CUSTOMS ,TRADITIONS and SERVICE PROTOCOL

GENERAL

The importance of customs and traditions to the AFP cannot be over

emphasized. For the continued use of desirable practices long accepted by our
predecessors provide a reserve of strength that cannot be obtained from new
approaches that still require testing. Customs that are deeply cherished provide a
simplification of lifestyles and serve to inspire us to emulate our honorable
predecessors.

Traditions - are inherited principles, standards and practices that serve as the
established guides for an individual or group. Traditions are accumulated experiences
and deeds passed on from generation to generation both in memory and reality.

Customs - are accepted practices realized through continued usage that take
the force and effect of a Common Law.

Military Traditions:

1. Traditions of Valor - The Filipino soldier has epitomized valor during his
gallant defense at Bataan and Corregidor against the Japanese Forces. The late
General Douglas McArthur paid tribute to Filipino Soldiery when he proclaimed. "Give
me 10,000 Filipino soldiers and I'll conquer the world".

2. Tradition of Duty - The Filipino soldier has exemplified himself

throughout history as a dedicated public servant who performed his tasks with a deep
sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. H has made himself a distinct professional by
devoting 24 hours a day to his job whenever the situation demanded.

3. Tradition of Honor - The founding fathers of the AFP as well the nation
have courageously demonstrated even in most difficult times the value of honor by
leading a life in peace or war with personal dignity and self-worth. In history, they were
known for having treasured honor more than life itself when they consistently offered the
supreme sacrifice to win their freedom and keep it by refusing to yield to the glitter of
gold offered by their former colonizers.

4. Tradition of Solidarity - Unity is the strongest, most enduring and

powerful military tradition. It is distinction enjoyed by every member of the AFP, who
through thick and thin worked together, and in the process, nourished pride and feeling
of belonging to the organization. It is the hidden ingredient that bound him in oneness
to the people he served. In every endeavor that the Filipino soldier had undertaken, he
always worked as part of the team, an ally in the accomplishment of the mission, and an
indispensable partner of the people whose support he treasured as vital in the
attainment of national objectives.
 5. Tradition of Loyalty - The Filipino soldier has traditionally held the
respect of the nation by shedding much blood and offering the supreme sacrifice in
defense of the country. He has consistently given his loyalty to the nation, the
Constitution, and also to his seniors, his peers and his juniors.

Military Customs - The following are some of the significant customs in the
AFP:

1. Salute - Men of arms have used some form of military salute as an

exchange of greeting since the earliest times. It has been preserved and its use
continued in ail modern armed forces which inherited their military traditions from the
Age of Chivalry. The method of rendering the salute has varied through the ages, as it
still varies in form among the armed forces for today. Whatever the form it has taken, it
has always pertained to military men, and its use definitely restricted to those in good
standing. In the Navy, saluting with the left hand is allowed when the right hand is
occupied with something or not available for the execution of the same.

2. Flag Raising Ceremony - The Philippine Flag symbolizes our country

and, people. The Filipino Soldier honours the Flag by raising it with the troops singing
the National Anthem and to the accompaniment of the band before the start of the
official day's work to pledge that all his efforts for the day is dedicated to his country and
people.

3. The Retreat Ceremony - In our service, it is known to have been in use

during the early days of the American occupation. The sounds of the evening gun
during a combined ceremonial parade and retreat ceremony constitute one of the most
inspiring customs of the service. Military personnel in camps or garrisons pause for a'
moment either to salute to the Nation's Flag or sing the National Anthem.

4. The Three Volleys Over Graves - This is a sign of respect and gesture of
farewell tendered to a departed comrade-in-arms. In the older days, they did it by
throwing or casting earth three (3) times upon the grave, calling the name of the dead
and saying "Farewell" three times.

5. The White Flag of Truce - A worldwide custom used to signal the

temporary cessation of hostilities between warring parties.

6. The Wearing of Decorations - Military personnel, who honorably earned

decorations in the performance of duty, displays them as part of the uniform during
appropriate occasions.

7. The Raising of the Right Hand in Taking Oath - From the earliest days,
the taking of an oath for truth of statement or testimony has been a solemn and serious
matter accompanied by ceremony. In essence, the taker of the oath calls upon hi., God
to bear witness that the truth would be told.
 8. Courtesy of the Post - An officer of any of the armed services visiting at
a military post or one who resides in its vicinity is often extended the "Courtesy of the
Post" by the officer after the prescribed official call has been made. This may include
the privilege of accommodation at the Officer's Club and Officer’s Mess if the visit is of
short duration and the privilege of membership, if the stay in the vicinity is extended.
9. Presentation of Recruit to Colors - In most units, it is a ceremony in
which recruits are presented to the color for the purpose of signifying acceptance and
welcome into the organization.

