Military Etiquette within the Kingdom of Haenseti-Ruska

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HAESENI MILITARY ETIQUETTE 

As penned by THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, the Lady Chamberlain Rosalind Elizaveta Amador de Astrea, and by SER Alric Sigmar Ruthern, of the Marian Retinue and approved by HIS GRACE Lord Friedrich Barclay - 359 ES

 

Etiquette, while needed in court, is also essential in military practise. The HRA albeit a brotherhood, it is still paramount that all soldiers conduct themselves properly on the field, as well as in court. 

 

Being a member of the HRA means that you represent the Kingdom of Haense and the Royal family as well as acting as a protector of the people. Many will look to the men and women in armour to uphold Haense’s values and conduct themselves in a proper way, therefore earning their respect. 

 

The ranks of the HRA are as follows, officers being in italics. Remember them, since it affects how you address them and forms of greeting: 

 

Lord Marshal

Captain

Lieutenant

Sergeant

Armiger

Armsman

Footman

Initiate

 

GLOSSARY:

Formality - Any settings described as formal. Examples include: in court or on duty, in uniform.

Casualness - Any settings described as casual. For example, in the tavern or out of uniform.

Superior - An officer past the rank of Armiger.

On duty - When a soldier is in uniform.

Off duty - When a soldier is out of uniform.

 

ADDRESSING

It is of utmost importance that one knows how to address members of the court and Royal family - [See I. SALUTATIONS] for reference. Additionally to this, referring to fellow soldiers and your superiors within the ranks of the army in the correct manner is imperative. 

 

• When addressing the Lord Marshal, always address them as ‘Lord Marshal’. However, if there is clarification to use their normal name, the soldier may do so.

• When addressing a soldier of a superior rank, always begin with ‘Sir’.

• When addressing a knight, always address them as ‘Ser’. If a knight is also an officer, their salutation of ‘Ser’ has priority over the salutation of ‘Sir’.

• When addressing a monarch, always give a brief inclination of the head, dipping your chin, thereafter dressing them ‘Your Majesty.’ 

• When addressing other royalty, aulic councilors or nobles, regard proper etiquette and address them with their appropriate salutation.

 

SALUTING & POSTURE

ALL superiors past the rank of Armiger must be saluted even in casual settings. Always salute the highest ranking officer in the room. 

 

In formal settings, however, the salute and rigid position must be held until the superior commands them to be ‘At ease.’

 

When in doubt if the situation is one of formality, our recommendation is to stand at attention and salute regardless. Those who do so all the time are recognized as exceptional soldiers, garnering respect for themselves.

 

Not only does one keep their upright posture in formal settings, soldiers are expected that, no matter the situation, when a superior officer enters a room, stand and salute until the superior has passed through. Knights, no matter the setting, are to be respected and saluted briefly. 

 

When at attention, the soldier will keep his legs and feet together. His heels will touch and hit feet will be spread at a forty degree angle. His right hand will be made to fist and will properly shield his heart before extending his arm outwards at a forty-five degree angle. In formal settings, this position must be held until dismissed. 

 

EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOUR

It is expected that members of the HRA conduct themselves in a way that garners respect rather than the latter. The ideal picture of a cohesive and powerful force does not always come from the merit of mere numbers and might, but the ability to act judiciously. 

 

An exceptional soldier will ensure their ability to communicate is intact. In doing so, all soldiers are expected to be diplomatic rather than be hostile. They will speak resonantly,  without being abrasive. Peaceful resolutions take favour over physical and violent outcomes.

 

When standing in formation, verbal communication between soldiers should be restricted, barring commands from superior officers. Speaking out of turn in any situation, snapping back or publicly confronting a superior is unacceptable. Moreover soldiers will not question orders from an officer: on or off duty. 

 

[An additional note:] It goes without being said that soldiers are expected to uphold personal hygiene as well as their standard of dress and appearance, especially in armour. Armour should be shining, swords sharpened and maintained. 

 

 

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Signed, 

His Grace, Friedrich Wilheim Barclay, Lord Marshall of Hanseti-Ruska

 

Ser Alric Sigmar Ruthern, of the Marian Retinue, Sergeant of Hanseti-Ruska

 

The Right Honourable, Rosalind Elizaveta Amador de Astrea, Lady Chamberlain of Hanseti-Ruska

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Albrecht frowns as he reads the messy stylings in the document and incomplete signature of his cousin.