THE SOLDIERS CREED
I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills, always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.
Signature:________________________________
All Soldiers are required to sign stating that they know, understand and will uphold the Soldier‟s Creed.
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The Aviation Warfighting Center History
The Aviation Warfighting Center at Fort Rucker is the home of Army Aviation worldwide and a vital part of the Nation‟s total warfighting capability. Army Aviation was born in battle. Its earliest roots were the Balloon Corps, which arose out of the urgent need Civil War commanders had for tactical reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment. Even before World War I Army aviators were conducted armed reconnaissance as part of the Punitive Expedition against Pancho Villa‟s raiders in the Southwest and northern Mexico. In World War I the role expanded to include close air support, aerial combat, and deep strikes against key command and logistics nodes. Out of this experience came the idea of Airpower that led, through World War II, to the independent Air Force of today. The continuing, critical need for responsive support to the ground commander created a split in Army aviation in 1942. The Air Corps had focused on high-altitude, long-range bombing and became the Army Air Forces. In the eyes of ground commanders, the Air Corps had literally „flown away‟ from the ground soldier. To meet the urgent needs, especially in fire adjustment, the Army Ground Forces created Organic Army Aviation on 6 June 1942. On 9 November 1942 the first of this new brand of Army aviator flew into combat as part of the North Africa invasion – the first major, offensive operation by U.S. forces in World War II. Through the rest of World War II, Army aviation provided vital support in all theaters of the war. Names of some of these pioneers appear today in Goodhand Simulator Complex, Hutton Plaza, Murphy Hall, and Hatch Stagefield. World War II also created the post that became Fort Rucker. In less than 120 days in early 1942, to prepare units for combat, over 1200 buildings sprang up, creating Camp Rucker. The post was named for Colonel Edmund W. Rucker. Rucker had served with Confederate cavalryman Nathan Bedford Forrest – famous for his basic idea of „Get their first with the most‟ and for attacking even when in the defense. Aviation‟s connection to the post arose out of the Korean War. Army aviation had again proven invaluable – particularly in battlefield command and control, and in lifesaving medical evacuation. The Army‟s senior leaders, including Chief of Staff Matthew Ridgway and the G-3, Major General James M. Gavin, were determined not to let the potential go unrealized. When expanding aviation training at Fort Sill exceeded that installation‟s capacity, Gavin chose Camp Rucker, with nearby Ozark Army Airfield, as the ideal location to create an official Army Aviation Center. This would be a permanent hub and fountain of energy for future Aviation. On 13 October 1955 the post was officially renamed Fort Rucker, representing its new status as a permanent Army installation. Other key aviation organizations quickly arose here, including the Aviation Test Board and the Aviation Safety Board, which became today‟s Army Safety Center. This change came along with a new drive to develop Army aviation as an integral part of the Army‟s combined arms team – the creation of „Sky Cavalry‟ that became modern Air Assault. Beginning in 1956 a volunteer group experimented with arming helicopters, leading to the development of true gunships in Vietnam. An ad-hoc SkyCav Platoon conducted firepower and air assault demonstrations here and elsewhere. Ultimately this led to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) that deployed to Vietnam in July 1965. Army aviation‟s expansion to meet warfighting needs in Vietnam exceeded Fort Rucker‟s capacity. Fort Wolters, Texas, gave initial rotary-wing training to over 40,000 pilots. Graduates came here or went to a temporary branch school for gunship pilots at Fort
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Hunter-Stewart, Georgia. Tens of thousands of others trained here in maintenance and related skills to support an Army aircraft fleet that grew to almost 13,000 by 1970. By the end of Vietnam, Aviation‟s increasing roles in combat had transformed the Army into something much like what Brigadier General Carl Hutton, the first Aviation Center commander, had called „an air fighting army.‟ Intensive work continued here to improve all aspects of aviation. Training of Army air traffic controllers, vital to all the services, moved here. This move was part of a gradual, continuing consolidation of people and facilities to achieve efficiencies and enhance capabilities. Increasing complexity and sophistication of the battlefield after Vietnam produced a new generation of tactics, doctrine, training and materiel. These all increased requirements on Soldiers. Unable to meet these needs within existing arrangements, the Army created the Aviation Branch. Barely six months after the Branch‟s official birthday on 12 April 1983, Aviation was committed in combat in Grenada. Before the decade ended, Army aviators were in combat around the world, including the Persian Gulf and Panama, where the performance using night vision devices led the Chief of Staff of the Army to proclaim „We own the night.