area where they would need to place a toll call for a telephone response. The R.s.v.p. will aid in seating, head-count for caterer, name tags, and meal choices. Further explanation for determining the dress for a specific function will be found later in this section. 12

7. The menu identifies the meal choices. The invite will list the meal choices and the cost of the selections.**Special Note: If an invitation to an event is extended to you, it is yoursocial obligation to notify the host via the contact information provided. Youshould respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of the invitation with yourintentions be it positive or negative.Some general rules when writing the invitation:A. The day and hour are always spelled out. Only the day of the week and month are capitalized.B. Ranks, titles, and names are written in full; avoid abbreviations wherever possible. The rank listed is the current rank, not the rank that they are selected as.C. Honored guests are designated by the phrase “in honor of”.D. “To Remind” invitations are sent to the Host and/or Hostess which shows exactly the invitation and information provided to all invitees and reaffirms the set up details without the requirements of an R.s.v.p.E. When phrasing the invitation, keep the following wording in mind to reflect formality. Formal: “...request(s) the pleasure of your company…” Less Formal: “...cordially invites you to…”Generally, you should send out invitations at least three weeks prior to afunction. The graphic used on the invitation will indicate the rank of the host,or provide theme information on the function. The number of stars on aninvitation is determined by the rank of the host, not by whom you have invitedor are honoring. * If a brigadier general is hosting and you have invited or arehonoring a lieutenant general, use 1-star invitations. If the host is not ageneral officer, you may use invitations or stationary unique to your unit. If aGroup Commander is hosting, and the general is attending, the graphic on theinvitation will be representative of the colonel who is hosting or the standardWing, Group, Squadron logo.*Note: The 70 ISRW/CCP office is the only office to pr int on 1-star paper. 13

INVITATION LISTSWhen planning for events, careful consideration must be taken in developingthe list of individuals to be invited to an event. Some of the considerationsinclude:1. Coordinate the event with the guest of honor and pay special consideration to the schedule of the higher ranking guests you wish to include on your guest list.2. If the event is not a surprise, consider the wishes of the guest of honor and ensure awkward or uncomfortable situations are not created by inviting specific persons.3. Request a listing of friends and family from the guest of honor several weeks prior to the invitation mailing.4. If the group commander is invited to an event, make careful consideration of the chain of command by inviting the deputy commander, squadron commander, etc.5. It is always appropriate, if the host chooses, to extend an invitation to the members of the chain of command for organizational functions.6. Take care not to omit persons who may not live in the local area, as they may still wish to attend or send a personal note to the guest of honor.7. When in doubt, call the protocol office and ask. ENVELOPE SAMPLESWhen addressing the envelopes for invitations, be clear and accurate as youwant to ensure the invitation reaches the invitee. Below are several samples ofvarious addresses for military personnel. Take care to use the proper rankabbreviation and proper mailing address. 70 ISRW Colonel and Mrs. Thomas Hensley Standard Commander, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance,(on-base only) and Reconnaissance WingStandard GENERAL JOHN M. SMITH, USAF, RETIRED AND MRS. SMITH retiree 100 GRAPE VALLEY LANE NICELVILLE FL 63894-9937 14

Standard MAJOR AND MRS. PAUL G. WILLIAMS Active 45 GRISSOM AVENUE Duty LANGLEY AFB VA 83974-6921 Standard 2 Military Chief Master Sergeant John DoeActive Duty And Senior Master Sergeant Jane Doe SOCIAL AND PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCEIn conversation, you are often judged by what you say; in correspondence, bywhat you write. Plain words and phrases are preferable in writing, just as inconversation. Although the occasion for formal correspondence is infrequent,it is best to be prepared with stationery of good quality and neutral colors. Thetwo primary occasions most often seen are a note of thank you or letter ofcondolence.Thank you noteAt the end of an event, it is always appropriate to thank the host and/or hostessof the event in person. Within a week of the same event, it is appropriate alsoto send a letter of thanks to the hostess (or both host and hostess). Below is agood outline to follow when writing this note: DateDear Mrs. Hensley,1. “Thank you for…”2. A nice comment or highlight something special about the event or your experience.3. A statement indicating your desire to see them again soon.4. An additional statement of thanks/thanks again. Sincerely,Note: A note of thanks is always appropriate for gestures of kindness, gifts, orany action that has positively impacted you. 15

NAME TAGS AND SEATING CARDSSelf-adhesive “stick-on” or more formal laminated name tags are invaluable ata dinner where guests do not know everyone else. Computer programs nowenable us to print top quality name tags on the computer. Printed or typedname tags are also acceptable. There are no set rules, but we recommend theperson’s rank and full name using the nickname as the first name. Give thename tag and a “YASA” (you are seated at) card to guests as they arrive.These administrative tools aid in taking attendance. You can easily see whohasn’t arrived and, if necessary, alter the start time of your function according-ly.NOTE: We recommend avoiding use of the form “Mrs. Anne Jones”. Thisusage is only appropriate if the guest is divorced. If the marital status of yourguest is unknown, use the form “Ms. Anne Jones” or “Anne Jones” whichwould also be appropriate. A Typical Name TagA Col Thomas HensleyA Typical YASA Card Maj Gen and Mrs. Smith You are seated at Table 1 PLACECARDSAs each guest arrives and receives their YASA card and name tag, it is some-times helpful to have a seating board available with the layout of the diningroom complete with table number. For seating guidance, reference the Seatingsection. The “YASA” card directs your guests to a particular table shown onseating board, and the pre-set place card directs them to a specific seat. Aswith invitations, you select a place card emblem based on the grade of the host,not the grade of the ranking guest. You may use a place card such as thoseshown in the samples that follow: 16

