
In the military, saluting is a way to show respect and acknowledge authority. Cadets are required to salute officers as a sign of recognition of their higher rank and authority. However, cadets typically do not salute enlisted personnel as their authority is derived from their position rather than a commissioned or warrant officer rank. It's important to note that the specific rules about saluting may vary depending on the military branch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to salute | All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical (for example, if you're carrying something using both hands). |
| A salute is also rendered when the United States national anthem, "To the Color," "Hail to the Chief," or foreign national anthems are played. | |
| A salute is also rendered when pledging allegiance to the U.S. flag outdoors. | |
| In any case not covered by specific instructions, render the salute. | |
| A salute indoors is rendered only when reporting to an officer. | |
| Customs | Customs include positive actions and taboos. |
| Some military customs are established by regulation, and you can be punished (even sent to jail) for disregarding them, while others are unwritten but obeyed just the same. | |
| Never criticize your service or your leaders in public. | |
| Never turn and walk away to avoid giving the hand salute. | |
| Never run indoors or pretend you don't hear (while driving, for example) to avoid participating in reveille or retreat (raising or lowering of the U.S. flag). | |
| Never appear in uniform while under the influence of alcohol. | |
| Courtesies | Military courtesy means good manners and politeness in dealing with other people. |
| Courteous behavior provides a basis for developing good human relations. | |
| The distinction between civilian and military courtesy is that military courtesy was developed in a military atmosphere and has become an integral part of serving in uniform. | |
| Military courtesy is not a one-way street. Enlisted personnel are expected to be courteous to officers, and officers are expected to return the courtesy. |
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What You'll Learn
- Enlisted personnel are expected to salute officers when they meet and recognise them
- A salute is also rendered when the US national anthem is played
- Military courtesy is vital to maintain discipline and respect
- Enlisted personnel do not salute when reporting to an officer indoors
- Basic training includes plenty of practice saluting

Enlisted personnel are expected to salute officers when they meet and recognise them
Saluting at the appropriate time is a big deal in the military, and enlisted personnel are expected to salute officers when they meet and recognise them. This is a custom and courtesy that is taught during basic training and is an integral part of serving in uniform. While some courtesies may be relaxed after basic training, saluting is not one of them. All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognise a commissioned or warrant officer. The only exceptions to this are when it is inappropriate or impractical, such as when carrying something with both hands.
When an officer enters a room, the first enlisted person to recognise them should call the room to attention but should not salute. A salute is only rendered indoors when reporting to an officer. When dismissed or when the officer departs, enlisted personnel should come to attention and salute. When speaking to or being addressed by a non-commissioned officer of superior rank, enlisted personnel should stand at parade rest until ordered otherwise.
There are other instances when a salute is rendered, including when the US national anthem, "To the Color," "Hail to the Chief," or foreign national anthems are played, and when pledging allegiance to the US flag outdoors. Saluting is a sign of respect and reflects self-discipline. It is also a way to show courtesy, which is vital to maintaining discipline in the Armed Forces. Military courtesy is about good manners and politeness when dealing with others, and it is expected that officers will return the courtesy shown to them.
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A salute is also rendered when the US national anthem is played
Saluting at the correct time is a big deal in the military, reflecting pride in the customs, courtesies, and traditions of military service. Military courtesy is about showing good manners and politeness, and a salute is a sign of respect and self-discipline. A salute is also rendered when the US national anthem, "To the Color", "Hail to the Chief", or a foreign national anthem is played. This is the case whether the enlisted personnel are indoors or outdoors.
All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer. There are exceptions, for example, if carrying something with both hands makes it impractical. However, enlisted personnel are expected to be courteous to officers, and officers are expected to return the courtesy.
There are other instances when a salute is required, such as when pledging allegiance to the US flag outdoors, or when an officer enters a room. In this case, the first enlisted person to recognize the officer calls personnel in the room to attention, but does not salute. A salute is also rendered indoors when reporting to an officer.
There are also times when a salute is not required, for example, when an enlisted person is dismissed or when the officer departs. At these times, it is customary to come to attention.
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Military courtesy is vital to maintain discipline and respect
Saluting is a key aspect of military courtesy. All enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when recognising a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical, such as when carrying something with both hands. Salutes are also rendered during the playing of national anthems, when pledging allegiance to the flag, and when either party is in civilian clothing. Basic training provides ample practice in saluting, but it is also a good idea to practice beforehand in front of a mirror.
When speaking to or being addressed by a non-commissioned officer of superior rank, one should stand at parade rest until ordered otherwise. When an officer enters a room, the first enlisted person to recognise them calls personnel to attention but does not salute. A salute is only rendered indoors when reporting to an officer. When entering or exiting a vehicle, the junior member enters first, and the senior exits first. When the command "At ease" is given in a dining facility, personnel should remain seated and silent unless otherwise directed.
Other military courtesies include never turning away to avoid giving a salute, never running indoors, and never appearing in uniform while under the influence of alcohol. When responding to a superior's question, it is always appropriate to say, "I don't know, sir/ma'am, but I'll find out." It is also important to never criticise the service or leaders in public and never go over superiors' heads by jumping the chain of command. These courtesies are strictly adhered to during basic training and help foster discipline and respect within the military.
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Enlisted personnel do not salute when reporting to an officer indoors
Saluting at the right time is a big deal in the military, and enlisted personnel must salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and enlisted personnel do not salute when reporting to an officer indoors.
When an officer enters a room, the first enlisted person to recognize them is expected to call the room to attention but not to salute. This is a military custom and courtesy, which is an integral part of serving in uniform. Customs include positive actions and taboos, and some are unwritten but obeyed. For example, it is customary to never turn and walk away to avoid giving a salute, and never to run indoors.
In other situations, a salute is rendered, such as when the United States national anthem or foreign national anthems are played, or when pledging allegiance to the flag outdoors. Enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute in these situations, except when it is inappropriate or impractical, such as if they are carrying something with both hands.
When speaking to or being addressed by a non-commissioned officer of superior rank, enlisted personnel should stand at parade rest until ordered otherwise. They should also walk on the left of and slightly behind an officer or NCO of superior rank.
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Basic training includes plenty of practice saluting
Saluting is a sign of courtesy and good manners in the military, and it is crucial for maintaining discipline. During basic training, individuals will learn the importance of saluting and the specific scenarios in which saluting is required. For example, a salute is rendered when the national anthem is played, when pledging allegiance to the flag, and when either the enlisted personnel or the officer is in civilian clothing.
Additionally, there are specific protocols to follow when saluting indoors. Enlisted personnel do not salute when an officer enters a room, but they call for attention. A salute is rendered indoors only when reporting to an officer. When entering or exiting a vehicle, the junior ranking military member enters first, and the senior exits first.
While some courtesies may become less frequent after basic training, they are strictly adhered to during that initial period. It is considered disrespectful to turn and walk away to avoid giving a salute. Practicing salutes in front of a mirror before joining basic training can help ensure that individuals can perform the salute correctly and automatically.
Understanding the nuances of when and how to salute is an essential aspect of military customs and courtesies. These customs are deeply rooted in the military's history and mission, and they contribute to the sense of pride and discipline that is characteristic of military service.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cadets typically do not salute enlisted personnel. Saluting is reserved for those with a commission and is a sign of recognition of higher rank and authority.
Cadets are trained to salute commissioned officers and warrant officers. Cadets also salute majors.
No, cadets do not salute each other, regardless of rank distinctions within an academy. Cadets of equal or lower rank do not exchange salutes as they share a similar position in the military hierarchy.











































