# Other military hand salutes? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 25, 2002, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727 "2002-07-25T07:23:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/1 "2002-07-25T07:23:01Z")
Pardon me for posting, but I was wondering…how many other military hand salutes are there in the world? I only know of the U.S. salute (Arm crooked, palm down), U.K. (Arm crooked, palm forward), and the infamous nazi salute. Are there any others in use today? Or even OUT of use today? Well, thanks for your time, Ranchoth ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/2 "2002-07-25T07:53:44Z")
Well, there’s [this](http://www.clay.co.uk/barrie/rimmer/rim4.html) one. ---
**Author:** ![grimpixie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecb155/32.png) [@grimpixie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grimpixie)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/3 "2002-07-25T08:09:44Z")
Two others that I know:[ol][li]The Scout salute - with only three fingers extended, facing forward (the little finger tucked behind the thumb.[/li][li]The Cub Scout salute - with just the first two fingers extended in a “V” shape, facing forward[/ol][/li]Or did you mean military salutes? Peter Ustinov in _The Mouse that Roared_ had a salute that involved facing the hand inwards, outwards and then inwards again, but that is beyond the pale… Grim ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/4 "2002-07-25T08:15:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by grimpixie \* > \*\*The Cub Scout salute - with just the first two fingers extended in a “V” shape, facing forward[/list] > \*\* Has this changed in the last twenty years? - when I was in the cubs, we did the three-finger version that you described as the scout salute. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/5 "2002-07-25T08:16:03Z")
I searched “military hand salute” on Yahoo! and got over 6000 hits. Those I checked all described a salute very similar to the US SOP version. However, there might be an odd ball in there if you have time to look. ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/6 "2002-07-25T09:35:17Z")
There is the fencer’s salute: sword blade is vertical held in front of body and close in, hilt at chest and blade extends up past the face mask US military personnel in civilian attire salute with hand over the heart (males also remove headgear). The military has different salutes if under arms. With M16 held in hands it’s very similar to the fencer’s salute. At sling arms it’s as the OP described except that the left hand crosses the body and holds the sling. USMC personnel with swords also salute similar to a fencer. There are cannon salutes as well. The US President receives a 21-gun salute and lower ranking officials get less. At a military funeral a soldier will receive a 3 round volley fired by 5-8 firers. A 50-gun salute is fired on July 4th. The US flag _never_ salutes except if a foreign country’s flag salutes first (and this is still at the discretion of the ranking officer). Flags salute by dipping forward from the vertical about 20-30 degrees. ---
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/7 "2002-07-25T09:59:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ranchoth \* > **… and the infamous nazi salute …** The Nazis, a very resentable lot, are to always have that extra bit of resentment from me for ruining a perfect good and cool looking Roman salute. ---
**Author:** ![Milton\_De\_La\_Warre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Milton\_De\_La\_Warre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Milton_De_La_Warre)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/8 "2002-07-25T10:45:47Z")
The Communists used to use a fist salute, with the forearm straight up. I have seen it in pictires from the 30’s, but I don’t know if it is still used. ---
**Author:** ![grimpixie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecb155/32.png) [@grimpixie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grimpixie)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/9 "2002-07-25T10:51:37Z")
Found this little gem on [this website](http://www.taskforceomegainc.org/WHM.htm) > [@](#): > > Have you noticed a difference in the salute given by our military men and women as President Bush walks by? Most folks would not notice anything, but military people see it right away. Watch: when President Bush leaves his helicopter or Air Force One, the honor guards salute and face him as he disembarks, then turn their faces towards him as he passes by. They continue to salute his back as he walks away. This kind of salute has not been seen in the previous eight years, though it is customary courtesy to the Commander-in-Chief. > > You see, soldiers are not required to turn and face the President as they salute. They are not required to salute his back. They are only required to salute. They can remain face-forward the entire time, and that is what they did during Bill Clinton’s entire Presidency. Our soldiers were forced to obey Clinton’s orders, but they were not forced to respect him. From their salutes, we can surmise that they did not. As far as the Cub Scout salute, **Mangetout** - I was in Cubs in South Africa, perhaps that’s where the difference comes in? Grim ---
**Author:** ![grimpixie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecb155/32.png) [@grimpixie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grimpixie)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/10 "2002-07-25T10:57:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by JCHeckler \* > \*\*The Communists used to use a fist salute, with the forearm straight up. I have seen it in pictires from the 30’s, but I don’t know if it is still used. \*\* The African National Congress (ANC) use something similar and they have strong, historical links with Communists, so I guess that is where it comes from. The Pan African Congress (PAC) on the other hand, uses an open hand salute, reminiscient of Hitler’s salute to his troops (i.e. up near his ear, not arm extended). There’s another question for you - I have seen footage of Hitler reviewing his troops and using both the above salutes (arm extended, open hand downwards and arm bent, open hand facing forwards) shortly after each other. Does anyone know if there is a difference between the two? Or is he just trying to avoid RSI? Grim ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/11 "2002-07-25T11:46:21Z")
For “Present Arms” while holding a rifle NOT at “Sling Arms” (i.e. holding it with both hands, or at “Carry Arms”) the rifle is held vertically in front of the body, elbows tucked to the body, front sight post of the M-16 at eye level, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/12 "2002-07-25T13:10:22Z")