Typical Place card Front View (facing guest) Colonel Hensley Back View (facing others at table) Colonel HensleyNOTE: Place cards use the “spoken” rank of all guests. Spoken rank is thetitle used when you refer to someone in conversation. The spoken ranksinclude General, Colonel, Lieutenant, Chief, Sergeant, and Airman. Only theNavy uses complete rank on place cards. MENU CARDAt more formal occasions, you will often find a menu card placed at your tablesetting. The graphics used matches the graphic selected for the place cards andusually provides the date of the celebration and honoree. Fresh Garden Salad Baked Cornish Hen Fresh Green Beans Duchess Potato Apple Pie with ice creamIn Honor of 13 January 2008Chaplain (Col) & Mrs. Jones The Landing 17

TABLE PLACE SETTINGSAn important rule to follow for setting the table is to avoid overcrowding.Allow at least 23 inches of table space for each person. The minimum placesetting is the teaspoon, place knife, place fork, and salad or dessert fork. Thenext most needed pieces are the butter knife and soup spoon. Other placesetting pieces that are most commonly used are the cocktail/seafood fork,demitasse spoon, iced beverage spoon, and individual steak knife.Menu cards are used in a more formal setting. They are usually placed in thecenter of the place plate, to the left of the forks, or on a menu card holder.Silverware should be placed on the table in the order of its use, starting fromthe outside and working toward the plate. Here are some basic rules forplacing silverware:1. The silverware, napkin, and plate are lined up approximately one inch from the edge of the table.2. Forks are placed at the left of the plate, except the cocktail/seafood fork which is placed at the right of the spoon, tines up.3. Knives and spoons are at the right of the plate with the blade of the knife facing toward the plate.4. Dessert spoons and/or forks are usually preset above the dinner plate. The place card sits just above the dessert spoon or fork.5. The iced beverage spoon may be placed on the table to the right of the soup spoon or it may be laid above the plate with the handle of the spoon to the right.6. The individual butter knife is usually placed across the top of the butter plate parallel with the edge of the table.A china service consists of plates for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and teacups, serving dishes, and various sized plates for other purposes. The large flatplates are called dinner plates and are used for the main course. A smallerplate is used for a luncheon, and a smaller plate still may be used for dessert orsalad. Various size plates are needed for butter, fruit, etc.: cups or bowls areused for soup. “Place plates” or “service plates” are the plates that are pre-seton a formal or semi-formal table before the guests are seated. No food isactually served on these plates.If you use a water glass, place it slightly above the tip of the knife nearest theplate and in front of the wine glasses. If serving two wines, place the whitewine glass closer to your guests than the, usually larger, red wine glass. Youmay pour liqueur or a cordial in the smaller glass after you serve coffee or, ifyou choose, pass after dinner drinks on a tray.While a formal dinner is delightful, you will usually entertain in a less elegant 18

setting. In such cases, adapt the setting diagram as necessary keeping in mindknives and spoons to the right and forks to the left of the dinner plate.**Special Note: Keep in mind when you take your seat at an official dinner,your drinks or glasses are to your right. Your roll or pre-set food items are tothe left. A good rule of thumb to remember: drinks to the right, eats to theleft! 3 4 514 11 15 10 2 127 89 13 16 161. Dinner plate 9. Dinner fork2. Bread and butter plate 10. Dessert fork3. Water goblet 11. Dessert spoon4. Red wine glass 12. Knife5. White wine glass 13. Soup spoon6. Napkin 14. Butter spreader7. Salad fork 15. Menu8. Appetizer fork 16. Place cardThis set up is just an example of a place setting. There are different versionsyou may encounter or want to set up. 19

TOASTSA toast is a gesture of honor to a person or organization (such as the Presidentof the United States or the United States Air Force) prior to, during, or at theconclusion of a meal. If accomplished prior to the meal, toasts should followyour invocation. Champagne is a favorite beverage for toasting, but any wineis appropriate. You would not offer a toast with a mixed drink or after dinnerliqueur. Non-drinkers who want to participate in toasts should toast with winebut only touch the glass to their lips. Non-drinkers or anyone else, should nev-er toast with water; such toasts are done only when honoring service memberswho are prisoners of war, missing in action, or deceased.The person or persons receiving the toast do not stand or touch their glass; todo so would pay honor to one’s self. In offering the toast, the toastmaster,host, or master of ceremonies stands, asks guests to stand and makes the appro-priate toast. At a large dinner, all guests may stand, or the toastmaster maystate, “Military members, please stand, guests and ladies may remain seated.”Either way is acceptable, but instructions as to who stands should be givenbefore he or she actually proposes the toasts. At a home dinner party, the hostshould stand, but all other dinner guests and the honorees should remain seat-ed.Toasts to persons killed in action, missing in action, or prisoners of war shouldbe made with water. The toast “One More Roll” was written and first pro-posed by our service members in North Vietnam prisoner of war camps whereonly water was available for toasting. “We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, and were gently caught by God’s own hands to be with him on high.” “To dwell among the soaring clouds they’ve known so well before, from victory roll to tail chase at heaven’s own door. “And as we fly among them there we’re sure to hear their plea, “Take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me.” To our comrades, killed in action, missing in action, or prisoners of war.” Response: “Hear, hear.” 20

