Section IV. ESTABLISHED PRACTICES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
4-17. COURTESY
Courtesy is the expression of consideration for others. It is nothing more than
good manners and politeness in dealing with other people. Military courtesy is basically
no different than courtesy in civilian life. It works both ways--from the superior to the
subordinate and from the subordinate to the superior, and also between individuals of
equal status. The only distinction between the two kinds of courtesy, military and civilian,
is the forms of courtesy. The forms of military courtesy differ because they have been
developed in a military atmosphere and have become customs and traditions.
a. In the Military. In military life, where individuals are required to live and work
together more intimately than in civilian life, cooperative effort is all-important. Courtesy is
of vital importance in promoting cooperation and developing group consciousness. It
pays large returns for small efforts.
b. In Relation to Civilians. Your relationship with a contractor should be
impersonal. Do not burden the contractor with your problems by discussing with him any
family difficulties you may have, or financial problems you are experiencing, or problems
involving yourself with the Army in general and your duty assignment in particular.
4-18. APPEARANCE
a. In General. Military personnel are expected to present a neat and soldierly
appearance. Commanders establish policies and standards in the area of personal
appearance to ensure that members of the command appear neat and soldierly. A
veterinary food inspection specialist should attempt to create a favorable impression
among the civilians where he performs his inspection duties by maintaining a neat
appearance.
b. On the Job. Inspection personnel must be constantly aware of the image they
create by their appearance. The impression made by an inspector wearing a clean head
covering, a clean white coat, and clean shoes, and with clean hands (fingernails trimmed
short) goes a long way toward gaining acceptance not only of himself but also of his
position as a federal representative responsible for obtaining a wholesome product for the
military. On the other hand, carelessness in regard to personal appearance immediately
raises a question in the mind of the observer regarding the competence and personal
traits of the individual.
4-19. PERSONAL HYGIENE
A food inspector with poor personal hygiene sets a bad example for the food
handlers he may come in contact with and may contaminate the food he inspects. A food
inspector must maintain the highest degree of personal cleanliness. Minimum
requirements are set forth in TB MED 530. Job-related hygiene requirements follow.
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