Walking and Talking

• When walking with a service member, always walk on his left side. This allows him the ability to easily salute higher ranking members with his right hand.
  
  Public displays of affection are unacceptable in the military and can result in disciplinary action for the military member. The only time this is generally overlooked is at deployment and homecoming ceremonies. Even then, public displays of affection should be limited.
  
  Military members are prohibited from carrying umbrellas that are not black, carrying packages or pushing a stroller while in uniform. Military spouses should plan ahead for these events and take into consideration what the military member can and cannot do while in uniform.
  
  Military spouses should learn to recognize rank and address other military members as such until told otherwise. If all else fails, address the person as "Sir" or "Ma'am" but never by "Mr." or "Mrs." Refer to your spouse by name and not by rank to others.
  
  

Attending Events

• Dress appropriately for all events by following the dress request indicated on the invitation. If dress is not specified, contact the host and ask for clarification. A military event, even if it is a spouses' only event, is not the place for showing a lot of skin. Clothing should be conservative.
  
  Always RSVP if requested and never show up to an event at someone's residence without a small gift or token of appreciation for the host. Thank you notes should be written after the event and promptly delivered.
  
  According to CincHouse, when entering a receiving line, military spouses should be in front of the military member. The military member will introduce the spouse to the first person in the receiving line who will pass the name down the line. Hands should be free of all objects to shake hands and you should extend a polite greeting to each person.
  
  

Respecting Tradition

• Military spouses should always stand and place their hand over their heart when the flag is raised, lowered or paraded in front of them. Males should remove any headgear and all should remain silent. The same is true during the playing of the National Anthem except that everyone is encouraged to sing the lyrics.
  
  During Reveille and Retreat, songs are played over a loud speaker on the military post. Military spouses along with their families and guest should remain still during the song and face the flag if it is visible. If driving in the car at the time the song begins, the car should be safely pulled to the side of the road and stopped until the end of the song.