CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 10
GUIDE FOR YOUNG OFFICERS
Index
1001 - Your being commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army has made available to you privileges and prerogatives of rank, but it has also presented you with a significant responsibility.
1002. The Australian Army, within which your immediate responsibilities lie and to which you must your loyalty, has an excellent record. Your primary duty through your service is to do all you can to maintain the standards set by the officers and soldiers who have served in peace and in war in the Australian Army and its colonial predecessors.
1003. There is a close relationship between the Army and Australian society. This is a consequence of the fact that most Australian families have had some personal tie with the Army through a close relation serving either during a World War, as a National Serviceman or as a Regular soldier. Consequently, because of these ties, the Army and its activities are watched by many of the public with an almost proprietary interest.
1004. The need for and methods of providing an adequate defence for Australia are regularly debated in the communications media. The public is well aware of the cost of providing defence forces and expects that these forces use their funds efficiently.
1005. If the Army is to attain the standards expected of it, then its officers must be efficient, Progressive and dedicated. It is the quality of the officers that dictates the competence of a military system. As young officers you are inheritors of the worthy traditions of the British and Australian Armies. One of your responsibilities is to learn the value of these traditions, to maintain them and to enhance them. Field Marshal Lord Slim has written:
| 'Tradition is a standard of conduct handed down to you, below which you must never fall ... Perhaps, the greatest tradition is leadership, for the be-all and end-all of an officer is to be a leader'. |
1006. In his opinion, a leader is distinguished from other men by the qualities of courage, willpower, initiative and knowledge. Moral courage is a rarer thing than physical courage and you must develop it from the start. You must be prepared to stand up to difficult subordinates and difficult situations no matter what unpleasantness or resentment may arise. Once you gloss over insubordination or inefficiency you have lost your grip on your soldiers. Once lost it is difficult to regain.
1007. Moral courage is often required in dealings with superiors. When required to give advice, be capable of presenting all factors leading to your conclusions, but remember that ultimate responsibility rests with your superiors.
1008. Willpower ensures that decisions you have arrived at after carefully weighing the factors are carried out despite what form of opposition you may encounter. Failure to make a decision when one is needed is worse that making a poor decision. Uncertainty will be sensed by your soldiers.
1009. Develop initiative early in your career. Be flexible in your thinking and in your actions. Do not discard an idea because somebody tells you it has never been tried before and that the established way of doing things is the only correct way. Introduce new methods into training. This will enliven interest and keenness. A stodgy, unimaginative officer who is too idle to try something new is bad for the morale of a unit.
1010. Do not be too shy or proud to seek advice. Watch the officers serving with you, especially those who have a good reputation and are respected by both their seniors and juniors. Use them as examples on which to base your approach to your duties.
1011. The fourth requisite of leadership is knowledge. Knowledge stems from study and experience. Young officers who have spent the better part of their lives studying in order to qualify for their commissions are apt to ease up with their reading. To become a complete officer, reading and study are essentials throughout the whole of your service. Get the study habit early and stick to it. Hand in hand with study goes experience, and that comes only with time.
The Royal Australian Corps of Signals
1012. The Corps, as a distinct entity in the Australian Army, is comparatively young. 'To have been in the first denotes antiquity - to have become first denotes merit'. Your Corps enjoys a good reputation in the eyes of the rest of the Army. By sheer ability, fortitude and good discipline of all ranks, it has a record of which you should be justly proud.
1013. The Corps knits the large stand smallest components of the Army into one cohesive whole. The outcome of an operation depends mainly on an efficient communications and information system. Without it, attacks lead to piecemeal efforts and likely failure; in defence, firepower is wasted and reserves are tied down. In withdrawal, units and formations become isolated and face possible disaster.
1014. A signal system is only as efficient as its smallest and remotest links. These are in the control of junior officers - success or failure, therefore, depends on you and your soldiers. Remember 'battles and lives depend on signals'.
1015. History has providedseveral examples when signal units and sub-units had to take on a fighting role. Do not neglect training and practice in the use of your individual weapons. Better still, have as many as possible of your soldiers trained in the employment of all infantry weapons.
10 16. Grave responsibility may be thrust upon you whilst you are still a junior officer. There may be no senior officers near by to help and advise you. Always know your commanders Mission and be prepared to work to achieve it. Ensure that you are equipped with the attributes of true leadership.
Relations Between the ARA and GRes
10 17. The Australian Army includes regular soldiers, Ready Reserve (RRes) and General Reserve (GRes). All play their part in the defence of Australia.
