The Naked House Boy is required to learn and obey all commands established in these rules, following the described protocols for each command and circumstance. He is also required to use good judgment when resolving conflicting instructions or obeying instructions that are not covered by specific commands or protocols.

Consecutive and Combination Commands are sometimes issued so that the House Boy may serve the Master or others in ways that are not specifically covered by singular or simple commands. The boy is required to be alert for and recognizing this type of instruction, and use good judgment in carrying out these commands to the best of his ability. He is also responsible for and will be disciplined for failing to meet expectations or improperly obeying this type of instruction.

In the first example photo, the Naked House Boy is ordered to ‘Clasp Hands and Kneel’ (See below, Rules #8 and #263). Since this is a ‘Consecutive’ Command – identified by the Master’s use of the word ‘and’ between the two parts of the command – the boy may execute each part of this two-part command consecutively (clasping his hands then kneeling). Carrying out both parts of the command simultaneously (clasping his hands while at the same time dropping down to kneel) is optional. Only the final result of the boy’s action is important to the Master.

In the second example photo, the same House Boy is ordered to ‘Kneel At Ease’ (See below, Rules # 263 and #167). This is a ‘Combination Command’ – which does not contain the use of the word ‘and’ – so protocol requires the boy to use his best judgment and skill to carry out both parts of the command simultaneously. In other words, the boy is expected to both 'Kneel’ and assume the 'At Ease’ positions simultaneously, rather than kneeling and then placing his arms behind his back in the At Ease position. Failure to carry out a Combination Command in a single continuous motion can subject the boy to discipline for failure to meet expectations.

Consecutive and Combination Commands may be given verbally or in writing, by leaving a note or sending a text, etc. they may also contain more than just two parts. It is the responsibility of each House Boy to properly identify Consecutive and Combination Commands soon enough to take reasonable and prudent action to meet expectations. Boys who fail to do so are subject to discipline at the Master’s discretion unless the boy can articulate how his actions or responses were in substantial compliance with the Master’s intentions or the interpretation on Conflicting Instructions (See below, Interpretation #5).

Good judgment must be used at all times. In the 'Kneel At Ease’ example, the House Boy pictured does not place his arms at his sides (as required by the 'Kneel’ Command) so that he can obey the 'At Ease’ part of the Combination Command and place his arms behind his back, which is where the Master wants them to be.