DINING ETIQUETTEIt is believed the first published guide to dining etiquette was compiled by anItalian monk in the late 13th Century. Entitled “50 Courtesies of the Table”, itcontained many useful dining tips. Among them was this timeless piece ofadvice:“He who eats or is served must not blow his nose through his fingers.”Dining etiquette has evolved substantially over the intervening 700 years. Thefollowing list on the next page highlights some basic do’s and don’ts that willserve you well in any dining situation. Don’t bring drinks or lit smoking material to the dining table. Do escort ladies to the gentlemen’s left and help seat by holding chair. Do use serving dish utensils, not those placed at your setting. Don’t eat until all at the table have been served and the hostess (or table hostess at large banquets) begins. Do keep your elbows at your sides, not on the table or neighbor’s space. Do pass to the right using your left hand — receive with your right hand. Do pass salt and pepper together. Don’t saw, mash, or stir foods on your plate. Do follow the “if it drops, leave it” rule of thumb. Do break bread/rolls into small pieces, butter individually as consumed. Don’t dip your bread/rolls in gravy or sauces. Do hold your coffee cup by the handle and wine glasses by the stem. Don’t push your plate away when finished, let the wait staff remove it. Do place knife and fork in center of plate to signal completion of the course. Do wait for the hostess to signal the end of the meal before leaving the table. Don’t place napkin on the table, place on chair.These customs reflect western dining etiquette. Customs vary greatly fromcountry to country. When hosting foreign visitors it is important to knowsomething about their dining etiquette - mostly to avoid unknowinglyoffending your guests. 21

SECTION III DRESS AND APPEARANCECivilian UNIFORM EQUIVALENTSSports AttireWestern/Ethic MilitarySport Shirt/Slacks Casual Duty UniformSport Coat and Tie Casual Duty UniformBusiness Suit Casual Duty UniformBlack Tie Service DressWhite Tie Service Dress Mess Dress or Semi-Formal (enlisted only) Formal Dress (officers only) 22

TERMS OF DRESSIndividuals will often receive an invitation with the dress specified as eitherinformal, or formal. Certainly, this terminology is appropriate and is found inall protocol books, but tends to confuse many people. You may prefer to usecasual, sports coat and tie, business attire, or mess dress on an invitation.Everyone is able to relate easily to these terms. A good host/hostess will striveto eliminate confusion on the part of their guests.“Casual” means “comfortably unrestricted”. For men, this would be a short orlong-sleeve open neck shirt, perhaps with a sweater, and no tie. Sometimesyou will see the terms “Open collar” or “Sport shirt” used. These are synony-mous with “Casual”. For women, any casual dress, slacks, blouse, and long orshort skirt are appropriate.NOTE: Casual may have a different connotation to foreign visitors. In Eu-rope, for example, casual means “coat and tie”.“Sports Coat and Tie” or “Coat and Tie” is a sports coat and slacks with a tie,the difference between this and business suit is that the coat and pants do nothave to match. Ladies wear a dressy street-length or “Sunday” dress. The useof this description is more clearly understood by the guest when used as“Sports Coat & Tie” for the invitation description of dress.Business Attire” is a tie and conser vative suit for men and a dr essy str eet -length or “Sunday” dress for the ladies.“Informal” is a vague term, and we discourage its use. You may have an occa-sion where you genuinely do not care if a guest wears a business suit or asports coat and tie.“Formal” attire for the military is the mess dress. Formal attire for civilianmen is black tie or tuxedo. Women traditionally wear a tea length dress orfloor length evening dress. If you arrive at a new station and are unsure ofwhat to wear...ask! Many commanders spouses have made it appropriate towear a cocktail dress because of the large number of mess dress affairs.“Blue Formal Dress” attire is authorized for officers only. It is worn for for-mal, official evening functions and state occasions (white tie functions). Theblue formal uniform is the same as the mess dress with several exceptions. Forspecific information, please refer to AFI 36-2903, Chapter 2. Ladies wear afloor length or tea length evening dress, gloves are optional.Occasionally, a female spouse (who is also military) will ask if she has theoption to wear a long dress instead of the appropriate military uniform.The answer is “NO”. 23

