Q&A for How to Salute Like a Soldier

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Can I use my right hand to salute?

Community Answer

Yes, you should use your right hand to salute. The only time you do not use your right hand to salute is when your right hand is injured (or if your country requires you to use your left hand).

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Question

I want to salute my 90 year old father, an army veteran, at his birthday party. Is it appropriate to do so since he will not be in uniform?

Nathan_Gatewood24

Community Answer

Of course you can. Just because someone is not in uniform doesn't mean you can't salute them, especially your father.

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Question

How should I position my body when I salute?

Community Answer

Stand like you are standing at attention. Have your head and eyes straight.

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Question

What does it mean when the left arm is placed on the back, while right hand is over the heart?

Community Answer

Proper courtesy for the national anthem for civilians or soldiers not wearing a military uniform.

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Question

If I'm a soldier with a damaged right arm, how should I salute?

Community Answer

If, as a soldier, you have an injury that prevents you from using your right arm properly, then you should use your left arm to salute.

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Question

The position of the right hand while saluting when wearing glasses is what exactly?

Community Answer

Imagine it as an extension of the eyebrow. Place the tips of your fingers on the outer and upper right corner of your glasses. Then slightly tilted as explained above. But if you're wearing headgear with glasses, then salute from headgear as explained above.

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Question

What is the proper way to salute with a rifle?

Community Answer

This will vary depending on the country and the weapon. Commonly, through a series of steps the rifle will finally be held vertically in front of the body, with the right arm fully extended, right hand at the point where butt meets the rifle body, and fingers straight, while the left hand is centrally on the rifle, elbow tight to the side of the body. The rifle itself should be aligned centrally to the body with the underside (magazine, grip, trigger, etc.) facing away. Should the rifle be 'at the slope' (sloped over the left shoulder, butt held by left hand), then the right hand is brought smartly to 'slap' the upper surface of the butt, fingers extended, right arm parallel to the ground.

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Question

Is it wrong for a civilian to salute a funeral procession going to the cemetery?

Community Answer

I would if it was a military funeral, as a sign of respect for that soldier's life and what they did to protect their country. Don't salute if it's not a military funeral.

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Question

How do I salute an officer when he is approaching a group of soldiers seated somewhere like outside?

Community Answer

Salute the officer if you are able to. If the officer is walking past you, then salute. Only salute if you and the officer are in uniform.

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Question

Can I salute using my left arm?

Todd

Community Answer

It is fine to salute with your left arm, but usually it is done with your right. You can use your left arm if your right gets injured.

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