10. Farewell Tendered to a Departing Officer - Prior to the Departure of an

officer from his station on a change of assignment, a reception, or other suitable unit
function, is usually given by the unit's officers and ladies in honor of the departing
officer and his family. When pressure of work prohibits this nicety, a "Happy Hour” or a
simple get -together takes its place.

11. Ceremony Tendered to a Retiree - This is tendered to a military retiree in

recognition of his long, faithful and honorable service to the AFP.

12. Trumpet or Bugle Calls - Trumpet and Bugle Calls add more distinction
and excitement to the regimented life of military personnel. As the day to day activities
bore, the sounds of these calls rejuvenate every system of his body to continue
performing the things as signalled by each call.

13. Courtesy Calls - The following are some of the significant courtesy calls
in the military:

a. An officer who has been detailed outside of and is rejoining his

major service or has been reassigned to unit outside his Major Service customarily calls
on his Major Service Commander.

b. Upon arrival or prior to departure, officers from overseas missions

or foreign schooling pay a call to their respective Major Service Commanders. It is also
appropriate for officers assuming foreign pots or coming back from such assignments to
call on the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of National Defence.

c. Officers assuming command positions or similar key positions call

on their immediate commanders, including Major Service Commanders. They do the
same prior to a transfer or relief from duty.

d. Newly promoted officers customarily call on their Major Service

Commanders. This is usually done in groups of the same rank.

e. In some cases, senior officers who are the subject of all these calls
may be extremely busy to attend or receive callers. It is always a sign of courtesy and
goodwill to have manifested an intention to pay such a call.
 14. Call of Newly Promoted Generals/Flag Officers - Officers promoted to
star ranks call on the Major Service Commander, Chief of Staff, AFP and the Secretary
of National Defense after taking their oath of office before the Commander-in-Chief.

Calls on the Major Service Commanders are usually accompanied by

some form of arrival and departure honors.
15. New Year's Call on the Commanding Officer - It has been an invariable
custom throughout the AFP that officers make a formal call upon their Commander
during New Year's Day.

16. Happy Hour - This is a special form of unit officer comradeship which had
been developing and spreading in recent years. When this is directed, officers gather at
their local club for a beer and conversation. Usually held on Fridays, the growing
customs calls for a light hearted jesting about the events of the week, or airing a minor
gripe, and blowing off a little steam, it may also be a time to slip in a judicious request
for a pass or event to inquire about taking a leave. Behavior and activities conform
strictly to the moral and ethical standards set forth in this Code.

17. Military Weddings - These customs are generally the same for all faiths.
They vary only as chaplains of the different churches incorporate other procedures to
add to their color and tone.

18. Patronage of the Officer's Club and EP's Club Houses - This custom
enable officers and EP to spend their off duty social and recreational life in said center

19. Ceremonies at Holiday Dinners - this is the practice on Christmas and

New Year's Day, in which Commanding Officers visit troops during meal time or prior to
the serving of the meal. The method varies rather widely.

20. Christmas Holiday Entertainment - This is another practice on

Christmas, in which children of the organization are given gifts and entertained. This is
jointly organized by the Chaplain, Special Service Officer or Ladies Club with the band
present.

21. Rank Has Its Privileges - Whenever a choice is to be made, such

selection of billets or quarters or electing means of transportation, the option of selection
follow rank, with senior given the privilege to select first.

22. Visiting the Sick - A military personnel who is sick in the hospital is
visited by available officers and enlisted personnel of the unit in such number as may be
permitted by the doctor or surgeon in charge. An officer or soldier of his unit visits him
in order that his needs are attended to.

23. Survivor Assistance to Bereaved Family - When any member of a unit

dies, an officer is immediately designated by the commanding officer to render every
possible assistance to the bereaved family. A similar courtesy may be tendered, if
desired, in the case of a death of a member of any personnel family.

24. I Wish" and "I Desire" Statement - When the commanding officer states,
"I wish” or I desire" rather than 'I order that you do such and such, this wish or desire
has all the force of a direct order.

25. Place of Honor - The place of honor is on the right. Accordingly, when a
junior walks, rides, or sits with a senior he takes position abreast and to the left of the
senior. This is a kin to the deference which a young man pays his elders.

