Proper Etiquette for Army Graduations

It was a sweltering hot June day. But we patiently waited in the bleachers to see our soldier's beret ceremony. It was a proud moment for the men who had just completed nine very intense weeks of training. They were now officially part of the United States Army. With one sweep of their hands, the black beret was fitted on their heads. No one smiled but you could sense the elation in the stifling Georgia air. The commander explained the significance of the beret and why it was used in our modern military.

However, I was distracted. Every time what little breeze there was wafted my way, the strong stench of smoke accompanied it. And two teenagers were having a heated discussion on the best way to text message and if they would be able to message their soldier now. A child, understandably uncomfortable in the heat, suddenly shrieked and ran towards the formation of soldiers. His mother restrained him but he continued to bellow. People were constantly getting up out of their seats causing others to have to move to accommodate them.

Though Army graduations and beret ceremonies are generally held out of doors, the same basic courtesy is still expected as if it were held indoors. It is not just for the comfort of those guests around you but also as a token of appreciation to those soldiers who have worked so hard to get this far.

Etiquette Point #1- Come Early and Prepared

If you are attending any graduation it is expected that you arrive well before the graduates march so you are seated and out of their way. The same is true at an Army graduation. Everything on an Army post runs on time so do arrive early. I am not talking about five minutes early either. Get there at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. You will have to go through security checkpoints and obtain a pass from the Provost Marshall at the gate. Once you have completed that, you will have to find parking and a place to sit. We arrived on post 45 minutes prior to graduation and it was a good amount of time to find our place. The bleachers were almost full by 15 minutes prior to graduation.

Come prepared. If you are attending a summer graduation, particularly at Fort Benning in Georgia, bring water. The post did set up some table with water but they were few and far between. You will quickly feel the heat as you wait for your soldier, so do have plenty of water on hand. Also be sure to wear sunscreen as you will most likely be sitting out in the direct sun. By the same token, dress appropriately warm in the winter.

Etiquette Point #2- Be Courteous

There are no "no smoking" signs posted however, treat it as if there were. Because it is an outdoor ceremony, non-smokers have to be there too. Pretend that it is indoors and leave the cigarettes in the car. It is very distracting and uncomfortable to those of us who do not indulge and to the soldiers who have not been allowed tobacco for nine weeks.

Crying children is inevitable and understandably, there is no place else to take them. Do what you can to prepare for the outbursts including bringing juices or water for them, snacks, toys, pacifiers, et cetera. The people attending graduation understand that children become bored or cranky but it is still very distracting when they want to see their soldier and hear the ceremony.

Talking after you have been seated is perfectly fine. But as soon as the ceremony starts- be quiet. A whisper every now and then is fine but chatting for the sake of talking is plain rude. I wanted to hear the commander talk about the training my brother went through and the history of our U. S. Army. But thanks to a couple of girls behind me, I heard very little of the ceremony. Voices carry, even outside.

If you come in late, do not walk in front of the bleachers or ask people to move to accommodate you. Slip behind the bleachers to find your place and stay off the parade grounds as you will interrupt the soldiers.

Etiquette Point #3- Dress Appropriately

There is no dress code for visitors to the post but a certain amount of common sense and respect should go into choosing your wardrobe. Consider that your soldier has been and will be under a dress code throughout his or her military career. It should not be hard to dress to impress for one day.

Casual clothing is your best bet for an outdoor ceremony. Believe it or not, for women, a dress is far more comfortable than shorts or pants. It was certainly cooler for me. Collared shirts and pants for men is a good choice for men. I know it is hot and you want to be comfortable but do take into consideration that it is a solemn ceremony. Again, take into consideration what you would wear to an indoor ceremony. Our soldiers will most assuredly be hotter than you as they will be wearing uniforms!

One other thought- wear comfortable shoes. I made the mistake of wearing high heeled sandals. We had to walk over gravel and dirt paths. Do not expect pavement wherever you walk on post.

Etiquette Point #4- Respecting the Flag and the Soldier

Clapping and standing ovations seem to be an odd mix of individuals starting and crowd mentality. Most of the time, the Army will request you to hold your applause until a signal is given. Sometimes the speaker will request a round of applause at certain times. Standing ovations should be reserved until someone in charge, usually the commander, has started it or requested it. When the soldiers march past the grandstands, you will be asked to rise and remain standing until the last platoon clears your section. When in doubt, reserve your applause until it is started by the speaker.

I also want to mention maintaining proper respect for the flag. You will rise for the playing of the national anthem during the ceremony. If you are a civilian and an American citizen, you are to put your hand over your heart and face the flag. If you are not an American citizen, stand facing the flag with your arms at your sides. Showing proper respect to the flag is a wonderful way to also show your respect to your soldiers.

Etiquette Point #5- Follow Directions

When arriving on post for graduation ceremonies, there will be very clear directions laid out. Follow the signs and you will get to the parade grounds without a problem. When in doubt, ask. Wandering around a post is a surefire way to get lost.

The quickest way to get yourself booted off a post is to disobey the directions of the military personnel. And for the sake of your soldier, listen and obey to those in charge. You may not be in the military but you are still on an Army post.

Also, do be very careful driving on post. If you see a platoon out hiking by the side of the road, slow down and move as far over to the other side as you can.

Etiquette Point #6- Do Not Bring Gifts to the Ceremony

Your soldier is not allowed to start carrying around gifts or food items at the beret ceremony or the graduation. Save it for family time. Usually your soldier will be allowed out on pass following the beret ceremony and graduation. Take your soldier off post, which I am certain he or she will desire, and enjoy the gifts from home then. Your soldier will not be allowed to drink or use tobacco or get out of uniform once he leaves post so confine your activities accordingly.

Army graduations are an amazingly stirring ceremony. You will feel so proud not only of your soldier but to be an American. Enjoy it and be sure to let your soldier know how proud you are of him or her. This is a great accomplishment and the graduation is just a small way of expressing their success.