10 1 8. There can be only one Army. Jealousy in any form cannot be tolerated or condoned. Young officers of all components should prepare and seek every opportunity to fit themselves for any capacity.
1019. It is incumbent upon you to continue the happy relationships which have been established over the years between the ARA and GRes.
1020. A criticism, and in too many cases a well deserved one, is that Army officers are inclined to shut themselves off from the general public. Consequently, their interests and topics of conversation are confined to Army matters. Officers should get out and about, thereby widening their experience.
1021. Professional clubs and associations provide an avenue to maintain contact with developments in the civil community and allow knowledge updates. Community based clubs/activities provide the opportunity for conducting PR by personal example and contact. Junior officers should consider nominating for a Services Club early in their careers. It is worthwhile to retain membership of a good club which offers reciprocity with other clubs in Australia and abroad. Also consider joining a branch of the United Services Institution. Contact with older and more experienced people with an interest in the Services is invaluable in adding to your self confidence and general knowledge.
1022. If your unit teams participate in outside competitions, give a hand in the organisation of the particular association. It helps to bring the Army to the notice of the public and establishes better public relations. Join a club and play strenuous sport whilst you are young enough and fit enough to enjoy it.
1023. High standards are required and expected of officers both professionally and socially. Professionally because the lives of your soldiers are in your care - soldiers will only respect you when you merit it. Socially, because an officer is always in the public eye. People are scornful of an officer who does not measure up to the standard of conduct which through the years they have learned to expect.
1024. One of the most difficult problems a young officer has to solve is his relationship with other ranks. The more junior you are the closer is your contact.
1025. Soldiers are shrewd judges of character and can often detect weaknesses and faults more accurately than the CO.
1026. You will need to establish contact with each of your soldiers as an individual. The sound approach is to base your attitude on a genuine interest in their welfare. You must, however, not become too familiar with your soldiers. The adage of - 'Be fair, be firm, be friendly' is very good advice.
1027. Be consistent. Do not overlook the misdemeanour of a soldier one day and reprimand another soldier next day for the same offence. Carry out your duties without fear or favour.
1028. Because you had the opportunity to earn a commission do not believe for one minute that you know everything. You are still junior, and the soldiers know it. Start off quietly and be modest in speech and actions. Bragging and arrogance only bring ridicule.
1029. Soldiers hate sarcasm. It displays weakness.
1030. The Australian soldier is intelligent. He likes to be taken into your confidence and told what is going one. He then feels he is part of the team and will support you.
1031. The best way to get onside with your soldiers is to know your job thoroughly.
1032. Play sport with your soldiers. It matters little if you are top or bottom player, the soldiers appreciate the fact that you are a member of their team and a trier.
1033. Without appearing to be inquisitive get to know as much as you can of your soldiers private lives and problems. Your soldiers will appreciate you asking questions about them and their families if it is out of a genuine interest in their welfare. Many a soldier has gone absent without leave and/or later deserted because of problems. Knowledge of these problems may lead to your giving them good and timely advice.
1034. You will have soldiers of both sexes under your command. Be careful and circumspect in your dealings with them. Should unfamiliar problems arise, seek immediately the help of an appropriate officer.
1035. A junior officer must keep a note book containing all the relevant information about his soldiers - particularly next of kin. He must look out for the ugly duckling and make their life less miserable. Shy and retiring soldiers also need special attention.
1036. Leaders not only accept responsibility, they also display leadership. You can do this by joining in all activities with your soldiers, such as sport, PT, work parties, etc. You should also hold regular briefings to keep your soldiers informed.
1037. Apart from visits on duty, an officer should only enter a Sergeants' Mess:
a. when attending a function in response to a specific invitation, and then
b. only after receiving the concurrence of his CO.
1038. Should you, as Duty Officer, be given the responsibility of ensuring that a Sergeants' Mess has closed, be sure you handle this task with firmness and discretion.
1039. An officer must be well turned out at all times. Free initial issues, the provision of a clothing allowance and certain replacements free, leave no excuse for being badly dressed at any time.
1040. If you go out in public in uniform pay particular attention to your dress, bearing and behaviour. Many of the public are ex-servicemen and are most critical. Give them no grounds for adverse comment.
1041. The wearing of uniform should be avoided in places such as hotel bars, licensed clubs,
restaurants and theatres as you may find yourself in awkward or embarrassing situations.
