Annotation Summary for General Military Knowledge

Highlight [page 81]: The Navy uses the 24-hour system of keeping time. The day starts at midnight. Four
numbers are used to indicate the time—the first two digits indicate hours and the last two show the
minutes. Midnight is expressed two ways—0000 to indicate the start of the day, and

Highlight [page 82]: 2400 to indicate the end of the day. Each succeeding hour, starting at midnight, is
increased by 100 (0000, 0100, 0200, and so on) until 2400 is reached, then a new day starts.

Time is spoken in hundreds. For example, 0100 (1:00 a.m.) is spoken “zero one hundred”; 2000 (8 p.m.)
is pronounced “twenty hundred”; 2315 (11:15 p.m.) is spoken “twenty three fifteen.”

Highlight [page 82]: Two methods are used in identifying watches. One method uses a descriptive name
that identifies the type of watch—for example, pier sentry. The other method also uses a name, but it
identifies the time of the watch. Standard watch times and their names are given in the following listing:

Highlight [page 82]: Security watches are stood to prevent sabotage, protect property from damage or
theft, prevent access to restricted areas by unauthorized persons, or protect personnel. Security watches
include sentry duty, barracks watches, fire watches, and watches stood under way.

Highlight [page 82]: Command Duty Officer (CDO)

Highlight [page 83]: Officer of The Deck (OOD)

Highlight [page 83]: Junior Officer of the Deck (JOOD)

Highlight [page 83]: Junior Officer of the Watch (JOOW)

Highlight [page 83]: Combat Information Center (CIC) Watch Officer

Highlight [page 83]: While there are scores of other enlisted watch assignments, those described in the
following sections are the most important and the most responsible.

Highlight [page 83]: Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW)

Highlight [page 83]: The QMOW assists the OOD in navigational matters and maintains the ship’s deck
log.

Highlight [page 83]: Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch (BMOW)

Highlight [page 83]: The BMOW must see that all deck watch stations are manned with qualified
personnel and all watch standers in previous watch sections are relieved.

Highlight [page 83]: Lookouts, Sky and Surface

Highlight [page 83]: The lookout watch mans assigned lookout stations and performs duties as prescribed
in the ship’s lookout instructions.

Highlight [page 83]: Messenger of the Watch (MOW)

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Highlight [page 83]: The messenger of the watch stands the watch on the bridge (under way) and the
quarterdeck (in-port). The MOW delivers messages, answers telephones, and carries out such duties as
the OOD may direct.

Highlight [page 83]: Fog Lookouts

Fog lookouts are required during fog or reduced visibility.

Highlight [page 84]: Helmsman

Highlight [page 84]: The helmsman is a qualified steersman who steers courses prescribed by the conning
officer.

Highlight [page 84]: Lee Helmsman

Highlight [page 84]: The lee helmsman who stands watch at the engine order telegraph on the bridge
rings up the conning officer’s orders to the engine room, making sure all bells are correctly answered.

Highlight [page 84]: After Steering Watch

Highlight [page 84]: This watch, stationed in after steering, is set when positive steering control must be
maintained, such as during general quarters, under way replenishment, and sea and anchor detail.

Highlight [page 84]: Gangway Watch

Highlight [page 84]: When required, the gangway watch is posted at the foot of the brow or gangway to
perform such duties as directed by the OOD.

Highlight [page 84]: Security Watches and Patrols

Highlight [page 84]: Security watches and patrols, in addition to those described elsewhere in this
chapter, may be assigned at the discretion of the CO.

Highlight [page 86]: To take charge of this post and all government

property in view.

Highlight [page 86]: To walk my post in a military manner,

keeping always alert and observing everything that takes place within my sight or hearing.

Highlight [page 86]: To report all violations of orders I am

instructed to enforce.

Highlight [page 86]: To repeat all calls from posts more distant

from the guardhouse (quarterdeck) than my own.

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Highlight [page 86]: To quit my post only when properly relieved.

Highlight [page 87]: To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who

relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and petty officers of the
guard only.

Highlight [page 87]: To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

Highlight [page 87]: To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

Highlight [page 87]: To call the petty officer of the guard in any

case not covered by instructions.

