Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and, in early American history, sometimes involved removing the hat. Unless directed otherwise by your superiors, you usually may wear military headdresses while the National Anthem plays. Given that, you can presume that if Congress intended for you to take off your hat in the salute situation, they would have said so in the statute. When I went into the military, I was told when not in uniform to stand at attention. I have seen that behavior recently from certain political candidates, and have found it disrespectful. No disrespect intended Judy instilled training. davidegrogan Although I covered what options veterans have when the National Anthem is played in my July 17, 2017, article, Ill restate the rules found in 36 U.S.C. Its also possible the military puts out specific guidance for this situation Im just not aware of it. Don't worry if your lower back still has a slight curvature, as this is natural. Here is the wording of 4 U.S. Code9"Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag". With practice and the proper technique, you'll be able to develop and strengthen your position of attention. False This harkens back to the tradition of your oath that you took to enter military service is a higher oath than the pledge of allegiance. Subscribe to Military.comand receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. All citizens salute when the National Anthem is played and should stand at attention and salute the US flag until the anthem is finished. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise . HOISTING, LOWERING, or PASSING OF THE FLAG. Gary Blitsch Drill,1979, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Styles of Command in Seventeenth-Century English Armies", "Order arms Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster", "Air Force ROTC Detachment 225, Pass in Review", The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Drill_commands&oldid=1127242860, Short description with empty Wikidata description, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected pages, Articles lacking in-text citations from November 2020, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2015, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles that may contain original research, Articles that may contain original research from January 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 1. The most important part is simply showing respect for the flag. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform.. Your other fingers should remain together and straight. Don't feel discouraged if holding a position of attention is difficult at first. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music. Wayne R 10:07 AM. Thank You, davidegrogan wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. March 25, 2022 @ wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Bring your spine to wherever your right foot is located. Military members in their vehicles should sit at attention. Philippines, United States of America, soldier | 1.4K views, 41 likes, 9 loves, 5 comments, 13 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Rappler: The largest Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercise in. She did tell us not to practice that way any more and that was the last time I rendered a salute when I was not in uniform and properly covered. That was one of the reasons I wrote the initial articleso that more people would be aware of what the statutory guidance is. To prevent stiffness, try to relax the muscles in your neck and jaw while holding your head erect. I have the same experience as Kristin. Old habits die hard I suppose. Your arms should be straight and extended while standing at attention. Uniformed Marine and Navy Service members should stand at attention and salute when "To the Colors," or National Anthem begins. When the flag is being raised in the morning, you should stand at attention on the first note of "Reveille" and salute. What if I'm wearing my physical training uniform? 6:10 AM. March 26, 2022 @ direct your attention. He stressed the importance of us saluting as a way for others present to have some idea just how many Veterans there are amongst the crowd, and that it is ok for them to also be recognized. If you take too long to assume the proper stance or fail to do it correctly, you may be in some serious trouble with your commanding officer. Author's Thoughts davidegrogan Do not tuck your elbows in towards your chest while standing at attention. Diana, thats very interesting. It is the calmest standing position, and you must be standing at attention before you are given the order to stand at ease. Use this dropdown box to find the AMVETS post closest to you. 5:55 PM. That said, I would look at it as an issue of respect in that it seems more respectful to remove caps when not in uniform before saluting. It so happens he is is a retired veteran AND was the band Director at WEST POINT for 20 years. And if youre a lefty is it okay to use left hand? Ive heard its okay to salute, but I wasnt sure under what circumstances saluting was permitted. Interlace your fingers at hip height in front of your body, bow your head, and keep your feet 30" apart. A former educator and poet, his work has appeared in Carcinogenic Poetry, Shot Glass Journal, Prairie Margins, and The Rusty Nail. B) False 4. Mike Im with you. Hat in front of the left shoulder (men only) 2. USAF/USA: In accordance with service protocol, will face the flag or music, stand attention and salute at first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until national anthem is finished. Author of the Steve Stilwell thriller series and Voices To Veterans. The federal statute does not allow the left hand to be used, so you should use your right hand. Ill be writing a follow-up article shortly as there is additional guidance available. Thank you for your expert advice in this article. Your elbows can be bent slightly so long as your thumbs are hugging the seams on your pants. Honor the Flag by Saluting Correctly. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Now that I know what my options are, I will exercise them with pride, and I hope you will to. (U1C118:G3) Tor F: You must render the salute to all commissioned and warrant officers as well as non-commissioned and petty officers. The salute is raised when the parade leader finishes saying "salute", and is lowered in after being held for the same amount of time elapsed between the words "hand" and "salute.". - Civilians should place their right hand, with a hat if wearing one, over their heart. When can a civilian salute? (a) Designation.The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem. His simply reply was:leave it on! Stand up straight, keep your chin level, and bring your heels together at a 45-degree angle with your arms at your sides. 10:08 AM. Other tasks may be broken down into drills; for example, weapons maintenance in the British army used the rhythmic "naming of parts" as a memory aid in the teaching and learning of how to strip, clean, and reassemble the service rifle. Thanks for your time. Parade rest is an uncommon stance that is a combination of attention and at ease, although some branches of the military dont use it. As a Marine I was taught civilians cover their heart in reverence respect and allegiance but Military stood at attention presenting there heart in pride as defenders of old glory. Keep your knees unlocked. Finally, hold your arms straight against your sides and cup your hands so your thumbs are touching your index fingers. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Each year, Americans across the nation unfurl their flags on Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day. July 31, 2019 @ Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. My guess is that its not intended to show disrespect, but its because people are not aware of the statutory guidance. Want to know how to properly respect the U.S. flag? June 8, 2019 @ come to attention. So far, Ive not been able to salute out of uniform, Ive gone for my hand across my heart. 12:18 AM. James thats a great response and I really like the thought that saluting is helping people recognize those who have served. I believe that I read someplace that the changes were signed by Bush the younger during his presidency. Page 1 of 5 pages . davidegrogan CJM USArmy 71 74, davidegrogan They will view it as a sign of respect. Second are veterans not in uniform who choose to salute. Come to attention and salute at the first notes of "To the Colors" or the National Anthem. 11:01 PM. 8:18 AM. Remember, never break silence or rank when following drill orders. VA More Than Triples Volunteers in Facilities Nationwide through Summer of Service. Specifically, for those situations, Congress instructed that: All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. July 31, 2019 @ In the evening, Soldiers must come to the position of attention and face the flag (or direction of music) on the first note of "Retreat." Render a hand salute at the first note of "To the Colors . I have taken all quotes directly from the U.S. Code: Title 4 - FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATES; Chapter 1 - THE FLAG and U.S. Code: Title 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS; 36 U.S. Code Subtitle I - Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies; Part A - Observances and Ceremonies; Chapter 3 - NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, MARCH, AND TREE; 301 - National anthem. Attention (United States: ten-hut). Have the soldiers adopt the at attention position. If the command does not have rifles, they will salute if given the command Present arms. Stand up straight, keep your chin level, and bring your heels together at a 45-degree angle with your arms at your sides. What does that mean to us as Veterans and supporters of Veterans? listen to me. [1] One common error is to raise your shoulders up towards your ears. First are individuals in uniform, which is clear. In the Commonwealth countries, the following saluting on the march commands are ordered with a preparatory command of Saluting on the march. For example, Saluting on the march, to the front salute and always called on the left foot. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers tocivil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, andletter carriers - non-veteran civil servants whomight normally render a salute while in uniform.. If you are at a post, come to attention whenever youre in the presence of an officer. ~ 20' 30' & larger ~ Order here >>. Holding your back too straight can cause immediate strain and back problems over time. When passing an uncased National Flag outside, all uniformed. To learn how to stand at attention during the National Anthem or in marching band, scroll down! The terms "Reveille" and "Retreat" can refer both to the ceremony that is used to show respect to the flag and to the music that initiates the event. I asked the band leader a my local college about veterans saluting out of uniform and fumbling while trying to remove the hat and saluting. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Stand-at-Ease-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Ease-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Stand-at-Ease-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid171412-v4-728px-Stand-at-Ease-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. 30 seconds. I am recently retired and training has been engrained in me to stand at attention both hands to my sides. Those new tothe basemay not be aware of some military traditions. I just cant render a salute when Im uncovered and not in uniform. June 18, 2020 @ Straighten your spine as much as you can without feeling significant strain or tension. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.. 9:14 PM. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. Congress spells out the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States in Section 4 of Title 4 to the U.S. Code (abbreviated 4 U.S.C. October 12, 2021 @ are the Lipizzaner Stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. what is appropriate (to salute or not). You are not at stand easy. Rest positions. As the other poster mentioned, Marines (and Sailors) dont render a salute when uncovered. davidegrogan wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some people may have been taught in schools when they were kids that standing at attention is an option. 