Quote Originally Posted by An t-Ileach
When I was in the service, the old rule-of-thumb was still being quoted as the absolutely infallible way for officers to behave in the sequence "horses, men, self": the horses were fed and watered and bedded down, then the soldiers, then the officer. Of course, we didn't have any horses...
Horses, men, self ... I like that!

Granted, there are BIG differences between the field and garrison. But even in garrison, the officers should ensure the men are taken care of first. That doesn't necessarily mean all the men eat first, but make sure they will all get to eat, then go about your business. Sometimes the officers do have to grab a quick meal and head off to some meeting, but a good officer will explain that to the men and not just jump to the front of the line. Respect is a two way street. Like with the salute - the enlisted men are required to salute an officer, but in turn the officer is required to return the salute.