c/1st Lt Jim Naysium

Dear Jim,

Let me start with the origin of the salute. One theory has the salute starting in 1961 in somebody’s garage while rehearsing with the neighborhood rock band. Most military historians don’t give this theory much support, although there is a small group in rural West Virginia that swears by it.

Still others, like the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Historian at Fort Lee, Virginia, think the salute is a little older than that, and has its origins not with a garage rock band, but with distant armies long ago. No one can confirm exactly where the salute began, but for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years, the right hand (or “weapon hand”) has been raised as a greeting of friendship. This kinda shows the other guy that you’re not about to bludgeon him with a weapon of some sort. Sort of keeps that friendship idea going, if you know what I mean.

Some say that the salute has its origins in medieval times, when knights would raise their visors to reveal their identities. You can picture it, right? Raising the visor with the right hand kinda looks like a salute. Particularly those pesky British salutes.

Still others cite a long-standing tradition of juniors removing their headgear when in the presence of superiors. This became a little difficult when the “redcoats” starting wearing 55-gallong drums of water on their heads for those long hikes. As the hats got bigger, the tradition was modified to simply grasping the brim of the hat instead of taking the whole thing off, possibly flooding the area, and getting that superior officer all wet!

Regardless of its origins, the military salute is a sign of respect, and is not something to take lightly. Here are some guidelines for saluting, according to AFMAN 36-2203, section 3.6 EXCHANGE OF SALUTES.

The junior member always initiates a salute, and does so in time for the senior person to return the salute. When returning or rendering the salute, turn your melon and your peepers in the direction of the person (or flag) you’re saluting. Don’t be admiring the clouds when you’re saluting the colonel as he walks by. This would be bad form, Jim. I can see it now, “Dude… er, I mean… SIR – check out THAT one… it looks like the StayPuft Marshmallow Man!”

Some say that you are supposed to salute exactly six paces from a superior officer. Hooey! The book says, “To prescribe an exact distance for all circumstances is not practical, but good judgment indicates when salutes should be exchanged.” Hint: If you find yourself pinned down by enemy fire and the lieutenant crawls over to give you assault instructions, it would NOT be a good idea to snap to attention and render the military salute, unless of course you’re interested in becoming dead. Just my humble opinion… this particular instance is not covered in the manual.

Saluting is to take place outdoors. The only time you should be saluting inside is during formal reporting. What do I mean by “outdoors?” Well, AFMAN 36-2203 actually cites some circumstances that might be confused for “indoors.” Porches, covered sidewalks, bus stops, covered or open entryways, and reviewing stands are all considered outdoors and fair territory for the military salute to be seen.

If a superior is carrying articles in both hands, he or she need not return the salute. Doing so may cause a concussion, or at the very least, knock of the headgear. The Air Force discontinued the practice of saluting while carrying articles in both hands when the dry cleaning bills for military headgear when through the roof. Data on the concussions sustained are inconclusive at best. If you’re the junior guy and you’re carrying a box of glass vases, you need not send them crashing to the ground to render a salute to the general. You should simply render a friendly verbal greeting. “Howdy, General,” or, “Dude, check out these cool vases,” are probably NOT what I mean. Try something along the lines of, “Good morning, General Bowling.” I’m sure the General would even accept, “Good afternoon, sir.”

If you’re in formation, don’t salute unless given the command to do so. If you’re in a group, but not in formation, the rules are slightly different. When a senior officer approaches, the first person noticing the officer will call the group to attention. ALL MEMBERS face the officer and salute. If the officer addresses an individual in the group, all should remain at attention unless otherwise directed. The entire group will salute when the officer leaves. Don’t believe me? Check out 3.6.4!

At a public gathering such as a sporting event, large meeting, etc. or when a salute would be inappropriate or impractical, salutes between individuals need not be exchanged. If you find yourself in a work detail, individual workers do not salute. The person in charge salutes for the whole detail. You might be carrying supplies at encampment, or pitching a GP Medium… don’t worry about the salute. This is a work detail.

Last, let me quote 3.6.10. “Any airman, NCO, or officer recognizing a need to salute or a need to return one may do so anywhere at any time.” What does this mean? Well… Dr. Drill says, “When in doubt, salute.”

So… what about your original question? Do you salute your deputy commander if he outranks you? I tell you what… let’s make this a CadetStuff poll! I want to see what the loyal readership of this site really thinks. This is a question that has come up year after year at encampments. Many functions have written SOPs around this very question. What do YOU think? Results of this poll will be published next month… same Drill Time, same Drill Channel!

Sincerely,

Dr. Drill