The person of lower rank should initiate the salute. By initiating the salute, the officer is not implying he is in anyway inferior to the superior. It is just a showing of respect and camaraderie. [1] X Research source
A well-executed salute is a crisp, singular movement. Once you use a salute on a daily basis, it will become reflexive.
When wearing headgear with a visor (with or without glasses): At the command “arms,” you will salute with your right hand, touching the tip of your index finger to the rim of the visor, slightly above your right eye. If you are not wearing glasses and are wearing no headgear, or headgear without a visor, you will use the same precise movements, only you will touch your finger to the forehead, beside the outer edge of your right eyebrow. When wearing glasses, with no headgear or headgear without a visor: This time, you will touch the tip of your right forefinger to your glasses. Touch the part of the frame where the temple piece of the frame meets the right edge of the right brow.
During the National Anthem or other appropriate songs, you should hold the salute until the last note.
If you are reporting to the officer, you should identify yourself and state that you are reporting. For example, “Sir, Private Jones reports. “[2] X Research source
Do not slap your leg or move your hand out to the side. Any flourish in the salute is improper. [3] X Research source If you perform a salute that is at all showy or lazy, it can be perceived as being a greater insult than not performing a salute at all.
Always salute the President of the United States. Perform a salute to any commissioned and warrant officers. Salute all Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank. Salute officers of friendly foreign nations.
Perform a salute during the National Anthem. You should also salute during renditions of “To the Color,” “Hail to the Chief,” or other foreign national anthems are played. To an unfurled national flag outdoors. Perform a salute when the flag is about six feet away, and hold the salute until the flag is six feet past you. Salute during appropriate ceremonies. This includes military funerals, change of command ceremonies, and reveille and retreat ceremonies when the flag is raised and lowered. Perform a salute during the sounding of honors. Salute during the Pledge of Allegiance. Salute when rendering reports. When you see officers in official vehicles.
Do not salute indoors unless reporting to a superior officer. Do not salute when your hands are occupied or it is impractical to salute. In such instances, a greeting can be used in place of the salute. Do not salute when operating a moving vehicle. Use good judgment in public areas. Salutes are unnecessary if you encounter a superior officer on a train or at a bus station. Soldiers on a work detail or playing a game should not stop their activity to perform a salute. Do not salute an NCO (non-commissioned officer).