26. Use of the Word "Sir" - The word "Sir" is used in military conversation by
the junior officer in addressing a senior, and by all soldiers in addressing officers. It
precedes a report, a query, and follows the answer of a question.

SERVICE PROTOCOL

Following are the general principles that you must follow to foster good human
relation. These are not only applicable in our day to day dealings with civilians but also
in our relationship with our comrades-in arms:

1. Speak to people - There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2. Smile at people - It takes 65 muscles to frown; only 15 to smile.
3. Call people by names - The sweetest music to everyone’s ears are the
sound of his own name.
4. Be friendly and helpful - If you want to have friends, be friendly.
5. Be cordial - Speak and act as if everything you do were a genuine
pleasure.
6. Be genuinely interested in people - You can truly like everybody if you try.
7. Be generous with praises and cautious with criticisms.
8. Be considerate with the feelings of others - It sure will be appreciated.
9. Be thoughtful of the opinion of others
10. Be alert to give service. Remember that what counts most in life is what we
do for others.

DO’s and DON’Ts in the MILITARY SERVICE

Here is a handful misconduct which even military should avoid:

1. The uniform should never be defiled. The public has high regard on
military standards of wearing the uniform. We should never tolerate anyone among us
who wears it in a slovenly manner.
2. Conveying of gossips, slanderous and harsh criticisms, backbiting and
faultfinding are unmanly practices, which should be avoided. Speak of an absent
person only of things, which you would dare to say when he is present.
3. Avoid using foul and vulgar language loaded with profanity for such is
repulsive to most self-respecting men.
4. Avoid borrowing money or entering in any form of credit as it often leads to
misunderstandings. LEARN TO LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Unfavorable habits that
one cannot support and which give more harms than pleasure should be refrained from.
Return what you borrow and refrain from the habit of borrowing. Fit into the community
rather than attempt to change. Remember that the impression you will leave behind will
be a reflection not only of yourself but also of the Armed Forces.
5. Putting the hands in the pockets of the uniform, folding arms across the
chest, chewing gums while in uniform should be avoided. Likewise, yawning without
covering one’s mouth and scratching parts of the body in public is the height of bad
manners.
6. An officer in the AFP is expected to behave and conduct himself with
dignity and restraint.
7. It is a bad taste to address a woman by her first name or nickname unless
she has indicated otherwise.
8. An officer always asks to be permitted to smoke in the presence of a
woman especially in a room or in an automobile.
9. An officer always stands when introduced to a woman, a clergyman, an
officer or an old man.
10. An officer must be very careful in speaking about his wife.

SERVICE RELATIONSHIP

The relationship that exists among soldiers is characterized by a deep feeling of

friendship and respect for one another. The camaraderie and strong kinship shared by
all soldiers give fire to the renowned ESPRIT-DE-CORPS in our organization. Let us
keep this spirit of brotherhood burning.

