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Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Memorandum:--

1. Hereafter, in all lecture halls, section rooms, and other meetings, members of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps will arise upon the entrance of the instructor and stand at "attention" until he directs them to be seated, or until he has taken his seat.

2. At all formations in ranks, except when actually receiving instruction, cadets will be brought to "attention" by the officer or noncommissioned officer in charge upon the approach of a tactical instructor. The officer or noncommissioned officer in charge will then salute the instructor and give the command "rest" or "at ease" after the instructor has passed, or if he remains in the vicinity and so directs. The tactical instructors referred to herein are the Commandant and other commissioned officers of the Army other commissioned officers attached to the Department of Military Science and Tactics, the battalion commanders and their adjutants, and the regimental adjutant.

3. On all other occasions cadets, if in uniform, will come to "attention" upon the approach of an officer (including cadet captain and lieutenant). If grouped together and not in ranks, the first to perceive the officer will give the word "attention," when all will remain in this position until the officer has passed or directs otherwise. If not in ranks all will render the prescribed salute. Individual cadets in like manner observe these rules.

Attention is called to the following changes in Army Regulations, which also govern the Corps:

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"382. Substitute the following: (1) Salutes shall be exchanged between officers and enlisted men not in a military formation, nor at drill, work, games, or mess, on every occasion of their meeting, passing near, or being addressed, the officer junior in rank or the enlisted man saluting first.

"(2) When an officer enters a room where there are several enlisted men, the word "attention" is given by some one who perceives him, when all rise, uncover, and remain standing at attention until the officer leaves the room or directs otherwise. Enlisted men at meals stop eating and remain seated at attention.

"(3) An enlisted man, if seated, rises on the approach of an officer, faces toward him, stands at attention, and salutes. Standing, he faces an officer for the same purpose. If the parties remain in the same place or on the same ground, such compliments need not be repeated. Soldiers actually at work do not cease work to salute an officer unless addressed by him.

"(4) Before addressing an officer, an enlisted man makes the prescribed salute with the weapon with which he is armed, or, if unarmed, with the right hand. He also makes the same salute after receiving a reply. C. A. R., No. 50, Jan. 8, 1917). (2143705 D--A. G. O.)

"383. Substitute the following (1) In uniform, covered or uncovered, but not in formation, officers and enlisted men salute military persons as follows: With arms in hand, the salute prescribed for that arm (sentinels on interior guard duty excepted); without arms, the right-hand salute.

"(2) In civilian dress covered or uncovered, officers and enlisted men salute military persons with the right-hand salute.

"(3) Officers and enlisted men will render the prescribed salutes in a military manner the officer junior in rank or the enlisted man saluting first. When several officers in company are saluted, all entitled to the salute shall return it.

"(4) Except in the field under campaign or simulated campaign conditions, a mounted officer (or soldier) dismounts before addressing a superior officer not mounted.

"(5) A man in formation shall not salute when directly addressed but shall come to attention if at rest or at ease. (C. A. R., No. 50, Jan. 8, 1917). (2143705 D--A. G. O.)

"384. (Changed by C. A. R. No. 33, W. D. 1915.) Substitute the following: (1) Saluting distance is that within which recognition is easy. In general, it does not exceed 30 paces.

"(2) When an officer entitled to the salute passes in rear of a body of troops it is brought to attention while he is opposite the post of the commander.

"(3) In public conveyances, such as railway trains and street cars, and in public places, such as theatres, honors and personal salutes may be omitted when palpably inappropriate or apt to disturb or annoy civilians present. (C. A. R. No 50, Jan 8, 1917).

4. Cadet officers (captains and lieutenants) will be accorded the prescribed courtesies when in uniform. Noncommissioned officers (sergeant and corporals) are not saluted except as prescribed in paragraph 172, Infantry Drill Regulations, and when making reports to the sergeant-major or acting sergeant major at ceremonies, such as guard mounting (paragraph 351, Manual of Interior Guard Duty, U. S. Army, 1914), or other formation where the noncommissioned officer receives reports for the officer in charge. All cadets, however, should stand at attention when addressed by, or addressing, a noncommissioned officer.

For rules governing salutes see "Honors and Salutes," paragraphs 758-765, Infantry Drill Regulations. Failure to observe these rules will not be excused on the ground of ignorance.

5. The President of Harvard University will receive all the courtesies prescribed for instructors.

6. The Governor of the Commonwealth, National Guard and Reserve Officers when in uniform, will be accorded the same honors.

7. The attention of all cadets will be called to the fact that every official notice is duly posted upon the bulletin boards of the Department, in the basement of University Hall, south entrance; and that there is no excuse for cadets failing to inform themselves as to the current instructions, showing sections, lecture groups, companies or detachments to which they may be assigned or attached; the subject matter taught, or the outside reading and special work required. Further information can be obtained at the Commandant's Office, 1 University Hall.

8. This memorandum will be published at the first assembly of each company immediately following its receipt, for the information and guidance of all concerned. C. CORDIER.   Captain, U. S. Army, Commandant.

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