EVENT WHEN WORN ARMY MARINE CORPS NAVY Formal & Dinner Dress UniformsOfficial formal Blue Mess/ Evening Dress \"A\" Formal Dressevening functions,State occasions Evening DressPrivate formal Blue Mess Evening Dress \"B\" Dinner Dress Bluedinners or dinner White Mess JacketdancesLess formal Army Blue (bow Blue Dress \"A\" Dinner Dress Blueoccasions tie) Jacket*requiring moreformality than Army White (bow Evening Dress \"B\" Dinner Dressservice uniforms White Jacket* tie)Parades, Full Dress Blue--ceremonies and Ceremonial Uniforms Participantsreviews whenspecial honors are Army Blue Blue Dress \"A\" Service Dressbeing paid, or Blue--Attendeesofficial visits of or Army White Blue/White \"A\" Full Dress White--to U.S. or foreign Participantsofficials Army Green/ Service Uniforms Class A Service \"A\"/Blue Service DressBusiness and Army White Dress \"B\" Blue--Attendeesinformal social Service \"A\" oroccasions as Army Green/ Blue/White \"B\" Service Dressappropriate to Class B Service \"C\"/ Blue Bluelocal customs Dress \"D\" Service Dress White Service Khaki Army Green/ Blue Dress \"D\"/ Summer White Class B Service \"C\" Army Green/ Service \"B\" Winter Blue-E6 & Class B below Service Khaki-E7Working in field Battle Dress Working Uniforms & upor plant Utilityenvironment where Working Khaki/soiling of clothing Battle Dress Utility Aviation Workingis expected Green Winter Working Battle Dress Utility Blue (E6 & below)/ Coveralls Utilities/Camouflage Utility/Working UniformNote: Some uniforms are optional, seasonal or required for specific pay grads only. Check each Ser-vice's uniform regulations for specific guidelines.*Navy Dinner Dress Blue/White Jacket is prescribable only for O-4 & above and is optional for O-3 &below; O-3 & below equivalent is Dinner Dress Blue/White. 24

AIR FORCE COAST GUARD CIVILIAN ATTIREMess Dress Gentlemen Ladies Formal & Dinner Dress Uniforms Formal Dress Tuxedo/ White Tie Evening GownMess Dress Dinner Dress Blue Tuxedo Evening Gown JacketMess Dress Evening Gown/Mess Dress Dinner Dress Blue Tuxedo Cocktail DressService Dress Evening Gown/ Dinner Dress Tuxedo Cocktail Dress Civilian Informal White Ceremonial Uniforms Full Dress Blue Civilian InformalService Dress Full Dress White Civilian Informal Civilian Informal Service UniformsService Dress Service Dress Civilian Informal Civilian Informal Civilian InformalService Dress Blue \"A\"/\"B\" Civilian Informal Civilian InformalBlues w/short Service Dress Civilian Informal Civilian Informalsleeve shirt (w/orw/out tie/tab) White Civilian CasualBlues w/short Civilian Casualsleeve shirt (w/or Tropical Blue Long Civilian Informal Civilian Casualw/out tie/tab)Blues w/long Tropical Blue Long Civilian Informalsleeve shirt (w/tie/tab) Winter Dress Blue Civilian InformalBDU Undress Blue/ Working Uniforms Working Blue/ Civilian CasualBDU ODU Civilian CasualBDU Undress Blue/ Working Blue/ Civilian Casual ODU Undress Blue/ Working Blue/ ODU 25

TERMS OF CIVILIAN ATTIRE GUIDELINES ATTIRE COMMENT MILITARY MEMBER IN UNIFORM (As printed on invitation--See note 1 and 5) (Refer to Service Equivalent Uniform Table, SeeMess Dress note 4)Black TieFormal (See note 2) Formal and Dinner Dress UniformTuxedoSmokingInformal Ceremonial UniformBusiness SuitSemi-Formal Ceremonial Uniform(see note 2)Casual (see note 3) Service UniformBusiness CasualService Dress Ceremonial UniformDuty Uniform Working UniformUniform of the Day (UOD)Daily AttireLong-sleeve shirt w/tieShort-sleeve shirt, no tieNotes: 1.The above matrix is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather serve as a guideline for appro-priate attire. There are three basic internationally recognized categories of dress: formal, informal, andcasual. However, local customs, traditions, and region of the country will directly influence the definitionof these terms. To avoid confusion, state what you specifically intend for your guests to wear. Do notlist desired attire as optional (ex: Black Tie optiona2l)6.

TERMS OF CIVILIAN ATTIRE GUIDELINES CIVILIAN MALE CIVILIAN FEMALEBlack Tuxedo or Long* or short evening dress (*long dresses/skirts are not normally worn before six o'clock in theBlack Dinner Jacket (with a handkerchief in the Cocktail dressupper pocket)White Dinner Jacket acceptable during the summer Evening trousers w/ dressy topmonths (Normally Memorial Day to Labor Day)(Dark business suit is acceptable in some cases)Bow tie is standardBusiness Suit Evening--Dressy dress with heels and appropriate(Jacket and trousers match) accessories or jewelrySport Coat and Tie Day--Suit, Ladies Suit, Business Apparel(Jacket and trousers do not match, can be worn asoption before six o'clock) Street-length or \"Sunday\" dress; ladies suit or pants suit; heelsDark business suit Very dressy street-length dress Pant suit Cocktail dressRecommended: Sport coat, no tie Simple skirt or dressSlacks, dress shirt (open collar) Nice slacks with jacket Low heeled or flat shoesBusiness Suit Street-length or \"Sunday\" dressCoat and Tie Ladies suit; heelsPersonal daily work attire Daily work attireBusiness Suit Casual dressCoat & Tie Pants suitSlacks/open-collar shirt Slacks Long or short skirt/blouse Low-heel shoes2. Historically \"Formal\" referred to \"White Tie\" and \"Semiformal\" referred to \"Black Tie\". White Tie isthe most formal style of dress and means \"tails\" a long black tailcoat with matching trousers, white wing-collared shirt, white bow tie, and white pique waistcoat. For the ladies appropriate dress would be a full-skirted grand ball gown and long white gloves. 27

