When walking with a senior service member, where should you position yourself?

Positioning yourself to the left of a senior service member is standard practice in military etiquette. This positioning allows the senior member to maintain a commanding presence and ensures that they are in a position of authority while walking. It also reflects respect and acknowledgment of their rank and experience.

Positioning to the left can assist with communication since many individuals are right-handed, facilitating a natural flow of conversation without obstructing movement. This placement is also in line with traditional military protocol, where subordinates typically walk on the left side of superiors.

The alternative options do not align with proper military customs; for instance, walking on the right side could confuse the dynamics of authority, and being behind or ahead of the senior member may indicate a lack of respect and could disrupt the cohesion of the unit.