Respecting NCOs in the Military: Traditions and Protocol

Understanding the nuances of respect and protocol within the military structure is crucial for both officers and enlisted personnel. The relationship between commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and enlisted personnel is governed by specific traditions and hierarchical structures. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how respect is shown to NCOs in the military, along with real-life examples and case studies.

Saluting Protocol in the Military

Saluting is a formal gesture of respect primarily reserved for commissioned officers, such as lieutenants and captains. This tradition is deeply rooted in historical military customs and serves as a visible sign of respect and recognition. For example, as an enlisted personnel, you are expected to salute commissioned officers when they enter a room, march by, or otherwise pay attention to you. However, this protocol does not extend to non-commissioned officers (NCOs) for specific reasons.

Authority and Leadership of NCOs

Non-commissioned officers play a vital leadership role in the military. They are respected for their experience, skills, and knowledge. Enlisted personnel often look to NCOs for guidance and mentorship, making their role crucial in daily operations. While NCOs do not require a salute from enlisted personnel, they are expected to receive the highest level of respect and follow through on their authority. This includes giving orders and ensuring that the chain of command is respected.

A Real-Life Experience

Personal anecdotes can provide valuable insight into the dynamics of respect within the military hierarchy. For example, the author shares a personal experience where an E3 (sergeant) shouted an order at an E6 (sergeant first class). Initially, there was tension, but the E6 responded with a similar command, which caught the attention of the E3's colleague, who recognized the E6's right to order him. This experience highlighted the importance of respect and understanding the military hierarchy.

Respect and Recognition

Enlisted personnel are expected to show respect to NCOs in various ways, beyond the formal act of saluting. This includes following orders, addressing them correctly, and recognizing their authority. The military structure is built on traditions that differentiate between commissioned officers and NCOs. This hierarchy helps maintain order and discipline within the ranks.

Techniques for Maintaining Respect

The article concludes with practical advice on how to maintain respect for NCOs and commissioned officers. The author emphasizes the importance of remembering army values and the uniform for respect. In the case of NCOs, while they are not officers, they still hold significant authority and should be treated with the respect they deserve. For commissioned officers, the protocol of coming to attention and saluting is strictly followed, both indoors and outdoors, to show respect and avoid revealing command structure to the enemy.

Conclusion

In summary, while enlisted personnel do show great respect for NCOs, the formal act of saluting is reserved for commissioned officers as part of military tradition and protocol. The relationship between enlisted personnel and NCOs is governed by a complex set of rules and traditions, but respect and recognition are essential components of the military structure.