If the person is wearing military uniform and headdress they salute. If the person is not wearing military uniform they bow their head.
A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.
Salute officers even if they are uncovered or their hands are occupied. Your salute will be acknowledged by a verbal greeting, such as “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or something similar. 8. Army and Air Force policy, unlike the Navy's, is to salute when uncovered.
The military salute is rendered by men and women in uniform (and may also include boys and girls in the uniform of Scouts, CAPS, ROTC, and others). Those not in uniform salute the flag by standing at attention, tall and straight with the left arm at the side, and placing the right hand over the heart.
With that in mind, a salute from a civilian may feel uncomfortable or awkward. So, instead of saluting, most soldiers would agree that a simple wave or "thank you for your service" is appreciated - and ... No, it is not disrespectful for a civilian to salute a veteran.
While a salute is considered to be a gesture of respect, there's etiquette involved when it comes to rendering a hand salute, whether you are a veteran, active service member, or civilian. As a civilian, saluting soldiers is not a recommended way to honor a current or former member of the military.
If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary.
USE OF “SIR” and “SERGEANT”
The word is repeated with each complete statement. “Yes” and “No” should always be accompanied with “Sir”/”Ma'am”. All NCOs will be addressed as “Sergeant” with the exception of the First Sergeant and Sergeant Major.
What does a left-handed salute mean? Left Handed Salutes. Actually only the Naval services (Navy and Marine Corps) are authorized to salute with the left hand when neccessary. This usually means when your right hand/ arm is incapacitated due to injurybut it can also apply at other times.
Saying "Good morning, Sir," or something along those lines is encouraged when you salute a superior.
The salute of the Australian or New Zealand Army is best described as the right arm taking the path of the longest way up and then the shortest way down. Similar in many ways, the salute of the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force takes the longest way up and the shortest way down.
A salute is held until the more senior officer has returned the salute or has passed. Never hold anything in your right hand when saluting. When attempting to pass a more senior officer, the more junior officer must approach on the left hand side of the senior officer, salute when abreast, and say, “By your leave…
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. MEN remove hats and hold at left shoulder with hand over heart; without hat, place right hand, palm open, over heart. WOMEN should place right hand, palm open, over heart.
Saluting with the left or right hand has nothing to do with being disrespectful. The salute, in and of itself, no matter which hand is used, is respectful. The US military uses the right hand for a reason and that reason is utilitarian, not an issue of respect.
PDA, or public displays of affection, is considered unprofessional, and a big no-no while in uniform. However, each unit, branch, and area treat this rule with different severity. This can include hugging, kissing, holding hands, and even holding children.
This includes areas that are covered but not enclosed (i.e., gas stations, picnic areas, etc.). If there is a visual marker stating that the area is a "No Hat, No Salute" area, Soldiers will ensure they put on their headgear upon exiting that specific area.
The salute is performed with the middle and index fingers extended and touching each other, while the ring and little fingers are bent and touched by the thumb. The tips of the middle and index fingers touch the peak of the cap, the two fingers have been interpreted as honour and fatherland (Honor i Ojczyzna).
Military salutes are normally performed with the right hand. The left-hand salute however is not exactly unauthorized as the Navy allows this salute when the right-hand needs to hold on to something while aboard ship.
The exact origin of the military salute has been lost in time but it is believed that it originated by showing that the right hand (the fighting hand) was not concealing a weapon.
Customs and courtesies
The enlisted member of choice renders the first salute to the new 2ndLt. The 2ndLt returns the first salute and cuts (drops) the salute first. The 2ndLt shakes hands with the enlisted servicemember, passing them a silver dollar (with the other hand) as they do.
All commissioned officers outrank non-commissioned officers (e.g., a sergeant).
When outdoors and approached by an NCO, you greet the NCO by saying, “Good morning, Sergeant,” for example. The first person who sees an officer enter a dining facility gives the order “At ease,” unless a more senior officer is already present. Many units also extend this courtesy to senior NCOs.
The Marine Corps members are called marines, not soldiers, and they typically have to go through much more intense basic training than those in the Army do, creating a reputation for being some of the toughest and most highly trained fighters.
Saluting. A common misconception is that saluting at a military funeral is a show of respect. Although no rule exists stating civilians cannot salute, it is best to leave this to former and active military personnel.
As we walk with our superiors or our subordinates walk with us, it is a courtesy for the lower ranking individual to walk to the left and slightly behind the higher ranking individual. This comes from the days of the Cavalry when officers wore a saber.