Customer Reviews

Service Etiquette Fourth Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an absolute must have resource for today's service member. I picked up my copy while in ROTC as a general guide. Since owning it, many friends have not only borrowed it, but have been so impressed that they have also bought a copy for themselves. It has served us all very well. Now, as I plan my wedding, it has become the "go to" source. I think after the wedding, I will need another copy- this one may well be worn out. The book is excellently laid out and is incredibly easy to understand. All the bases are covered in this great book.

This book has so much information to assist the new military officer (or the new military officer's spouse). Of course, it's not likely that we'll ever be invited to the White House, but it's good to know what we would need to do, should the occasion arise. Very helpful in planning military weddings.

I received my copy of Service Ettiquette as part of my standard issue at the Naval Academy in 1989. This book is an invaluable resource for service members. Swartz offers sound advice for all armed services and for both servicemen and women. It covers everything from manners and dress to weddings - a guide every service member should have.

My husband gave me this book the same night he proposed to me. We had a military wedding so it was extremely helpful in the planning process. I refer to it quite often and recommend it to everyone.

This book was standard issue from The Academy. The reason for this...it helps add polish to the professional military officer, which can make the difference between promotion and non-promotion for otherwise equally qualified people. And you never know that you won't be invited to the White House in this business. An essential reference for the professional officer.

First off, I have not read the 4th edition. I have the 3d edition, published a year earlier, in 1987, and I am commenting because I don't believe all that much changed in the world of etiquette in one year. Also, I am retired Army, so my comments have a slight bias that way. The reviewer who cited this book as applicable to any gentleman (or lady) was correct in this point, although I must disagree regarding the (non) applicability of the book to the military. This is most definitely written for Service members. It just so happens to be very useful for non-military families as well.

This book is the only definitive source of military etiquette that I have ever found. I received my first copy of it as a cadet at the Military Academy. I have to agree with the earlier comment that it reads like 1959, but then so much of the military is based in traditions and customs that are tried and true. If they seem old, it is probably because you haven't seen anyone do them lately or perhaps you have only observed members of older generations do them. That doesn't mean the etiquette is outdated.

Starting with the importance of good grooming, this book covers everything: births, deaths, good manners, White House invitations, arch of sabers at weddings, weddings in general, seating arrangements, parties, visits...the list goes on and on. Please use Amazon's browse feature and look at the index. The sheer quantity of items listed is amazing, perhaps mainly in that so many things actually *have* an etiquette associated with them! For any officer or service spouse, this book is indispensable. As Jennifer from Ft Drum observed, etiquette is not merely for the Officer Corps, but the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps and enlisted soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen as well. Etiquette and social graces distinguish ladies and gentlemen of all ranks and economic backgrounds. It is the polish that will set you apart from your contemporaries. This book will tell you the proper, yes, "old" school, way to do things. No doubt some things have become more modern, but generally speaking, good manners do not become outdated. Put it on your bookshelf next to your dictionary, thesaurus, and other references.

This book is an invaluable tool for an officer serving in the military today. I recieved an earlier edition as a gift from my father, who recieved it when he was at The U.S. Naval Academy. The only substantial difference between the two versions is the Fourth Edition has some improved drawings of cards, settings, and other helpful pictures. This book is certainly current and should be used as a reference tool by all officers.

In todays world where everything is casual there is still a place for etiquette. This book " Service Etiquette" by Oretha Swartz is a complete guide as to how the Officers in our Armed Forces dine. It also cover dress, good manners, formal and informal settings, receptions, introductions and just about everything else you may have forgotten or never learned.
As a collector of naval china and silver we frequently use that service for formal diner parties that our guests love as it is seldom done anymore. This book permits you to create a party following the rules that in many cases have been in place for hundreds of years.
If you have any interest in being more fully grounded in tradition or learning new skills, I urge you to read this book, you don't need to be an officer to behave correctly. You will also have fun.

This book manages to be traditional and modern at the same time. And incredibly relevant. Male spouses are not forgotten here.

This book is pretty much just etiquette with a few insights into military behavior. I stumbled across this book quite by accident, but it has been very useful. Whenever I read this book I feel like I'm getting to look in the minds of ultimate-gentleman characters suchs as James Bond or the like. It's nice to be able to apply there tactics to my own life. There are probably other etiquette books around. I've never looked. This one has satisfied all my needs.