Military courtesy

It is intended to reinforce military discipline and the chain of command by defining how soldiers will treat their superiors and vice versa.

Some military courtesies include proper forms of address ("Sir", "Ma'am", "Mister") and when each should be used; the salute and the related concept of standing at attention; proper wear of military headgear; obeisance; and the rules for behavior in various ceremonies.

Courtesies are sometimes relaxed under battlefield conditions; officers may discourage salutes in combat areas to avoid making themselves a target for snipers.

The tradition has extended to include the corridors and hallways of buildings (depending on the situation), and it is mostly an obeisance, but it still serves a useful purpose aboard ships (especially submarines).

According to Field Manual 7-21.13 4-4:[1]"Courtesy among members of the Armed Forces is vital to maintain military discipline.

Admiral Jay L. Johnson and Admiral Vern Clark of the United States Navy salute each other during a change-of-command ceremony. Clark is relieving Johnson as Chief of Naval Operations .