MILITARY CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Traditions - are inherited principles, standards and practices that serve as the established guides for an individual or
group. Traditions are accumulated experiences and deeds passed on from generation to generation both in memory and
reality.
Customs - are accepted practices realized through continued usage that takes the force and effect of a Common Law.

MILITARY TRADITIONS
1.Tradition of Valor
- The Filipino soldier has epitomized valor during his gallant defenses at Bataan and Corregidor against the Japanese
Forces. The late General Douglas Mc Arthur paid tribute to Filipino Soldiery when he proclaimed: “ Give me
10,000 Filipino soldiers and I’ll conquer the world.
2.Tradition of Duty
- The Filipino soldiers have exemplified himself throughout history as a dedicated public servant that perform his task
with deep sense of responsibility and self-reliance. He has made a distinct professional by devoting 24 hours a
day to his job whenever the situation demands.
3.Tradition of Honor
- The founding fathers of the AFP as well as the nation have courageously demonstrated even in most difficult times
the value of honor by leading a life in peace or war with personal dignity and self worth. In history, they were
known for having treasured honor more than life itself when they consistently offered the supreme sacrifice to
win their freedom and keep it by refusing to yield to the glitter of gold offered by their former colonizers.
4.Tradition of Solidarity
- Unity is the strongest, most enduring and powerful military tradition. It is the strongest, most enjoyed by every
member of the AFP, who through thick and thin work together and in hidden ingredient that binds him in
oneness to the people he serve. In every endeavor that the Filipino soldier had undertaken he always worked as
part of the team, to rally in the accomplishment of the mission, and an indispensable partner of the people
whose support he treasured as vital in the attainment of national objective.
5.Tradition of Loyalty
- The Filipino soldier has traditionally held the respect of the nation by shedding much blood and offering the supreme
sacrifice in defense of the country. He has consistently given his loyalty to the nation, the constitution, the
Commander-in-chief, and also his seniors, his peers and his juniors.

MILITARY CUSTOMS
1.Salute
- Men of arms have used form of military salute as an exchange of greeting since the earliest time. It has been
preserved and its used continued in all modern armed forces, which inherited their military traditions from the
age of chivalry. Whatever the form, it has always pertained to military men, and its used definitely restricted to
those in good standings. In the Navy, saluting with the left hand is allowed when the right hand is occupied with
something or not available for the execution of the same.
2.Flag Raising Ceremony
- The Philippine Flag symbolizes our country and people. The Filipino soldiers honors the flag by massing it with the
troops singing the National Anthem and to the accompaniment of the band before the start of the official days
of work to pledge that all his efforts for the day is dedicated to his country and people.
3.Flag Retreat Ceremony
- In the service, it is known to have been in used since the early days of the American OccupationMilitary Personnel in
garrisons pause for a moment either to salute the nations flag or sing the National Anthem.
4.The Three Volleys Over Graves
- This is a sign of respect and gesture of farewell tendered to a departed comrade in arms. In the older days, they did it
by throwing or casting worth 3 times upon the grave, calling the name of the dead and saying farewell 3 times.
5.The White Flag of Truce
- A worldwide custom used to signal the temporary cessation of hostilities between warring parties.
6.The Wearing of Decorations
- Military Personnel honorably earned decorations in the performance of duty, displays them as part of the uniform
during appropriate occasions.
7.The Raising of the Right Hand in Taking Oath
8.From the earliest days, the taking of oath for the truth of statement or testimony has been as solemn and serious
matter accompanied by ceremony
9.Courtesy of the Post
- An officer of any armed services visiting at a military post or one who is in its vicinity is often extended the
“Courtesy of the Post” by the Commanding Officer after the prescribed official call has been made.
10. Presentation of Recruits to Colors
- In most units, it is a ceremony in which recruits are presented to the colors for the purpose of signifying acceptance
and welcome into the organization.
11. Farewell Tendered to a Departing Officer
- Prior to the departure of an officer from his station on a change of assignment, a reception, or other suitable unit
function is tendered in honor of a departing officer. When pressure of work prohibits this nicety, a “Happy Hour”
or a simply get-together takes its place.
12. Ceremony Tendered to a Retiree
- This is tendered to a retiree in recognition of his long, faithful and honorable service to the AFP.
13. Trumpet or Bugle Calls
- Trumpet or bugle calls add more distinction and excitement to the regimented life of military personnel. As the day to
day activities occur, the sounds of these calls rejuvenate every system of his body to continue performing the
things as signaled by each call.
14. Courtesy Calls
- The following are some of the significant courtesy calls in the military:
An officer who has been detailed outside of and is rejoining his major service or has been reassigned to units
outside his Major Service customarily calls on his Major Service Commander.
Upon arrival or prior to departure, officers from overseas missions or foreign schooling pay a call to their
respective Major Service Commanders. It is also appropriate for officers assuming foreign posts to call on to
Secretary of National Defense.
Officers assuming command positions or similar key positions call on their immediate commanders, including
Major Service Commanders. They do the same prior to a transfer or relief from duty.
Newly promoted officers customarily call on their Major Service Commanders. This is usually done in-groups of
the same rank.
In some cases, senior officers who are the subject of all these calls may be extremely busy to attend or receive
callers. It is always a sign of courtesy and goodwill to have manifested an intention to pay such a call.
Call of Newly Promoted Generals/Flag Officers – 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.
New Year’s Call on the Commanding Officer – it has been an invaluable custom through the AFP that officers
make a formal call upon their Commander during New Year’s Day.
15. Happy Hour
- This is a special form of unit personnel, which has been developing and spreading in recent years. When this is
directed, personnel gather at their local club for a beer and conversation. Usually held on Fridays, the growing
custom 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 judicious request for a pass or even to inquire about taking a leave.
Behavior and activities conform strckly to the moral and ethical standard sert ofth in this Code.
16. Military Weddings
- These customs are generally the same for all faiths. They vary only as chaplains of the different churches incorporate
other procedure; add to their color and tone.
17. Patronage of the Officer’s Club and EP’s Clubhouses
- This custom enables Officers and EP to spend the off-duty social and recreational life in said centers.
18. Ceremonies at Holiday Dinners
- This is the practice on Christmas and New Year’s Day, in which Commanding Officers visit troops during meal ti9me or
prior to the serving of the meal. The method varies rather widely.
19. Christmas Holiday Entertainment
- This is another practice on Christmas, in which children of the organization are given gifts and entertained. The
Chaplain, Special Service officer or Ladies Club with the band jointly organizes this.
20. Rank has its Privileges
- Whenever a choice is to be made, such as selection of billets or quarters or electing means of transportation, the
option of selection follows rank, with the senior given the privilege to select first.
21. Visiting the Sick
- 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 of soldier of his unit visits him in
order that his needs are attended to.
22. Survivor Assistance to Bereaved Family
- When any member of a unit dies, an officer is immediately appointed by the Commanding Officer to render every
possible assistance to the bereaved family. A similar courtesy maybe tendered, if desired, in the case of death of
a member of any personnel’s family.
23. “ I Wish” and “ I Desire” Statement
- When the Commanding Officer states, “I wish” or “I desire” rather than “I order that you do such and such, this wish
or desire has all the force of a direct order.
24. Place of Honor
- The place of honor is on the right. Accordingly, when a junior walks, rides or sits with a senior, he takes positions
abreast and to the left of the senior. This is akin to a young man who pays his elder’s respect.
25. Use of the Word “Sir/Maam”
- The word “Sir” is sued in military conversation by the junior officers in addressing a senior, and by all soldiers in
addressing officers. It provides a report, a query, and follows the answer of question.