7:27 PM, Charles First off, thanks for your service in the Army! 7:23 PM. In 2008 a new provision was added to the Flag Code pertaining to veterans and saluting during the national anthem. Below are some common questions regarding the proper protocol to follow during reveille and retreat. This is a U.S. march pace. If no flag is displayed when the national anthem is being played, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.. Service members and veterans, even if not in uniform, may render a salute during reveille or retreat. Reveille signifies the start of the duty day and is initiated with a bugle call, which is followed by the playing of "To the Colors." The command for recovery is "Ready, front." Bill Id not heard of the remain silent during the pledge part very interesting! That is a perfectly reasonable position to take. 9:29 PM, Post Script to above: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/301, (B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and, (Pub. Mike Wayne R A ) To honor civil or military officials from the US . Well, Ive finally taken the time to look up the answer. USMC/USN: In accordance with service protocol, will face the flag or music, stand attention and remain at attention until the National Anthem is finished. You must automatically assume the stance of attention when an officer passes you by. USAF/USA: In accordance with service protocol, will face the flag or music, stand attention and salute at first note of the National Anthem and hold the salute until national anthem is finished. February 16, 2022 @ Since in the Navy we dont wear our covers indoors (with a few limited exceptions), that means you dont salute indoors. Salute as the American flag is raised or lowered. For tips on how to stand at attention, keep reading! The goal of stand at ease is to make you pay attention to something without being too stiff. When to Salute: When is it appropriate to use the Military Salute vs. Hand over Heart? To show respect for the U.S. Military, do not salute if you are not a current or former member of the Armed Forces. It is the calmest standing position, and you must be standing at attention before you are given the order to stand at ease. It states that when the national anthem is being played AND a flag is displayed: A. In some stationary drill handbooks, the order of at ease is automatically assumed when an outranking officer enters the room and is introduced. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. C) March in quick time toward the flag while saluting from the first note to the last. In fact, until I read the statute, I thought I was supposed to stand at attention with my hands at my sides and that doing so was rendering proper respect. A], title V, 595, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. What do I do when reveille or retreat is played? Saluting the American Flag when in military uniform. Marines do not salute uncovered active or veteran. When shifting to the position at ease, relax your knees, move your left foot to the side, and interlock your fingers behind your back. So a veteran can render a hand salute but they must remain silent during the pledge. Those new tothe basemay not be aware of some military traditions. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Stand-at-Ease-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Ease-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Stand-at-Ease-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid171412-v4-728px-Stand-at-Ease-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 301 so all of the rules about veterans options for saluting the flag are in one place. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. An official website of the United States government. davidegrogan For almost all my military time I was in civvies and we spooks, as apparent civilians, were taught the hand over heart (HOH) response. If you notice this, shrug your shoulders down and try to relax them of tension. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. On the command. Hold your shoulders back and level with the top of your chest. Thanks for referencing the code and providing some interpretations for those who are no longer active duty. Someone may question you if you salute while wearing a baseball cap, especially if the cap is not in the best condition. Excerpt from the US Flag Code - "The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. Derek thanks for your comment and Im with you 100%. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. Salute or Stand at Attention During the National Anthem? In the United States, salutes at a halt are given on the command "hand salute". By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This harkens back to the tradition of your oath that you took to enter military service is a higher oath than the pledge of allegiance. If the flag is not visible, turn in the general direction of the flag or towards the direction of the music. 9:19 PM. Sharon What a history of service your family has thank you for your service! Quite a few people are as confused as I am. Try not to look around or move your head while standing at attention to keep an air of formality. The reason you stand and salute for those calls is because the flag is being lowered. Eric holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MEd in secondary education from DePaul University. Address/Title - Junior in rank address senior members who are entitled to salute with the word "Sir" or "Ma'am". Again, this is a great question! If you are on active service in the military and are in full uniform you will stand at attention and salute, but you will remain silent. 10:50 PM. The expectations behind reveille and retreat and some differences here may be worth revisiting. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. As youve said habits are hard to break. This page was last edited on 13 December 2022, at 17:24. Under battle conditions, many of these commands were combined for speed and efficiency. Taps: As I read the regulation, standing at attention with hands at the sides, without placing the hand over the heart, is proper for citizens of other nations, not for American citizens. Rob Your commanding officer will then give you the order to stand at ease. Paul Cappuccilli {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-5.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Standing at Attention During the U.S. National Anthem, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-6.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-7.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-8.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-9.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Stand-at-Attention-Step-10.jpg\/aid161449-v4-728px-Stand-at-Attention-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"