1042. You should purchase Mess Dress as soon as practicable.
1043. Ensure that your wardrobe includes the civilian clothes you need for informal service functions. At least one good quality lounge suit is essential. Sports coat and slacks are necessary. Beyond these basic items the choice is yours, but remember all Messes have dress rules and generally these rules are not based on the dictates of contemporary fashion.
1044. There is a lot of confused thinking about the term 'discipline'. Many are inclined to believe that discipline applies only to the Armed Services. In fact, man has been subject to some form of social convention since the beginning of time. FEs comfort, health, self-esteem and even survival depends upon his belonging to a disciplined body.
1045. There are three meanings of discipline. They are:
a. training to act in accordance with laws, orders and regulations;
b. subjection to laws, orders and regulations; and
c. punishment inflicted by way of correction.
These are the three stages in ensuring that group and self-discipline can be impressed on all ranks.
1046. Very early in your career you will have studied the Defence Force Discipline Act. You must be conversant too with Formation and Unit Standing Orders and Routine Orders as they appear. Just as importantly, you must instruct your soldiers in their contents and their implications.
1047. The next stage is to see that orders are carried out. Everyone, including officers, must know that breaches of orders or failure in any form, will not be overlooked.
1048. Disciplinary action must be consistent. A unit where discipline is strict one day and slack the next will become unsettled, unhappy and inefficient. Soldiers are proud to belong to a well disciplined unit.
1049. When training and insistence on discipline fail, the last resource is punishment. Junior officers, except in unusual circumstances, cannot inflict punishments. Before you send a soldier to your Squadron Commander, ensure that you have done your part fairly by the soldier by your own good example, your training and correction. Otherwise you may find yourself in trouble rather than the soldier.
1050. Never apologise for an order. To apologise for one of your own orders displays weakness; for that of a superior, disloyalty.
105 1. If you disagree with an order or think it wrong you can always see your Squadron Commander and discuss it. Many a CO has withdrawn an order because a junior officer has shown that it could not be enforced.
1052. Restrict the number of orders you give but make them clear and definite. Give your orders confidently; the soldiers will then know you mean to have them carried out.
1053. You have to give your loyalty to the Corps, your superiors and your subordinates.
1054. Your Corps loyalty requires that you be aware of the Corps responsibilities, policies, capabilities and that it is your duty to implement or comply with them to the best of your ability.
1055. Loyalty to your superiors requires your understanding that obedience to orders is not enough in itself You must respect the spirit of each order as well as obeying it. Implementing an order with bad grace or with obvious dislike is a sign of poor personal discipline.
1056. Loyalty to your subordinates is based on respect and interest. You must respect the status of soldiers and NCOs and the privacy of the individual. Never reprove a NCO in the hearing of his juniors. This erodes his status and weakens his position of leadership. In showing an interest in each man, his problems, his qualities and his hopes, the paramount need is to keep sacrosanct any personal confidence given to you. Also, do not pry.
1057. Criticism is to many, a form of disloyalty. Loud, foolish or unnecessary criticism of the Army, the Corps or your superiors, particularly in front of civilians, can only do the Army and yourself a disservice. However, as an officer, you must look at all aspects of the Army with a critical eye if you are to form worthwhile opinions on your vocation. If the opinions are critical there are avenues open for you to voice them; eg. officer training periods, articles for the Defence Force Journal, Army Newspaper or private discussions with your superiors.
1058. Excessive drinking is the major cause of, or a contributing factor to, most military and civil offences. Discourage it continually, punish firmly and quickly any offenders; and be sure you set a good example.
1059. The test of discipline comes when things are at their worst.
1060. No finer words have been written than by Field Marshal Lord Slim:
'We found it a great mistake to belittle the importance of smartness in turn out, alertness or carriage, cleanliness of person, saluting or precision of movement I do not believe that troops can have unshakeable discipline without showing these outward and formal signs, which mark the pride men take in themselves and their units and the mutual confidence and respect that exists between them and their officers. It was an experience that the best units in the long run were those who, when they came out Of battle, at once resumed a formal discipline and appearance'.
1061. As to the origin of saluting with the hand there are many theories. Perhaps the correct reason is that the raising of the open hand was a demonstration of mutual trust and respect, exercised by nobility in the days of chivalry. In token of these sentiments, knights on meeting one another placed themselves in an attitude of defencelessness by uncovering their heads or raising their visors.