‟ That nightfighting capacity led to Army Aviation firing the opening shots in Operation Desert Storm (ODS), when Apaches took out key air defense radars in Iraq and opened the corridors for Air Force and Navy strike aircraft. By the end of the Gulf War in 1991, Army Aviation had shown itself to be a dominant force on the battlefield. Since 1991 Army Aviation has faced recurrent and more recently almost continuous combat. Events in Somalia in 1993 foreshadowed a new kind of warfare that burst into full view as the Global War on Terrorism after 11 September 2001. During Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army Aviation was again a key instrument in the pre-execution and staging for combat operations. As during the 1950s, recent years have brought more Aviation organizations and functions to Fort Rucker, including consolidation of the U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC) and a new Army Air Traffic Services Command (ATSCOM) with worldwide responsibilities. The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) supports the Joint community, as well as the Army, enhancing the capabilities of Aviation warfighters and their systems to perform under extreme conditions. In 1995 the Total Warrant Officer Career Center (WOCC) stood up as a separate agency to meet the Army‟s growing need for technical expertise across its branches. Joint needs continue to be met through Air Force flight training also done here. Training allied officers continues as it has for many years. New responsibility for all Army unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) reflects the long trend. As during Vietnam, Soldiers using some systems in combat is part of the development process today. Changes in training reflect ongoing effort to field the most skilled Warfighter possible to meet the immediate challenges of combat. Today Fort Rucker exudes the Warfighting Spirit. It is embedded in the names of facilities, stagefields, and ranges – many, named for those who pioneered warfighting techniques and systems. It resides in streets named for Medal of Honor recipients and callsigns of Aviation units that were distinguished in combat during Vietnam. It echoes in bugle calls marking transitions in each day. It stands watch around the clock in the flag in front of the Headquarters and lit at night to remember those on duty around the world. It maintains a constant, silent vigil in the monuments in Veterans‟ Park. Most of all, it is in the constant motion of aircraft filling the skies and efforts of Soldiers performing their daily duties.
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1. PURPOSE. This publication is to inform Soldiers of the Aviation Warfighting Center and Fort Rucker about basic standards for individual discipline, appearance, conduct, and military courtesy as established by both Army and Fort Rucker regulations. Every Soldier assigned to Fort Rucker will meet these standards. Soldiers will have the Fort Rucker Pam 600-1 in their possession while in duty uniform; exception is the IPFU. 2. THE OATHS. a. The oath of enlistment established a binding contract between each Soldier and his/her chain of command. Leaders expect Soldiers to be at the proper place, at the proper time, in the correct uniform, and with the correct equipment, ready to do their job to the standard of excellence. Soldiers must conduct themselves properly on and off duty and meet the standards prescribed herein. b. Commissioned, Warrant, and Noncommissioned Officers also have taken an oath and are expected to live up to that oath. As leaders, they ensure their Soldiers receive proper training and treatment, have correct administrative paperwork, use their time well, have a chance to improve themselves, and are treated as responsible, mature adults. c. The Soldiers Creed and Code, and the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer are given to us as guidelines. All Soldiers, regardless of rank should know the Soldiers Code. All NCOES schools require its graduates to be able to recite the Soldiers Creed and Code and Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer. d. The Code of Conduct are standards all must know and abide by. As a Soldier, you should feel pride and respect in yourself, your fellow Soldiers, and your country when ever you recite the Code of Conduct. 3. WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF THE ARMY UNIFORM. a. The uniform identifies a Soldier as a member of the United States Army. The uniform will be worn with pride. b. Authorized Headgear. (1) General. The beret is the basic headgear for utility uniforms in garrison environments. All permanent party Soldiers and Soldiers attending an Officer or NCO advance school are required to wear the beret with appropriate rank or unit designation. IET, WOCC, and Flight School students are required to wear the patrol cap. The beret is not worn in the field, in training environments, or in
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environments where the wear of the beret is impractical, as determined by the commander. Appropriate head gear will be worn at all times when in military uniform. (2) Wear. The beret is worn so that the headband (edge binding) is straight across the forehead, one inch above the eyebrows. The flash is positioned over the left eye, and the excess material is draped over to the right ear, extending to at least the top of the ear and no lower than the middle of the ear. Personnel will cut off the ends of the adjusting ribbon and secure the ribbon knot inside the edge binding at the back of the beret. When worn properly, the beret is formed to the shape of the head; therefore, Soldiers may not wear hairstyles that cause distortion of the beret. The figure below shows the proper wear of the beret.