Highlight [page 87]: To salute all officers and all colors and

standards not cased.

Highlight [page 88]: To be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge
all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.

Highlight [page 99]: The Navy has had a phonetic alphabet for many years. From time to time, it’s been
changed in attempts to use words that would instantly bring to mind the letter represented by the word.
The phonetic alphabet (table 4-1) was adopted by the armed forces of the various NATO nations as a
means of overcoming many language difficulties.

Highlight [page 161]: The DoD consists of various agencies and three military departments—the Army,
Navy, and Air Force. The DoD includes the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which consists of a chairman, the military
heads of each department, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Highlight [page 161]: To support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies,
foreign and domestic

Highlight [page 161]: To ensure, by timely and effective military action, the security of the United States,
its possessions, and areas vital to its interests

3. To uphold and advance the national policies and interests of the United States

4. To safeguard the internal security of the United States

Highlight [page 161]: The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces
capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas.

Highlight [page 161]: The first objective is to organize, train, equip, prepare, and maintain the readiness
of Navy and Marine Corps forces to perform military missions.

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Highlight [page 163]: The second objective is to support the Navy and Marine Corps forces as well as the
forces of other military departments.

Highlight [page 163]: The SECNAV has the following responsibilities:

• Conducts recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, and mobilizing, and demobilizing

Highlight [page 163]: • Oversees the construction, outfitting, and repair of naval ships, equipment and
facilities

Highlight [page 163]: • Formulates and implements policies and programs that are consistent with the
national security policies and objectives established by the President and the Secretary of Defense

Highlight [page 164]: The operating forces (fig. 6-4) consist primarily of combat and service forces,
including several fleets and the Fleet Marine Forces.

Highlight [page 164]: They include the Coast Guard (when operating as a part of the Navy) and other
forces and activities under the command of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).

Highlight [page 164]: The shore establishment (fig. 6-5) provides support to the operating forces (known
as the fleet). The support is in the form of facilities for the repair of machinery and electronics;
communications centers; training areas and simulators; ship and aircraft repair; intelligence and
meteorological support; storage areas for repair parts…

Highlight [page 183]: The term boat refers to a noncommissioned waterborne vessel that is not
designated as a service craft.

Highlight [page 183]: The term service craft (figs. 7-9 and 7-10) is applied to waterborne craft that are
designed for special use. Harbor tugs, ferryboats, various non self-propelled barges, and floating dry
docks are designated service craft.

Highlight [page 184]: Combatant craft are craft or boats specifically designed for combat roles. Figures
7-11 and 7-12 show a variety of patrol, riverine, amphibious warfare, and special combatant craft.

Highlight [page 189]: Knots. Knots are used to form eyes or to secure a cord or line around an object,
such as a package. In other words, the line is bent to itself.

Hitches. Hitches are used to bend a line to or around an object, such as a ring, spar, or stanchion.

Bends. Bends are used to secure two lines together.

Highlight [page 189]: Square Knot

The square knot, also known as the reef knot from its use in reefing sails, is quickly and easily made and
has a great many uses. It will not slip, but it can jam

Highlight [page 189]: under heavy strain. It can be loosened, however, by pulling on first one and then
the other end. Figure 7-16 shows steps in making a square knot.

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Highlight [page 189]: Bowline

The bowline, with its many variations, has a lot of uses. Its chief use is to form an eye; but it can also be
used to secure a line to a pad eye, to secure another ring around another object.

To tie a bowline, you should—

1. Grasp the bitter end of the line in the right hand and the standing part in the left hand (opposite, if
left-handed). Assuming you are using small stuff, the length of line between your hands should be about
2 feet.

2. Throw an overhand loop counterclockwise near your left hand (clockwise near your right hand, if you
are left-handed).

3. Grasp the loop formed and hold it. Pass the bitter end up through the bottom of the loop, as shown in
figure 7-17, view A.

4. Pull the bitter end up through the loop, and pass it around behind the standing part of the line (fig.
7-17, view B).

5. Pass the bitter end down through the loop beside the line that was pulled up through the loop (fig.
7-17, view C).

6. To tighten the knot, grasp the standing part in one hand and the two lines passed through the loop
with the other hand, and pull.

