Uniforms, Appearance, and Customs and Courtesies
Uniforms, Appearance, and Customs and Courtesies tests standards of dress and grooming, wear of insignia, and the everyday courtesies that mark military discipline: saluting, reporting, and proper address.
Core rules
- Wear the uniform as prescribed for the duty, environment, and command policy. Keep it clean, serviceable, and correctly fitted; place insignia and badges according to the current wear guidance.
- Grooming standards apply on and off duty as directed. Hair, facial hair, jewelry, and tattoos must meet current policy; when policy changes, follow the latest official guidance rather than rumor.
- Salute outdoors to officers and to the colors during ceremonies such as reveille and retreat. Salute indoors when reporting to an officer or when under arms, as prescribed.
- Use “Sir” or “Ma’am” for officers and warrant officers; use the appropriate rank and surname for NCOs. When in doubt, a respectful salute and greeting is safer than ignoring a custom.
- Reporting to an officer normally includes a salute, your rank and name, and your purpose, such as “Sir, Private Smith reports as ordered.”
Worked example
You are outdoors in uniform and an officer approaches. You stop, face the officer, render a hand salute, and say “Good morning, Sir.” You hold the salute until it is returned, then lower it. Reasoning: the salute is a greeting and mark of respect; the spoken greeting reinforces the courtesy, and holding until returned completes the exchange.
Traps that cost marks
Failing to salute the colors at reveille or retreat; wearing unauthorized items or incorrect insignia; walking with hands in pockets; and using first names for officers or senior NCOs without permission. Do not rely on outdated grooming rules; verify current policy.