Posted on Jul 9, 2019
Does anyone have the specific Army reference that outlines when to call at ease/attention when a higher ranking NCO/Officer enters a room?
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I see alot of post about the topic but no references to an actual regulation or other references.
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 6
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SFC (Join to see) This used to be in FM 3-21.5 or FM 3-21.13, but I think they've updated it. Local policy may also dictate this.
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SFC (Join to see)
FM 7-21.13 covered it. That has been replaced by TC 7-21.13 which does not address it.
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That's an interesting question...I've never actually seen it, either, neither for Army, when I was ROTC, nor for USAF, when I was at OTS and afterward...honestly, I think it just kinda got hardwired into me as a kind of conditioned reflex, rather like Pavlov's dog, you know? Still, as I'd said, it's an interesting question, certainly....
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I don’t know of reg number but it is definitely a courtesy. Call a room full of mixed or all EM to attention. Or all officers to at ease.
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Military customs and courtesies I believe are based on hundreds of years of traditions passed on by practice, repetition and imitation. There are no governing regulations prescribing courtesies, but there are penalties for failing to adhere to these marks of respect. At best, one can get bawled out, and at worst, be charged with a violation of the appropriate article of the UCMJ. I took a "heat round" from then-BG "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf for failing to call the building to attention for the arrival of a general officer. I was the SDO in the brigade headquarters (3rd Bde, 8th ID (mech)) and was too focused on some paperwork to notice his looming bulk in my field of vision. Betcha I didn't make that mistake twice.
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i am not army, but anyone can call attention, only the person who out ranks everyone present gives the order, "at ease"
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Other Courtesies (ArmyStudyGuide.com)
ArmyStudyGuide.com provide extensive information about Other Courtesies (ArmyStudyGuide.com)
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SFC (Join to see)
This is referencing the FM which was replaced by the TC. I agree that it was a custom. At this point I believe it is now become tradition. When reading the TC is states that customs that are passed from generation to generation are considered to be traditions. I feel as us call a room to attention is not maditory but rather a tradition of not published otherwise. This is why I made my post.
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SFC Michael D.
SFC (Join to see) - You're probably right. I retired 1997 so a lot has changed. Like you said, I believe the tradition still remains.
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CW3 (Join to see)
I agree it is a custom that has been passed down. Looking at TC 7-22.7 here is the passage.
d. Courtesies. Courtesy among members of the Armed
Forces is vital to maintaining discipline. Courteous behavior
provides a basis for developing good human relations. Mutual
courtesy between subordinates and superiors shows the respect
to each member of our profession. Military discipline is
founded upon self-discipline, respect for properly constituted
authority, and embracing the Army Ethic with its supporting
individual values. Military discipline will be developed by
individual and group training, which is enforced by NCOs to
create a mental attitude resulting in proper conduct and prompt
obedience to lawful military authority.25 Some simple
examples and visible signs of respect and self-discipline are:
and it goes on to layout calling "at ease" and "attention"
d. Courtesies. Courtesy among members of the Armed
Forces is vital to maintaining discipline. Courteous behavior
provides a basis for developing good human relations. Mutual
courtesy between subordinates and superiors shows the respect
to each member of our profession. Military discipline is
founded upon self-discipline, respect for properly constituted
authority, and embracing the Army Ethic with its supporting
individual values. Military discipline will be developed by
individual and group training, which is enforced by NCOs to
create a mental attitude resulting in proper conduct and prompt
obedience to lawful military authority.25 Some simple
examples and visible signs of respect and self-discipline are:
and it goes on to layout calling "at ease" and "attention"
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