Cadet Kerri Petterson
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
MS III Class Homework Project

Customs and courtesies are perhaps two of the oldest and most sacred elements of any culture.  They show respect, maturity, understanding, sorrow, commitment, achievement, admiration; all the emotions of a culture.  In the Army culture, they do that and more.  In the Army, customs and courtesies provide a way of life. 

Being in Law School, I understand that upon graduation, passing the Bar exam, and being admitted to and passing JAG school; I will become a member of the Office of the SJA.  Thus, I will never actually lead my own platoon.  Yet, I still understand the importance and meaning of customs and courtesies within the Army. 

While the customs of the military are rigid and essentially law, they are all based in a deep respect: a respect for the flag, fallen soldiers, or comrades in arms.  This respect is something to be cherished.  It has a large impact on anyone who is exposed to it.  I have personally come to love the respect the Army offers; both as a respect I give and a respect I have received.  To be involved in a custom so entrenched in respect would be a gift to anyone.  Further, the courtesies, as the more laid back form of respect, are an extension of the emotions of the culture in a non-demanding way.

As a JAG officer, I feel the customs and courtesies of the Army will influence my life greatly.  I will deal daily with enlisted soldiers, NCO’s, and even other officers, in helping to find resolutions to their problems.  These interactions take on a whole new light in the military’s culture. I will be respected when I give advice and direction, and I will be given direction and advice in a respectful manner.  I will deal with soldiers who have chosen the Army culture, thus I respect them for their performance of its customs. The customs and courtesies of the Army are actually the main reason I have chosen this career path. I believe the customs and courtesies of the Army are what create the strong sense of camaraderie I have found here, and have never seen elsewhere. 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a renowned 18th century German author once stated: “There is no outward sign of true courtesy that does not rest on a deep moral foundation.”  I find this astounding in its truth.  Members of the Army, while the life may not be perfect, do find a “deep moral foundation” in who they are and what they do, and it is exhibited through the continuation of these customs and courtesies so well known to the outside world.  For me to be a part of that, I honestly feel lucky.