1062. Compliments and salutes are reciprocated between all ranks and grades of services and societies up to and including Heads of State. The act of saluting cannot, therefore, be associated with servility but rather with feelings of mutual trust and respect.
1063. There is only one manner of saluting and that is the one set down in the textbook. Officers set the standard of saluting; therefore, avoid fancy quiffs and gestures.
1064. Although a subordinate must salute his senior, it is imperative that the senior return the salute and not merely acknowledge it by a casual wave of the hand.
1065. When returning a salute to other ranks, it is customary to pass the time of day in an appropriate manner, ie. 'Good morning SGT Smith'. 'Good Morning SIG King', etc. If you do not know a signalman's name, a friendly 'Good morning' is in order.
1066. Exchange of greetings such as these creates comradely relationships and makes a happy unit.
1067. On parade, when you have occasion to address an officer senior to you, say 'Sir', and salute him.
1068. Be careful to return punctiliously salutes paid to you by bodies of troops on dismissal. Face them and stand still until they have broken off. If a senior officer is on the parade ground pay him the compliment of saluting and make the request 'May I dismiss, Sir?'
1069. Field officers, when in uniform or civilian clothes, are always saluted and addressed as 'Sir' by their juniors in uniform. If you are in civilian clothes and you meet a field officer, bring your arms to your sides briefly.
1070. Junior officers should also remember to salute Navy and Air Force officers wearing more than two stripes, ie. lieutenant commanders in the Navy and squadron leaders in the Air Force.
1071. When arriving on board or leaving a warship, always salute the Quarter-deck. This is done from the top of the gangway.
1072. In uniform always salute uncased colours, funerals, and when passing the State War Memorials. When in civilian clothes stand to attention only.
1073. When the National Anthem is played, stand to attention and salute. If wearing civilian clothes, stand to attention only.
1074. Indoors you should only stand to attention, but if you are in uniform and actually wearing your headgear, you salute.
1075. When the Guard turns out for the Commanding Officer or a more senior Inspecting Officer, everyone near by stands to attention but does not salute.
1076. Your duties will include the handling of accounts and public and regimental moneys. To avoid worry and possible serious trouble be meticulous. Never borrow from these funds.
1077. It is a good idea to learn the elements of bookkeeping and accountancy.
1078. It is appreciated that immediately after being commissioned there are many demands on your income, do don't try to do everything at once. Accounts are easily opened and firms welcome customers in steady Government employment. It is simple to say 'Please charge to my account'; it may not be so simple to pay.
1079. If you decide to purchase a car, wait until you can put down a substantial deposit; better still pay cash. Time payment interest, together with insurance, registration, repairs and running costs could cripple you financially.
1080. Gambling has been the downfall of many an officer. If you gamble on horse racing, restrict your bets to nominal sums.
1081. Never open an account with a book-maker. You should know that in the long run you cannot win.
1082. If you get into debt see your CO at once. Do not go to moneylenders, their rates of interest are extortionate.
1083. The best way to lose your friends is to borrow from them.
1084. Work out a simple budget and stick to it. If you spend judiciously, your pay will allow you to save for the day when your commitments increase.
1085. Never write a cheque for more than you have in the bank. A dishonoured cheque is unacceptable. Never sign an open cheque.
1086. Pay your Mess and Club bills and any subscriptions by the dates they are due.
1087. Because Mess customs and procedures vary in different Corps and units, one cannot be dogmatic on this subject.
1088. The following advice covers those things which are normally accepted as standard. The procedures laid down will be adopted by all Officers' Messes of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.
1089. When you arrive at a unit ask for a copy of the local Mess Rules, study them, and carry them out.
1090. The control and organisation of a Mess is vested in a Mess Committee elected by the members and approved by the Commanding Officer. The President of the Mess Committee (PMC) is appointed by the Commanding Officer.
1091. In small Messes, eg; a unit Mess, it is customary for the PMC to preside at all formal Mess Dinners and Guest Nights.
1092. In larger Messes, where it is the custom to formally dine frequently or to conduct the evening meal as a formal function, the PMC may appoint other officers, on a roster basis, to act as Dining President. If this occurs, the Dining President is responsible for the conduct of the meal and the observance of Mess customs.
1093. The senior subaltern is responsible for the behaviour of all subalterns in the Mess. He is your guide and mentor in Mess matters. On joining a unit go to him and ask him for advice.
1094. The pleasant blending of the formal and the informal in Mess life can be a little confusing. The former is based on conventions and the latter on the spirit of comradeship.
