Military Customs and Traditions

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

Traditions

Question 2

are accepted practice realized through continued usage that take the force and effect of a common law.

Answer 2

Customs

Question 3

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”.

Answer 3

Tradition of Valor

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

Tradition of Duty

Question 5

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.

Answer 5

Tradition of Honor

Question 6

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.

Answer 6

Tradition of Solidarity

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

Tradition of Loyalty

Question 8

Men of arms execute salute as an exchange of greeting, courtesy and respect among themselves.

Answer 8

Salute

Question 9

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.

Answer 9

Flag Raising Ceremony

Question 10

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.

Answer 10

The Retreat Ceremony

Question 11

This is a sign of respect and gesture tendered to a departed comrade-in-arms.

Answer 11

The three volleys over graves

Question 12

A worldwide custom used to signal the temporary cessation of hostilities between warring parties.

Answer 12

The White Flag of Truce

Question 13

Military personnel who honourably earned decorations in the performance of duty, displays them as part of the uniform during appropriate occasions.

Answer 13

The Wearing of Decorations

Question 14

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.

Answer 14

The Raising of the Right Hand in Taking Oath

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

Courtesy of the Post

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

Presentation of Recruits to Colors

Question 17

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.

Answer 17

Welcome/Farewell Tendered to a Newly Assigned/Departing Officer

Question 18

This is tendered to a military retiree in recognition of his long, faithful and honorable service to the AFP

Answer 18

Ceremony Tendered to a Retiree

Question 19

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.

Answer 19

Pipe Calls, Trumpet or Bugle Calls

Question 20

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.

Answer 20

Call of Newly Promoted Generals/Flag Officers

Question 21

It has been an invariable custom throughout the AFP that officers make a formal call upon their Commander during New Year’s Day.

Answer 21

New Year’s Call on the Commander Officer

Question 22

• 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.

Answer 22

Happy Hour

Question 23

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.

Answer 23

Military Weddings

Question 24

This custom enables officers and EP to spend their off-duty social and recreational life in said centers.

Answer 24

Patronage of the Officers’ Club and EP’s Club Houses

Question 25

This is the practice on Christmas and New Year’s Day, in which Commanding Officers visit troops during meal time or prior to the serving of the meal. The method varies rather widely.

Answer 25

Ceremonies at Holiday Dinners

Question 26

This is another practice on Christmas, in which children of the organization are given gifts and entertained. This is jointly organized by the Chaplain, Special Service Officer or Ladies Club with the band present.

Answer 26

Christmas Holiday Entertainment

Question 27

A military personnel who is sick in the hospital is visited by available officers and enlisted personnel of the unit in such number as may be permitted by the doctor or surgeon-in-charge. An officer or soldier of his unit visits him in order that his needs are attended to.

Answer 27

Visiting the Sick

Question 28

When any member of a unit dies, an officer is immediately designated by the commanding officer to render every possible assistance to the bereaved family. A family courtesy may be tendered, if desired, in the case of a death of a member of any personnel’s family.

Answer 28

Survivor Assistance to Bereaved Family

Question 29

The place of honor is on one’s right. When a junior walks, rides, or sits with a senior, he takes position abreast to the left of the senior.

Answer 29

Place of Honor