You can submit your questions to Dr. Drill via e-mail to : DrDrill@CadetStuff.org.

Dr. Drill,

How many ways are there to salute? There is a way with a cover, without a cover, way with glasses... HOW MANY WAYS ARE THERE?

Cadet Cody Butler

Dr. Drill responds

Let's find out...

1...

2...

3...

*crunch*

Three.

Take a chill pill, Cody. As far as you're concerned there are only three ways to salute.

The first is the common hand salute rendered with the right hand at the right temple. There is some leeway in hand placement, depending on headgear and such, but the basic concept is the same: the hand should be flat, the upper arm parallel to the ground, the forearm at a forty-five degree angle and the tip of the index finger about a quarter inch away from whatever is extending furtherst from your temple (be it a cover, glasses or your bushy, bushy eyebrows).

The second method of saluting that you need to worry about is the guidon salute, where the left hand is positioned on the guidon pole either at the order or carry position. The left hand should be flat and the left arm parallel to the ground.

The third one you're likely to see is a rifle salute. It is very similar to the guidon salute except that the fingertips of the left hand are brought to the tip of the muzzle when the rifle is at the order, and the arm is at a distinct downward angle. The other variation on the rifle salute is performed at right or left shoulder, when the opposite hand is brought across the body parallel to the ground and the fingertips touch the rifle butt.

Well, that should about do it. Hopefully, you haven't blown a gasket waiting for me to get back to you.

We who are about to die salute you (in one of three ways)!

Take care,

Dr. Drill