(3) The patrol cap (formerly called the BDU cap) is worn with the BDU in field environments when the Kevlar helmet is not worn; on work details; or in other environments where the wear of the beret is impractical, as determined by the commander. Additionally, personnel in initial training categories who do not wear the black beret wear the patrol cap with the BDU. The patrol cap is available in the hot-weather and temperate fabrics. (4) Personnel wear the patrol cap straight on the head so that the cap band creates a straight line around the head, parallel to the ground. The patrol cap will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. The cap is worn so that no hair is visible on the forehead beneath the cap. At their discretion, individuals may wear the earflaps down during cold weather, except in formation when the commander may prescribe wear policy. c. Cavalry collar insignia and hats. Officers and enlisted personnel assigned to cavalry regiments, cavalry squadrons, or separate cavalry troops are authorized to wear cavalry insignia/brass. Fort Rucker has no cavalry units assigned, therefore the cavalry insignia is not authorized for wear on BDU/DBDU, Class A‟ or Dress uniforms. Soldiers with a Regimental affiliation with a Cavalry Regiment (or any Regiment) are authorized to wear "Regimental Brass". Soldiers who are or were
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affiliated with a cavalry unit and were authorized to wear a cavalry hat (Stetson) may mix the wearing of the Cav Hat with an approved Army uniform only during formals, or social events when authorized by the Brigade level commander. The Stetson is not authorized for wear on flight lines, for interviews, for daily wear or as alternate headgear in place of the beret or BDU cap. d. Wear of the BDU. (1) The BDU is designed to fit loosely and alterations are not authorized. The coat is worn outside the trousers, and the trousers are worn with a belt. Soldiers will wear the trousers bloused, using the draw cords or blousing rubbers, if the trousers are not tucked into the boots. Personnel will not wrap the trouser legs around the leg tightly enough to present a pegged appearance. Soldiers will not blouse the trouser so that the pant leg extends down to the ankle area. When bloused, the trousers should not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot. When required to roll up sleeves, the camouflage pattern will remain exposed. Personnel will roll the sleeves no more than three inches above the elbow. In extreme hot weather conditions the unit commander, First Sergeant, or platoon sergeant can authorize removal of BDU/ABDU blouse for that immediate area only. The standard Army issue brown t-shirt is the only authorized t-shirt for wear with the BDU.
(2) The ABDU or flight uniform is worn on duty when flying, on standby awaiting flight, or as directed by the commander. Flight suits and ABDUs are not authorized for everyday wear in garrison or office environments. The black leather combat boots and the flyer‟s insulated boots (when authorized according to CTA 50–900) are the authorized footwear for the flight uniform. Personnel will not tuck the flight coverall into the boots.
