military personnel figures . If end-strength figures are not met, it can lead to a shortage of personnel, harming the service's readiness and effectiveness. Allegorically, within the Camp, we must be ready to act when the time arrives. Let ’ s move on to the next geometric shape, the equilateral triangle. Encamped on the equilateral triangle are the Sublime Princes (Masters) of the Royal Secret - 32° and the Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commanders - 31°. The triangle represents the center of the Army and symbolizes several principles, such as faith, knowledge, reason, and the presence of Deity. The triangle is also considered a symbol of strength and the most robust geometrical shape. When weight is placed upon the triangle, it is evenly distributed on all three sides, making it sturdy and resilient. What better place for the center of the Army? Although not primarily a military symbol, the triangle's attributes have a place in the military, including in military customs. One custom in particular is the folding of the United States Flag. It is customary to fold the flag into a triangle (or cocked hat). This custom is performed at the end of the duty day during a military ceremony called Retreat. During this ceremony, the flag is lowered from the flagpole, detached from the halyards, and ceremoniously folded into a triangle by 13 distinct folds. The ceremonious folding of the flag into a triangle is also accomplished during military funerals before the flag is presented to the family. Next, let ’ s move on to the Pentagon. As previously mentioned, the Pentagon is where the princes accompanying the Sovereign Grand Commander set their standards. Masons from the 19th to 30th degrees are encamped on the Pentagon. The princes receive orders directly from the Sovereign Grand Commander and ensure they are communicated to and carried out by the armies under their command. This is part of a “ chain of command ”, a command hierarchy of people who carry out orders based on others' authority within a group. It may be considered part of a control structure, usually the most vulnerable and dominant. In comparison, the Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, serves as the headquarters of the U.S. DOD. The DOD ’ s mission is “ to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation ’ s security. ”
The President (Commander-in-Chief) and the Secretary of Defense exercise control and authority over the military. This is accomplished through two distinct chains of command, one flowing to Unified Combatant Commanders and the other through the Military Departments. Unified Combatant Commanders exercise command authority over assigned forces. Until October 24, 2002, these commanders were previously titled “ Commanders in Chief ” (CINC). Afterward, this title was reserved only for the President of the United States. Now that we have discussed the Pentagon, let ’ s discuss the Heptagon. The Heptagon is a geometric shape with seven sides. Within the camp, there are no Masonic bodies permanently positioned on the heptagon. However, “ Ordo ab Chao, ” The Original and Complete Rituals of the first Supreme Council, 33° states “ the heptagon points out the Encampment destined for the Princes of Libanus, Jerusalem, &c, and these are to receive their orders from the five Princes. ” The heptagon also symbolizes the structure and order of the world and/or universe. The nonagon is the outermost geometric shape of the camp, with nine sides. It shows the general order of Masons, comprising the Symbolic Lodge (or Craft Masonry), 1st to 3rd degrees; the Lodge of Perfection, 4th to 14th degrees; and the Chapter of Rose Croix, 15th to 18th degrees. The nonagon is formed by interlaced triangles (nine points) that represent divine light, wisdom, and the word. However, the number nine presents a further illusion regarding rough and perfect ashlars, as described in the Craft Masonry degrees. According to Morals and Dogma, the rough ashlar represents the people in a rude, unorganized state; whereas the perfect ashlar symbolizes perfection and the state. The rulers derive their powers from the consent of the people, with the constitution and laws communicating the people's will. This aligns with the Constitution and laws of the United States, which provide for the election of the president by the people. When we examine the perfect ashlar on a flat surface, Morals and Dogma explain it as follows: “ If we delineate a cube on a plane surface thus: we have three visible faces, and nine external lines, drawn between seven points. The complete cube has three more faces, making six; three more lines, making twelve, on one more point, making eight. As
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator