Q&A for How to Salute (UK Armed Forces)

The position is standing upright with arm bent up and hand to the forehead.

None. Every regiment in the army salutes with the right hand, same in the air force and royal marines.

Royal Navy. However, the most senior officer regardless of branch should be the person saluted.

You are expected to salute them, but they do not salute you back, as they are not wearing headdress.

You use your right hand.

If their right hand is disabled, they would salute using their left hand. However, if both hands were disabled, like when not wearing a cap, they would brace up. If they were not able to brace up due to further injuries, they would not be expected to offer a salute due to injury.

No, they can't. Generally you just stand to attention. This covers every service.

The Navy, Army, Air Force and military police have been separated from one another during wars in the past, and invented different salutes.

Yes. Once you outrank them and they pay the complement, you are duty-bound to return the salute.

All commissioned officers. Do not salute warrant/petty officers, but do address them as "Sir."

Yes. Always salute to a superior officer unless it will endanger yours or his life.

Yes, to pay respect to the fallen.

As long as you can see the officers and you are in correct uniform, then yes. Generally if you are in the field doing an exercise at night, you should just stand up straight.

Civilians do not salute. Military personnel in civilian attire do not salute but brace up. If a group of military personnel in civilian attire meet an officer in full dress, the most senior member of that group responds to the officer if the group is addressed. Only if an individual is addressed by name should they respond to the officer.