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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-position-of-honor-right

When a junior cadet walks with an officer, which side does the cadet walk on?

The left. The right is the position of honor.

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  1. On the right
  2. On the left ✔
  3. Directly behind

Why: Military custom treats the right as the position of honor. The senior person takes the right, so the junior cadet walks on the left.

Huh, didn't know that: When passing a senior officer from behind, pass on their left with a spoken greeting, not a salute.

The dad joke
Why did the cadet walk on the left? Because the officer was always right.
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References

Answer: On the left. Military custom treats the right as the position of honor. The senior person takes the right, so the junior cadet walks on the left.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 1: Personal Leadership www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Vol1LetterLowFinal_FDCFE2AA96703.pdf
    When walking with another cadet or an officer, it is customary for the junior person to walk on the left.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill & Ceremonies (Nov 2025) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    slow to a normal pace and overtake the officer on his/her left.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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