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

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the position of a military salute?
    Community Answer
    The position is standing upright with arm bent up and hand to the forehead.
  • Question
    What British regiment salutes left handed?
    Community Answer
    None. Every regiment in the army salutes with the right hand, same in the air force and royal marines.
  • Question
    Which service is senior when saluting in the UK armed forces?
    Community Answer
    Royal Navy. However, the most senior officer regardless of branch should be the person saluted.
  • Question
    Do I salute an officer sitting at his desk without his cap on?
    Community Answer
    You are expected to salute them, but they do not salute you back, as they are not wearing headdress.
  • Question
    Do I use the left or right hand to salute?
    Community Answer
    You use your right hand.
  • Question
    If a serving soldier's right hand/arm is disabled in any way, or even missing, how then can they offer a salute to a superior?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can a military salute without cap?
    Community Answer
    No, they can't. Generally you just stand to attention. This covers every service.
  • Question
    Why are there different salutes?
    Bram Meijer
    Community Answer
    The Navy, Army, Air Force and military police have been separated from one another during wars in the past, and invented different salutes.
  • Question
    Do I need to salute a non-commissioned officer for any reason?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Once you outrank them and they pay the complement, you are duty-bound to return the salute.
  • Question
    Which ranks should be saluted?
    Community Answer
    All commissioned officers. Do not salute warrant/petty officers, but do address them as "Sir."
  • Question
    Do I salute without a cap?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Always salute to a superior officer unless it will endanger yours or his life.
  • Question
    Should a veteran in civilian clothes and a military beret and cap badge salute during the Last Post?
    Community Answer
    Yes, to pay respect to the fallen.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to salute at night?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Should I salute if I'm in civilian clothes?
    Community Answer
    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.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article