Rules for Saluting in the Army: Tips & Regulations

The history of the salute in the Army dates back centuries and has roots in medieval Europe, where knights would raise their visors as a sign of respect to one another. This gesture was a way to show that the person approaching was not a threat and had no hidden weapons—sort of a “peace offering” that showed trust and honor.

Over time, this evolved into a formal gesture of respect, and by the time of the Roman Empire, military salutes were already being used among soldiers to acknowledge rank and authority. As armies became more organized, so did the protocols for showing respect, and saluting became a key part of military discipline.

When the U.S. Army was formed, the salute became formalized as a way for soldiers to show respect for officers and for the rank structure. Early American soldiers used a form of the salute that was influenced by European traditions, and by the 19th century, the modern version of the salute we know today—raising the right hand to the forehead—became standard.

This version was adopted because it was simple, clear, and easily recognized on the battlefield. It was also a way to ensure that soldiers could show respect for officers even during combat situations, without needing to speak or break formation.

The tradition of saluting in the Army has persisted throughout history because it serves more than just a ceremonial function; it’s a key part of military discipline and respect. The salute is a way to acknowledge someone’s rank, to show respect for their leadership, and to maintain order within the structure of the military.

Whether it’s done during everyday interactions or at formal events, the salute is a gesture that represents the bond of duty and mutual respect between soldiers, regardless of rank or branch of service. Even today, it’s one of the most enduring and recognizable symbols of military culture.

How to Render a Salute Properly

When it comes to rendering a salute in the Army, it’s all about respect and precision. The proper way to salute is to raise your right hand with your fingers extended and joined, palm facing forward, so that your hand comes up to the brim of your headgear or your forehead. If you’re wearing a hat or helmet, the salute should touch the brim of your headgear.

If you’re not wearing any headgear, you should salute by bringing your hand to your forehead, just above the right eyebrow. It’s important that your arm is at a 45-degree angle, and your posture should be straight and alert—no slouching! And of course, make sure your salute is brisk and sharp, without hesitation.

You should always hold the salute until the person you’re saluting returns it or passes by. If you’re saluting an officer in person, it’s courteous to wait until they’ve acknowledged your salute, or until they’re out of your immediate vicinity. Also, don’t forget to stand at attention when you salute.

This means your body should be straight, and your arms should be at your sides until the salute is rendered. Saluting is a simple gesture, but doing it correctly shows professionalism and respect for the chain of command. It’s a way to honor both the rank and the person holding it, and it’s one of the most important aspects of military courtesy.

The Rules for Saluting in the Army

Here’s a helpful list of dos and don’ts about saluting in the Army, along with guidance on when to salute and when not to:

DOs:

1. Salute when outdoors – Always salute when you’re outside, in uniform, and an officer approaches, or when you pass one.
2. Salute officers and foreign dignitaries – You should salute U.S. Army officers, officers from other U.S. military branches, allied foreign military officers, and certain civilians (like foreign dignitaries) as a sign of respect.
3. Return the salute – As an officer, always return the salute when one is given to you by a subordinate or another service member.
4. Salute when reporting to an officer – When reporting to a superior officer, you should render a salute as a sign of respect when you first approach them and again when leaving.
5. Salute when in a vehicle – If you are a passenger in a military vehicle and encounter an officer on foot, salute them unless you’re in a formation.
6. Salute during ceremonies – During formal events or ceremonies (such as a change of command), salute when required, especially when the national anthem is played, or the colors are being presented.
7. Stand at attention when saluting – Always stand at attention when saluting, keeping your posture straight and your feet together.

DON’Ts:

1. Don’t salute indoors – Generally, saluting indoors is not required, unless you’re reporting to an officer or involved in a military ceremony (like a parade or formal event).
2. Don’t salute if you’re in civilian clothes – Unless you’re in a military setting or on duty in uniform, you should not salute when wearing civilian attire.
3. Don’t salute if you’re in formation – Salutes should not be rendered while you’re in formation. The person leading the formation typically gives the salute on behalf of the group.
4. Don’t salute if your hands are full – If you’re carrying something or have your hands occupied, don’t attempt to salute. In these cases, a nod or verbal acknowledgment is acceptable.
5. Don’t salute a non-commissioned officer (NCO) – NCOs do not receive salutes, as they are not commissioned officers. Instead, show respect through verbal acknowledgment.
6. Don’t hold your salute too long – Once you’ve saluted, hold it only until the officer returns the salute or passes by. Don’t linger unnecessarily.
7. Don’t salute if you’re seated – If you’re sitting down, stand up before rendering a salute (unless you’re in a vehicle).