SECTION IV CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson 28

SEATING PLANSAssigned seating at formal official functions are absolutely necessary whenentertaining government or foreign dignitaries and other distinguished guests.Precedence based on official position or military rank should be thedetermining factor for seating arrangements at all official functions.Where to seat your guests depends on the rules of protocol and the personaldesires of the host/hostess or commander. There are three general rules: (1)do not seat two gentlemen or two ladies side-by-side, (2) do not seat a husbandand wife together, and (3) do not seat a woman at the end of the table. If usingrectangular “banquet” tables, you will have problems abiding by all of theserules when the total number of people in your group is divisible by four. If thathappens, violate the least serious rule first; i.e., seat two men or two womenside-by-side. You will usually have a simpler time seating guests at roundrather than banquet tables. In those situations where you do want spouses to sitside-by-side, i.e., Christmas parties and retirements, seat the wife to the right ofthe husband, unless they are the host/hostess. Again, judgment and good tasteare your best guides.The place of honor is always to the right of the host/hostess. That position isgiven to the senior guest in terms of precedence. If a higher ranking guest isinvited, the host may (1) make the ranking guest a co-host if the event is stag;(2) ask the higher ranking guest to waive his right in favor of the guest ofhonor; (3) seat guests in precedence even if the guest of honor is not in theplace of honor; or (4) divide seating between two tables if number of guestswarrants.Number tables if you are providing designated seating for a large group ofpeople. Table numbers may be removed after all are seated. Use “You areseated at” (YASA) cards to show guests at which table they will be seated.Display a diagram of the room including numbered tables.We have provided some examples of seating plans that may help youdetermine your individual arrangements.NOTE: Seating rules may change due to the preference of the host, so keep inmind these rules aren’t always hard and fast. 29

TABLE EXAMPLES Guest ManLady #2 HostessMan #1 Table for 8 Man #2 (4 men and 4 ladies)Guest Lady Lady #1 HostIn this example, we have seated the guest lady to the left of the host rather thanthe traditional seat of honor at the right. We have done this to keep the guestsnext to the hostess and to prevent placing spouses side-by-side. If the table isset for 10, as in the examples that follow, you can seat all guests in thetraditional manner.NOTE: A 5’ table seats 8, a 5.5’ table seats 10, and a 6’ table seats 12. HostessGuest Man Man #1Lady #2 Table for 10 Lady #3Man #3 (5 men and 5 ladies) Man #2 Guest LadyLady #1 Host 30

HostessMan #1 Man #2Woman #3 Woman #4 Man #5 Traditional Mixed Man #6Woman #6 Seating Woman #5Man #4 Man #3Woman #2 Woman #1 HostAt mixed luncheons or dinners, you will customarily place the highest rankingman or the guest of honor (Man #1) to the right of the hostess; the same logicprevails with the host and female guest of honor (Woman #1). This seatingscheme becomes more complicated when the total number of guests is divisi-ble by “4”. Man #1Woman #4 Hostess Man #5 Mixed Seating Man #2Woman #3 (Multiples of four) Woman #5Man #4 Man #3Woman #2 Woman #1 HostAny multiple of four means that the host and hostess cannot sit opposite eachother without having two men or women sitting side-by-side. To solve thisproblem, the host, or in this example, the hostess, relinquishes her position bymoving one seat to the left. Here, the male guest of honor (Man #1) sits oppo-site the host to the right of the hostess. 31

FLIGHT LINE GREETING AND VEHICLE SEATINGAs plane pulls up Once plane comes to a stop(Salute as plane makes final turn, hold (Approach plane, salute as DV exits, salute until plane comes to a stop) introduce to greeting party) 4321 1 21. Senior ranking individual 32. Spouse 43. Second ranking individual4. SpouseNote: As members of the arriving party exit the aircraft, the Senior officer andmembers of the arrival party step forward to greet the individual(s), and movethem quickly to their vehicles to start the itinerary. NOTE: Cars/DV Surrey/Vans move into position when aircraft stops 5 71 3 6824If the host and spouse will greet, set up the vehicles as follows: #2 Security vehicle Host vehicle Staff car #1 Security vehicleSeat #1 - The highest ranking individual is entitled to the place of honor. Aranking host may elect to relinquish this honor to a lower ranking visitor.Seat #2 - The lower ranking of the visitor or host.Seat #3 - The host may sit here if two higher ranking visitors are in the backseats.Seat #4 - The driver.Seat #5 - Either the visitor’s spouse or host’s spouse, same seating as first car.Seat #6 - Depends on Seat #5.Seat #7 - Host’s spouse if two higher ranking spouses are in back seats, or anescort.Seat #8 - The driver.*Note: The use of lead and trail security vehicles are optional, but will ensuretimely movement. Traffic control points at busy intersections are an optionwhen no lead/trail vehicles are used. If the host is meeting a lone visitor, usethe host vehicle seating above unless the host will be driving. If the hostdrives, the visitor should sit in the front passenger seat. 32

