Why do soldiers stand at attention?

Military courtesy shows respect and reflects self-discipline. While some of these courtesies seem to wane after basic, they're strictly adhered to during military basic training: When talking to an officer, stand at attention until ordered otherwise.

Do soldiers stand at attention?

Military personnel not in uniform will stand at attention (remove headdress, if any, with the right hand) and place the right hand over the heart. Vehicles in motion will be brought to a halt.

What does attention mean in military terms?

The position of At attention, or Standing at attention is a military posture which involves the following general postures: Standing upright with an assertive and correct posture: famously "chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in".

What does it mean to stand at attention?

Definition of stand at attention

US. : to stand silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides The troops stood at attention.

Why do soldiers walk in a straight line?

The line was considered as the fundamental battle formation as it allowed for the largest deployment of firepower. Troops in skirmish formation, though able to take cover and use initiative, were highly vulnerable to cavalry and could not hold ground against advancing infantry columns.

Position of Attention

Why do soldiers turn their heads when marching?

SECTION 1.04 COMMAND RULES:

(b) When marching, the commander turns his head in the direction of the troops to give commands. (c) The commander gives the command AS YOU WERE to revoke a preparatory command that he has given. The command AS YOU WERE must be given before the command of execution.

How do Marines stand at attention?

Standing at attention is a common position for military and marching band members. To perform a proper position of attention, you will need to keep your legs straight, your head and neck erect, and your arms at your side.

Do soldiers have to stand for the national anthem?

When the National Anthem or “To The Colors” is played, personnel in civilian or military attire will stand at attention facing the flag (or the source of music if the flag isn't visible). When in civilian attire, come to attention, and place your right hand over your heart.

What is military posture?

Definitions of military posture. capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war.

Do soldiers poop their pants?

Siddle wrote that in surveys of soldiers during World War II, “a quarter of combat veterans admitted that they urinated in their pants in combat, and a quarter admitted that they defecated in their pants in combat.”

How do you stand at attention without passing out?

Ways to prevent fainting

If you need to stand in one place for a long time, be sure to move your legs and don't lock your knees. Pace if you can, or shake your legs out. If you're prone to fainting, avoid exerting yourself in hot weather as much as possible.

Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a soldier?

TLDR – Civilians should face the flag and place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Saluting the flag is a gesture reserved for the military. While civilians can salute soldiers, many veterans consider it inappropriate or awkward.

How do you say hello in military?

Errr... - (U.S. Marines) An abbreviated or unmotivated "Oorah". Often used as a form of acknowledgment or greeting. Yes, we really do walk around saying "Errr" at one another in the way normal civilized humans say "Hello."

Is it OK to salute with left hand?

Saluting with the left or right hand has nothing to do with being disrespectful. The salute, in and of itself, no matter which hand is used, is respectful. The US military uses the right hand for a reason and that reason is utilitarian, not an issue of respect.

Can you salute if you're not in the military?

"Civilian personnel, to include civilian guards, are not required to render the hand salute to military personnel or other civilian personnel. "Salutes are not required to be rendered or returned when the senior or subordinate, or both are in civilian attire."

Is it OK to salute in civilian clothes?

You don't have to salute indoors, except when you report to a superior officer. If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary.

Should you stand when Taps is played?

- Service members performing physical training and wearing a PT uniform outdoors should stop, stand at attention and render salute. - Vehicles in motion should pull over safely and stop. Many Air Force bases play taps to indicate lights out or to begin quiet hours.

What is a military wetting-down?

The wetting-down ceremony is when a newly promoted officer invites his or her friends—typically officers of the same rank—to a party at a bar and pub they frequent. As the name "wetdown" implies, there is copious amounts of drinking and at least one ceremonial toast, followed by speeches.

Why do soldiers faint on parade?

It happens to soldiers because standing still for a long time with a warm and weighty hat on your head interferes with the circulation of blood.

Which leg is used for attention?

The left leg should be used to go back to the attention position after stand at ease.

Why do soldiers goose-step?

Originally called the “Stechschritt,” or stabbing-step, the goose-step was used by the Prussian Army to keep its soldiers in a tight line formation. The step kept the soldiers close together and in step, forming a tight “moving wall,” which allowed for disciplined firing lines.

What are the 7 Army Values?

What are the 5 types of commands in a drill?