There are numerous reasons why people join our military’s all-volunteer force. Some trade in their civilian clothes for the oppor-tunity to wear a uniform that represents honor and to be a part of a proud heritage, while others simply may have sought a lifestyle change. And, while we each have our reasons for joining, one thing we should all have in common is our commitment to “excellence.”
***image1***Being excellent everyday is impossible, but having the desire and self-motivation to grow is where excellence begins. One area we can improve is by paying proper respect to the American and German national anthems.
Over the last several years, while at military sporting events and base movie theaters, I have observed some (assumed) military members, in civilian clothes, stand at attention but not place their hand over their heart; and while in uniform and outdoors, noticed most do not salute.
In search of the right answer, I found that in the United States Code, Title 36, and the Air Force’s Professional Development Guide, Chapter 8, they say we must, while in civilian clothes, face the flag, stand at attention and place our right hand over our heart. Additionally, the PDG goes on to say that we must, “pay the same respect to the national anthems and flags of other nations [friendly armed forces of the United Nations] as rendered the U.S. National Anthem and flag,” meaning we should salute or place our hand over our heart for both anthems.
It is truly a privilege to serve in today’s military and an honor to serve overseas with such a great host nation. And because we are arguably busier than any generation before, it is vital we help others by being good wingmen and sharing knowledge, for all of our benefit.
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There are numerous reasons why people join our military’s all-volunteer force. Some trade in their civilian clothes for the oppor-tunity to wear a uniform that represents honor and to be a part of a proud heritage, while others simply may have sought a lifestyle change. And, while we each have our reasons for joining, one thing we should all have in common is our commitment to “excellence.”
***image1***Being excellent everyday is impossible, but having the desire and self-motivation to grow is where excellence begins. One area we can improve is by paying proper respect to the American and German national anthems.
Over the last several years, while at military sporting events and base movie theaters, I have observed some (assumed) military members, in civilian clothes, stand at attention but not place their hand over their heart; and while in uniform and outdoors, noticed most do not salute.
In search of the right answer, I found that in the United States Code, Title 36, and the Air Force’s Professional Development Guide, Chapter 8, they say we must, while in civilian clothes, face the flag, stand at attention and place our right hand over our heart. Additionally, the PDG goes on to say that we must, “pay the same respect to the national anthems and flags of other nations [friendly armed forces of the United Nations] as rendered the U.S. National Anthem and flag,” meaning we should salute or place our hand over our heart for both anthems.
It is truly a privilege to serve in today’s military and an honor to serve overseas with such a great host nation. And because we are arguably busier than any generation before, it is vital we help others by being good wingmen and sharing knowledge, for all of our benefit.