AFVOA Newletters of Year 2010

Page 26 of 50 65. DON’T be familiar with those in the ranks. They like you to keep your proper place. 66. DON’T be familiar with your NCOs, however efficient they may be. Young officers need great care when handling experienced NCOs. Keep your dignity. Common sense and understanding on both sides will simplify matters. 67. DON’T enter a Sergeant’s Mess unless invited by a general invitation to officers. 68. DON’T stay for more than one hour at any dance to which you (in common with other officers) have been invited 69. DON’T attempt to buy NCOs a drink at any such entertainment; remember they are collectively your “hosts” and it really isn’t done. 70. DON’T try to create an impression by consuming a large number of drinks You will lose your subordinates’ respect (if nothing worse happens) 71. DON’T enter or remain in the “bar” of a hotel if rank and file are present. The “lounge” is more suitable for officers. 72. DON’T, because the “ranker” happens to be your father or brother, drink with him in a public bar. Find somewhere private. He is sufficiently proud of you not to want you to behave in a manner unbecoming to your rank. 73. DON’T take an NCO or any of the rank and file into the Officers’ Mess. 74. DON’T inquire into the private domestic affairs of those in the ranks who are married; leave this to senior officers. If they want your help in any such matters they will ask for it. 75. DON’T attempt to know the “married families” socially, that is, by visiting their homes or forming any other social liaison. To do so is to invite accusations of partiality and favouritism, which are difficult to refute, had for your reputation amongst seniors and juniors, and detrimental to Service discipline. 76. DON’T allow the attractiveness of your “lady driver” to make you forget, even temporarily, that the dividing line between officers and rank and file must be maintained. Saluting 77. DON’T shirk saluting officers of and above “field ranks” at all times, whether “on” or “off duty”. There is nothing servile or derogatory to yourself in it. It is an ancient custom with hundreds of years of tradition behind it. Irrespective of rank, you must salute your superiors in rank before addressing them, or being addressed by them, on duty or parade. 78. DON’T fail to return every compliment paid to you by rank and file, and acknowledge it with proper full salute; never touch your cap like a taximan acknowledging a tip. There is only one kind of salute, and it is the same for officers as well for those in the ranks. 79. DON’T forget to salute when you enter and leave an office occupied by a brother officer of equal or senior rank. It is courteous and has now become established custom of the Service. 80. DON’T forget that when two or more officers are standing together and compliments are paid, only the senior present salutes; if he doesn’t, do it for him, and tactfully explain you are acknowledging a salute for him, rather than commit the unpardonable offence of “cutting” a salute given by an “other rank”. 81. DON’T forget to salute a bier, uncased colours or when the National Anthem is played. 82. DON’T salute or return compliments if you are without your head dress. Disposal of Offenders