Naval Service Protocol Introduction

Please Note - The United States Coast Guard, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy adhere to the Social Usage and Protocol Handbook: A Guide for Personnel of the U.S. Navy (OPNAVINST 1710.7 dated 15 Jun 2001) manual.

Members of the naval service will find that at all points in their careers they can expect to be involved to some extent in the planning and execution of official ceremonies and social events. Protocol is a code of established guidelines on proper etiquette and precedence which, when followed, lays the foundation for a successful event.

From this foundation, the host should consider the facets which make a particular situation unique, and from there, use imagination to design a memorable occasion.

The most important consideration in planning should always be the comfort of one’s guests. A clever hostl/hostess is able to reach a proper mixture of protocol and common sense that will enable guests to enjoy themselves completely. If this is accomplished, an event is truly successful.

The information contained herein is quoted from Social Usage and Protocol Handbook: A Guide for Personnel of the U.S. Navy (OPNAVINST 1710.7 dated 15 Jun 2001)