What is the proper way to salute?

As an expert in military protocol and etiquette, I can provide you with a comprehensive guide on the proper way to salute. Saluting is a sign of respect and recognition, often used in military and some civilian contexts. It is important to perform it correctly to show respect and maintain decorum. Step 1: Stand Up Straight The first step in saluting is to stand at attention. Your feet should be together, and your body should be aligned with your heels together and your toes slightly apart. This posture is known as "parade rest" or "attention" and is the foundation for a proper salute. **Step 2: Face the Flag or Person You Are Saluting** Turn your body to face the flag or the person you are saluting. Your eyes should be focused on the flag or the individual, showing your respect and acknowledgment. **Step 3: Bring Your Right Arm Up to the Correct Position** Raise your right arm smartly to the salute position. Your elbow should be slightly bent, and your hand should be flat with fingers together. The tips of your fingers should be at the corner of your eyebrow, and your thumb should be along your nose. Step 4: Raise Your Hand Up to Your Brow Ensure that your hand is raised to the correct height. The fingers should be pointing upwards, and the palm should face outwards. This is a sign of respect and is a universal gesture recognized across various military forces. **Step 5: Modify the Salute as Appropriate for the Headgear You Are Wearing** If you are wearing a hat or a helmet, the salute may be modified. For instance, in some military traditions, you may remove your hat with your left hand while keeping your right hand in the salute position. In other cases, you may simply touch the peak of your hat with your right hand. Step 6: Hold the Salute Maintain the salute for an appropriate duration. This is typically until you have been acknowledged by the person or the flag you are saluting, or for the duration of the national anthem if you are saluting during a ceremony. **Step 7: Accompany the Salute with an Appropriate Greeting** While performing the salute, it is often accompanied by a verbal greeting. This could be a simple "good morning" or "good afternoon" to a superior officer, or a more formal "sir" or "ma'am." Step 8: Lower Your Hand Once you have completed the salute, lower your hand smartly back to your side. The movement should be smooth and controlled, mirroring the precision with which you raised your hand. Saluting is not just a physical gesture; it is a symbol of respect, discipline, and unity. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations and is an integral part of military culture. Whether you are a service member or a civilian showing respect to the flag, understanding and performing the salute correctly is a mark of honor and commitment.

StepsStand up straight. ... Face the flag or person you are saluting. ... Bring your right arm up to the correct position. ... Raise your hand up to your brow. ... Modify the salute as appropriate for the headgear you are wearing. ... Hold the salute. ... Accompany the salute with an appropriate greeting. ... Lower your hand.