PREFACE

1. A service officer is known for his chivalry, courtesy and impeccable manners. The changed socio-economic environment has also changed the social pattern. Though we must move with the changed times, this should not be allowed to impinge upon our traditions, core values and moral behaviour.

2. Etiquette is a code of behaviour based on consideration and thoughtfulness. Etiquette is all about respect and dignity. Etiquette helps us to achieve control over our behaviour. Adherence to etiquette by one and all, especially in the close environs in which we live and work, will help us in making our life not only graceful but also pleasurable.

3. The ideal places for imbibing the values and etiquettes of services are the cradles of grooming i.e. our training academies/ships. Building of our character is however, a continuous process.

4. This book aims to provide a ready reckoner on all the important aspects of etiquette, which a service officer could expect to encounter in his career. The essence of various mess etiquettes, the essential attributes of grooming and turn out, the necessary etiquettes which would be essential for a spouse to be aware of and the rudiments of Military courtesy along with a few Do's and Don'ts are also included.