Military customs and traditions are an integral part of the armed forces, used to reinforce the institutionalized values instilled through set standards and routines. These customs and traditions have developed over time and differ slightly between branches, units, and training. For the military, customs are established practices, in essence, common law for official behavior both in and out of uniform; traditions are ingrained actions and histories that work to preserve legacy and values of each branch. This entry discusses customs and traditions specific to and in common with the five branches of the U.S. armed forces.

The scope of customs and traditions can be extremely expansive, including, but not limited to salutes, designated symbols for rank, awards for action, daily procedures, the process for formal events, ...