Respect Toward Officers and Noncomissioned Officers

A first-rate military unit is founded on respect, obedience, and discipline. You will be expected to address and salute officers properly to show respect for rank and to carry out whatever orders you receive. Probably the most renowned symbol of this respect is the salute.

The Salute: A Gesture of Honor

The military salute remains a unique exchange of greeting between military personnel that conveys pride, recognition, and the utmost respect. The origin of the salute can be traced back to the Age of Chivalry, when honor and courtly manners flourished. The etiquette of the day dictated that when two friendly knights crossed paths, each would raise his helmet's visor and show his face to pay proper respect to one another. This custom was always performed with the right hand, traditionally used for wielding one's sword. By raising the right hand, a knight demonstrated his trust toward the other warrior. Even after modern firearms had made steel armor a thing of the past, the knightly gesture of raising the right hand would continue to be recognized as the proper greeting between soldiers.

To execute the hand salute correctly, raise the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the lower part of the headdress or forehead above and slightly to the right of the right eye. The fingers and thumb are extended and joined, palm down. The outer edge of the hand is barely slanted downward, so that neither the palm nor the back of the hand is visible from the front. The upper arm is horizontal, with the elbow inclined slightly forward and the wrist is straight. At the same time, turn the head toward the person saluted.

Complete the salute by returning your arm and hand to the normal position.

The junior individual salutes first, which is similar to civilian customs and courtesies shown to elders and persons in positions of authority.

Salutes are exchanged outdoors. Indoors, situations requiring salutes are: reporting to an inspecting officer, reporting to a visiting officer of rank greater than anyone in the room, reporting when summoned by an officer, and reporting when permission has been granted to speak with an officer.

When outdoors, salute the colors only when you pass them or when they are passing by. The salute is rendered and held from a distance of six paces before and six paces after.

When in doubt as to where and when to salute, SALUTE!