Officer to Officer Relations

Relationship among officers should be characterized by respect, courtesy

and military propriety. In military service where discipline emphasize much the
distinction between officers of various grades. Junior officers are expected to be aware
of their position in the officer society at all times. Junior officers should look up to their
seniors for professional guidance and at the same time should develop close friendship
with their peers.
a. Never doubt the integrity of a fellow officer. Always take his word to
be the truth. Give him the “Special trust and confidence” due to him.
b. Discussions and arguments are common among officers as a form
of intellectual exercise. When engage in one, remember that there are always three
sides in a controversy: yours, the other fellow and the right one. Avoid resorting to
ridicule or sarcasm. Give the loser a change to save his face.
 c. In a staff or committee study, state all your objections and adverse
opinions in an issue, however, when a decision has been made, support it as if it was
your own.
d. Be extremely circumspect in any kind of financial transaction with
brother officer. Be wary in acting as a co-maker to any loan as it bindingly ties you up to
the loan company as much as the borrower himself. This may cost you and your co-
signee friendship and the amount of the loan too.
e. Do not meddle on the private lives of your fellow officers. Respect
their privacy.
Officer to Enlisted Personnel Relations
a. Enlisted personnel should avoid undue familiarity in expression and
actuation with officers even though some officers may encourage it.
b. Officer should avoid entertainment and recreational areas
frequently visited by EP of his unit. In the same manner, EP should refrain from
entering recreational patronized by officers.
c. Officers should not intrude into the EP’s affairs. They are entitled to
privacy among themselves. Officer should never enter the NCO’s mess hall unless on
official business.
d. An officer does not borrow money from an EP. If he cannot avoid
it, he borrows from a fellow officer. However, this too is discouraged.
e. Generally, soldier takes pride in paying for petty expenses of
officers they respect and like. This may happen in the bus, in a snack bar, inside barber
shop or elsewhere. Officers should not embarrass this EP by asking the cashier to
return the small amount and insist to pay the bill himself or herself.
f. Officers who attend social functions with enlisted driver or securities
should see to it that these EPs have means and a place to eat while waiting as they
attend the affair.
g. Officer should not turn away any EP who approaches them for help
even outside of official business and regardless of the branch of service of the latter. If
they are not in position to solve his problem, they help the subordinate find someone
who can.
h. Officer should never use his rank or position to gain favor from the
subordinate.
Enlisted Personnel to Enlisted Personnel Relations
a. Address a NCO as “Sergeant so and so” or simply “Sergeant” if you
do not know his last name. Avoid calling an EP just by his last name, as it sounds
unpleasant to the ear.
b. Give due respect to the First Sergeant and to the Operation
Sergeant (Gunnery) of your company by addressing them “Top” and “Gunny”
respectively.
 c. Respect the private life of your brother soldier. Never meddle in his
family or other personal affairs of which you have no concern.
d. Do not make fun or take pleasure at the expense of fellow soldier.
Observe propriety and proper timing in giving jokes directed to a soldier.
Soldier to Civilian Relations
a. Deal with them according to the tolerant of their ways. Remember
that their way of thinking and manner of living is quite different from the regimented and
exacting military way of life.
b. Act and speak with utmost courtesy and tactfulness when dealing
with civilians, whether you’re on duty or not. Respond enthusiastically to them and be
ready to extend help when necessary. Remember that our folks back home are
civilians too and that we are being supported by their taxes.
c. Never turn away civilians who are appealing to you for help. If you
are not in the position to help, refer them to persons who are.
d. When with a love one and when in uniform, avoid showing intimate
affection such as kissing, caressing, holding hands, etc. while exposed to the public.
Your love life is your private affair that needs not to be practiced in public view. The
existing Filipino morality still frowns on such display of intimacies.
e. Never address a woman by her first name or her nickname unless
she permits or when she is closely acquainted with you.
f. Never use your military position to influence civilians to do you a
favor.
g. In your conversation with the public, avoid using military
expressions, terminologies and slang, which are likely to be misinterpreted.
h. Do not talk about classified matters with civilians. This practice
may jeopardize the present and future operations of your unit. Refer members of the
press and media to the PRO who is qualified and authorized to answer their questions.
i. When cornered by the press to give your ideas on certain issues,
give intelligent answers. Make it clear, however, that those are your personal beliefs
which may not necessarily be that of the command.
j. Do not try to impress the public by telling gory tales of blood and
thunders and by speaking the course language of a “tough soldier”. This will not only
label you as a greenhorn and a counterfeit, but also identify you as an ill bred.
Remember the saying “the bravest are the tenderest; the gentlest are the daring.

GOOD MANNERS TO FOLLOW

1. Gentlemen always shake hands with each other when introduced.
2. It is very rude not to look into the countenance of the person whose hand
one takes. A smile rendered during the handshake is a very polite act.
 3. The general rule is: a woman has the privilege of offering to shake hands
with a gentleman. However, she should not embarrass a man who has offered his
hand.
4. A blank stare showing unrecognition is insulting.
5. An officer should never rush a conversation; he must be a good listener
and wait for his turn to speak.
6. It is rude for an officer to talk while someone is speaking or to raise his
voice to force the others to listen to him. Should a situation arise in which he
accidentally starts talking at the time with another, it is polite to excuse himself and give
way to the other speaker.
7. A glib talker can be as boring as a man of silence can.
8. When introduced outside, one must remove his right gloves if he has time.
9. A man offers a woman his arm only to give assistance when needed or as
an escort at a formal dinner or when at a wedding. Do not offer your arm to a woman in
the daytime or at luncheon.
10. A man assists the woman to his right with her chair she sits down and
rises at the dining table. The chair is pulled back as she steps into place then slides the
chair under her as she bends to sit down.
11. Flowers to be sent must be appropriately chosen to fit the recipient’s type
and the occasion at which they will be worn.
12. Courtesy Words: Greetings of the day
Appreciations: “Thank You, You’re Welcome”
Apologies: “I’m sorry, Excuse me, Pardon me.”
“Please.” or “A moment please.”

