The salute is not simply an honor exchanged. It is a privileged gesture of respect and trust among soldiers. Remember the salute is not only prescribed by regulation, but also the recognition of other commitment, ability 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 possessed a weapon. Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a mate. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the cap. In 1820, the movement has been modified to touching the hat, and has since become the handshake used today. Hail to show respect to an officer, the flag or our country.
The salute is widely misunderstood outside the military. Some consider it a gesture of servility since the lower extending a greeting to the top, but we know the opposite is true. The greeting is an expression that recognizes each other as a member of the profession of arms, which have made a personal commitment to self-sacrifice to preserve our way of life. The fact that young people extends the first greeting is simply a point of etiquette, a salute extended or returned makes the same statement.
The way we greet says a lot about you as a soldier. A proud salute, intelligent shows pride in yourself and your unit, and having confidence in your abilities as a soldier. A sloppy salute might mean that you are ashamed of your unit, lack of confidence, or at least they have not learned to salute properly.
In saluting, turn your head and eyes toward the person or the flag is waving. Take your hand until the correct one, smart motion without any preparatory movement. When dropping the salute, bring your hand straight down to his natural position at his side, without hitting your leg or moving your hand to the side. Any flourish in the greeting is incorrect.
The correct way of greeting by using the beret or without a helmet is to raise his right hand to the tip of his index finger on the outer edge of the right eyebrow (just above and right of his right eye). When wearing a helmet, the index finger touches the hat slightly above and to the right of his right eye. His fingers are together, straight and thumb comfortably over the hand in line with the fingers. His hand, wrist and right forearm in a straight line from elbow to fingertips. Upper arm (elbow to shoulder) is horizontal to the ground.
All soldiers in uniform are forced to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled (by grade) to a salute except when it is inappropriate or impractical (in public transportation such as airplanes and buses, in public places such as inside theaters, or when driving a vehicle). A salute is also rendered:
* When the U.S. national anthem, “color”, “Hail to the Chief” or foreign national anthems are played.
* For tubing outdoor national color.
* On ceremonial occasions, such as changes of command or funerals.
* In the ceremonies of reveille and retreat, during the raising or lowering the flag.
* At the touch of honors.
* When the Pledge of Allegiance U.S. outdoors.
* Turning the control of the formations.
* When rendering reports.
* For staff of friendly aliens.
Greetings are not required when:
* Indoors, unless the notification to an officer or when on duty as a guard.
* A prisoner.
* Saluting is obviously inappropriate. In any case, not covered by specific instructions, make the greeting.
* Either the higher or subordinate is in civilian clothes.
In general, do not salute when you are working (for example, under your vehicle doing maintenance), indoors (except when reporting), or saluting is not practical (carrying articles with both hands, for example). A good rule of thumb is: if you are outdoors and is practical to salute, do so. Outdoors includes theater marquees, shelters in the pump gas station, covered walkways, and other similar shelters that are open to the sides.