Military Ceremonies and Traditions

Promotions and Re-enlistments

• Ceremonies recognize individual milestones, such as promotions, re-enlistments, and personal awards.
• Time, date, and place are designated and announced for these events.
• Formations are based on unit size and space.
• Recognized individuals form at the rear of the formation.

Dining In

• Formal unit dinner that may honor arrivals, departures, dignitaries, or achievements.
• Military women attend, although these events are typically stag events.
• Military attendees wear uniforms, while civilians wear black tie.
• Medals are worn by all attendees.
• Includes a formal setting, toasts, martial music, and an honored guest.

Marine Corps Birthday

• Celebrated every year on 10 November.
• The tradition started in 1921.
• The commanding officer cuts the cake.
• The first piece of cake goes to the oldest Marine, and the second piece goes to the youngest Marine.

Wet Down

• A tradition from the old Navy to celebrate new officers.
• The newly commissioned officer hosts a dinner.
• The commission is toasted by rolling it into a cone and passing it around the table, "wetting down" the commission.

Hall and Farewell

• A semi-annual event welcomes new personnel and bids farewell to departing members.

When/How to Salute

• Start the salute 6 to 30 paces away.
• Hold the salute until acknowledged.
• Include a greeting with the salute.
• Look directly at the person/colors.
• Salute once if the senior remains close by.
• Salute again if conversation occurs, or if you or the senior departs.

Saluting in a Group

• When not in formation, the first person to notice an officer calls attention and salutes for the whole group.
• When in formation, the senior calls attention and salutes for the group.

Saluting When Passing an Officer

• When passing an officer in the same direction, come abreast, salute, and say "By your leave, sir/ma'am."
• The officer responds with "Carry on" or "Granted," and the salute is ended as you pass.

Who to Salute

• Salute officers of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and foreign military officers formally recognized by the U.S. Government.

When Not To Salute

• Indoors, unless under arms.
• When a prisoner or guarding prisoners.
• Under battle conditions.
• In ranks, at games, or part of a working detail.
• In crowded places, public transport, or congested areas, unless directly addressing or addressed by a senior.
• When it would interfere with duties or create a hazard.
• When holding a smoking device.
• While your blouse/coat is unbuttoned.