Highlight [page 193]: Becoming an accomplished seaman takes time, hard work, and patience. At some
time in your career, you could be a member of a detail where handling lines will be required, or you may
work with deck equipment and lines on a daily basis. Knowing how to use deck equipment and handle
lines safely is essential.

Lines are used in the Navy for many reasons—from mooring aircraft carriers to securing bookshelves at
sea. Without the wide variety of lines available to us, our way of doing our jobs would be extremely
difficult.

Each piece of deck equipment or fitting has been designed for a specific purpose. A set of bits on a
destroyer is used primarily for mooring, where a set of bits on a tug is used almost exclusively for towing.
Becoming familiar with deck equipment and its use, and knowing how to makeup and use lines is not
only a sign of good seamanship but could, in case of emergencies, make the difference between saving or
losing the ship or your shipmates.

Each person in the Navy is first and foremost a seaman and then a technician in his or her specific rate.
Become proficient in seamanship. It may help you in your daily duties and most certainly assist you in
times of difficulty.

Highlight [page 195]: GENERAL TERMS Lengthwise direction on a ship is fore and aft; crosswise is
athwartships.

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Highlight [page 195]: A ship is divided in half lengthwise by a centerline. When you face forward along
the centerline, everything to your right is to starboard; everything to your left is to port. Fixtures and
equipment take the name of the side on which they are located, such as the starboard gangway and the
port anchor.

Highlight [page 195]: When you go toward the centerline, you go inboard. An object nearer the
centerline is inboard of another object and that object is outboard of the first. The section around the
midpoint area is called amidships (also called the waist). The extreme width of a ship, usually in the
midship area, is its beam.

Highlight [page 196]: You never go downstairs in a ship; you always go below. To go up is to go topside.

Highlight [page 196]: However, if you climb the mast, stacks, rigging, or any other area above the highest
solid structure, you go aloft.

Highlight [page 196]: The bridge is topside and usually forward.

Highlight [page 196]: An object hanging against the side, bow, or stern is over the side, bow, or stern. An
object in the water but not touching the ship is outboard of or off the ship (off the starboard side, off the
port bow, and so on). An object in front of a ship is ahead of it.

Highlight [page 196]: An object to the rear is astern, never in back. Cooking is done in the galley, not in
the kitchen.

Highlight [page 196]: The fore-and-aft inclination of a ship is the ship’s trim—down by the head or down
by the stern.

Highlight [page 196]: To trim a submarine is to adjust water in the variable ballast tanks, or trim tanks. A
ship is said to list if it has a permanent or semipermanent inclination to one side or the other. This is a
less than optimum condition.

Highlight [page 196]: The hull is the supporting body of a ship. Think of the hull as an envelope. Inside
the hull are strengthening members that prevent the envelope from collapsing.

Highlight [page 196]: The keel is the backbone of the ship.The keel of most steel ships does not extend
below the ship’s bottom; hence, it is known as a flat keel.

Highlight [page 197]: The athwartships structure consists of transverse frames and decks.

Highlight [page 197]: Frames running parallel with the keel are called longitudinals. From the turn of the
bilge up the sides they are also called stringers.

Highlight [page 197]: The forward end of the keel, which is extended upward, is called the stem.

Highlight [page 197]: The interior of a ship is divided into compartments by vertical walls, called
bulkheads.

Highlight [page 197]: The plates that form the ship’s hull are called strakes.

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Highlight [page 197]: (A ship rolls from side to side; it pitches when it goes up and down fore and aft; it
yaws when the bow swings to port and starboard because of wave action.)

Highlight [page 197]: The upper edges of the sides, where the sheer strakes join the main deck, are called
the gunwales (rhymes with funnels).

Highlight [page 197]: The water level along the hull of a ship afloat is the waterline. The vertical distance
from the bottom of the keel to the waterline is the ship’s draft. Freeboard is the distance from the
waterline to the main deck.

Highlight [page 197]: The floors of a ship are called decks. They divide the ship into layers and provide
additional hull strength and protection for internal spaces. The undersurface of each deck forms the
overhead (never the ceiling) of the compartment below. Compartments are the rooms of a ship.

