Norwich University combines the traditions common to American institutions of higher learning with the customs and courtesies of a military college. Military customs and courtesies observed include: exchanging salutes and greetings, addressing the students in a formal manner, daily reveille and retreat ceremonies, and formal parades and ceremonies throughout the year.
The Military College of Vermont (MCV) observes formal standards of dress and appearance. These standards for officers and warrant officers of the Vermont State Militia (VSM) are specified under paragraph 2, Section 2 of this manual. Non-uniformed members of the Norwich faculty and staff should be guided in their dress and grooming by the levels of formality indicated below and in Section 2. In all cases, clothing and appearance should be professional and should reflect the conservative tradition of Norwich University.
The military title of all first semester members of the Corps of Cadets before recognition is Recruit. The military rank of all other members of the Corps of Cadets is Cadet. A cadet may be designated by the Commandant to hold a leadership position, with commensurate rank, such as "Corporal," "Captain," "Lieutenant Colonel," and so forth. The formal titles (e.g. "Cadet Corporal," "Cadet Captain," etc.) given to cadets who hold such positions are appropriate for use in written and oral communication. Mister or Ms/Miss may also be used in oral communication. Norwich University students who are not members of the Corps of Cadets should be addressed with comparable formality.
Officers and warrant officers of the Vermont State Militia (VSM) are expected to return salutes and greetings rendered by cadets upon meeting out-of-doors or when the cadet reports while in doors. When doing so, the officer faces the cadet and returns the salute with rigor and precision. Courtesy precludes saluting with the left hand in the pocket or with objects in the right hand or mouth. [Note: A cadet reporting in doors will do so uncovered and with a salute. The cadet will hold the salute until returned by the superior officer, who, if seated, may remain so when returning the salute.]
When the American flag passes or is passed out-of-doors, except at the flagpole, the officer renders a salute within six paces of the flag and maintains it until the flag is six paces distant.
During Retreat, as the first note is sounded, officers come to attention and face the flag or the music if the flag is not visible. When in uniform, a hand salute is rendered and held as the gun is fired. When not in uniform, men and women come to attention and hold the right hand over the heart until the flag is lowered and the last note of music is sounded. If civilian head covering is being worn, men remove it with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart.
Note: There is a Retreat ceremony Monday through Saturday at 1700 hours (5:00 P.M.) upon the Upper Parade Ground when the Corps is present.
The Retreat ceremony commences with the sounding of "Retreat" on the bugle, then a cannon shot immediately followed by the National Anthem or "To The Colors." On the sound of the shot, or upon the playing of the first note of the National Anthem or "To The Colors," the officer comes to attention, faces the flag or the music if the flag is not visible, and, if in uniform out-of-doors, salutes. When not in uniform, men and women come to attention and hold the right hand over the heart. If civilian head covering is being worn, men remove it with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart.
Faculty and staff of Norwich University are expected to alight from a stationary vehicle to render respect to the flag or to the National Anthem.
During the playing of the National Anthem inside a building, officers in uniform who are not part of a formation will stand uncovered at attention and will not render the hand salute.
When the band plays "Ruffles and Flourishes" in honor of a general officer or other dignitary, or during the firing of salutes or playing of taps at funerals and memorial ceremonies, those in uniform come to attention and, when appropriate (out-of-doors), salute.