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(a) Soldiers will keep the sleeves down on the flight uniform during flight operations. The flight uniform is not intended for wear as an all-purpose uniform when other uniforms are more appropriate. Flight jackets are worn only with the organizational flight uniform. (b) Commanders may authorize other uniforms for wear during administrative flights. Long sleeve thermal shirts are to be worn for flight and flight line work only. Once departed from the flight line, the long sleeve white thermal shirt is no longer authorized. When the ABDU or flight suit is worn and sleeves are to be rolled, it will be done so in accordance with the same standard as the BDU. Sleeves will not be pushed or rolled part way. (c) Name tags on the ABDU/Flight suit will be a 2–inch by 4–inch leather nameplate, attached to a 2–inch by 4–inch Velcro attachment affixed to the flight suit and jacket. This nameplate consists of 1⁄4–inch block style lettering in silver, with the appropriate crewmember‟s badge on the first line, full name (first, middle initial, and last name) on the second line, and abbreviated rank and the words “U.S. Army” on the third line. (3) Organizational patches will be worn on the left sleeve sewn ½ inch below the left shoulder. The full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is sewn 1⁄2 inch below the right shoulder seam of the temperate, hot-weather, enhanced hotweather, and desert BDU; the BDU field jacket; ABDU; Flight Suits; and the coldweather uniform (see below). If the SSI–FWTS is worn on the right shoulder of the utility uniform, the full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is placed 1⁄8 inch below the right shoulder sleeve insignia (see below).
(4) Soldiers will present a professional appearance at all times when wearing the Army uniform. Pens, pencils, combs, keys, glasses, and other objects which detract from the Army uniform are not authorized to hang on or protrude from pockets. When required in the performance of duties, Soldiers may wear an electronic device on the belt. Only one electronic device may be worn; it may be either a pager or a cell phone. The body of the device may not exceed 4X2X1 inches, and the device and carrying case must be black; no other colors are authorized.
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e. Restrictions on eyeglasses and sunglasses. Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy, or have lenses or frames with initials, designs, or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Soldiers may not wear lenses with extreme or trendy colors, which include but are not limited to, red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange. Lens colors must be traditional gray, brown, or dark green shades. Personnel will not wear lenses or frames that are so large or so small that they detract from the appearance of the uniform. Personnel will not attach chains, bands, or ribbons to eyeglasses. Eyeglass restraints are authorized only when required for safety purposes. Personnel will not hang eyeglasses or eyeglass cases on the uniform, and may not let glasses hang from eyeglass restraints down the front of the uniform. f. Restrictions on contact lenses. Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized for wear with the uniform. The only exception is for opaque lenses that are prescribed medically for eye injuries. Additionally, clear lenses that have designs on them that change the contour of the iris are not authorized for wear with the uniform. g. Haircuts. (1) Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle by the appearance of headgear when worn. Soldiers will wear headgear as described in this applicable regulation. (2) Extreme, eccentric, or trendy haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. If Soldiers use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose those that result in natural hair colors. Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited. Therefore, Soldiers should avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on Soldiers‟ appearance.