Highlight [page 198]: For instance, you never refer to the space where you sleep as the bedroom or where
you eat as the dining room. These spaces are called the berthing compartment or space and the mess
deck.

Highlight [page 198]: Further deck support is provided throughout the ship by vertical steel pillars called
stanchions. Stanchions are mounted one above the other or one above a strength bulkhead.

Highlight [page 198]: A deck or part of a deck exposed to the weather is called a weather deck (fig. 8-3).
Bulwarks are a sort of solid fence along the gunwale of the main (weather) deck. The bulwarks are fitted
with freeing ports (scuppers) to permit water to run off during heavy weather.

Highlight [page 198]: Companionways (ladders).

Highlight [page 198]: Flats.

Highlight [page 198]: Forecastle (pronounced folk’ sel) deck.

Highlight [page 198]: Gallery deck.

Highlight [page 198]: Half deck.

Highlight [page 198]: Levels.

Highlight [page 198]: Platforms.

Highlight [page 198]: Poop deck.

Highlight [page 198]: Quarterdeck.

Highlight [page 199]: Superstructure deck.

Highlight [page 199]: Upper deck.

Highlight [page 199]: Well deck.

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Highlight [page 199]: Access through bulkheads is provided by doors and through decks by hatches.
Watertight (WT) doors, as the term implies, form a watertight seal when properly closed.

Highlight [page 200]: Manholes of the hinged type are miniature hatches provided in decks for occasional
access to water, fuel tanks, and voids.

Highlight [page 200]: The solid part of a ship above the main deck is called the superstructure (fig.

Highlight [page 200]: On a single-masted ship, the mast is called simply the mast. A two-masted ship has
a foremast and mainmast. A three-masted ship has a foremast, mainmast, and mizzenmast, in that order
from forward. Stacks (never chimneys or funnels) are the large pipes that carry off smoke and gases from
the boilers. The wider lower section of a stack is an uptake.

Highlight [page 201]: Stays and shrouds, together with other wires used for similar purposes on stacks,
masts, and so on, are known as the ship’s standing rigging. Lines or wires used for hoisting, lowering, or
controlling booms, boats, and so on, are known as running rigging.

Highlight [page 201]: The top of a mast is called the truck. A small sheave (a pulley, pronounced shiv) at
the truck is used to run halyard lines for hoisting. The top of the foremast is the foretruck, and the top of
the main- mast is the main truck.

Highlight [page 201]: Most foremasts have a light spar, called a yard, and mounted horizontally
athwartships on their upper part. The port and starboard halves of a yard are the port and starboard
yardarms.

Highlight [page 201]: The gaff is a light spar suspended at an angle abaft the upper part of the mainmast.

Highlight [page 201]: The bridge, from which the ship is controlled while under way, is located in the
superstructure.

Highlight [page 201]: The signal bridge (where Signalmen operate the signal lights, flags, and pennants) is
normally located atop the bridge.

Highlight [page 201]: Located near the bridge is the chart house, where charts (maps) are stowed and
worked on by the Quartermaster. Also nearby (on some ships) is the combat information center (CIC)
manned by operations and combat systems department personnel.

Highlight [page 202]: Main control is the station where the engineer officer controls the engineering
functions of a ship. Main control is normally located below the main deck or macin boilerhinery spaces.

Highlight [page 246]: SALUTING

One required act of military courtesy is the salute. Regulations governing its use are founded on military
custom deeply rooted in tradition. The salute is a symbol of respect and a sign of comradeship among
service personnel. The salute is simple and dignified; but, there is great significance in that gesture. It is a
time-honored demonstration of courtesy among all military personnel that expresses mutual respect and
pride in the service. Never resent or try to avoid saluting persons entitled to receive the salute. (The
privilege of saluting is generally denied prisoners because their status is considered unworthy of the
comradeship of military personnel.)

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The most common form of salute is the hand salute. However, there are other types, such as gun and rifle
salutes, which are discussed later in this chapter.

Highlight [page 246]: The Hand Salute

The hand salute began in the days of chivalry when it was customary for knights dressed in armor to raise
their visors to friends for the purpose of identification. Because of the relative position of rank, the junior
was required to make the first gesture. Another school of thought traces the salute back to a custom at the
time of the Borgias. Assassinations by dagger were not uncommon at that time, and it became the custom
for men to approach each other with raised hand, palm to the front,to show that there was no weapon
concealed.

