Military courtesy Military courtesy is one of the defining features of a professional military force . These courtesies form a strict and sometimes elaborate code of conduct . Military courtesy is an extension and a formalization of courtesies practiced in a culture ' s everyday life . It is intended to reinforce discipline and the chain of command , defining how soldiers will treat their superiors and vice versa . They are also thought to enhance esprit de corps . 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 . Specifics can vary depending on an individual ' s rank , location , and circumstances . A military funeral , for example , requires stricter etiquette than a normal day . Courtesies are sometimes relaxed under battlefield conditions ; officers may discourage salutes in combat areas to avoid making themselves a target for sniper s , and indeed in the United States of America as well as some Commonwealth nations , it is forbidden to salute both indoors , and when in " the field " , a battle situation where snipers are likely to pick out officer targets watching for salutes . Other military courtesies serve a practical purpose . In the United States Navy , " bracing " is the practice of bracing one ' s self against the bulkhead ( wall ) at the position of attention as a superior officer walks by . This practice arose because of the narrow passageways on ships . Since officers may need to quickly move about the ship , sailors would get out of the officer ' s way by bracing . The tradition has extended to include the corridors and hallways of buildings ( depending on the situation ) and is mostly an obeisance , however it still serves a useful purpose aboard ships ( especially submarines . ) According to Field Manual 7 - 21 . 13 4 - 4 ‘ ’ Courtesy among members of the Armed Forces is vital to maintain military discipline . Military courtesy means good manners and politeness in dealing with other people . Courteous behavior provides a basis for developing good human relations . The distinction between civilian and military courtesy is that military courtesy was developed in a military atmosphere and has become an integral part of serving in uniform . ’ ’ Military courtesy has been established over the years from earlier and sometimes remote customs and traditions . But one thing they all have in common is they show the respect and honor the soldiers and superiors have for one another . Military courtesies are often very similar to the civilities found in the civilian world as well as daily life . The only difference is that it is mandatory for the courtesies seen in the military to be adhered to and followed by its soldiers . If these courtesies are not followed , the offending soldier can , and almost always will , be punished . This punishment can come in the form of corrective training , known commonly to the soldiers as a “ smoking session ” , essays , extra duty and can go as far as court martial , jail time and / or being discharged from the military . In the military , manners and levels of respect help to identify the difference between junior to senior ranking members . Courtesies and customs of the Army have been practiced for hundreds of years . They involve a code of conduct that is mandatory for every member of the army to follow . Some are obviously against the rules of professionalism such as public display of affection in uniform , as is being intoxicated in uniform and exhibiting violent behavior are conducts that are punishable in the military code of conduct . Others are unique codes of behavior that must to be followed in order to present a one of a kind organizational structure to the military as these customs and practices instill and show discipline and professionalism among its members . Most military courtesies have similar manners in the civilian world . For example , it is mandatory for members of the military to address officers with " sir " or " ma ' am , " and senior enlisted with their rank , such as “ sergeant ” or “ first sergeant ” . This is similar to many parents teaching their children the way to address an adult . Even though it is not necessary for the senior officers to be considerate and polite , military courtesy is designed to foster mutual respect among its members . It is give and take . A private will find it hard to respect and show courtesy to an officer if they do not return the same respect . Military courtesies may also be adopted by paramilitary organizations .