When to Salute:

• When passing an officer: If you encounter an officer in uniform and you are outdoors, salute them.
• When reporting to an officer: Salute when approaching and leaving the officer.
• During the national anthem: If you’re in uniform, salute during the playing of the national anthem or when the colors are presented.

When NOT to Salute:

• When in civilian attire: If you’re not wearing a military uniform, you don’t salute.
• In certain formal settings: When you’re in a formation, the leader gives the salute for the group, and individual salutes are not necessary.
• When occupied with something else: If you’re carrying something or your hands are full, avoid saluting. You can offer a verbal greeting instead.

By following these basic rules, you’ll maintain proper military courtesy and ensure you’re always showing respect in the right way!

Saluting Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients

The Congressional Medal of Honor (CMH) is the highest and most prestigious military award in the United States, and it carries special significance when it comes to saluting. Here’s how the rules change when saluting someone who wears this medal:

# 1: Special Salute for Medal of Honor Recipients:
When you encounter someone wearing the Congressional Medal of Honor, you should render a salute regardless of whether they are an officer or not. This is because the Medal of Honor is such a high and revered award, and the recipient is afforded special recognition by all military personnel. The Medal of Honor represents extraordinary valor, and as such, it takes precedence over the usual rank-based saluting protocol.

# 2: Saluting During Official Ceremonies:
If a Medal of Honor recipient is present at a ceremony or military event, all service members should salute them in accordance with military protocol. This includes when they enter a room or pass by, and during formal ceremonies. Even officers, regardless of their rank, should render a salute as a sign of deep respect.

# 3: Duration of the Salute:
The salute to a Medal of Honor recipient should be held until the recipient acknowledges it or until they pass by. It’s considered a matter of great respect and honor to salute a CMH recipient, and the gesture is not only about recognition of their rank but about honoring their heroic actions.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is so esteemed that its recipient, regardless of whether they hold an officer’s rank or not, is considered to be above the standard saluting protocol. This ensures they are afforded the respect their bravery and sacrifice deserve.

Saluting the colors (the U.S. flag) is an important military tradition that symbolizes respect for the nation, the service members who defend it, and the sacrifices made for freedom. Here are the key rules for saluting the colors, as outlined in Army regulations and military customs:

When to Salute the Colors:

# 1: During the Raising or Lowering of the Flag:
Whenever the U.S. flag is raised or lowered, service members should render a salute. This typically happens during the morning and evening ceremonies when the flag is hoisted or lowered on military installations, bases, and certain public facilities.

# 2: When the National Anthem is Played:
If you are in uniform and the Star-Spangled Banner is played, you should salute. The salute should be held until the last note of the anthem. If you’re indoors, it’s customary to stand at attention and place your right hand over your heart (unless in formation or attending a ceremony where a salute is appropriate).

# 3: When the Colors Pass By:
During parades, ceremonies, or when the colors (flag) pass in front of you, you should salute. This includes situations like military parades or when the flag is being carried during a formal event or procession. You should salute when the colors are within six paces of you and continue holding the salute until the colors have passed.

Saluting the Colors – Procedure:

• When in uniform: Salute when the colors are presented or when the national anthem is played, whether you’re standing still or marching.
• When outdoors: Always salute the colors when you’re outdoors and in uniform, whether in a formation or not. This includes during flag ceremonies or when the flag is passing by.
• When in formation: When you’re in a formation during a flag ceremony, the salute is typically rendered by the formation leader. However, individual soldiers may salute when they are not part of a formation and when the flag is passing.

When Not to Salute the Colors:

• When indoors: You do not salute the flag indoors unless you are part of a formal event such as a flag-raising ceremony. The standard action indoors is to stand at attention.
• When in civilian attire: If you’re in civilian clothes, you do not salute the flag. Instead, stand at attention and place your right hand over your heart. Service members should salute only when in military uniform.

By adhering to these customs, you help preserve military traditions and demonstrate respect for the nation’s symbols and the sacrifices of those who have served. Saluting the colors is a simple but powerful gesture that reinforces the values of honor, duty, and patriotism.

Saluting Regulations

In the U.S. Army, the regulations governing saluting are outlined in Army Regulation 600-25 (Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy). This regulation establishes the official protocols for saluting, including when and how to do it, and who to salute.

The primary purpose of saluting is to show respect for the rank and authority of officers, as well as to maintain military decorum and discipline. The regulation specifies that soldiers must salute officers when outdoors and in uniform, whenever they pass them or when approaching an officer while on duty. It also clarifies that salutes should be rendered during official ceremonies, such as during the presentation of colors, when the national anthem is played, or when reporting to an officer.

Additionally, AR 600-25 emphasizes the proper method for saluting and also covers exceptions to saluting, such as when soldiers are in civilian clothes, indoors, or in formation (unless the formation is part of a formal event).