In the U.S. Navy, it’s reasonable to believe that the hand salute came from the British navy. There is
general agreement that the salute as now rendered is really the first part of the movement of uncovering.
From the earliest days of military units, the junior uncovered when meeting or addressing a senior.
Gradually, the act of taking off one’s cap was simplified into merely touching the cap or, if uncovered, the
head (forelock), and finally into the present form of salute.

The way you render the hand salute depends on whether you are in civilian clothes or in uniform.

Highlight [page 246]: Personnel in civilian clothes render the salute in two ways:

1. Hat in front of the left shoulder (men only)

2. Right hand over the heart (men without hats; women with or without hats)

Highlight [page 246]: Except when walking, you should be at attention when saluting. In any case, turn
your head and eyes toward the person you’re saluting (unless it is inappropriate to do so, such as when a
division in ranks salutes an inspecting officer on command). Navy personnel salute the anthem, the flag,
and officers as follows:

• Raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefingers touches the lower part of the headgear or
forehead above and slightly to the right of the eye (fig. 9-1).

• Extend and join the thumb and fingers.

• Turn the palm slightly inward until the person saluting can just see its surface from the corner of the
right eye.

• The upper arm is parallel to the ground; the elbow is slightly in front of the body.

• Incline the forearm at a 45º angle; hand and wrist are in a straight line.

• Complete the salute (after it is returned) by dropping the arm to its normal position in one sharp, clean
motion.

Highlight [page 247]: Accompany your salute with a cheerful, respectful greeting; for example, “Good
morning, sir”; “Good afternoon, Commander [Jones]”; “Good evening, Chaplain [Smith]”.

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Highlight [page 247]: Always salute from the position of attention.

Highlight [page 247]: Look directly into the officer’s eyes as you salute.

Highlight [page 247]: Under naval customs, the hand salute is accompanied by a word of greeting. The
junior stands at attention, looks the senior straight in the eye, and says (depending upon the time of day)
the following:

• From first rising until noon “Good morning,…”

• From noon until sunset “Good afternoon, …”

• From sunset until turning in “Good evening,…”

Highlight [page 247]: If possible, always use your right hand.

Highlight [page 247]: Salute officers even if they are uncovered or their hands are occupied.

Highlight [page 247]: If you are walking with or standing by a commissioned officer and the occasion for
a salute arises, do not salute until the officer salutes.

Highlight [page 247]: When approaching an officer, start your salute far enough away from the officer to
allow time for your salute to be seen and returned.

Highlight [page 247]: Salute all officers who are close enough to be recognized as officers.

Highlight [page 248]: The safest course of action is to salute immediately and not wait for the person
approaching you to disclose his/her rank.

Highlight [page 255]: At commands ashore and aboard ships of the Navy not under way, the ceremonial
hoisting and lowering of the national flag at 0800 and sunset are known as morning and evening colors.
Every Navy shore command, and every ship not under way, performs the ceremony of colors twice a day.

You will render honors as follows:

• If you are in ranks, you will be called to attention or order arms.

• If you are in uniform but not in ranks, face the colors and give the hand salute.

Q10. Define the term honors.

• If you are driving a vehicle, stop and sit at attention but do not salute.

• If you are a passenger in a boat, remain at attention, seated or standing. The boat officer or coxswain
salutes for the boat.

Q11. Name the passing honors for the President of the United States?

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• If you are in civilian clothes or athletic uniform, face the colors at attention and salute by placing your
right hand over your heart…

Highlight [page 256]: If a band is available for color ceremonies, “Attention” is sounded, followed by the
band playing the national anthem. At morning colors, hoisting the ensign begins when the music starts. It
is hoisted smartly to the top of the flagstaff. At evening colors, lowering of the ensign also starts at the
beginning of the music. Hoisting and lowering of the ensign are completed at the last note of the music.
The national flag is always hoisted smartly and lowered ceremoniously. “Carry on” is sounded at the
completion of the music.

Highlight [page 256]: National flags flown at half-mast (or half-staff ashore) are an internationally
recognized symbol of mourning.

