When is it correct to salute with your left hand?

That is one. Also Under arms, when at right shoulder arms. There are a couple that I've learned along the way through this thread

That is one. Also Under arms, when at right shoulder arms. There are a couple that I've learned along the way through this thread

Guidon bearer (not in formation)
With weapon at right shoulder arms (walking post, typically. USMC M16 & Army M14)
injured/missing right hand
Rifle salute at order arms (may not apply to all services)
There's also a Navy one...something about piping or whistling.

Guidon bearer (not in formation)
With weapon at right shoulder arms (walking post, typically. USMC M16 & Army M14)
injured/missing right hand
Rifle salute at order arms (may not apply to all services)
There's also a Navy one...something about piping or whistling.

SGT (Join to see), that's it for the Army. I do believe that the missing limb reason is correct as well, but I haven't found it in writing. MCO 5060.20 has the rifle salutes for the Marine Corps (chapter 4 or 5, I think). Others have mentioned some instances that are Navy specific, but responses in this thread is the first time I was aware of those.

SGT Richard H. Learn something new everyday :)

I'd like to see where it says that Marines have to salute with left hand if the right is injured.

If right hand/arm is injured or missing, the greeting of the day is the appropriate way to salute.

See, Im not too old to learn !!!!! Thanks Guys !!!!

SGT (Join to see) the other one is at order arms, The salute is brought to the tip of the rifle barrel.
Edit: This one is also with the M14

SGT Richard H. Well, I missed that section. I guess I just assumed it would be like any other rifle and assume present arms with the weapon. Good info.

in the Navy when you are a Boatswain's Mate piping ashore retirees, dignitaries, etc.

Wow, I did not know that, durring basic we had a soldier who messed his arm up and this topic came up and we were all told that if you were injured you would not salute, this was AFTER this person actually saluted with his left hand and got his ass reamed by our commander.

CW5 Montgomery, the original term: "trail arms"....

It's in TC3-21.5, Appendix C:
C-4. PRESENT ARMS

To execute Present Arms with the M14 rifle ( Figure C-3), use the following procedures:

a. When at Order Arms, the left arm moves across the body on count one with the forearm and wrist straight, fingers and thumb extended and joined, and palm down. The first joint of the forefinger touches the rifle at a point below the bayonet stud. If not in ranks, the head and eyes turn toward the person or Color saluted. On count two, the left hand is moved smartly to the side and the head and eyes are turned to the front.

NOTE: When not at Order Arms, execute the movement in the same manner as previously described for the M16-series rifle.

b. When at Right Shoulder Arms, the movement is executed by moving the left arm across the chest and touching the first joint of the forefinger to the rear of the receiver. The left elbow is held so that the left forearm is horizontal. Fingers, thumb, and wrist are held as for Order Arms. The palm is down. Count two of the rifle Salute at Right Shoulder Arms is similar to the return from the rifle Salute at Order Arms.

c. When at Left Shoulder Arms, the Salute is executed by moving the right arm across the chest and touching the first joint of the forefinger to the rear of the receiver. The right elbow is held so that the forearm is horizontal. The fingers, thumb, and wrist are as described in paragraph C-4a. The palm is down. Count two is similar to the return from the rifle Salute at Right Shoulder Arms.

Thank you Sgt Hanner. I needed a memory refresh I trained in early 65. Long time now and got hazy on things

Chief -- Aside from amputees, the only soldier authorized to salute with the left hand is the drum major of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, Old Guard, Fife & Drum Corps.