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(a) Males: The hair on top of the head must be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair may not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. The hair must present a tapered appearance. When the hair is combed, it will not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block-cut fullness in the back is permitted to a moderate degree, as long as the tapered look is maintained. Sideburns may not be flared; the base of the sideburn will be a clean shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. Males will keep their face clean-shaven when in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Mustaches are permitted; if worn, males will keep mustaches neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy. Mustaches will not present a chopped off or bushy appearance, and no portion of the mustache will cover the upper lip line or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth. (b) Females: Females will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any hair holding devices comply with the standard. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the physical fitness uniform/improved physical fitness uniform (PFU/IPFU). h. Lipstick and Nail Polish may be worn by females in uniform only if conservative in color. Extreme shades of lipstick and nail polish, such as purple, gold, blue, black and white will not be worn (these colors are not all inclusive). The determining factor is if the color detracts from the uniform‟s appearance. Fingernails will not exceed ¼ inch past the finger tips of female Soldiers and will be flush with the top fingers on male Soldiers. 4. FIELD UNIFORM AND THE TA-50 a. The authorized field uniform for Fort Rucker is the camouflage Kevlar helmet or patrol cap determined by commander, BDU, load bearing equipment
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(LBE), load bearing vest (LBV), and weapon. The LBE/LBV must be buckled at all times when worn. b. The Kevlar. All Soldiers assigned to Fort Rucker will print their last name on the front of their camouflage band. The last name only will be neatly printed or embroidered, in black capital letters and positioned with the name centered on the front of the camouflage band. The luminous tape (cat‟s eyes) will be facing to the rear of the Kevlar. The Kevlar will be worn by all personnel operating or riding in an Army tactical vehicle. c. The basic setup of the LBE/LBV will consist of the shoulder straps, pistol belt, two ammo pouches, two canteens and one first aid pouch. Placement of these items are unit directed and dependent upon mission. d. Cold weather underwear worn with field clothing will be in keeping with the requirements of military appearance. Two-piece long underwear available through normal supply channels, dark-colored commercial type thermal underwear, and Army OD wool sweaters are acceptable underwear. No brightly colored underclothing that is visible under any uniform will be worn. The aviation thermal underwear top may be worn by pilots and crew chiefs only during the operation of their aircraft; and must be removed prior to leaving the flight line. e. The decision to wear facial camouflage in the field environment is M.E.T.T. and rests with the chain of command. Camouflage may be worn off post on case by case basis when determined appropriate by the unit commander or First Sergeant. 5. PHYSICAL FITNESS. a. Physical readiness is a vital part of being mission ready. All Soldiers will maintain a state of physical readiness and meet the standards set forth in AR 35041 and FM 21-20. Physical readiness training is to be conducted five times a week. b. Fifth Avenue from Dustoff to Andrews has been designated a running route Monday through Friday from 0600-0700. No vehicular traffic is authorized on Fifth Avenue during this time. All Soldiers will wear a reflective belt or reflective vest when running during P.T. hours, unless in a unit P.T formation where road guards with reflective vests and flashlights are posted at the front and rear of the formation
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c. When driving on streets where Soldiers are running in formation, you will proceed with caution and pass Soldiers at 10mph.
Summer
Winter
d. The Army issued IPFU is the only authorized fitness uniform to be worn during P.T. hours (0600-0700). The IPFU will not be worn to an eating establishment off post, and is not authorized for wear into the Main Post Exchange. White socks with colored tips or logos are not authorized. Unit colored t-shirts are not authorized to wear during individual or company P.T. sessions. Unit t-shirts will only be authorized for organized runs of Battalion sized elements or higher. Exceptions to the uniform policy are for pregnant Soldiers and unit or post esprit de corps runs. e. Soldiers in any type of P.T. formation whether running or conducting muscle strengthening exercises will be in the same uniform (i.e. hat and gloves, complete winter or summer uniform). The Soldier leading the P.T. formation will ensure all Soldiers adhere to this regulation. f. Head phones are not authorized to wear with the Army IPFU. This applies while wearing the IPFU in the gym or outside. Gym bags carried while in uniform will be in compliance with military regulations. Plain black back packs may be carried over on shoulder. Other colored back packs or gym backs will be carried in hand at the Soldiers side. g. If you choose to wear the Army issued IPFU in the gym after duty hours you will comply with the standards. The IPFU is an Army issued uniform and will be worn in accordance with Army Regulations. Mixing old and new P.T. uniforms is not authorized.