Highlight [page 256]: When the national anthem, “To the Colors,” or “Retreat” is played at morning or
evening colors aboard ships not under way, all hands should hold the salute during the raising or
lowering of the flag. In half-masting during morning colors, “Carry on” should

Highlight [page 257]: not be sounded until the flag is lowered to half-mast. At evening colors, “Attention”
is sounded and the salute rendered before raising the flag to the top of the flagstaff from its half-mast
position.

Highlight [page 257]: If the flag is not displayed when the anthem is played inside a building, you stand
at attention facing the source of the music. If you are in uniform and covered, you render the hand salute;
if not covered, you stand at attention. If you are in civilian clothes, render the hand-over-the-heart
salute…

Highlight [page 258]: If the flag is displayed when the anthem is played, you face the flag and stand at
attention. If in uniform and covered, render the hand salute; if in civilian clothes or if in uniform and
uncovered, you place your right hand over your heart. Persons in formation stand at attention, and those
in charge of the formation salute.

Highlight [page 258]: With some exceptions, saluting procedures when the anthem is played outdoors
(with or without the flag displayed) are the same as when indoors.

Highlight [page 258]: Personnel in boats, whether in uniform or in civilian clothes, do not salute during
the playing of the anthem.

Highlight [page 258]: The rules for saluting the flag passing in a parade are simple: come to attention,
face the flag, and salute. (If you are in a vehicle, remain seated at attention.)

Highlight [page 258]: When you are in uniform and boarding any ship and the national ensign is flying,
you halt at the gangway, face aft, and salute the ensign. You then turn to the OOD and salute. If you are
returning to your own ship, you say, “I request permission to come aboard, sir/ma’am.” The OOD returns
both salutes and says, “Come aboard” or a similar expression.

Highlight [page 258]: When you salute the OOD in boarding a ship other than your own, you say, “I
request permission to come aboard, sir/ma’am.” You should then add the purpose of your visit: “to visit a
friend” or “to go to small stores.”

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Highlight [page 258]: When you leave a ship, the order of saluting is reversed. You salute the OOD first
and say, “I request permission to leave the ship, sir/ma’am.” After receiving permission, you then face and
salute the ensign (if it is flying) and depart.

Highlight [page 259]: Another area in which special rules apply is the quarterdeck. The quarterdeck is not
a specific deck; it is an area designated by the commanding officer to serve as the focal point for official
and ceremonial functions. The quarterdeck, consequently, is treated as a “sacred” part of the ship; and you
should obey the following rules:

1. Don’t be loud or sloppy in its vicinity.

2. Never appear on the quarterdeck unless you are in complete uniform.

Highlight [page 260]: Never cross or walk on the quarterdeck except when necessary.

5. Don’t lounge on or in the vicinity of the quarterdeck.

6. When on the quarterdeck, salute whenever the quarterdeck watch salutes (as during a gun salute).

Highlight [page 260]: A messing compartment is where enlisted personnel eat; the wardroom is where
officers eat. If you enter any of these areas while a meal is in progress, you must uncover.

Highlight [page 261]: Aboard ship, the regularly assigned commanding officer is addressed as “captain”
regardless of grade. The regularly assigned executive officer (if of the grade of commander) may be
addressed as “commander” without adding the name. In some ships it is customary to address the
executive officer as “commander” even though the grade is that of lieutenant commander.

Highlight [page 261]: Naval officers are introduced to civilians by title, and the method of introduction
should give a clue as to how the person should be addressed from then on. You might say, “This is
Lieutenant Jones. Mr. Jones is a shipmate of mine.” This serves a double purpose; it gives the civilian to
whom you are introducing the officer knowledge of the naval person’s grade, and it also gives the correct
method of address, “Mr. Jones.”

Highlight [page 261]: Military and civilian practices differ in the introducing and addressing of enlisted
personnel. Under military conditions, petty officers are addressed and introduced by their respective title
followed by their last name. Petty officers in pay grades E-7, E-8, and E-9 are introduced and addressed as
“Chief ______ ,” prefixed by “Senior” or “Master,” if appropriate. Petty officers in pay grades E-4 through
E-6 are addressed and introduced as “Petty Officer _______ .”

