The salute is a gesture of respect and trust among cadets. Remember, the salute is not only prescribed by regulation, but is also recognition of each other's commitment, abilities, and professionalism.

 

Some historians believe the hand salute began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. By 1820, the motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the hand salute used today. You salute to show respect toward an officer, flag, or our country.

 

The salute is widely misunderstood outside the military. Some consider it to be a gesture of servility since the junior extends a salute to the senior, but we know that it is quite the opposite. The salute is an expression that recognizes each other as a member of the profession of arms; that they have made a personal commitment of self-sacrifice to preserve our way of life. The fact that the junior extends the greeting first is merely a point of etiquette-a salute extended or returned makes the same statement.

 

How to Salute

In saluting, turn your head and eyes toward the person or flag you are saluting. Bring your hand up to the correct position in one, smart motion without any preparatory movement. When dropping the salute, bring your hand directly down to its natural position at your side, without slapping your leg or moving your hand out to the side. Any flourish in the salute is improper.

The proper way to salute when wearing the beret, garrison cap, or without headgear is to raise your flat right hand until the tip of your forefinger touches the outer edge of your right eyebrow (just above and to the right of your right eye).

 

Tip: Practice saluting in front of a mirror.  The way you salute says a lot about you as a Cadet. A smart salute shows pride in yourself and your unit. A sloppy salute might mean that you're ashamed of your unit, lack confidence, or at the very least, that you haven't learned how to salute correctly.

 

 

When wearing headgear with a visor, the forefinger touches the right front corner of the visor. Your fingers are together, straight, and your thumb snug along the hand in line with the fingers, and not across your palm. Your hand, wrist, and forearm are straight, forming a straight line from your elbow to your fingertips. Your upper arm (elbow to shoulder) is horizontal to the ground.
 

Salutes are also rendered to officers or the flag when carrying rifles, sabers and guidons (under arms) by bringing the rifle, saber, or guidon to Present Arms position.     Details on these positions are further described in the Drill and Ceremonies Strand.

 

 

 

The junior person shall salute first. Accompanying the rendering of the hand salute with an appropriate greeting such as, "Good Morning, Sir" or "Good Morning, Ma’am" is expected.

Saluting in Groups (Not formation)

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If in the company of a senior officer and a junior officer approaches, salute at the same time as the senior.  If you outrank the approaching officer, hold your salute until the senior officer drops his or her salute.  If the approaching officer is of higher rank than you are, drop your salute after the approaching officer drops his or her salute.
When in the company of a senior officer and a more senior officer approaches, tactfully ensure the first officer is aware of the senior’s approach.  When the first officer salutes, salute at the same time. If in the company of a senior officer who is unaware of a junior’s salute, do not interrupt by rendering a salute to the junior.
When a senior officer approaches, the first individual noticing the officer calls the group to attention (Group, ATTENTION).  All members face the officer and salute.  If the officer addresses an individual or the group, all remain at attention (unless otherwise ordered) until the end of the conversation, at which time they salute the officer.

When in uniform at public gatherings, such as sporting events, meetings, or when a salute would be inappropriate or impractical, salutes between individuals need not be rendered.  If you can’t salute, you should still attempt to render a respectful verbal greeting.

 

Tip:  Rendering a salute is not required when arms are encumbered. However, one should always extend a verbal greeting or respond to one. (Note: You should always salute a senior officer if he/she is encumbered and you are not, even though the salute cannot be returned.)

Any cadet, NCO, or officer recognizing a need to salute or a need to return one may do so anywhere at any time.  When in doubt, salute!

A good rule of thumb is this: if you are outdoors and it is practical to salute, do so.  Outdoors includes theater marquees, shelters over gas station pumps, covered walkways, and other similar shelters that are open on the sides.