AFVOA Newletters of Year 2010

Page 25 of 50 or others. If no NCO, Service Police or civil police are handy, ring up the nearest unit; failing that, a police station. Give your name and request that the offender be taken into custody. Don’t go near the offender yourself on any account; you may cause him unwittingly, to commit a more serious offence. 42. DON’T forget that all your orders must be “lawful” orders – ie., the disobedience of which would tend to delay or prevent some military proceedings. Your Behaviour and Personal Example to Others 43. DON’T criticize superior officers (whatever your private opinion may be of individuals), particularly in the presence of juniors. 44. DON’T live beyond your income, get into debt or borrow money. 45. DON’T push yourself forward at the expense of others, especially your seniors. 46. DON’T unpunctual. The Services are run to the exact minute; synchronize your watch daily with the official time. 47. DON’T quarrel; it dissipates energy needlessly. 48. DON’T walk arm in arm in public. The relationship doesn’t matter; don’t do it. 49. DON’T waste time and breath grumbling. Have this text in a visible place to cure you of this habit – “God, teach me not to whimper”. 50. DON’T carry informality too far in the formal conditions you will find in Mess. 51. DON’T fail to show respect for senior officers at all times, but avoid a servile or fawning manner as you would the plague. 52. DON’T allow your personal dislike of an individual to impair your good manners. 53. DON’T remain seated if your CO or an officer of his rank enters the room you are in. Stand up. 54. DON’T bore people with your own doings, however interesting they may. They want you to listen to their experience. Be quiet and retiring; you have no idea how popular a ‘good listener’ can become. 55. DON’T open a conversation with very senior officers; leave it to them. In other words, don’t thrust yourself forward uninvited; you might meet with an unexpected reception. 56. DON’T “stand drinks” to members of your Mess. It is forbidden. 57. DON’T be afraid to refuse a drink at any time if you don’t want it. Only a “boor” could press drinks upon a guest unnecessarily. 58. DON’T acquire the aperitif or cocktail habit in war time. Both sometimes affect the moral as well as the physical fibre. 59. DON’T forget that ladies – even if they are serving as officers – are only allowed into that part of the Mess set apart for their use. They are not allowed into the officers’ ante-room. 60. DON’T introduce religious or political subjects into conversation in the Officers’ Mess. 61. DON’T seek popularity with other ranks by assuming a contempt for authority and strict discipline. 62. DON’T strike fancy attitudes of your own, or move about when giving a word of command on parade. Stand to attention. 63. DON’T apply for leave the first day you arrive at your new station. You will create a bad impression. 64. DON’T try to evade your responsibilities. You are not paid to “pass the baby” to others. Relationship Between Officers and Rank and File