1095. During your first few weeks in a Mess, tread warily. Participate in all the activities and exuberances of the junior officers but use common sense and do not push yourself too much to the forefront.
1096. In the Mess, conduct comes under closer scrutiny than you think. Remember that the Mess is not only the social centre for unit officers; it is also the home of living-in members. Behave yourself as you would wish others to behave in your own home.
1097. When the Commanding Officer, or an officer senior to him enters a Mess, officers present will rise. Clicking of heels and parade movements of coming to attention are not necessary. Officers should greet their senior with a cheerful 'Good morning (or Good evening) Sir' on their first meeting each day. Always stand up when spoken to by older members.
Courtesy between Equals and Juniors
1098. The use of Christian names between members of the same rank and by a senior to a junior is normal in Australian Messes and indicates the family spirit which prevails.
1099. A Mess is judged by the way strangers are received. Guests must be made to feel welcome. If a visitor is unaccompanied, an officer should, without hesitation, greet and entertain the visitor until the arrival of the particular officer visited. It is important also that the visitor's particular host, if not present, be notified of his guest's arrival as soon as practicable. A host should be present before their guest arrives.
10100. If the PMC is not present, the senior officer in the Mess receives the visitor. If the visitor is an official visitor the PMC is to be informed.
10101. Members receive a visitor by standing and asking them to sign the Visitors Book. The visitor is then introduced to the members present, given a seat and offered a drink. When a large number of officers are present do not embarrass the visitor by introducing him to too many at a time. Initially, restrict the introductions to the CO, PMC, and three or four other officers.
10 102. Should guests arrive at a Mess function after the reception of guests has ended, they should be introduced to the CO and PMC immediately after arrival.
10103. Carefully choose any guest you may wish to invite to the Mess. The conduct of a badly behaved guest will rebound to your personal discredit.
10 104. Most Messes run a number of functions each year which are intended to encourage the participation of the partners or spouses of Mess Members in Mess life.
10105. On only two occasions are Service personnel other than commissioned officers invited to an Officers Mess. These occasions are when the Bandmaster is invited to join the Dining President for a drink on a formal dinner night and when, usually on an annual basis in most units, the Sergeants Mess is entertained.
Visitors Book
10106. A Visitors Book is kept in every Mess and all visitors to the Mess should be invited to sign it. Officers should sign the Visitors Book on arrival at, and when leaving a posting, adding in the remarks column, 'On joining', or On leaving'.
10107. A private guest is the responsibility of the host. If the visitor is making a call on the Mess or is a member of a visiting team, meals and drinks are normally debited to 'Mess Guests Account'. Don't shirk this duty, but go out of your way to do it. The procedure for such charges should be laid down in the Mess Rules.
10108. Messes hold functions other than Guest Nights, such as cocktail parties, dances, luncheons, etc. -o give and return hospitality. As they are Mess functions all members are equal hosts; therefore, all Participate and ensure that at no time is a guest neglected. Do not spend the whole occasion with one, party or partner; move about and widen the circle of your acquaintances. Never leave a guest Unattended. At a ball or dance circulate among other parties than your own.
10109. If, for financial reasons, you feel you cannot participate in a particular function go to the CO and explain.
10110. Punctuality at meals is insisted upon. Failure to be punctual causes disorganisation and interferes with the smooth running of the Mess. Some latitude is given in the case of informal meals.
10111. As orders of dress in different Corps and unit Messes vary, you should study the local Mess Rules and conform to them. If in doubt, consult your Squadron Commander or the PMC. One rule is common to all Messes; don't wear a mixture of uniform and civilian clothes.
10112. The dress for a particular function is generally laid down by the PMC. It is normal to wear Mess Dress or Mess Undress to dinner if it is conducted as a formal meal.
10113. If you have a personal guest for a Guest Night advise them to wear Evening Dress with miniatures, or a Dinner Jacket.
10114. Swords are never drawn in a Mess.
10115. Be careful what you say in front of the staff - good or bad, it soon spreads.
10116. Breakfast, lunch, and usually the evening meal, are informal meals. Officers may enter the dining room within the hours prescribed by the Committee. Officers are permitted to leave the dining room when they are finished. There is no fixed seating plan but some PMCs and C0s prefer a certain seat.
10117. In some Messes dinner is a formal meal and further details are given elsewhere.
10118. If you are late for dinner, make your apology to the Dining President and request his permission to take your seat.
10119. Do not open letters or telegrams at the table without first obtaining approval of your neighbours at informal meals, or of the Dining President at dinner.
