Military Customs and Traditions Flashcards
are inherited principles, standards and practices that serve as guide for individuals or groups. Are accumulated experiences and deeds passed on from generation to generation.
Traditions
are accepted practice realized through continued usage that take the force and effect of a common law.
Customs
The Filipino soldiers have epitomized valor during their galant defense of Tirad Pass, Bataan, Corregidor, and other countless battles against foreign enemy forces. General Gregorio del Pilar, the hero of Tirad Pass, paid tribute to Filipino soldiery when he declared: “I bow to the terrible destiny’ that defeats me and my brave men but I’m glad to die fighting for my country”.
Tradition of Valor
The Filipino soldier has exemplified himself throughout history as a dedicated public servant who performed his tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice by making himself available at all times whenever situation demands.
Tradition of Duty
General Artemio Ricarte, the first recognized Captain General, as well as the other founding fathers of the AFP during those difficult times have exemplified the value of Honor by leading a life of personal dignity and self* worth in time of peace or in war.
Tradition of Honor
The strongest, most enduring and powerful military tradition that bound the soldiers in oneness to the people they serve. In every endeavor the Filipino soldier has undertaken, he always worked as part of the team and ally in the accomplishment of the mission, an indispensable partner of the people whose support he treasures as vital in the attainment of national objectives.
Tradition of Solidarity
The Filipino soldier has held the respect of the nation by shedding blood and offering the supreme sacrifice in defense of the country. He has given consistently his loyalty to God, country, people and the AFP Chain of Command.
Tradition of Loyalty
Men of arms execute salute as an exchange of greeting, courtesy and respect among themselves.
Salute
the Filipino soldier honors the flag by raising it before the start of the official day’s work to pledge that all his efforts for the day is dedicated to God, country and people.
Flag Raising Ceremony
The sounds of the evening gun during a combined ceremonial parade and retreat ceremony constitute one of the inspiring customs of the service. Military personnel in camps or garrisons pause for a moment either to salute the Nation’s’ Flag or sing the National Anthem.
The Retreat Ceremony
This is a sign of respect and gesture tendered to a departed comrade-in-arms.
The three volleys over graves
A worldwide custom used to signal the temporary cessation of hostilities between warring parties.
The White Flag of Truce
Military personnel who honourably earned decorations in the performance of duty, displays them as part of the uniform during appropriate occasions.
The Wearing of Decorations
The taking of oath for truth of statement of testimony has always been solemn and serious matter accompanied by ceremony. In essence, the taker of the oath calls upon his God to bear witness that the truth would be told.
The Raising of the Right Hand in Taking Oath
An officer of any of the armed services visiting at a military post or one who resides in its vicinity is often extended the “Courtesy of the Post” by the commanding officer after the prescribed official call has been made. This may include the privilege of accommodation-at the Officer’s Club and Officer’s Mess if the visit is of short duration and the privilege of membership, if the stay in the vicinity is extended.
Courtesy of the Post
In all recruiting units, it is a ceremony in which recruits are presented to the colors for the purpose of signifying acceptance and welcome into the organization.
Presentation of Recruits to Colors
A newly assigned officer is tendered a welcome party while prior to the departure of an officer from his station on a change of assignment, a farewell party is tendered. Other suitable unit function is usually given by the unit’s officers and ladies in honor of the newly assigned/departing officer and his family. When pressure of work prohibits this nicety, a “Happy Hour” or a simple get together takes its place. The same is extended to selected senior key NCO and Petty Officers.
Welcome/Farewell Tendered to a Newly Assigned/Departing Officer
This is tendered to a military retiree in recognition of his long, faithful and honorable service to the AFP
Ceremony Tendered to a Retiree
add more distinction and excitement to the regimented life of military personnel. As the day to day activities unfold, the sound of these calls rejuvenate every system of his body to continue performing the things as signalled by each call.
Pipe Calls, Trumpet or Bugle Calls
Officers promoted to star ranks call on the Major Service Commanders, Chief of Staff, AFP and the Secretary of National Defense after taking their oath of office before the Commander-in-Chief. Calls on the Major Service Commanders are usually accompanied by some form of arrival and departure honors.
Call of Newly Promoted Generals/Flag Officers
It has been an invariable custom throughout the AFP that officers make a formal call upon their Commander during New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Call on the Commander Officer
- This is special form of unit officer comradeship which has been developing and spreading in recent years. When this is directed, officers gather at their local club for a beer and conversation. Usually held on Fridays, the growing calls for a light hearted jesting about the events of the week, or airing a minor gripe, and blowing off a little steam, it may also be a time to slip in a judicious request for a pass or even to inquire about
taking a leave. Behavior and activities conform strictly to the moral and ethical
standards set forth in this Code.
Happy Hour
These customs are generally the same for all faiths. They vary only as chaplains of the different churches incorporate other procedures to add to their color and tone.
Military Weddings
This custom enables officers and EP to spend their off-duty social and recreational life in said centers.
Patronage of the Officers’ Club and EP’s Club Houses