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6. HEADPHONES. Running on any road on Fort Rucker and wearing headphones is strictly prohibited. This is a safety issue. Headphones may be worn while running on the Air Assault track, Beaver Lake or other off road trails, during non P.T. times when not in the Army fitness uniform. 7. JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING AND TONGUE SPLITTING. a. Soldiers may wear a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings (a wedding set is considered one ring) with Army uniforms, unless prohibited by the commander for safety or health reasons. b. Females are authorized to wear prescribed earrings with the service, dress, and mess uniforms. (1) Earrings may be screw-on, clip-on, or post-type earrings, in gold, silver, white pearl, or diamond. The earrings will not exceed 6 mm or 1⁄4 inch in diameter, and they must be unadorned and spherical. When worn, the earrings will fit snugly against the ear. Females may wear earrings only as a matched pair, with only one earring per ear lobe. (2) Females are not authorized to wear earrings with any class C (utility) uniform (BDU, hospital duty, food service, physical fitness, field, or organizational). (3) When on duty in civilian attire, female Soldiers must comply with the specifications listed in (1) above when wearing earrings, unless otherwise authorized by the commander. When females are off duty, there are no restrictions on the wear of earrings. c. Ankle bracelets, necklaces, faddish (trendy) devices, medallions, amulets, and personal talismans or icons are not authorized for wear in any military uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty d. Body piercing. When on any Army installation or other places under Army control, Soldiers may not attach, affix, or display objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the skin while they are in uniform, in civilian clothes on duty, or in civilian clothes off duty (this includes earrings for male soldiers). e. Tongue splitting is not authorized. 8. TATTOOS. Visible tattoos or brands on the face, neck, or head are prohibited. Tattoos on other areas of the body that are extremist or prejudicial to good order
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and discipline, racist, sexist, vulgar, or profane are prohibited. Additionally, any type tattoo or brand visible while wearing a Class A uniform that detracts from a soldierly appearance is prohibited. Soldiers may not cover tattoos or brands in order to comply with the tattoo policy. The medical command is prepared to assist in removal of these types of tattoos or brands that do not comply with this policy. 9. COUNSELING. a. All Soldiers assigned to Fort Rucker will receive counseling on a regular basis. All personnel will receive an initial counseling within 30 days of their arrival. b. Soldiers E-4 and below receive monthly counseling for one of the following (1) (2) (3) (4) Event-Orientated Counseling Performance and Professional Growth Counseling Performance Counseling Professional Growth Counseling
c. All NCOs and Officers will at a minimum receive quarterly counseling. This is to ensure they are aware of their current performance. Failure to provide counseling is an injustice to the Soldier. d. Developmental Counseling DA Form 4856 and/or DA Form 2166-8-1, NCOER Counseling Checklist, will be used for all counseling. FM 22-100 Appendix C will provide the basic guidelines for counseling. 10. MILITARY COURTESY. Courtesy is respect for and consideration of others. In the Army, various forms of courtesy have been customary and traditional. It is important to render these courtesies correctly. a. Saluting. The history of the salute can be traced back to the Roman times. When warriors passed by one another, they would raise their fighting hand up to their face to show respect and honorable intentions to their fellow warrior. In midevil times, passing knights would raise the visor on their helmets with their fighting hand so the fellow knights could see their face. The exchange of the salute is a visible greeting between warriors. Saluting shows that subordinates not only recognize their leaders, but also respect them. It is an outward sign of unit pride and esprit de corps. Each salute should be rendered with the proper military greeting of the day.
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(1) Soldiers must be alert for military vehicles identified with plates depicting general officer or other senior ranking personnel in front of the vehicle. Proper military courtesy requires that Soldiers render a salute to these officials as they pass. (2) When an officer is approaching, Soldiers render a hand salute when the officer is approximately six paces away, or when the Soldier recognizes that the approaching is indeed and officer. When not in uniform, saluting is optional; still it is a form of courtesy by professionals and is strongly encouraged. (3) Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant, warrant and warrant) and between officers and enlisted personnel. Salutes will be exchanged with personnel of the United States Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard entitled to the salute. It is customary to salute officers of friendly foreign nations when recognized as such. b. The following rules of courtesy should be adhered to. (1) In formation. When an officer approaches Soldier in a formation, the person in charge calls “Attention” and renders a salute for the entire group. When an officer senior in rank approaches a group of individuals who are not in formation, the first person sighting him/her calls “Attention”. Everyone in the group faces the officer and renders a salute with the proper greeting. However, Soldiers working as part of a detail or participating in another group activity, such as physical fitness training, do not salute. The person in charge, if not actively engaged, salutes for the entire detail or group. (2) Retired military personnel. Retired military personnel should be given the respect normally afforded their active duty rank. c. Respect for Officers. When addressing an Officer (Commissioned or Warrant) an enlisted Soldier will stand at the position of attention, until given the command “At Ease”, “Stand at Ease” or “Rest”. Soldiers will ensure they address Officers with Sir or Ma‟am respectively at all times. d. Respect for NCOs. When addressing or are addressed by an NCO, enlisted personnel will stand at the position of parade rest until given the command “At Ease”. When addressing a Noncommissioned Officer, you will address them as Sergeant, First Sergeant or Sergeant Major respectively. The term “Sarge” is inappropriate and will not be used.
