Hand Salute

Proper Way to Salute

Salute from a position of attention. Upper arm should be parallel to the deck or ground, forearm inclined at a 45-degree angle, hand and wrist straight, palm slightly inward, thumb and fingers extended and joined, with the tip of the forefinger touching the front edge of the cover, slightly to the right of the right eye. Hold the salute until the officer has returned or acknowledged it, and then bring your hand smartly to your side.

The salute is normally accompanied by a word of greeting. The junior looks at the senior’s eyes and says (depending upon the time of day) the following:

• From first rising until noon: “Good morning, …”
• From noon until sunset: “Good afternoon, …”
• From sunset until turning in: “Good evening, …”

It is preferable to call the senior by grade name such as “Commander Jones,” rather than by the impersonal “sir” or “ma’am.”