13. Smokers - There are posted areas for smoking on land, sea or plane.
Rules to be observed are as follows:
a. Don’t blow smoke or allow it to drift from a cigarette in your hand or
ashtray into another person’s face.
b. Never smoke at a formal or official occasion such as wedding
reception or parade.
c. Never use a saucer, dish or plate for an ashtray. Ask for one, when
needed.
d. If there is no ashtray in a home or on a dining table, it means that the
hosts do not want any smoking.
e. When a person ask if you mind smoking – say so if you do. Be
courteous. Few persons realize that a smoke-allergic individual can become ill quickly.
f. Don’t spill ashes on the floor, flip ashes into a wastepaper basket, or
put a lighted cigarette on a table.
g. Never toss a lighted cigarette out of a car window particularly in
wooded areas.
 14. Never volunteer information. If you don’t give free information about
someone or something, you can’t be quoted.
15. When you have done something wrong, apologize directly, while looking
at the person. Apologies are imperative if you have caused harm, or hurt someone
through carelessness, failed to keep an appointment, cannot grant a request or you
have broken or damaged something, etc. To renew the broken friendship, invite the one
you have offended for a lunch, and ask the person’s forgiveness by explaining your
failure to do so, etc.
16. As a general rule, accepting a person’s hospitality necessitates reciprocal
gesture. A sincere expression of thanks at the time of leaving the party is sufficient.
17. Do not fail to reply to an RSVP. All social invitations are answered
promptly, preferably within a day or two. A thank you not should be sent within 48 hours
after the occasion.
18. It is a taboo for an officer to carry an umbrella while in uniform as well as
carrying a basket. Under no circumstances must the uniform be dishonored.
19. Dancing is one of the most common forms of amusement. It adds grace and
ease to the bearing. Your first dance should be your last dance.

DOs and DON’Ts in CONVERSATION

a. DO’s:

1. Have something to say – and say it well. Brief amusing stories,

news item, unusual incidents, a TV personality – all are conversation starters.
2. Be a good listener.
3. Develop the art of small talk; this is pleasant talk about nothing in
particular, but does not include official or harmful subjects.
4. Learn to remember names and faces; nothing will make you more
popular.
5. Put shy persons at ease by getting them to talk about their hobbies,
pets, children, or known interests.
6. Put yourself at ease – by thinking of the other person.
7. As a host, act as a moderator and intervene in a monologue, a
“dead” group, or a controversial discussion by changing the subject.
8. Talk in a moderate tone of voice.
9. Keep your eyes and ears open – and, occasionally, your mouth
shut.
10. Be able to say, “I don’t know” – when you don’t.
b. DON’Ts
1. Say anything about anyone that you would not want them to hear.
 2. Talk business at a social gathering
3. Substitute sarcasm or ridicule for it.
4. Interrupt or contradict others.
5. Monopolize a conversation
6. Talk over anyone’s head or “talk down” to anyone.
7. Flatter others; insincerity is unwelcome.
8. Talk endlessly; silence, at times is golden.
9. Allow a guest to be stranded with a conversational bore.
10. “Clam up;” a shy guest is a burden to a host, who thereupon must
force conversation.
11. Exclude anyone from a conversational group – other than a
disruptive person, such as one “under the influence”.
12. Give the state of your health when someone says, “How are you?”
This is simply a polite expression, generally used in greetings or “small talk”.
13. Talk about a party you have been invited to when others present
have not.
14. Be ingratiating. Deference expresses respect for authority;
bootlicking does not.

