TOPIC: COMPLIMENT IN THE BOYS BRIGADE
Introduction
Paying of compliment is another aspect that suffers neglect, abuse and misapplication in the Boys Brigade. Many officers in the organization and Boys alike do not know how to pay compliment. They either do it wrongly or haphazardly. It is expedient
to buttress that compliment among other things. Projects how disciplines Boys Brigade member are. In this precise, demystification shall be attempted on the subject matter “Compliment in the Boys Brigade”.
Key words: Compliments, Boys’ Brigade etc.
Aim
The aim of this precise is to create a better understanding of the concept “compliment” in relation to how it should be applied in the Boys’ Brigade.
Compliment definition
Compliment is an expression of praise, commendation or admiration.
Compliment is a formalized respectful action paid to a superior such as saluting an officer in the armed forces.
Why do we pay compliment?
There are reasons why we pay compliment in the Boys’ Brigade.
They are:
1. Expression of respect.
2. To show how discipline members of the organization are.
3. To express spirit de corps.
4. For identity, members of the Boys Brigade easily identify themselves through compliments.
Paying compliment while on uniform
1. While on uniform, a subordinate will come to attention and salute his superior (officer).
2. When a group Boys sitting down are approached by an officer the most senior Boy stand up; sit the remaining boys up and salutes the officer.
3. When a Boy and officer are walking in different direction, the Boy will within the range of three (3) paces from the officer look towards the direction of the officer and salute. He then counts five (5) steps, eyes front and carry on.
4. When passing a funeral, members in uniform will salute.
5. When a member wants to pass or receive a massage from a superior, he will half leaving two paces between them, and salute. After receiving such message, he salutes turn-about smartly and takes off.
6. Members when passing National colour uncased will look toward its direction and salute.
7. When National Anthem, general salute or colour parties are matching on or off, captains, lieutenant, warrant officer and staff sergeant are to salute.
8. When a member approaches his superior and pays compliment, the most superior acknowledges the compliment.
9. Officer should always exchange salute before addressing each other.
10. When passing the quarter guard, members should look toward the direction the direction of the quarter guard, salute and count five (5) steps, eyes front on the six (6) steps and carry on.
11. When two (2) different Bands are coming from opposite before each other (from the drum-majors) and continue playing after taking 25-20 paces each. The two drum-majors and band master are salutes ad carry-on after five (5) steps.
12. When a body of Boys’ Brigade members is passing, come to attention, face their direction and salute.
13. When passing in front of colour on parade, look to the direction and salute.
Paying compliment when not in uniform
The same procedure should be followed/observed as in while in uniform. The difference between the two is that while members in uniform will salute when paying compliment, they will only freeze their hands (hands by the side) when not in uniform.
Note: on no account should a walking member who is approached or is approaching an officer halt before paying compliment. What should be done is to continue walking, look towards the direction of the officer and pay compliment. The only ground for halting is only when a body of Boys Brigade is moving. Failure to acknowledge compliment given by subordinate to a superior officer is an offence.
Conclusion
In this paper, a consideration of compliment in the Boys Brigade was made, the essence of which is to better equipped members of the organization with the knowledge of paying compliment. Compliment suggests how discipline members of the organization are. Companies’ should always strive to inculcate the knowledge of compliment to its members. Complimentary drill should be taught very well.
Activity
1. Splitting into groups
2. Compliment drill practical’s
REFERENCE
The Boys Brigade Drill Book (2010). Abuja: The Boys Brigade Nigeria National Headquarters