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e. The retreat and reveille ceremony. Retreat and reveille ceremonies are old military traditions. They symbolize the respect Soldiers and citizens give to the National flag and to the country. Retreat is two distinctive parts, “Retreat” and “To the Colors”. (1) When outside (not in formation) and “Retreat” is heard, Soldiers face toward the flag and assume the position of “Attention”. During “Reveille” or “To the Colors” the Soldier will remain at the position of “Attention” and render the hand salute if in uniform, or place their right hand over their hearts (hats will be removed) if not in uniform. If in a vehicle and the “Retreat” or “Reveille” is heard, the Soldier will exit the vehicle and render the proper military courtesy. During retreat ceremonies, all vehicles will stop. Occupants will dismount and render proper courtesy. Patriotic civilians will stop and place their right hand over their hearts. (2) During an inside ceremony (not in formation), Soldiers will stand at “Attention” but will not salute unless they are under arms and have on the proper military headgear. 11. ON AND OFF DUTY CONDUCT. Soldiers are expected to carry out their duties and conduct themselves properly, both on and off duty. Civilian laws pertain to all citizens, Soldiers included. There are also laws that govern behavior of all Soldiers on and off installation and on or off duty. It is the responsibility of all Soldiers to obey these laws. a. Appropriate attire. Wear of the BDU, Flight Suit or other military working uniform off post when not on duty is unauthorized. Appropriate civilian attire is required. The wear of a combination of civilian and military clothing is prohibited. Shirts will not contain graphic or vulgar language or pictures, and should not be see through. Pants that are shredded, or extremely short shorts “Daisy Dukes” do not present a professional Soldierly appearance and are therefore prohibited. b. Profanity. The use of profanity is not professional and should be avoided. c. Drugs. Possession of any controlled substance is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), state of Alabama and Federal laws. Offenders punished under state laws face substantial fines and confinement. State penalties for the manufacture, sale, or transfer of drugs are severe. Soldiers convicted by civil courts are subject to administrative discharge from the Army.
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d. Liquor Laws. (1) According to the state laws, alcoholic beverages are not to be sold or served to persons under the age of 21. Therefore, consumption or the possession of alcohol by persons under the age of 21, on or off post is illegal. Soldiers 21 or older that provide alcohol to those under 21 are committing a criminal offense and will be dealt with in accordance. (2) Driving while intoxicated in the state of Alabama or on Fort Rucker is not permitted. In addition to fines, suspension of license and other penalties mandated by state laws, Soldiers are also subject to military sanctions. Military sanctions include but are not limited to, loss of post driving privileges, a Generals Letter of Reprimand, administrative reduction in grade, and other adverse administrative actions. e. Seat Belts. Wear of seatbelts is mandatory. First time offenders will not only be ticketed, but will also receive formal written counseling from their chain of command. Second time offenders will receive remedial mandatory safety training along with their counseling. A third time offense will result in loss of driving privileges for on post and may result in punishment under Article 92 of the UCMJ. f. Speed limits. Speed limits are strictly enforced. When passing Soldiers in formation (2 or more Soldiers), drivers must slow down to a maximum speed of 10 mph. g. Motorcycle policy. Soldiers who ride motorcycles must attend a motorcycle safety course and obtain a motorcycle safety foundation card. DOT approved helmet, long sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, full fingered gloves, appropriate hard sole shoes that cover the ankle and reflective wear will be worn at all times when operating a motorcycle on Fort Rucker. h. Absence Without Leave. Absence without leave (AWOL) is a serious military offense. Soldiers not present for duty at the prescribed place, or who fail to return from pass or leave on time, are AWOL. AWOL adversely affects Soldiers and their unit‟s mission. AWOL time results in the loss of one day‟s pay for each day AWOL and possible UCMJ action. For each day a Soldier is AWOL, his/her ETS date is extended another day. Additionally, punishment may be imposed by the Soldier‟s unit through nonjudicial punishment (Article 15) or trial by court martial. Soldiers who have a personal problem that requires absence from duty should seek advice from their chain of command, which may authorize ordinary or emergency leave.
