Military Courtesy

Military courtesy is one of the defining features of a professional military force. The 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 by defining how soldiers will treat their superiors and vice versa. They are also thought to enhance esprit de corps.

Military courtesy proper forms of address ("Sir", "Ma'am", "Mister") and when each should be used; the salute, and the related concept of standing at attention; 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 on a normal day. Courtesies are sometimes relaxed under battlefield conditions, or in conditions where strict behavior will be detrimental to the effectiveness and efficiency of the crew.

There are military customs that have specific purposes. For example, "bracing" is the practice of bracing one's self against the bulkhead (wall) at the position of attention as a superior officer walks by. The practice arose in early Earth navies 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 it is mostly an obeisance, but it still serves a useful purpose aboard ships (especially submarines).

Saluting

Star Fleet Officers and Enlisted are not expected to salute their superiors while going about their day-to-day duties, although prior to their decommissioning the Star Fleet Marine Corps retained the salute despite the "indoor" nature of their duties and the lack of headgear that were requirements of the salute prior to the formation of Star Fleet.

However, it is considered polite to salute a wearer of the Star Fleet Medal of Honour, regardless of rank. This is a tradition carried over from the United States Military practice of the bearer being entitled to be saluted regardless of their rank, or the rank of the salutee.