Why do army and Navy salute differently?

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.

Why does the Navy have a different salute?

The Naval salute differs in that the palm of the hand faces down towards the shoulder. This dates back to the days of sailing ships, when tar and pitch were used to seal a ship's timbers from seawater.

Why does the British Navy salute differently?

Saluting. Part of everyday Naval life, a salute is always made with the palm facing in. Why? Because sailors' hands were generally covered in tar from sails and rigging, and it was deemed unsightly to show an officer or member of the Royal Family a dirty palm.

Do all branches of the military salute the same?

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).

What are the 3 types of salutes?

You will surprised to know the meaning behind the salutes of our tri-services, read on to find that out:

  • Indian Army - Open palm facing the person in front. ...
  • Indian Navy - Open palm facing the ground. ...
  • Indian Air Force - Open palm at a 45 degree angle to the ground.
21 related questions found

Is it disrespectful to 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."

Can a civilian salute a soldier?

Saluting the flag is a gesture reserved for the military. While civilians can salute soldiers, many veterans consider it inappropriate or awkward.

Do Army enlisted salute Navy officers?

You are required to salute all commissioned officers, both male and female, of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, USPHS and NOAA. It is customary to salute officers of United Nations when you recognize them as such. Do not salute noncommissioned officers or petty officers.

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.

Do generals salute each other?

Among the very exclusive club of U.S. military generals, brigadier generals have to salute major generals and above, and major generals must salute lieutenant generals and up, but lieutenant generals only salute four-star generals -- who only have to salute presidents. Needless to say, those stars are hard to come by.

Why do Royal Marines salute like the Army?

The salute works both as a mark of recognition for the Queen's commission awarded to officers and for seniority of rank, says Simon Lamb, of the British Veterans Recognition Card group. It is important that the senior person returns the salute to acknowledge the respect accorded, he argues.

Is it disrespectful to salute with your 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.

Why do sailors line the deck?

Manning the rail is a method of saluting or rendering honors naval vessels use. The custom evolved from that of "manning the yards", which dates from the days of sail. On sailing ships, crew stood evenly spaced on all the yards (the spars holding the sails) and gave three cheers to honor distinguished persons.

When did the US military change their salute?

Knights in armor raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. By 1820, the motion was modified to touching the hat, and since then it has become the Hand Salute used today.

Why does America salute with palm down?

I did some more research on my own and a better explanation I came across is that U.S. Navy Sailors would get their palms dirty handling line, which Officers considered insulting for them to show a dirty palm, so the Navy Salute was changed to Palms down.

What does a slow salute mean?

Slowly raise your right hand into a salute. Unlike normal salutes, a funeral salute must be executed slowly and respectfully. Hold the salute for approximately three seconds or until the higher-ranking soldier issues the command, "Order arms." This command must also be issued in hushed tones.

Do Marines salute without a cover?

By custom and tradition, Marines do not render the hand salute when out of uniform or when uncovered.

How do you salute like a Marine?

Military Salute How-To

The right hand should be raised sharply, fingers and thumb extended with the palm facing down. The the tip of the right forefinger should meet the rim of the headgear visor to the right of the right eye. The outer edge of the hand is held slightly downward, with the hand and wrist straight.

Do Marines salute Navy?

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.

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."

Who can be your first salute?

Typical "first salutes" come from current or prior enlisted family or friends of the new officer, or among one of their commissioning source instructors. The presentation of the coin symbolically acknowledges the receipt of respect due the new lieutenant.

Can civilians wear reverse flag?

Yes, civilians can wear American flag patches on their clothing in the same manner as the military wear. Wearing anywhere else can be seen as disrespectful, so be careful and not forget to follow the proper rules to avoid disrespecting the American flag.

Why do officers call each other by their first name?

"First-naming" someone you don't know is an effective way to get the upper hand. One way Southern blacks were kept in their place was by being called only by given names. The reason police officers say little to drivers they've pulled over before examining their license is so they can address them by their first name.

Can civilians wear dog tags?

Civilians can legally wear dog tags. Yet, attempting to use the dog tags for personal gain may be considered an act of stolen valor, which is a punishable offense. Some veterans and active military members may consider it disrespectful, while others do not care.

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