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i. Disobedience of a Lawful Order. Soldiers must obey and execute the lawful orders of superiors. Most orders will come from the NCO in charge. Army Command Policy, AR 600-20, gives an NCO their authority. Lawful orders given by an NCO require the same obedience as those given by a commissioned officer. Willfully disobeying an order from an NCO is an offence punishable under the UCMJ, Article 91. The maximum punishment for this offense is a bad conduct discharge, confinement for 1 year, and loss of all rank and pay. j. Noise Abatement. Fort Rucker enforces the Alabama state law prohibiting Soldiers from operating a vehicle stereo system at a level that can be heard at a distance in excess of 10 feet. This practice is impolite, inconsiderate, offensive and is disorderly conduct. On post the driver may be cited for disturbing the peace, while off post first time offense is warranted by arrest. Music being played in the barracks and other government buildings should not be heard outside the closed door. Soldiers will abide by the policies governing quiet hours in government quarters. k. Personally Owned Weapons. Any personnel who wish to reside on Fort Rucker having privately owned weapons must register them within 72 hours of arrival. See USAAVNC Regulation 600-1 chapter 5 for more details on storage and handling of weapons. 12. PERSONAL FINANCES. a. All Soldier in the grade of E-4 or below are required to attend the financial readiness class given by ACS. Those personnel above the grade of E-4 who have not attended are encouraged to attend a class also. b. Government issued travel cards are for official military travel only. Any unauthorized use is punishable under UCMJ. c. AR 608-99 requires all Soldiers to manage their personal affairs, to include providing adequate support for their family members.
OFFICAL: E.J.SINCLAIR Brigadier General, USA Commanding
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AVIATION BRANCH SONG "ABOVE THE BEST" High above the best, high above the best We are Army Aviation USA, Proud and strong, We meet the test. Skies filled with thunder Wearing silver wings upon our chest We meet the needs of Ground Command As we aid the Nation's quest Army Aviation, flying high above the best!
THE ARMY SONG "THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG" First to fight for the right And to build the Nation's might And the Army goes rolling along. Proud of all we have done Fighting till the battles won And the Army goes rolling along. And it's hi hi hey, the Army's on its way Count off the cadence loud and strong. For where 'ere we go, you will always know That the Army goes rolling along.
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ARMY VALUES
Loyalty: Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers. Duty: Fulfill your obligations.
Respect: Treat people as they should be treated. Selfless-Service: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.
Honor:
Live up to all the Army values.
Integrity: Do what is right, legally and morally. Personal Courage: Face fear, danger, or adversity (Physical or Moral).
SOLDIERS CODE
I. I am an American Soldier – a protector of the greatest nation on earth – sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I will treat others with dignity and respect and expect others to do the same. I will honor my Country, the Army, my unit and my fellow Soldiers by living the Army values.
II.
III.
IV. No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything for pleasure, profit, or personal safety which will disgrace my uniform, my unit or my Country. V. Lastly, I am proud of my Country and its flag. I want to look back and say that I am proud to have served my Country as a Soldier.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
I I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense. II I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist. III If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy. IV If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way. V When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. VI I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
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