TABLE ETIQUETTE

Simple rules in eating may seem elementary, but they are the rules by which you
are judged. The difference between good or crude manners is the way you observed
the following rules:
a. Controversial topics should be avoided at the dinner table. Talking about
accidents, illness, scandals, and unaesthetic things should be avoided. Conversation
and laughter should always be toned down, but the hostess must encourage this all
around. Well-bred men and women talk pleasantly with those who seem to be
disengaged at any particular moment. Conversing with your neighbor is as important as
eating.
b. In a small sit-down dinner, it is a good form to wait for the host to begin.
c. It is ill mannered for a guest to go to the table with a lighted cigarette in his
hand. Smoking is permitted only in the living room or library, and after the conclusion of
the meal.
d. Wiping the silver and plates with the napkin indicates poor manners.
Likewise, leaving the spoon in the cup, or looking for toothpicks, show lack of breeding.
Never pick your teeth in public – even by covering your mouth with a napkin or with the
other hand. Clean teeth in the privacy of the bathroom.
e. One must make sure his mouth is empty and his lips wiped clean before
taking any beverage. This will keep the rim of the glasses and cups free from ugly
marks.
 f. Individual guests place napkins on the lap after the hostess has taken
hers. The napkin is used to protect your clothes from the food. At the end of the meal,
the napkin must be laid to the left of the place setting. No attempt should be made to let
it look neat. It should never be refolded. This is done to show that it is not to be used
again.
g. One should never stir up food or mix different items into a heap on the
plate. Gravy for example is used only for specific dishes and should not spread all over.
h. Chewing must be done quietly with the mouth closed. Avoid making noise
while eating or swallowing, or blow on hot liquids to cool them.
i. Wet spoons should never be used to take sugar. The hostess should see
to it that silver wares are adequate for every purpose.
j. It is but proper for a guest to take a little of every item served at the table.
The guest’s favorable reaction to the food served is some compensation to the hostess.
k. Elbows must never be placed on the table while one is eating. Keep your
elbows at your side when cutting food; they move as easily up and down as sideways
and, if held in, cannot hit your partner.
l. One must be familiar with the manner of eating different kinds of cooked
foods, vegetables and fruits. It adds a great deal to one’s poise to know if a certain item
is to be taken with a particular type of fork, with the fingers, with a teaspoon or with the
aid of a sharp knife.
m. Avoid such unattractive eating habits as smacking your lips or taking
overly large mouthfuls from food piled high on your fork.

n. If something is out of reach at the table, do not rise out of your seat to
obtain it; ask for it to be passed. However, you may reach for anything you conveniently
can without bothering your dinner partner.
o. The knife is used only for cutting meat or fish, never for conveying food to
the mouth.
p. Do not lower your head as if you are going to duck under your plate.
q. When in doubt, follow the host.

HOW TO EAT VARIOUS FOODS

a. Bacon – with fork
b. Cake – with a fork when served as a dessert
c. Cheese – with a salad course or with fruit, with a fork
d. Chicken – broiled or fried, hold with the fork in the plate, strip the meat off
the bones with your knife. Or, at home, hold the chicken in your left hand against the
plate; strip the meat off with the fork. At picnics, family meals, etc, fried chicken is eaten
using the fingers.
e. Corn on the cob – serve only at informal meals. Hold with the hands or
by small spears inserted on each end. Salt, pepper and butter are sometimes mixed in
small pats or balls before the meal, or mixed on the dinner plate before eating. Butter a
few rows or kernels at a time.
f. Fish – when not boned, hold in the plate with the fork, slit with tip of the
knife from head to tail. Insert tip of knife under the end of the backbone and lift out the
skeleton. Lay skeleton and bones on the side of the plate. Fillet means “without
bones”.
g. Fresh fruits (except citrus fruit) – at the table, skin the fruit, half and stone
(remove seeds), then cut into small pieces and eat with the fork. At a formal dinner, fruit
is served with a fruit knife and fork. Fresh grapes and cherries are eaten whole; remove
pits with the fingers; place on side of plate.
h. Avocados – when halved, with a spoon; when peeled and served in a
salad, with fork.
i. Ice Cream – with a fork and/or spoon; the fork is for the solid part, the
spoon for the soft.
j. Lobster and hard-shelled crabs – boiled or broiled, break shells, remove
meat with seafood fork. The major part of the meat is in the stomach cavity and the tail
or claws. The best crabmeat is in the large claws and the main body.
k. Onion rings – with a fork
l. Pickles – with a fork when served with meat at a table.
m. Potato Chips – with the fingers.
n. Potatoes – French-fried, with the fork after being cut in shorter lengths.
Do not spear with the fork.
o. Sandwiches - by hand. The large or double-decker sandwiches are cut in
half, then in quarter pieces.
p. Spaghetti – twisted around the fork, eat from fork tip.

RULES IN SEATING ARRANGEMENT

Senior ranking guest in a party is always given the first place of honor.
a. The place of honor for a male guest is to the right of the hostess while the
wife of the honored male guest sits at the right of the host.
b. Men and women sit alternately, but a man and wife should not be seated
next to each other.
c. Place cards should be used.
d. Men should always help their dinner partners take their assigned seats.
e. When dining in a restaurant, the woman should have the best view when
seated