*Note cont.:Always try to have a separate vehicle with baggage handlers to take care ofvisitors luggage. Do not make your visitors wait on the flight line for theirbags. It is much nicer to deliver baggage to their rooms.The departure of a visiting guest is simply the reverse of the arrival. Once allvisitors are in the aircraft, the line-up on the flight line is the same as in thearrival line-up. All persons standing on the flight line for the departure willsalute upon command of the Senior Officer. As soon as the aircraft startsrolling, the Senior Officer and other members of the departure line-up renderthe salute until the aircraft makes its first turn for the departure. RECEIVING LINESWe have no ironclad rule governing the formation and location of receivinglines; you will have to make a case-by-case judgment depending oncircumstances. An announcer (usually an aide or executive officer) starts theline and introduces the guests to the receiving line participants. For officialmilitary functions, the military member (or ranking military member) leads thespouse through the line. The announcer’s role is to introduce guests — not togreet them, so do not offer to shake hands.Receiving lines should consist of as few people as possible. For example:To say farewell to the outgoing commander, the line would include theannouncer, commander, spouse, and (if desired) immediate family members(i.e. children), ending with “the extra man”. The purpose of the extra man is toavoid leaving a woman at the end of the receiving line. Another useful role theextra man plays is to escort or direct guests to refreshments or the lounge, thuskeeping the line from becoming congested right at the end of the receiving line.As in the case of the announcer, the extra man is not there to greet guests,simply to keep them moving.When greeting the incoming commander, you would form the lines similarly.Usually, the outgoing commander will not attend the post change of commandreception. Instead he or she would have had another opportunity to bidfarewell to his or her troops, thus allowing the change of command receptionto focus fully on the new commander. 33

DISPLAY OF THE FLAGThe display of our National Colors plays an important role in honoring bothour heritage and the history of the very country we serve to defend. There aredefinitive guidelines and proper ways to display our flag with dignity andhonor.When flown at half-staff, the flag should first be hoisted to the peak for aninstant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The term “half-staff” meansthe position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top andbottom of the staff (the term “half-mast” is a naval term and inappropriate inAir Force usage). The flag should again be raised to the peak before it islowered for the day. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President,the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of theUnited States government and the Governor of a state, territory, or possession,as a mark of respect. In the event of the death of other officials or foreigndignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidentialinstruction or orders (or in accordance with recognized customs or practicesnot inconsistent with law). The installation commander may also proclaim theflag be at half-staff due to a death of a member assigned to that installation.The flag should never be used as apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should neverbe festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the whitein the middle, and the red below, may be used for covering a speaker’s desk,draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; theflag is not to be dipped to any person or thing. Unit colors, state flags, andorganizational or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal ofdire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor,water, or merchandise.Below are several examples of how to display the flag: When displaying the flag for a ceremony or in a conference room, the US flag must be displayed in the position of honor, the right side of any speaker. The audience will view the flag as positioned on the far left. 34

If the US flag is carried in procession with other flags,the flag should be in the position of honor (it’s ownright/viewer’s left) or first and centered if carried in aline of flags.When displayed indoors or out, on a building orvehicle, the flag should be displayed vertically orhorizontally with the union in the upper right handcorner (left from the perspective of the viewer).When displayed with a group of flags, it should be atthe highest point. The second highest position is theUS flag’s right (viewer’s left).When displayed as crossed staffs with another flagagainst a wall, the US staff should be on it’s ownright, or the viewer’s left. Also, the staff of the USflag should be in front of the other flag’s staff.When flags of two or more nations are displayedtogether, they should be flown from separate staffs ofthe same height with the US flag to the far right(viewer’s left).When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk or ropeover a street, the US flag should be hoisted out unionfirst with the union on the right, or viewer’s left.From a staff projecting from a building or home. 35

HONORS TO THE FLAGHonor to the National AnthemOutdoors - When in uniform, come to attention, face in the direction of the flag(or music if flag is not visible) and salute. In civilian or athletic clothes, do thesame thing except hold your right hand over your heart. Maintain salute untilthe last note of music. Vehicles in motion are brought to a halt; the radio, ifon, should be turned off. Everyone, including the driver, remains seated atattention.NOTE: These marks of respect are also shown to the national anthem of anyfriendly country when played during official occasions.Indoors - When the national anthem is played indoors at a formal gathering,you stand at attention and face the flag if it is present, otherwise, face themusic. You do not salute unless under arms. In civilian or athletic clothes,stand at attention with your right hand over your heart.Anthems to Foreign NationsAnthems of foreign nations are used when rendering personal honors on theoccasion of official visits of a foreign president or sovereign or member of aroyal family. There is no regulation on the order of playing the nationalanthem of a foreign visitor. Courtesy and long-standing usage indicate that theforeign visitor’s national anthem is played before the American anthem. Thenational anthem may be played at the beginning, middle, or end of a program,the choice being made according to where it will be given the greatest dignity.The anthem is always played with dignity; there is never applause after itsrendition. The anthem is never “jazzed up” to compete with modern music.The anthem is never played as part of a medley.United Nations Flag RegulationsThe United Nations flag is displayed by United States armed forces only whenauthorized by the President of the United States. The United Nations flag isdisplayed at installations of the United States armed forces only during visitsof high dignitaries of the United States while performing their official dutieswith the United Nations, or on other special occasions in honor of the UnitedNations. On such occasions, it is displayed with the US flag. The UnitedStates flag is equal or larger in size, in the position of honor on the right(observers left) and above the United Nations flag. 36