10120. Do not drink too much, and do not persuade others to do so.
10121. 'Shouting' drinks is not a custom of the Service. Although most Mess Rules prohibit 'shouting' it has been found through experience, that it is a most difficult rule to enforce. Junior officers would be wise to institute among themselves a definite code of 'non-shouting' or limiting the 'shout' to a maximum of three officers. An officer should feel free to buy a drink for himself without feeling that he should ask others to join him.
10122. Getting away to other Messes or to a club, to avoid the scrutiny of your seniors, gets you nowhere. You can drink secretly but you will soon be found out.
10123. There have been officer alcoholics in the Service. Don't become one of them and ruin your career.
10124. The 'fining' of members for minor irregularities or breaches of Mess etiquette is not done. Fines in money or alcohol are not levied on such occasions as promotion or marriage.
10125. Bets are not made at the Mess Table.
10 126. Do not find fault or make complaints to the Mess staff. If there is anything wrong complain at the proper time to the Mess Secretary or to your representative on the Mess Committee.
10127. The Suggestion Book is for suggestions, not complaints. It is for constructive suggestions to assist the Committee. Avoid 'trying to be funny' when you make a suggestion.
10128. Avoid 'horse play', noisy behaviour, clinking of glasses, etc, at the Mess Table. Fun and games after dinner are good for all but do not cause wanton damage. Damages are paid for by those causing them.
10129. These days all Messes are short staffed, so do all you can to help the staff to make your home more tidy and comfortable.
10130. Do not remove newspapers, books and periodicals from the ante-room. Return them to their proper place after use.
10131. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in a Mess.
10132. If you are the last officer to leave the Mess at night, see that fires are safe, the bar locked, and radiators and lights switched off.
10133. Dinners, Mess Dinners and Guest Nights are held at such times as arranged by the Mess Committee with the concurrence of the CO.
10134. All resident members are expected to attend dinner. All members, resident or non-resident, should attend Mess Dinners and Guest Nights. If you wish to absent yourself, you must seek the approval of the PMC. Only under exceptional circumstances is permission granted.
10135. Members wishing to invite guests to a Guest Night should first inform the Secretary by the time previously laid down by the Mess Committee. Make certain that a vacancy has been allotted before asking your guest; otherwise embarrassment may arise.
10136. Invitations are sent out in the name of the Mess and are endorsed on the back: 'With the compliments of...............
10137. A specific member is delegated to look after each official guest.
10138. Dinners and Mess Dinners. Members assemble in the ante-room half an hour before the time for dinner.
10139. Guest Nights. Members assemble half an hour before the time for dinner.
10140. When entering the ante-room before dinner say 'Good evening, Sir' to the senior officer present. If your CO, or any officer senior to the CO, enters after you, rise and pay the same compliment.
10141. On Guest Nights, the President and the Vice President meet the Guest of Honour and any official guests on arrival. The guests are then presented to the senior officer present, provided with refreshments and then introduced to other members.
10142. Introductions. The basic rule for all introductions is that the junior person is introduced to the senior in official status or Service rank irrespective of age. Otherwise, a younger person is introduced to the older.
10143. A gentlemen is introduced to a lady except where there is a marked difference in rank or status. A single woman is introduced to a married woman. Where there is a notable difference in their ages the younger is introduced to the older.
10144. The correct introduction for most occasions is 'Major Jones, may I introduce Captain Smith'. 'Ms Winsome, may I introduce Major Jones'. The proper reply is 'how do you do (Sir - when appropriate)'.
10145. Guest Nights. A seating plan is prepared by the PMC and, after approval of the CO, is placed in a convenient place in the ante-room.
10146. The President sits at the head and the Vice President at the foot of the table.
10147. The CO sits halfway down the table on the Presidents left with next senior officer of the unit or formation opposite him.
10148. The Guest of Honour or senior official guest sits on the CO's right, the next senior official guest on his left. The third and fourth senior guests on the right and left of the second in command. A senior officer is placed on the right of the principal guest.
10149. The remaining members and guests are placed alternatively on the right and left of the President.
10150. When the table is in the form of 'U', the Guest of Honour and the next senior official guest sit on the right and left of the President respectively. The CO sits on the right of the senior official guest and the second in command on the left of the next senior official guest. The remaining members are then placed alternatively on the right and left of the President. The Vice President will be last to arrive at his place at the table, and sits at the end of the bottom table, that is farthest from the PMC.
