Posted on Oct 13, 2014

When is it correct to salute with your left hand?

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There are a gazillion discussions on saluting on RP...let's see how many know this one.

NO PEEKING at regs or other people's replies until you've answered!

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*Note: Photo added by RP Staff, noted that these salutes are with the right hand!

Posted in these groups: Female officer saluting

Saluting

Posted 11 y ago

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Responses: 338

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SSG Ross Fain

Posted >1 y ago

THe only two times I remember are a navy bosun piping someone aboard ship, and when the right hand in incapacitated.....but that's just one old fart's memory

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COL Eric Rojo

Posted >1 y ago

in my view, there are no rules for the left hand. It is more common sense if and when your right hand is for any reason 'unavailable', it is best to salute with the left than render no salute al all. Remember, saluting is an earned privilege and a courtesy to our fellow soldiers regardless of rank

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

By regulation, there is only one person in the US Army Authorized to salute with his left hand, it's the Director of the Army Band in the MDW. All other personnel are only authorized to salute with the right hand. Even amputations and injuries are required to salute with the right hand.

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SGM Monte Pursifull

>1 y

More precisely, it's the drum major of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. Amputees who have lost their right arm are also allowed to salute with their left hand.

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SFC Stuart Hartman

9 y

are you telling me , that because I can no longer salute with my right arm , there is no way I can properly wear my uniform to mil. functions , because I can't salute the flag , or any one.? please ref. reg's

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Bill Smith

Posted >1 y ago

When you don't have a right one.

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Duane Weimerskirch

Posted >1 y ago

probly when the said person giving the salute is the POTUS. that guy wouldnt know a dick from a dildo i can assume he wouldnt know a proper salute considering the disrespect he has for our military

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SGT Evedge Moore

Posted >1 y ago

when carrying the Gideon not information but alone.

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SGT Paul Feci

>1 y

Gideon is usually held with both hands, and the right can be used to salute

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SGM Monte Pursifull

>1 y

Amputees who have lost their right arm are also allowed to salute with their left hand, AND the drum major of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.
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PO1 Donald Hammond

Posted >1 y ago

When you are no longer in the military and just feel like doing it.

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PO1 Peter Hochmuth

>1 y

I like that one.

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Douglas Sheley

>1 y

I know a civilian contractor that always gives a 'hiyo' tip of the hat type hello, usually left handed, get his tail chewed by an AF officer. He was assuming the contractor was being rude. He said all he could do is stand there stunned until the officer was done so he could explain.

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PO1 Donald Hammond

>1 y

Douglas Sheley - Tell him "1st amendment. Look it up cuz you are defending it." I had a Master Chief tell me I wasn't allowed to salute as a civilian. So I told him that. Thought about giving him the 1 finger salute. Just remember, there are rules for the MILITARY saluting but not for civilians. And as a veteran I will salute whomever and whatever I please.

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Cpl Dennis F.

>1 y

On an "LDH Iwo Jima" VIP trip to Norfolk I rendered to the colors and OOD.....if anything, my VIP status went up a few points for remembering after all these years. I had never had the opportunity to do so while active.

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