Honors During Reveille or RetreatDuring the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag ispassing in a parade or in review, all people present except those in uniformshould face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart.Those present in uniform should render the military salute if outdoors. Whennot in uniform or civilian, individuals should remove their headgear with theirright hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.If driving in a vehicle during the playing of Retreat, the operator must come toa complete stop until playing of the National Anthem is complete and the flagis secured. If the individual prefers, he or she may stand outside the vehiclerendering appropriate honors.Honors During Indoor EventsIf indoors during the playing or singing of the National Anthem, advancementof the colors, or posting of the colors, it is appropriate for civilians to standwith arms at their side. If in uniform, it is appropriate for the individual tostand at attention. The only exception to this rule is if a ceremony or event istreated as an ‘outdoor ceremony’. In this case, the honors rendered to the flagare as dictated by an outdoor event.NOTE: The above marks of respect are shown to the national anthem of anyfriendly country when played during official occasions.If in a theater, stadium, parade, or any off-duty or on-duty event where honorsare rendered to the flag, it is appropriate for individuals to stand and renderhonors to the National Colors as appropriate for any indoor or outdoor event(as the situation dictates). 37

FLAG ETIQUETTEThe flag should be displayed on all days, especially on:New Year’s Day - January 1Inauguration Day - January 20Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday - third Monday in JanuaryLincoln’s Birthday - February 12Washington’s Birthday - third Monday in FebruaryEaster Sunday - variesMother’s Day - second Sunday in MayArmed Forces Day - third Saturday in MayMemorial Day (half-staff until noon) - last Monday in MayFlag Day - June 14Independence Day - July 4Labor Day - first Monday in SeptemberPatriot Day (half-staff) - September 11Constitution Day - September 17Columbus Day - second Monday in OctoberNavy Day - October 27Veterans Day - November 11Thanksgiving Day - fourth Thursday in NovemberChristmas Day - December 25Other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United StatesBirthdays of states (date of admission)State holidays 38

ORDER OF PRECEDENCEPrecedence or “who outranks whom” remains an important issue in matters ofprotocol. All military personnel understand the significance of rank.Therefore, do not get creative when you are exclusively on date of rank. Forgeneral officers, precedence is determined by relative rank. A general officer’srelative rank should be available from his/her office.The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff outranks all other officers, followedby the Chiefs of Staff (who are ranked by their date of appointment). They arefollowed by active duty four stars (by relative rank), retired four-stars, activethree-stars, retired three-stars, active two-stars, etc. At wing level, thecommander and vice commander take precedence over other colonels in thewing, even though the other colonels may be senior by date of rank. At dualwing bases, the host commander should take precedence. Order of precedencefor other wing colonels should be done by date of rank.At official functions where participants are not all military, determiningprecedence is more complicated.Unfortunately, precedence is subject to frequent changes based on theestablishment of new positions, retirements of incumbent members, or thedirection of those in charge. Normally, you determine precedence of spousesbased upon their military member’s rank or position. 39

SECTION V RANK STRUCTURE US MILITARY RANK CHART, EnlistedGrade U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Marines Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Title InsigniaE-1 Private Airman Seaman Private (PV1) (Pvt) Basic Recruit (AB) (SR) Private FirstE-2 Private 2 Airman Seaman Class (PV2) (Amn) Apprentice (PFC) (SA) Lance Private Airman Corporal First (LCpl)E-3 First Class Seaman Class (A1C) (SN) (PFC) Specialist Senior Petty Of- CorporalE-4 (SPC) Airman ficer 3rd (Cpl) (SrA) Class Corporal (PO3) Sergeant (CPL) Staff (Sgt) Sergeant PettyE-5 Sergeant (SSgt) Officer 2nd Staff (SGT) Class Sergeant Technical (PO2) (SSgt) Staff Sergeant PettyE-6 Sergeant (TSgt) Officer 1st Gunnery Class Sergeant (SSG) Master (PO1) (GySgt) Sergeant Sergeant (MSgt) Chief Petty Master Officer SergeantE-7 First Senior (CPO) (MSgt) Class Master Sergeant Senior First (SFC) (SMSgt) Chief Petty Sergeant Officer (1SG) Master First (SCPO) Sergeant Sergeant (MSG)E-8 First Sergeant (1SG) Sergeant Chief Master Master Master Chief Petty GunneryE-9 Major Sergeant Officer Sergeant (SGM) (CMSgt) (MCPO) (MGySgt) 40

US MILITARY RANK CHART, Enlisted, cont.Grade U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Marines Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Com- First Sergeant mand Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) Sergeant Major (CSM) Sergeant Chief Mas- Master SergeantE-9 Major of ter Ser- Chief Petty Major of thespe- the geant of the Officer of Marinecial Army Air Force the Navy Corps (SMA) (CMSAF) (MCPON) (SgtMajMC) US MILITARY RANK CHART, OfficersGrade U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Marines Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Second Second Second Lieuten- Lieuten-O-1 Lieuten- ant Ensign ant ant (2d Lt) (ENS) (2ndLt) (2LT) First First Lieutenant, First Lieuten- Lieuten-O-2 Lieuten- ant Junior Grade ant ant (1st Lt) (LTJG) (1stLt) (1LT)O-3 Captain Captain Lieutenant Captain (CPT) (Capt) (LT) (Capt)O-4 Major Major Lieutenant Major (MAJ) (Maj) Commander (Maj) (LCDR) Lieuten- Lieuten- Lieuten- ant Commander antO-5 ant Colonel (CDR) Colonel Colonel (Lt Col) (LtCol) (LTC)O-6 Colonel Colonel Captain Colonel (COL) (Col) (CAPT) (Col) 41

