As we all get back together after a long and trying few years, our protocol and traditions team brought out one of our favorite coffee group ice breakers.

With or without prizes, this team building game helps new spouses learn protocol, customs and traditions!

We present it to you in several parts, so stay tuned the next couple of months, for more great trivia questions. 

Protocol, Customs and Traditions Trivia (Part One):

1. What does “Repondez s’il vous plait” i.e. “R.s.v.p” translate to and mean? 

2. These miniature unit pins were presented to wives, girlfriends, and mothers by the deploying WWI and WWII serviceman. Postwar,
   many veterans wore miniature pin-badges of their former units. We present these pins at coffees welcoming new spouses to the unit. 

3. In pre-WWII America, the Army was much smaller and making and receiving “calls” was common. A new officer or NCO and their spouse would pay a social call on the commander at their home, and socials were held for couples leaving a unit. This custom has been modernized to fit the busy op tempo and larger units while still allowing a unit to welcome newcomers and say good-bye to unit members.

4. It was the custom for an officer or NCO to pay a social call to his commander on holidays, a call that was later returned.  Like the hail and farewell, these events serve as the equivalent of all holiday calls made and received. Traditionally held in the commander’s home, these events may sometimes be held at other places near or after the new year.  

5. Proceeding through this line is customary for all guests. The main invitee should go first and then introduce their spouse/guest to the principals who stand on a red carpet. Guests should not shake hands with the aide, hold a cigarette or a drink while going through this line, or hold lengthy conversations. 

6. Held in the afternoon, this is the most formal of daytime events and is traditionally given in honor of a person such as departing or incoming commander’s or senior NCO’s spouse. Historically the beverages at this event were “ranked” – coffee, tea and punch in order of importance. With the imposition of tea taxes levied by the British prior to the Revolutionary War, coffee became more popular. Being asked to pour is an honor in American society.  

7. When receiving flowers from the award bearer at a change of command/change of responsibility or promotion ceremony, what should you do?

8. From the establishment of the first Army posts, history shows spouses getting together for this event.  Enduring many hardships, our early ancestors would have welcomed an hour or two of respite sharing coffee with a friend or neighbor. After WWII, these became regularly scheduled unit events to provide a means for the spouses to share information about unit and community activities.  Though once held only in the mornings, these events are now often held in the evenings to encourage working spouses to attend and build camaraderie.  

Answers:

1. The phrase “Respond, if you please” in French and obligates replies made within 48 hours

   

2. “Sweetheart Brooches” Traditionally worn on the left-hand side so the unit is closest to your heart.

3. “Hail and Farewell”  Attendance at the event shows respect for the people leaving and gives a warm welcome to those coming in. These events build esprit de corps!

4. “Holiday/New Year’s Day Reception”  To accommodate large unit sizes within the commander’s quarters, the invitation will usually state a specific timeframe for each company. The command team and their spouses will stand at the door, in the receiving line, to greet everyone at their appointed time.  Each rotation lasts about an hour, with socializing and light refreshments. Food and drink are restocked before each company arrives.

5. “Receiving/Reception Line”

6.  “Tea”  Traditionally organized with a guest book and receiving line, coffee, tea, punch, cookies, and/or finger sandwiches are usually served. To ensure the most senior or honored guests would have a chance to visit with more guests, they were asked to pour the coffee since it was the most popular drink when this tradition was established. More recently spouse clubs have used “teas” as a throwback event with white gloves and pouring lists!

7. Please stand. 

8.  “Coffee” Morning or afternoon, these are enjoyable get-togethers. Valuable for building friendships and camaraderie within the unit for all that attend!

*We hope you scored 100%! For more tips and information on traditions and customs, please visit our Etiquette and Protocol Team Experts.

*More information can also be found in the latest version of The Army Spouse Handbook.