Whats the correct way to salute an officer?

4-4. HAND SALUTE

The Hand Salute is a one-count movement. The command is Present, ARMS. The Hand Salute may be executed while marching. When marching, only the soldier in charge of the formation salutes and acknowledges salutes. When double-timing, an individual soldier must come to Quick Time before saluting.

a. When wearing headgear with a visor (with or without glasses), on the command of execution ARMS, raise the right hand sharply, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm facing down, and place the tip of the right forefinger on the rim of the visor slightly to the right of the right eye. The outer edge of the hand is barely canted downward so that neither the back of the hand nor the palm is clearly visible from the front. The hand and wrist are straight, the elbow inclined slightly forward, and the upper arm horizontal (1, Figure 4-5).

b.

When wearing headgear without a visor (or uncovered) and not wearing glasses, execute the Hand Salute in the same manner as previously described, except touch the tip of the right forefinger to the forehead near and slightly to the right of the right eyebrow (2, Figure 4-5).

c.

When wearing headgear without a visor (or uncovered) and wearing glasses, execute the Hand Salute in the same manner as previously described, except touch the tip of the right forefinger to that point on the glasses where the temple piece of the frame meets the right edge of the right brow (3, Figure 4-5).

d.

Order Arms from the Hand Salute is a one-count movement. The command is Order, ARMS. On the command of execution ARMS, return the hand sharply to the side, resuming the Position of Attention.

e.

When reporting or rendering courtesy to an individual, turn the head and eyes toward the person addressed and simultaneously salute. In this situation, the actions are executed without command. The Salute is initiated by the subordinate at the appropriate time (six paces) and terminated upon acknowledgment. (See Appendix A for more information on saluting.)

If stationary, snap to the position of attention, hand slanted to the right in a perfect straight line. If your wearing a cap, then your fingers should be near the rim of your cap, if not wearing a cap, then fingers will meet at the end of your eyebrow.

If walking by yourself, keep walking, go eyes right or eyes left (depending upon which direction said officer is at), say something like "Top of the mornin', sir!" and salute. Hold the salute until he salutes back or a few feet past him. Then carry on.

If marching in formation, don't worry about it, the NCO leading the platoon will take care of the saluting.

The rule is Longest way up and the Shortest way down. Palm of the hand flat against the forehead.

I'm most 100% positive it is right hand slanted to the right of your forehead.

Stand at attention. Bring right arm up. Fore arm at 45 degrees. fingers straight. Meeting brim of your head gear.

left hand at attention,right hand up.

Middle finger up.

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