Why does the US military salute palm down?

The naval salute, with the palm downwards is said to have evolved because the palms of naval ratings, particularly deckhands, were often dirty through working with lines and was deemed insulting to present a dirty palm to an officer; thus the palm was turned downwards.

What does saluting with palm out mean?

The British Army developed a salute with the palm facing outwards, also used by the Royal Air Force. The Royal Navy, however, adopted a version with the palm facing downwards, thought to be because many men working on ships had dirty palms and to display them was disrespectful.

When did the US military salute change?

On Dec. 22, 1942, Congress amended the flag code to replace the salute with the hand-over-heart method. The previous salute started with the hand outstretched toward the flag, palm down, and ended with palm up, but it was too similar to salutes used by U.S. enemies during World War II.

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.

Why do soldiers put their hand on their forehead?

The origins of the hand salute

Let's start with the practical application: raising the right hand to one's cap or forehead is not only a gesture of respect, but also a signal that you're not wielding a weapon (which was far more important information a few centuries ago than it is in today's military settings).

Why do the British salute differently to the Americans?

Why do British and American soldiers salute differently?

It is believed that the U.S. military's salute was influenced by British military, although it differs slightly, in that the palm of the hand faces down towards the shoulder. This difference may date back to the days of sailing ships, when tar and pitch were used to seal the timber from seawater.

What does a left handed salute mean?

Left Handed Salutes. Actually only the Naval services (Navy and Marine Corps) are authorized to salute with the left hand when necessary. This usually means when your right hand/ arm is incapacitated due to injury but it can also apply at other times.

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."

Can a non military salute?

"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."

What does a slow salute mean?

Occasionally you will see slow salutes during a flag-passing ceremony as part of a retirement to indicate respect for the flag and the person who is retiring.

Do you salute while in a car?

You don't have to salute in an airplane, on a bus, when driving a vehicle, or in public places such as inside theaters or other places of business. The driver of a moving vehicle does not initiate a salute. Sometimes saluting is inappropriate. Soldiers participating in games and members of work details do not salute.

Why does the army salute different to the Navy?

2. Indian Navy - Open palm facing the ground. In Indian Navy, a salute is executed with the palm facing the ground at a 90 degree angle to the forehead. Basically, the reason behind this is to hide the hands of sailors that get dirty due to oil or grease stains while working on the ship.

Can a veteran salute?

Recent legislation gives Veterans the lifetime privilege to salute the flag. This privilege is also extended to all active duty service members while not in uniform. They may now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the National Anthem or during raising, lowering or passing the American flag.

Can Navy salute with left hand?

Did you know that there are only two authorized left-hand salutes for the American Military? Along with the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps drum major, Boatswain's Mates are authorized to salute with their left hand when piping a senior officer aboard a ship in either the Navy and Coast Guard.

Why do the British salute the way they do?

As an almost nostalgic throw back to the 18th century, the army decided in 1870 to have a different salute for the other ranks. The palm-out hand salute was back. This was clearly influenced by the adoption of the palm out salute by other powers such as France and the United States.

Is the President a member of the armed forces?

1. It is clear that the President is Commander in Chief of all the armed forces of the United States comprised within the national military establishment—the Air Force as well as the Army and the Navy.

What are the military taboos?

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.

Can you wear your military uniform after discharge?

A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.

How do soldiers say yes?

“Roger that”

The meaning evolved until “roger” meant “yes.” Today, the NATO phonetic alphabet says, “Romeo,” in place of R, but “roger” is still used to mean a message was received.

What does turning blue mean in the Army?

The Turning Blue Ceremony occurs before Graduation and celebrates the final portion of the soldier training. It usually starts at 10 am and is followed by Graduation the next day. At the Turning Blue Ceremony, friends and family can pin the Infantry Blue Cord on their soldier's shoulder.

What does CODE RED mean in military?

A "code red" is how they refer to hazing a Marine and is strictly against Marine Corps policy.

How do Marines salute?

The outer edge of the hand is held slightly downward, with the hand and wrist straight. A proper salute will have the elbow slightly forward with the upper arm horizontal. The salute ends with the right hand sharply returned to the side, and the position of attention should be maintained.

Do different military branches salute differently?

Army and Air Force members render the hand salute when reporting inside and outside to an officer or president of a board. If under arms and inside, Marines and Navy members will render a salute.

Do you salute the Secretary of the Navy?

WHOM TO SALUTE:

All individuals who are equal or senior to you in rank in any of the uniformed services of the United States or of foreign governments. President of the United States; Vice President of the United States; State Governors; Department Secretaries (including the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of HHS).