Highlight [page 263]: Customs and courtesies play an integral part of the seafarer’s life. Through them, we
show respect for each other and for certain symbols or objects, such as the American flag. When we
address the commanding officer as captain, even though he or she holds the rank of commander, we are
using a time-honored custom of respect for the person in command.

Highlight [page 263]: The courtesy of the salute is not only the required recognition of a senior but also
the expression of mutual respect and pride in service. The courtesy of rendering honors to the Arizona
Memorial and Washington’s tomb is a sign of respect. The custom of officer personnel boarding ships/
boats after enlisted personnel is another sign of respect. The customs and courtesies of removing your hat
indoors or in the presence of a lady, of rendering honors to the national ensign, and of playing the

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national anthem at morning and evening colors are also signs of respect. Our customs and courtesies will
continue to be a part of our daily routine as long as we maintain pride and respect in our Nation, our
service, and ourselves…

Highlight [page 277]: In the enlisted branch of the Navy, a field of work or an occupation is called a
rating. Levels within the rating are called rates.

Highlight [page 277]: From the recruit rate, you began to train in one of the six broad occupational
groups.

Highlight [page 277]: Personnel in pay grades E-1, E-2, and E-3 who have qualified in a particular rating
will wear the specialty mark of that rating. This is called a striker mark.

Highlight [page 277]: Subject to standard instructions, changes from one field to another are allowed
quite freely in the lower pay grades before a person has been intensively trained in one particular field.
This lets you have enough time to find the choice of work you want in the Navy. However, once you have
advanced to a senior petty officer level, changes to another field are seldom permitted.

Highlight [page 277]: As mentioned before, every enlisted person in the Navy has a rate. You must be able
to identify a person’s rate. To enable you to do this, every enlisted person in the Navy (with the exception
of E-1) is required to wear an insignia indicating rate on the left arm of the service uniform.

Highlight [page 277]: The most senior enlisted person in the U.S. Navy is the master chief petty officer of
the Navy (MCPON).

Highlight [page 282]: The pay grade of a commissioned officer is called a rank.

Highlight [page 282]: An officer of a given grade is junior to all officers of higher grades and senior to all
officers of lower grades. Any commissioned officer is senior to any warrant officer or enlisted person.

Highlight [page 284]: The Navy needs specialists to supervise the operation of equipment and weapons
and needs enlisted personnel to maintain them. Chief warrant officers fill the gap between enlisted
personnel and commissioned officers. They are former enlisted personnel selected for warrant status
because of their professional ability and for their demonstrated qualities of leadership, loyalty,

Highlight [page 285]: Special insignia are worn on the breast to indicate special qualifications or
designations (figs.

Highlight [page 286]: The Command at Sea insignia is worn by persons below flag rank who have or have
had command of commissioned ships or aviation squadrons at sea.

Highlight [page 286]: The Command Ashore/Project Manager insignia is worn by officers below flag rank
who have or have had command ashore or served as a project manager.

Highlight [page 287]: The Surface Warfare insignia is worn by officers and enlisted personnel who have
qualified in all phases of surface warfare.

Highlight [page 287]: The Submarine Warfare insignia is worn by personnel who have qualified to serve
in submarines.

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Highlight [page 287]: The Aviation Warfare insignia is worn by personnel qualified to serve in flight.

Highlight [page 287]: The Special Warfare insignia is worn by personnel qualified in underwater and
beach reconnaissance, demolition, and special warfare tactics.

Highlight [page 290]: The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warfare insignia is worn by personnel who are
qualified in the identification and safe disposal of many different types of ordnance produced by the
United States, our allies, and our enemies.

Highlight [page 290]: The Underwater insignia is worn by officer and enlisted personnel qualified in
various classes of diving.

Highlight [page 290]: The Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist insignia is worn by personnel who are
qualified in all phases of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion operations including mobilization, combat
operations, disaster recovery, and combat readiness.

Highlight [page 296]: One of the purposes for formations is to move a large number of personnel from
one place to another in an orderly manner. Another purpose is to make sure people receive correct up-to-
date information. People listen more closely to and better understand what is being said when they are
alert and paying attention…

Highlight [page 296]: For example, the term squad or platoon at one command may be a detail, division,
or class at another. Here, the term squad is used to represent a basic formation. Remember that the
members of any formation must respond in unison (together) to the commands given.

