American Military Traditions

Explain the "position of honor."

• Sitting in the center of a head table at a military social function.
• A military courtesy of keeping people of senior rank or status to your right while walking or sitting.
• The position a senior ranking officer takes as the first person in a receiving line.
• Presenting oneself to a person of senior rank.

Name three instances under which you must salute.

• When you are in uniform and you hear the national anthem; when the colors pass you; during official greetings.
• During official greetings; during reveille and retreat; during the rendering of honors.
• When first uncasing or later when casing the colors; when pledging allegiance outdoors and in uniform; when reporting.
• All of the above.

Define "esprit de corps."

• The department of the military in charge of Marine units.
• A military courtesy given to people of senior rank and status.
• The honor given a flag when casing or uncasing the Colors.
• The common spirit or feeling of pride found in members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and a strong regard for the honor of the group.

Explain the history of the hand salute.

• In ancient times, a salute shielded the eyes so one could see one's opponent clearly.
• In ancient times, a salute identified the members of one's tribe.
• In ancient times, a salute was rendered only to members of the opposite sex.
• In ancient times, a salute indicated that you were not holding a weapon in your hand.

What does it mean to "uncase" the Colors?

• To display the Colors at half mast.
• To remove the Colors from a display case for use by a Color Guard.
• Removing the case or covering from the Colors that are attached to a staff.
• To check the proper protocol for placement of the Colors in relation to other flags, such as when displaying it at the United Nations.

What is the purpose of a cannon salute?

• To honor civil or military officials from the U.S. or foreign countries.
• To memorialize a military official upon his or her death.
• To alert drivers that a funeral cavalcade will soon be moving.
• To honor non-commissioned and petty officers.

How are gun salutes rendered to the President and Vice President?

• The President receives a 19-gun salute, while the vice president receives a 17-gun salute.
• The President receives a 21-gun salute, while the vice president receives a 19-gun salute.
• The President receives a 21-gun salute, while the vice president receives a 17-gun salute.
• The President and the vice president both receive 21-gun salutes.

A common courtesy when an officer enters the office or classroom for the first time of the day is to ____________.

• Stand up
• Stand and salute
• Order "post"
• Call the room to attention

What is the command given during a formation to execute a salute?

• "Formation, arms"
• "Present, arms"
• "Salute, arms"
• "Command, arms"

When is it appropriate to call a room to attention?

• When those in the room should be silent.
• When announcements are made over a public address system.
• When the battalion Cadet executive officer enters the room.
• When an officer enters the office for the first time each day.