The
Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) is responsible for the set up and order of
business meetings. He/she
also participates in the presentation and honoring of the Colors at
meetings and ceremonies.
At
meetings, the Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) should make sure the physical
facilities for the meeting are set up properly.
Before the meeting, the SA should meet guests or visitors,
introduce them to other members of the Detachment, and provide
applications to potential members.
He/she needs to determine that those present for meetings are
authorized according to the by-laws, ritual, or decision of the
presiding officer. During
the meeting, the SA is to assure order during the meeting - taking
action when required to restore order, and to following any directions
by the presiding officer.
Characteristics and Traits
·
Assertiveness
·
Ability to meet and develop confidence in people
·
Ability to exercise judgment and prudence in handling
difficult situations
·
Initiative in supporting job requirements
Narrative
of Job Accountability and Responsibilities
SET
UP MEETING ROOM
- The Sergeant-at-Arms
(SA) should be the first officer to arrive at the scheduled meeting
facility. His/her
responsibility is to physically set up the room in compliance with the
Ritual, or as prescribed by the presiding officer or Board of Trustees.
In addition, he/she should assure that the physical elements of
the meeting are available which includes lectern, flags, Bible,
microphone, and speakers, and/or audio/visual equipment as required.
Any other special items required for the meeting, or for guest
speakers, or for any other form of program, should be attended to by the
SA.
GREET
GUESTS AND MEMBERS -
The Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) should be available to greet and introduce
members, guests, and program participants.
He/she should direct new members and guests to other officers and
members. Prospective
members should be given information about the Detachment and Marine
Corps League, and directed to the Junior Vice Commandant or member of
the membership committee. (If
one exists) The SA should
make members and guests feel at home.
ASSURE
THAT PERSONS PRESENT ARE AUTHORIZED TO ATTEND BUSINESS
MEETING - At a closed
session for business, only members in good standing are allowed to
attend. The
Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) must determine the qualifications for members to
attend this meeting, and excuse those who are not qualified.
In
some instances, an open meeting may be declared by the presiding
officer, in which guests are allowed to attend the business meeting.
If any limitations are made on the guests, the SA should be
advised of those limitations to assure that those present in the meeting
are authorized.
PRESENT
THE COLORS/LEAD PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The
Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) is responsible for assuring that Colors are
posted, or that a Color Guard is available to present the Colors during
the opening ceremony of the meeting. During the opening ceremony, the
presiding officer will call upon the SA to lead the Pledge of
Allegiance to the United States Flag. At the close of the meeting,
the SA will be called on to render a salute to posted Colors, and/or
have the Colors retired with salute.
MAINTAIN
ORDER AT MEETINGS
- The Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) is required to maintain order at
meetings, in conjunction with the presiding officer.
The SA should assure that there is no extraneous talking or
activity, which is disruptive to the meeting, or subjects being
discussed. By initiative or direction, the SA may be required to caution
and/or remove any disruptive persons or other factors during the course
of a meeting.
The
SA needs to be assertive, yet courteous, in maintaining order.
In most instances, a simple and quiet reminder to those who may
be disruptive is sufficient.
CLEAN
UP OF MEETING AREA
- It is the Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) responsibility to make
sure that any necessary clean up and policing following a meeting is
done properly. If such clean up is required, the SA may designate members to
the task, and take responsibility for leaving the facilities in the
proper manner.
RESPOND
TO INSTRUCTION FROM THE COMMANDANT - The Sergeant-at-Arms reports directly to the
Commandant in the organization structure, he/she needs to be attentive
to direction from the Commandant, or a presiding officer, to carry out
plans. (Both immediate and
long term) This direction
may be in the form of instructions received during the course of a
meeting, in which immediate action may need to be taken.
ABIDE
BY THE RITUAL OF OFFICE
- The Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) has a participation role in meetings, as
prescribed by the Ritual, and other defined job descriptions. The SA
should be familiar with all elements of the opening and closing ceremony
that require his/her participation and/or leadership.
OTHER
- Other duties of the
Sergeant-at-Arms may include:
·
Providing storage of physical items between meetings that
include, but are not limited to, flags, Bible, lectern, audio/visual
equipment, and other, as may be directed by the Commandant
·
Participation on the Detachment membership committee
·
Advisor to Commandant and/or Board of Trustees on
potential problems
·
Assistance to Commandant and Judge Advocate on problem
issues
·
Providing sign in sheets for guests and members attending
meeting
·
Assistance to Paymaster as needed, particularly where cash
transactions are involved
·
May be designated as the Color Guard Commander for
parades and ceremonies
·
May be assigned to coordinate ceremonial honor guards,
rifle squads, and joint Color Guard activities
Summary
The
Sergeant-at-Arms (SA) plays a key role in the orderly conduct of
meetings -beginning with the physical set-up, assuring that items
required for the meeting are on hand, and assisting with maintaining
order during the meeting. The SA also can help set the tone of the
meeting by making sure guests and new members are properly introduced
and made to feel comfortable before, during, and after the meeting. The SA also assists with membership by providing applications
to prospects (and selling them on the Detachment and the League), and
providing sign-in sheets (to include name, address, phone) so that
guests and prospects can be contacted in the future.