Military Courses - WAYPOINTS...

In the Navy and Marine Corps, the term “Waypoint,” is used to refer to important points along a route one is taking, to confirm in fact, the correct course is being followed. The same can be symbolically stated with the “WAYPOINTS” syllabus as these courses have been especially created to assist Marines, Sailors and Officers along the route of their careers, especially at significant points in their professional development.

Classes are offered from a unique perspective combining ten-years of Marine Corps Staff NCO knowledge, 20 plus years of Navy officer’s spouse knowledge, and the knowledge acquired with a BA in Philosophy concentrating on Ethics and Leadership along with a MA in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) behind them. These elements result in creating professionally engaging, relevant courses for America’s service men and women. No boring lectures! Each attendee is fully engaged and will retain what they are taught - from the texting generation to the most seasoned flag officer.

The Etiquette School of New York teaches lessons in military protocols and the professional social graces that have been the standard for career military personnel from the inception of our country’s Department of the Navy. John Paul Jones, one of our country’s most revered naval officers, commented to the Naval Committee of Congress on September 14, 1775; “It is by no means enough that an Officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. He must be that, of course but also a great deal more. He should be, as well, a gentleman of liberal educations, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor. He should be able to express himself clearly and with force in his own language, both with tongue and pen.”

The confidence of a firm handshake, the ability to look a person directly in the eye as you are introduced, the ability to speak clearly and distinctly, as well as the ability to listen more often than speak – regardless of one’s rank – are tools that will benefit any Marine, Sailor, or officer throughout their entire life. The art of meaningful conversation, remembering and making a point to include everyone around you in the conversation and not just talking about work while at social functions is an invaluable trait of non-commissioned and commissioned officers. And finally, all service personnel should know how and be expected to write notes of thanks, congratulations and other appropriate correspondence as the occasion dictates according to our proud naval traditions.

There is a two-fold edit of the Department of Defense to teach each young American that enlists or receives a commission a viable trade that benefits the service and secondly, each branch of service should help build the Marine’s, Sailor’s or officer’s moral growth, cultural awareness and civic mindedness. Professional and social skills are as important today as ever. In today’s hectic environment “Waypoint” classes are a wonderful and efficient way to accomplish important moral and cultural training as well as professional development.

The Etiquette School of New York offers classes specifically designed for Flag Mess Specialists, Drivers for Flag Officers and other VIPs, Public Affair Officers, Command Protocol Officers, Staff Secretaries, Ombudsmen and Key Volunteers. Our classes offer the “extra” that these individuals will encounter in “real life” situations that are not covered in manuals or the schools they attend!

We offer a wonderful course for new Chief Petty Officer Initiates and their spouses, as well as Marine Corps Staff NCOs and their spouses. Your lives and your responsibilities will change profoundly once this rank is attained. Meet it head-on and embrace the new role. It is important to have the knowledge and confidence to maneuver in any professional or social situation you find yourself. Your Marines/Sailors will look to YOU for guidance!

We offer classes for Navy Support Groups and Marine Family Support Groups – and even children’s groups. These courses have been highly successful and enjoyable; especially if held as an event while the command is deployed.

And finally, we offer a module of the traditional Command Leadership Course for new commanding officer and perspective executive officer spouses, and a course for newly selected flag officers and their spouses. It is a marvelous course; informative, engaging, thought provoking and enjoyable. We focus on covering important elements that are not covered in the Fleet and Family Support Center Training while providing a polish that turns the ordinary training into the EXTRAORDINARY. Why? Our mission is entirely different from FFSC’s.

Below, is a sample of topics we cover in our classes. You may contact us by telephone, email or traditional mail. We are happy to answer any questions or discuss available dates and rates: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST. Please call 518.893-0066.

• SELF-PRESENTATION
• MAKING YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION AT YOUR NEW COMMAND
• THE FOUR TYPES OF INTRODUCTIONS
• THE RECEIVING LINE AND YOUR PLACE IN IT
• SAYING GOOD-BYE TO THE CO
• THE CHANGE OF COMMAND
• WELCOMING THE NEW CO
• THE ABC’S OF LEADERSHIP
• WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO LEAD THOSE JUNIOR IN RANK
• LET’S TALK ABOUT THOSE BRIEFINGS
• COMMAND HOLIDAY EVENTS
• ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME FOR TWO-TO-TWO HUNDRED
• MANEUVERS AT COCKTAIL PARTIES…THERE IS A CORRECT WAY!
• DINING IN/DINING OUT
• IN THE WARDROOM OR AT A RESTAURANT
• MESS SPECIALISTS…THE UPPER CRUST
• AIDES/AIDES DE CAMP/PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PROTOCOL OFFICERS…WHAT ISN’T IN THE MANUAL
• THOSE VIPS
• GIVING SPEECHES
• SO, YOU ARE GOING TO COMMAND A……
• BEING A FLAG OFFICER
• BEING A GREAT DATE (Single or Married)
• WHAT CIVILIAN CLOTHES SAY ABOUT YOU
• WHAT DOES “CASUAL DRESS” MEAN?
• TODAY’S CALLING CARD/BUSINESS CARD/SOCIAL CARD
• WRITING PROPER THANK YOU NOTES AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE
• EMAIL ETIQUETTE
• TELEPHONE AND CELL PHONE ETIQUETTE
• SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR TODAY’S PROFESSIONAL MILITARY PERSONNEL