These are the different elements within the Army structure

The term “chain of command” in the military refers to the way that people are ranked and decisions are made. In the National Guard, there is a straight line that runs from the  governor who is the commander-in-chief, down to the newest, lowest-ranking officer. Every member of the National Guard is responsible for his or her actions to the person above. Each soldier, no matter how senior, receives orders and guidance from above, and is rated on his or her performance. In addition, every soldier is responsible for providing leadership and loyalty down the chain of command. (Adapted from The Army Spouse Handbook).

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, “military rank is more than just who salutes whom. Military rank is a badge of leadership. Responsibility for personnel, equipment and mission grows with each advancement.” If you click this link to the U.S. Department of Defense site, you will find a detailed description of rank for the different military services. While the amount of time spent in each rank is based on averages, a military member can often accelerate the promotion process by taking advantage of additional training and schooling opportunities.

(Adapted from an article at Military.com)

Military social occasions and ceremonies can be nerve-racking, because they do require at least a basic knowledge of etiquette and protocol, no matter how recently you joined the ranks. A miscue can make everyone around — especially you — uncomfortable. A command of proper etiquette, on the other hand, puts people at ease, and that’s a good thing, says Jane Jollota, whose job as cadet hostess at the U.S. Military Academy includes an annual etiquette briefing for brides-to-be.

Etiquette, Jollota insists, is really just a charming combination of common sense and good manners and should be adhered to whether your husband is an E-4 or the commanding general.

If etiquette anxiety prevents you from attending (or enjoying) military functions, take control. Read up on the basics, and if you’re still unsure, Jollota recommends following the lead of the hostess or a senior wife. She’ll be the one sitting in the front row, sweating as the flag approaches!

Military balls

Military balls are one of the most fun military traditions — but they have more than their share of protocols to go with them. Read all about what to expect at a military ball in this other article by Military.com..

Parades and ceremonies

— At the moment a flag passes in a parade or in review, stand, face the flag and put your right hand over your heart.

— While the national anthem is played, stand at attention with your right hand over your heart, even if the flag is not displayed. This applies whether you’re indoors or outdoors. Don’t talk, chew gum loudly, eat or smoke while the anthem plays.

— If you’re on a military installation at 5 p.m. as the flag is being retired, protocol requires that you stop what you’re doing, stand at attention facing the flag and stay that way until the ceremony is complete. If you’re driving, safely pull over and stop the car. You can remain at attention inside the car or get out, whichever you choose.

— For more on official flag protocol, go here.

For any event

If an RSVP is requested, make sure to respond. And always, always arrive on time.

Formal dinners

Don’t sit down immediately. Wait to be instructed, and allow the gentleman seated to your left to assist you with your chair (even if you’re perfectly capable of seating yourself). Know your place-settings. Your bread plate is on your left, and your drink is on your right. When a place-setting features more than one fork, spoon, etc., start on the outside, and work your way in with each course. Don’t talk or leave your seat during a speech, no matter how dull, and remain quiet as the colors are retired.

Receiving lines

You’re only passing through. Don’t stop to chat, and get rid of drinks, plates or anything else in your hands before you reach the actual receiving line. You precede your husband through the receiving line, and he should introduce you to the first person in line, who will pass on your name.

Informal occasions

Never arrive empty-handed. A small, thoughtful expression of your appreciation for the invitation is always appropriate. Jollota suggests a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine or flowers. My recent favorite is a bag of Starbucks coffee.

Follow an invitation to someone’s home with a thank-you note sent within 48 hours of the event.

“Always, always,” Jollota says.

Service Songs

Each branch of the military has its own official song that is a part of its heritage. It is an anthem to rally behind and offers esprit de corps when sung together. Learn your Guard member’s service song if you would like to sing along. The title of the United States Army song is “The Army Goes Rolling Along.” Click here for the lyrics and recording at the U.S. Army Bands site. The title for the United State Air Force song is the “U.S. Air Force,” sometimes known as “Wild Blue Yonder.” Find the updated lyrics at the U.S. Air Force Band website and listen to their recording at the U.S. Air Force Band Youtube channel.

Unit coffee groups

Some units have a coffee group. If you’re invited to participate in the coffee group you may be meeting at the home of someone in the unit. There is no need to bring a hostess gift or send a thank you note after a coffee group meeting. Do, however, still remember to RSVP and arrive on time.

Don’t know what to wear to an event?

There’s almost nothing more uncomfortable than arriving at a social function only to discover that you’re dressed inappropriately. When in doubt, contact the hostess before the event and ask for information about attire. Better to be safe than sorry!

Content

Each branch of the military has its own official song that is a part of its heritage. It is an anthem to rally behind and offers esprit de corps when sung together. The title of the United States Army song is “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” and the lyrics are:

THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG

INTRO: 

March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We’re the Army and proud of our name
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim

VERSE: 

First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.

REFRAIN: 

Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong (TWO! THREE!)
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

There are additional verses, however those listed are the ones traditionally sung at most military events.

Click here to find a recording at the U.S. Army Bands site. 

Each branch of the military has its own official song that is a part of its heritage. It is an anthem to rally behind and offers esprit de corps when sung together. The title for the United State Air Force song is the “U.S. Air Force,” sometimes known as “Wild Blue Yonder.” The recently updated lyrics are:

The U.S. Air Force Song

Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At ‘em now, Give ‘em the gun! Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey! Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force!

There are additional verses, however the one listed is the one traditionally sung at most military events.

Find the full lyrics at the U.S. Air Force Band website and a recording at the U.S. Air Force Band Youtube channel.