10151. Should the CO assume his right to preside at a Guest Night (and this is rarely done) he and the President change places. The seating plan is otherwise unaltered.
10152. Other Dinner Nights. Except for the reservation of seats for the CO, the President and Vice President, there are no fixed seating arrangements for Dinners and Mess Dinners. Officers move into the Mess room in any order irrespective of rank. Junior officers must not offend, however, by thrusting themselves ahead of their seniors. Seats should be filled outwards from the President and the Vice President.
10153. At the appointed time, the Mess Sergeant reports to the Dining President, or Vice-President, 'Dinner is served, Sir'.
10154. The President then informs the CO, adding 'Shall we go into dinner Sir?. When the CO is assured that all official guests are ready, he grants his approval.
Note: It is customary for the Vice President to quietly issue a warning that dinner will be served in five minutes.
10155. Guest Nights. The order of entering the Mess room is - the Dining President, the CO (accompanied by the Guest of Honour and any personal guest); the second in command, (accompanied by the next senior guest); members escorting other official guests; then the rest of the members and their guests who should follow in without delay. The Vice President, whose duty it is to see that the entry of members is not delayed, is the last to enter.
10156. Members and guests stand behind their chairs. If a chaplain is present the Dining President says 'Chaplain (or padre) will you please say Grace'. Should no chaplain be present, any officer may be nominated to say Grace. After Grace the President then takes his seat, all present following him.
10157. If for some unforeseen reason there are any vacant places they are to be removed promptly, preferably before the members enter the Mess room. The Dining Vice-President should ascertain if all diners are present before members enter the Mess room.
10158. On Mess and Guest Nights, wine is normally served with the meal, and orders are not taken. On Dinner Nights, orders for drinks may be given individually.
10159. Noisy behaviour, clinking glasses, etc, at the Mess Table is not the conduct expected of an officer.
10160. At the conclusion of the last course, the Mess Table is cleared except for the port glasses, table decorations and flowers. Only the stewards required to assist in passing the port remain in the Mess.
10161. If you do not wish to partake of port, you may order water or non-alcoholic drinks for the toasts.
10162. Port decanters are placed in front of the Dining President and Dining Vice-President. If there are large numbers at dinner, extra decanters are provided.
10163. Taking the time from the President, the stoppers are removed from the decanters and placed on the table. Those members with decanters in front of them pour a little port into their glass and pass the decanter to the person on their left. Each officer taking port fills his glass and passes the decanter on.
10164. When a decanter returns to an original pourer of the port, that person completes filling their glass.
10165. There are many variations in the method of passing the port but in RA Sigs Messes the decanters may be passed along the tables or from hand to hand.
10166. When the port has been passed around, the Dining President gives a knock, and in a clear voice says 'Dining Vice-President'. The Vice-President rises (all others remain seated - if you have a guest, warn them of this and the fact that decanters are not passed between toasts) and says 'Gentlemen' or 'Ladies and Gentlemen'. Glasses should remain on the table. When all have risen and everybody is quiet the Dining Vice-President then proposes the Loyal Toast 'The Queen'. If the band is in attendance the first four bars and the last four bars of the National Anthem are then played. At its conclusion, or in response to the Dining Vice-President if there is no band in attendance, all present will repeat 'The Queen', raise their glasses from the table, drink to the toast and resume their seats.
10167. Refer to Corps Memorandum No 11.
10168. Refer to Corps Memorandum No 11.
10169. Smoking is not permitted in Corps Messes.
10170. At the conclusion of the toasts, if there is a band in attendance, the Bandmaster may be invited into the Mess to accept its hospitality. He is given a seat between the Commanding Officer and the Guest of Honour or the senior official guest, and offered a drink. After, at most, two drinks he withdraws and the extra chair is removed.
10171. Further rounds of port are at the discretion of the Dining President. When he replaces the decanter stopper, the stoppers are replaced in all decanters.
10172. Should a member or guest have occasion to leave the table before the Loyal Toast, they must first obtain the President's permission.
10173. On Guest Nights, members do not leave until after the official guests. In a large Mess, eg; a Command Mess, when the GOC and his guests stand up, all present do likewise, but, if they so desire, may resume their seats when the official party leaves the Mess room. In regimental Messes, the Dining President will normally indicate the departure time by knocking, and calling 'Dining Vice-President'. The Dining Vice-President then moves to and occupies the Dining President's chair and assumes the duty of host as the Dining President stands and moves out with their guest.
