During your Air Force (AF) career there may be a time where you have to report to your commanders’ office. This lesson will teach and show you the proper way to report to their office.
By learning the proper way to report to a commander’s office will set the first impression and display one of the AF Core Values in Excellence In All We Do.
Purpose
You will use reporting procedures when reporting to an officer. Reporting procedures are accomplished to demonstrate proper respect to an officer and the position they hold.
Ensure that these procedures are used when reporting to an officer. In the AF the use of reporting procedures is applicable to commissioned officers. Reporting procedures includes rendering appropriate courtesies and identifying rank correctly.
Professional Qualities
Reporting properly is an opportunity to make a favorable and lasting impression. It also demonstrates that you possess the positive characteristics desired of all Airmen in the AF.
When reporting to an officer, you must always strive to project the following attributes:
- Respect for authority
- Military bearing and self-discipline
- A positive attitude
- Qualities of followership (commitment, honesty, integrity, adaptability, pride, courage and versatility)
Steps to Enter
Before entering an officer’s office, you must mentally prepare yourself. Think about what you are going to do by mentally practicing the entry procedures. Also, think about what you are going to say and ensure that you use the proper terms of address.
Take time to check over your uniform and personal appearance to ensure you comply with uniform requirements outlined in AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel.
Place items in your left hand so you can properly salute with your right hand.
When prepared, knock once firmly enough to be heard. If there is no answer within 30 seconds, knock again. When you are told to enter perform the following actions:
- Enter the office and march at attention to the individual’s desk
- Take the most direct route in and use the appropriate facing movements
- Position yourself approximately two paces from and centered on the desk
Steps to Reporting
After you halt at the position of attention, you will salute and give a reporting statement, “Sir or Ma’am, Airman (your last name) reports as ordered.” NOTE: you will use the title “Trainee” through the 8 week of training (WOT). Immediately after the Airman’s Coin and Retreat Ceremony in the 8 WOT, you will be an “Airman.”
Speak in a clear manner using a conversational tone. You will only give one reporting statement the first time you speak. Once the officer returns your salute, drop your salute and remain standing at attention, unless told otherwise.
In the AF, the use of reporting procedures is applicable to commissioned officers. For training purposes while in BMT, you will use reporting procedures when told to report to your MTI in their flight office. This is the only time you will report to an NCO.
Steps to Departing
Be alert as the officer may dismiss you in various ways. The key is to realize when the conversation has ended so you can take the appropriate actions.
When dismissed, if you were placed at a rest position, resume the position of attention, take one step backwards, halting at the position of attention, and salute. Once the officer lowers their salute, drop your salute. After exchanging salutes, execute an about face and exit the office by the most direct route.
Military Bearing and Evaluation
Military bearing is the ability to maintain verbal and physical composure in any circumstance. In the 6 WOT you will be evaluated on performing reporting procedures. During this evaluation, an instructor will evaluate you on your military bearing, self-discipline and proper execution of reporting procedures.