Paying Compliments in The Boys’ Brigade

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by

Boys Brigade Lagos South Battalion
in

A Comprehensive Guide to Compliments in the Boys’ Brigade

This guide is designed to help you understand and teach the practice of giving compliments in the Boys’ Brigade. This is a tradition that reinforces discipline, respect, and order. By learning these actions, you help maintain the high standards and strong identity of the organization.

In the Boys’ Brigade, paying compliments is a formal way to show respect. This includes saluting superiors to demonstrate discipline. It is a practice that ensures orderliness and demonstrates the organization’s disciplined nature. Compliments are given to those of higher rank or age or those who were enlisted or enrolled earlier. 

1. The Importance of Compliments

Before we dive into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Compliments in the Boys’ Brigade are more than just formalities; they are about building a disciplined and respectful community.

  • Respect and Order: Compliments show respect for those of a higher rank, age, or seniority. This creates a clear structure and a sense of order.
  • Discipline: The practice of giving compliments demonstrates the organization’s commitment to discipline and teaches members to be attentive and respectful.
  • Identity: Certain greetings, like using the BB motto, reinforce the shared values and identity of the organization.

2. Compliments While in Uniform

This is the most common form of giving compliments. The core action is the salute.

Core Actions and Principles

  • Saluting: A salute is given to Officers and Warrant Officers. Boys do not salute other Boys or Staff-Sergeants.
  • Acknowledging Salutes: All Officers present should return salutes from Boys, not just the senior Officer.
  • Addressing Superiors: Always address an officer as “Sir.”
  • When and How to Salute:
    • Approaching: Halt two paces away, salute, then speak. When you are done, salute again, and smartly turn and walk away.
    • Passing: Begin your salute three paces before reaching the officer and lower your hand after you have passed. Your head should turn toward the officer as you salute, and the left arm should be kept at your side.
    • Sitting: If seated, stand up, come to attention, and salute as the officer approaches.
    • In a Group: The senior Boy should call the group to attention and be the only one to salute.

3. Compliments When Not in Uniform

This section clarifies what to do when members are in casual clothes. The key difference is the absence of the salute.

  • The Action: The procedure is the same as when in uniform, but instead of saluting, the Boy simply stands at attention with hands by their sides.
  • The Greeting: The verbal greetings remain the same, with “Sir” still being the proper form of address.

4. Verbal Compliments and Greetings

This section covers the specific verbal cues that are unique to the Boys’ Brigade.

  • BB Motto:
    • Leader: “Sure”
    • Response: “Steadfast”
  • Pillars of BB:
    • Leader: “Religion”
    • Response: “Discipline”
  • BB Band:
    • Leader: “One Band”
    • Response: “One Sound”
  • Standard Greetings:
    • “Good morning, sir.”
    • “Good afternoon, sir.”
    • “Good evening, sir.”
  • What to Avoid: Using slang like “Morn Sir” or “Moi Sir” is not permitted and shows a lack of respect.

5. Special Situations and Drills

This part covers less common scenarios, which are important for a thorough understanding of the rules.

  • The National Anthem and General Salute: Officers and Staff-Sergeants salute. Boys stand at attention but do not salute.
  • Passing Colours: When a national color is uncased, you must turn toward it and salute.
  • Funerals: Always salute when in uniform and passing a funeral.
  • Messages: When an officer hands you a message, perform a half-turn, salute, and then smartly turn back to continue.
  • Walking and Complimenting: On no account should a walking member halt before paying a compliment. What should be done is to continue walking, look towards the direction of the officer, and pay the compliment.
  • Officer-to-Officer Protocol: Officers will exchange salutes before addressing one another on duty or on parade.
  • Passing a Moving Company: When a body of Boys’ Brigade members is passing, come to attention, face them, and salute. This rule also applies to individual Officers who pass a Company; they will salute the Commanding Officer.
  • Band-to-Band Compliments: When two different bands pass each other, the two drum-majors and band master will salute. They will carry on after taking five steps.

Conclusion

Mastering these compliments is a vital part of being a Boys’ Brigade member. It’s a way to demonstrate personal discipline and show respect for the organization’s history, values, and leadership. By correctly and consistently giving compliments, you contribute to the overall order and esprit de corps of your Company and the Boys’ Brigade as a whole.