10174. On Dinner and Mess Dinner Nights no one leaves the table until after the Loyal Toast. It is not customary to await the departure of the senior officer before leaving the table.
10175. If speeches are made after dinner, give the speaker a courteous hearing - even if he fails to be interesting or witty or is inaudible from where you are sitting.
10176. 'Fun and games' after dinner is a tradition, however they may cause damage to Mess property. In these instances the tradition extends to the recovery of the costs of repairs/replacement from those members involved.
10177. On Guest Nights don't leave the Mess until all Mess Guests have departed or, after obtaining permission from the senior officer present, until you are sure that late stayers are being properly looked after.
10178. Official correspondence can be divided into:
a. official letters;
b. demi-official (DO) letters;
c. memoranda; and
d. minutes.
10179. Instructions on the style and layout of official correspondence is found in JSP (AS) 102 Service Writing.
10180. The booklet Customs of the Army gives good guidance on social and semi-formal correspondence.
Addressing Envelopes
10181. When writing to an officer of the Corps, add 'RA Sigs' after his name and decorations. 10182. Be sure you spell his name correctly and that his initials and decorations are correct.
10183. Write legibly. It annoys a senior officer if he cannot read a letter or report because of careless writing. Remember, on active service, illegible writing may have very serious implications.
10184. Never sign any official paper until you understand its contents and are satisfied that the statements are correct.
10185. Date, in your own handwriting, everything you sign or initial.
Invitations
10186. Formal Invitations. The following form covers invitations for most military occasions:
|
CREST |
|
Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Cee and |
|
Officers of …………..Signal Regiment Officers'Mess |
|
request the pleasure of the company of |
|
Major and Mrs D.E. Eff |
|
or, Major D.E. Eff and Ms G.H. lye |
|
|
|
on………… |
|
Dress - is inserted here |
R.S.V.P The Secretary |
|
When decorations are required to be worn the word 'decorations' should be included, eg, Mess Dress, Evening Dress - Decorations, Dinner Jacket. |
10187. Envelopes containing invitations to married persons should be addressed to the wife; all invitations should be sent to the private address.
10188. Invitations should never be addressed to 'CAPT A. B. Smith and Lady, or Partner'. If the name of the partner is not known or cannot be ascertained, then two cards should be sent - one addressed to CAPT A.B. Smith and the other blank so that CAPT Smith can include the name of their friend or partner. If an invitation is required for admission purposes the second card should be filled in'Guest of CAPT A.B. Smith'.
10189. The decorations of an officer issuing invitations should not be included on the invitation but those of the guest may be shown. For example, Major D.E. Eff, AM, MC, and Mrs Eff.
10190. When sending invitations to dinner it is helpful to include two times, eg; 6.30 pm for 7 pm.
10191. Invitations should be answered without delay and the acceptance or refusal should be in sin-filar form to the invitation. A reply is always handwritten and should be on double fold white paper (A4 folded in half).
10192. Acceptance.
Major and Mrs D. E. Eff have much pleasure in accepting the invitation of Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Cee and officers of ...................Signal Regiment Officers'Mess
at ………....on ………..at ………..
.....(function) .......... (date)................ (time)
10193. Non-acceptance.
Major and Mrs D.E. Eff wish to thank Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Cee and officers of ................................. Signal Regiment Officers'Mess for their kind invitation for (function) on (date) but regret that because of absence from town ('a previous engagement') they are unable to accept.
10194. Viceregal Invitations.
a. Acceptance.
Captain I.J. Kay has the honour to accept the invitation of His Excellency the Governor
and Lady ………………to…………… on …………..at……………….
.......................................................................(function) ................(date) .....................(time)
Melbourne
(date)
b. Is Unable to Attend.
Captain I.J. Kay has the honour to accept the invitation of His Excellency the Governor
and Lady ………. to (function) on (date) at (time) but regrets that owing to absence interstate he will be unable to be present.
Alternatively, the invitation may be accepted formally and the ADC-in-waiting informed of the circumstances by telephone.
10195. When sending a private letter or letter of introduction by the hand of a friend, the envelope should be left unsealed and the flap turned in.
10196. After attending a function, a short letter of thanks should be sent to the host conveying your appreciation of their hospitality. This note is always handwritten and concludes 'Yours sincerely'. When a married officer has been accompanied by his wife and there is a hostess, the letter should be from the wife to the hostess. If the invitation was a spoken one, a telephone call of thanks is all that is required.