AFAIK the Nazi salute was not a military salute and the military retained their official salutes. Military usage, while specific for each country, has much in common in different countries. I believe the following is correct in Spain: - Traditional military salute (right hand to the right temple) is _only_ done when wearing headgear as it signifies removing the headgear in sign of respect. It is _never_ done when the head is not covered. - Headgear is removed indoors so the salute indoors is only verbal. - Only the commanding officer salutes for a whole formation. - When armed the salute is different. “Armed” seems to imply long arms, not just side arms, and maybe also implies being on duty, I am not sure of the details. At any rate, the armed salute is done by bringing the right hand, palm facing down, to the left shoulder so that the index finger is parallel to the clavicle and the arm is horizontal. - Traditional salutes with swords are different and I am not sure I can tell the difference between what is a salute and what is a “present arms”. I believe the bringing the sword (sabre, whatever) in front of the face is a present arms? ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/13 "2002-07-25T13:37:14Z")
**grimpixie** : always remember, [Snopes](http://www.snopes.com/military/salute.htm) is your friend. Also, RE the Cubscout salute: Found the same text on several differnt pages, many linked from the main BSA page. This was copied from [here](http://www.cubscoutpack403.com/): > [@](#): > > Cub Scout Salute > > 1. Salute with your right hand. > 2. Hold your fingers as you do for the cub scout sign. > 3. Keep the two straight fingers close together. > 4. Touch the tips of those fingers to your cap. > 5. If you are not wearing a cap, touch your eyebrow. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/14 "2002-07-25T13:49:23Z")
**sailor** , the same rules apply for US Marines. Only salute while covered, remove cover (hat) indoors (unless under arms), no saluting in a tactical situation (to include exercises in my time), only the CO salutes for the formation, either static or marching, although the formation may present arms with the rifle as the CO gives a hand or sword salute. The sword salute is kinda more complex. From Carry Sword (sword resting on right shoulder, you bring you right hand … ahh, here is a [cite](http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/4644/sworddrl.html): > [@](#): > > 1. Present Sword From Order or Carry Sword. The command is PRESENT, SWORD (ARMS). Executed only when halted at order or carry sword, in two counts. On the preparatory command, PRESENT, raise the right hand to the level of and six inches in front of your neck. Keep the thumb on the left side of the grip, wrist straight, elbow against the body, the knuckle bow to the left, blade inclined forward at a 30 degree angle. On the command of execution, SWORD or ARMS, whip the point down smartly to a position three inches above the deck and slightly to the right of the right foot. Straighten the right arm. The thumb remains on the left side of the grip, knuckle bow against the trouser seam. The blade is inclined down and forward with the true edge to the left. ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/15 "2002-07-25T15:09:20Z")
If movies about Ancient Rome are to be believed there is a Roman salute. Closed right fist, touch fist to heart (fingers in, knuckles out). Any Ancient Romans out there care to comment on the accuracy of this? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/16 "2002-07-25T15:17:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sailor \* > \*\*Traditional salutes with swords are different and I am not sure I can tell the difference between what is a salute and what is a “present arms”. I believe the bringing the sword (sabre, whatever) in front of the face is a present arms? \*\* Sorry for the second post, I meant to comment on this as well. The same command “Present, Arms” is given whether you are holding a weapon or not. They are both salutes. Maybe you were thinking “Inspection, Arms” or “Ready, Port, Arms”? ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/17 "2002-07-25T15:22:16Z")
Horseflesh & sailor: You are both mistaken regarding the US military salute. Remember that there are different branches of the United States military and thus each one has its own peculiarities regarding saluting. Two such are for the US Army [ul][li]Render salute in the accepted manner (NOT hand over heart!) when reporting indoors in uniform. This includes reporting for duty, reporting for punishment, and reporting for pay.[/li][li]Render salute in the accepted manner (NOT hand over heart!) when in civilian attire when recognizing a ranking officer.[/ul][/li] For the US Navy: [ul]Render salute in the accepted manner (NOT hand over heart!) when in uniform, while wearing headgear, when reporting for punishment indoors.[/ul] If you’re interested, you can always check each service’s web presence, and, of course, the Uniform Regulations for each service. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/18 "2002-07-25T15:35:43Z")
**Horseflesh** , the only caveat is with only swords in a formation or group, the command is “DRAW, SWORD”, “PRESENT, SWORD”, etc… ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/19 "2002-07-25T15:37:27Z")
Yeah, leave it to the Navy to do things differently. 😃 😉 I wasn’t going to delve too much into _when_ you saluted depending on what you were wearing. I was trying to address just the different types of salutes as per the OP. You are right of course (well, Army for what I know). BTW, you are allowed to salute a soldier of _any_ rank you want (excepting prisoners and when expressly told not to, e.g. field exercises), not just officers, and it’s considered bad form to not return the salute unless your arms are otherwise occupied (and you should still acknowledge the salute with a greeting and/or nod). ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2002, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727/20 "2002-07-25T15:41:28Z")
The wouldn’t give _me_ a sword. Rasm-frasm-consarnit. Probably figured I was going to run it through a Damascus slave or something. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-military-hand-salutes/120727.md?page=2)