Highlight [page 296]: Distance. A space of 40 inches between the chest of one person and the back of the
person ahead within ranks.

Highlight [page 296]: Element. An individual, squad, section, platoon, company, or some other unit that
is part of a larger unit.

File or column. A formation of elements or persons placed one behind the other.

Flank. The extreme right or left of a unit, either in line or in column. The element on the extreme right or
left of the rank. A direction at a right angle to the direction an element or a formation is facing.

Formation. An arrangement of elements in line, in column, or in any other prescribed manner.

Guide. The individual on whom a formation or element regulates its alignment. The guide is usually
positioned to the right.

Interval. The space between individuals from shoulder to shoulder, normally one arm’s length.

Pace. The length of a full step (30 inches for men and 24 inches for women).

Rank or line. A formation of elements or persons abreast of each other or side by side.

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Step. The distance from heel to heel between the feet of a marching person. The half step and back step
are 15 inches. The right and left steps are 12 inches.

Highlight [page 297]: ATTENTION. The position of attention is the basic military position. It indicates
you are alert and ready for instruction. In this position, stand with your heels together, feet forming an
angle of 45°, head and body erect, hips and shoulders level, and chest lifted. As shown in figure 10-22,
allow your arms to hang naturally—thumbs along skirt or trouser seams and fingers joined and in their
natural curl. Keep your legs straight, but not stiff at the knees. Direct your head and eyes to the front.
Keep your mouth closed, and pull your chin in slightly. When called to attention, bring the heel of your
left foot to the heel of your right foot.

PARADE REST. The command Parade REST is given only when the formation is at attention; the
movement is executed in one count (fig. 10-23).

Highlight [page 297]: AT EASE. On the command AT EASE, you can relax and shift about, but keep your
right foot in place. Do not talk. This command may also be given when you are not in ranks, as in a
classroom. You must not talk, but you may remain relaxed.

REST. On the command REST, follow the same movement restrictions as you would when at ease, but
you may talk.

FALL OUT. (This command is not a dismissal order.) Upon the command FALL OUT, leave your position
in ranks but remain nearby. On the command FALL IN, resume your place in ranks, and come to
attention.

Highlight [page 298]: Facings are movements that can be made either to the right or left, with the
exception of about face. While facing, your arms should remain at the position of attention. The following
commands describe only the movement to the right. To perform a movement to the left, simply substitute
“left” for “right” and “right” for “left.”

Highlight [page 298]: RIGHT FACE. Right face (fig. 10-24) is a two-count movement started on the
commands Right FACE. On the command FACE, (1) raise your left heel and right toe slightly and turn
90°to the right. Keep your left leg straight but not stiff; (2) bring your left heel smartly alongside the right
heel and stand at attention.

EYES RIGHT. When given the commands Eyes RIGHT, smartly turn your head 45°to the right on the
command RIGHT. The commands to turn your head back to the position of attention are Ready FRONT.
On the command FRONT, snap your head to the front.

ABOUT FACE. About face is a two-count movement performed on the commands About FACE. On the
command About, shift your weight to your left leg without noticeable movement. On the command
FACE, (1) place your right toe about 6 inches behind and slightly to the left of your left heel (fig. 10-25;
(2) on the ball of the right foot and the heel of the left foot, turn smartly to the right until you are facing
the rear. Your feet will be in the position of attention when the turn is

Highlight [page 298]: completed if you place your right toe properly behind your left heel.

Highlight [page 298]: To obtain a normal interval (fig. 10-26), move in line so that your right shoulder
touches the fingertips of the person to the right. As soon as you are in line with the person to your right

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and the person on your left has obtained normal interval, return smartly and quickly to the position of
attention.

Highlight [page 301]: All branches of the military establishment take pride in the appearance and
sharpness of their personnel during ceremonies. The Navy is no exception. During your naval career, you
will probably receive some type of award in recognition of an accomplishment. The recognition will
probably take place at a command function, such as an inspection or awards ceremony. Ship’s company or
command personnel standing at attention in formation during such ceremonies makes the award more
meaningful and the ceremony more impressive.

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