15 June 09
ALERT ACADEMY, Texas – During encampment, basic cadets hold their breath as they hear the cadet officer they’d just passed say, ”Cadet, front and center!” They have just realized that they failed to engage the cadet officer in a formal greeting. Customs and courtesies are enforced everywhere on the ALERT campus. This is how cadet basics are reminded to practice this tradition and responsibility, and make it a permanent habit. The greetings are used to acknowledge staff, senior members, and cadet officers.

Greetings change according to the time of day, depending on the person you’re talking to, and whether you’re inside or outside. Cadet officers and senior members are greeted outside as "Sir" or "Ma’am," following the appropriate greeting of the day, as a hand salute is rendered. For example, "Good morning, Ma'am" or, "Good evening, Sir." Inside, it is the same, except that no hand salute is exchanged.

Points of view on using customs and courtesies are somewhat similar, but can differ between cadet officers and cadet basics regarding what they mean. C/Maj Sean Stewart said, “Customs and courtesies help keep tradition alive. They are derived from the Middle Ages, when knights would meet on the road and lift the visor of their helmets with their right hand, so as to be recognized. This courtesy eventually evolved into today's hand salute.” He added; “Customs and courtesies also build respect and professionalism as selfless acts.” However, cadet basics see it from a different perspective. C/Amn Chris Landry believes that customs and courtesies are "a way of giving respect to superiors with an emphasis on manners.” Respect is one of the main reasons for customs and courtesies, something that C/Amn Jacob Roberson also believes. “Customs and courtesies help in life and every young person needs to know them and use them. It’s a sign of recognition, and a short thank you with respect,” he said.

When it comes to practicing this tradition, there is always a sense of honor. To be a part of an organization like Civil Air Patrol, which uses these requirements, doing so makes it worth all the effort. It plants a seed of "rightness" and honor that eventually can grow into better leadership and professional development. It promotes the development of respectful young adults and teens, preparing them for the future of their choice, whether in the military or the civilian work force.

Finally, the hope of all involved is that Customs and Courtesies, which are clearly explained in CAP Pamphlet 151, will become part of the cadets’ personal life, where they will set the example of respect in their homes and at their schools. As cadets grow in age, knowledge and wisdom, they'll pass on this valuable heritage to everyone around them.

Cadet leaders exchange hand salutes as one cadet leader turns the formation over to another.



As the cadet flight commander approaches his flight, he is immediately saluted by the cadet flight leader upon recognition.


C/Amn Jonathan Elliott, Echo flight, salutes his flight cadet sergeant, C/MSgt Joseph Hudges.