US MILITARY RANK CHART, Officers, cont.Grade U.S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Navy U.S. Marines Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Title Insignia Brigadier Brigadier Brigadier Rear GeneralO-7 General General Admiral, (BGen) Lower (BG) (Brig Gen) Half * Major General (sometimes (MajGen) Commo- dore) ((RADM) (L)) Major Major Rear Admiral,O-8 General General Upper (MG) (Maj Gen) Half * ((RADM) (U)) Lieutenant Lieutenant Vice LieutenantO-9 General General Admiral General (LTG) (Lt Gen) (VADM) (LtGen)O-10 General General Admiral General (GEN) (Gen) (ADM) (Gen)* The Navy refers to both O-7s and O-8s as “Rear Admirals”. Technically,the O-7 is a Rear Admiral (lower half) and the O-8 is a Rear Admiral (upperhalf). Keep this difference in mind when rank-ordering officers in these twogrades. When writing, refer them as “Rear Admiral”; when speaking, they areboth “Admiral”. 42

MILITARY AND CIVILIAN RANK EQUIVALENTS 43

SECTION VIREFERENCES ORDER OF STATESBY DATE OF ADMISSION TO THE UNION1. Delaware - 7 Dec 1787 26. Michigan - 26 Jan 18372. Pennsylvania - 12 Dec 1787 27. Florida - 3 Mar 18453. New Jersey - 18 Dec 1787 28. Texas - 29 Dec 18454. Georgia - 2 Jan 1788 29. Iowa - 28 Dec 18465. Connecticut - 9 Jan 1788 30. Wisconsin - 29 May 18486. Massachusetts - 6 Feb 1788 31. California - 9 Sep 18507. Maryland - 28 Apr 1788 32. Minnesota - 11 May 18588. South Carolina - 23 May 1788 33. Oregon - 14 Feb 18599. New Hampshire - 21 Jun 1788 34. Kansas - 29 Jan 186110. Virginia - 26 Jun 1788 35. West Virginia - 20 Jun 186311. New York - 26 Jul 1788 36. Nevada - 31 Oct 186412. North Carolina - 21 Nov 1789 37. Nebraska - 1 Mar 186713. Rhode Island - 29 May 1790 38. Colorado - 1 Aug 187614. Vermont - 4 Mar 1791 39. North Dakota - 2 Nov 188915. Kentucky - 1 Jun 1792 40. South Dakota - 2 Nov 188916. Tennessee - 1 Jun 1796 41. Montana - 8 Nov 188917. Ohio - 1 Mar 1803 42. Washington - 11 Nov 188918. Louisiana - 30 Apr 1812 43. Idaho - 3 Jul 189019. Indiana - 11 Dec 1816 44. Wyoming - 10 Jul 189020. Mississippi - 10 Dec 1817 45. Utah - 4 Jan 189621. Illinois - 3 Dec 1818 46. Oklahoma - 16 Nov 190722. Alabama - 14 Dec 1819 47. New Mexico - 6 Jan 191223. Maine - 15 Mar 1820 48. Arizona - 14 Feb 191224. Missouri - 10 Aug 1821 49. Alaska - 3 Jan 195925. Arkansas - 15 Jun 1836 50. Hawaii - 21 Aug 1959 DATES TO REMEMBER ARMED FORCES ANNIVERSARY DATES14 June (1775) - US Army Anniversary13 October (1775) - US Navy Anniversary10 November (1775) - US Marine Corps Anniversary4 August (1790) - US Coast Guard Anniversary18 September (1947) - US Air Force Anniversary 44

PROTOCOL REFERENCE LIBRARYGuide for Air Force Change of Command Ceremonies, Air Command andStaff College Student Report 86-0770; Easterly, Major Glenn C., USAFProtocol Handbook -- A Guide for the Base Protocol Officer, Air Commandand Staff College Student Report 86-0180; Ball, Jo A., USAFLetitia Baldrige’s New Complete Guide to Executive Manners; Baldrige,Letitia, Rawson Associates, Macmillan Publishing Company, 866 ThirdAvenue, New York NY 10022, 1993Protocol -- The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official and Social Usage;McCaffrey, Mary Jane and Innis, Pauline, Devon Publishing Company, Inc.,Washington DC, 1989The Air Force Wife Handbook, A Complete Social Guide; Crossley, Ann andKeller, Carol A., ABI Press, Sarasota FL, 1992Corporate Protocol, A Brief Case for Business Etiquette; Grant-Sokolosky,Valerie, Honor, A Division of Harrison House, Tulsa OK, 1986Service Etiquette, Fourth Edition; Swartz, Oretha D., Naval Institute Press, 118Maryland Avenue, Annapolis MD 21402-5035, 1988 45

HELPFUL WEBSITESFlag References:http://www.legion.org/?section=our_flag&subsection=flag_related&content=flag_related orhttp://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.htmlAir Force Base Information: http://www.af.mil/sites/Air Force Biographies: http://www.af.mil/bios/Air Force Information: http://www.af.mil orhttp://www.afcrossroads.com/home.cfmSenate Information: http://www.senate.gov/House of Reps Information: http://www.house.gov/DoD Information: http://www.defenselink.mil/**If there are any questions, comments, or feed back, please call the 70ISRW/CCP office at (410) 854-1167 or email at [email protected].** 46

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