Giving military honor. Military salute

History of military greeting November 6th, 2013

According to one version, this comes from the Middle Ages: the military greeting is a knightly tradition. When meeting each other, the knights lifted the visor of their helmet with a movement of their hands to show that their friend’s face was hidden behind the armor. Or they raised their visor to show their peaceful intentions.

According to another version, the tradition of modern military greeting originates on the island of Great Britain. In many armies around the world, junior ranks greeted senior ranks by removing their hats, as was the case in the British Army, but by the 18th and 19th centuries, soldiers’ hats had become so bulky that this greeting was reduced to a simple touch of the visor. The greeting we know took shape in 1745 in the Coldstream Regiment, an elite guard unit of the Queen of England's personal guard.

In the regimental regulations of the guards it was written: “Personnel are ordered not to raise their hats when they pass by an officer or address him, but only to press their hands to their hat and bow.” In 1762, the charter of the Scots Guards clarified: “Since nothing disfigures a headdress and contaminates the lacings like removing a hat, in the future, personnel are only ordered to raise their palm to their hat with a short gesture when passing by an officer.” Such an innovation caused some resistance, but, as we see, it still took root.

Wherein great importance given that during a military greeting they do not bow their heads or lower their eyes, this means that military personnel of different ranks are free people serving one state. By the middle of the 19th century, the military greeting in Great Britain had undergone new changes: brought to the headdress (more precisely, to right eyebrow) hand with palm facing outward. This tradition continues to this day.

In the USA, the hand is brought slightly forward, as if closing the eyes from the sun, and the palm looks at the ground. The American gesture was influenced by the traditions of the British Navy: back in the days sailing ships sailors used pitch and tar to seal cracks in the wooden parts of the ship so that they would not leak sea water. At the same time, the hands were protected with white gloves, but showing a dirty palm was undignified, so in the navy the greeting hand turned 90 degrees down. The military salutes the same way in France.

IN Tsarist Russia the military saluted with two fingers (this tradition still remains in Poland), and in Soviet and modern Russian army The honor is given with the entire palm facing down, with the middle finger looking at the temple.

By the way, let us emphasize a detail that is worth paying attention to: if earlier the ritual was called “giving military honor“, then today the Russian military regulations seem to return us to the demands of noble knights: “soul to God, life to the fatherland, heart to the lady, honor to no one!” (as the author of this statement L.G. Kornilov says?). Now this ritual is called the “military salute”

According to the charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, all military personnel when meeting or overtaking are required to greet each other and must strictly observe the rules of giving military salute I established by the drill regulations of the RF Armed Forces.

Military salute it is the embodiment of respect, cohesion, camaraderie, and a manifestation of culture.

There are also those who believe that the custom of giving military honor in the armies of the world is associated with the name of the famous pirate Francis Drake.(about the history of piracy and in particular about DRAKE).

This is, of course, more of a joke version, but still :-)

"I'M BLINDED!"

Having completed in 1577-1580. circumnavigation, Drake sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth describing his exploits. Interested in the pirate's personality, and even more interested in the treasures he had looted, the queen visited Drake's ship. When she climbed on board, Drake, pretending to be blinded by her beauty (according to contemporaries, Elizabeth was extremely ugly), shaded his eyes with his palm.

Since then, in the English fleet this gesture has allegedly been used to salute...

LEFT OR RIGHT?

This may be true, but most likely it is just a beautiful legend, although it has many supporters. However, let us see whether the need to give honor does not entail inconvenience.

According to etiquette, a man should walk to the left of a woman, since the place on the right is considered honorable. If a woman takes a soldier by the arm, he must be on her right in order to be able to give a military greeting. About 200-300 years ago, men did not leave the house without weapons. Each one had a saber, rapier or dagger hanging on his left side. On the left - in order to quickly and more conveniently grab the weapon from its sheath right hand. To prevent the weapon from hitting his companion’s legs when walking, the gentleman tried to walk to the left of his lady.

In general, it is correct for a man to walk on the left, because people here often move to the right, and it is better for the person you meet to accidentally hit you with his shoulder, and not your companion. Only the military does not obey this rule when they are in uniform. In order to give a military salute and not hit your companion with your elbow, the soldier’s or officer’s right hand must be free. Therefore, it is more convenient for them to walk on the right rather than on the left.

THEY DON'T PUT A HAND TO THE EMPTY HEAD?

In the Russian army, honor is given only when wearing a headdress, but in the American army... In America, honor is given not “to an empty head,” but in any case. It's all about the story. It should be taken into account that in the USA the traditions of the army of the Northerners (as winners) have been preserved mainly, which was created from volunteers, often dressed, at first, in ordinary clothes and did not have combat habits. Hence the salutation without military uniform and headdress, which sometimes simply was not there. Accordingly, when the uniform appeared, honor was given by placing a hand on the head, regardless of the presence of a headdress.

Times have changed, morals have changed

Officers or soldiers who carried a sword or saber, no matter whether mounted or on foot, saluted by raising the weapon, bringing the handle closer to the lips, then moving the weapon to the right and down. This form of greeting dates back to the Middle Ages and is associated with religion, when a knight would kiss the hilt of his sword, symbolizing the Christian cross. Then it became a tradition when taking an oath.

Raising your hand in greeting instead of taking off your hat had practical implications. As the soldiers lit the fuses of their muskets, their hands became dirty with soot. And removing the headdress with dirty hands meant rendering it unusable. Therefore, by the end of the 18th century, honor began to be given by simply raising one’s hand.

In the imperial period, saluting included not only raising the hand to the headdress, but also a variety of bows, curtsies and other elements, depending on the rank of the person being met and the meeting place.

Let's remember something else, or for example, I recently collected . Here's an interesting one The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy was made -

Human society is developing, traditions, views, turns of phrase, and the language itself are changing. How obsolete the vocabulary phrases “I have the honor” and “to salute” are falling out of use even in the army. Even the original meaning of these wonderful phrases is distorted.

What does it mean to “salute”

Initially there was no talk of any giving of one’s own honor. It was about recognizing the merits of the person meeting halfway, about respect for him. At all times, the youngest, both in age and in rank or title, was the first to greet, recognizing high merits. You can salute either a person or a group of people, or something sacred - a banner or monument to fallen heroes.

A gesture, no matter what it was, was always a sign of recognition of honor in the counter. At all times and among all peoples there were various shapes greetings and expressions of respect: one could bow to the ground, bend one knee or both, prostrate oneself, click one's heels and nod one's bare head.

In the dictionaries of V. I. Dahl and S. I. Ozhegov, “to salute” means to greet. And if S. I. Ozhegov’s dictionary describes this greeting only as placing a hand on a headdress, then V. I. Dal gives a whole list of actions. You can salute by bowing, bowing your sword or banner, making a weapon on guard, or beating a drum.

The legend of the origin of the military greeting

The origin of the greeting with the gesture of the right hand raised to the eyes is attributed to the famous British pirate who had the honor of welcoming the English Queen Elizabeth I on board his ship. The legendary pirate did not have the rank of officer and became a knight after trip around the world. Carrying out a secret order from Her Majesty, Drake not only robbed Spanish ships, he discovered many sea routes and made several geographical discoveries.

Legend has it that the pirate captain stood against the sun as the queen ascended the ladder and closed his eyes, placing the palm of his right hand over them. The team lined up behind him harmoniously repeated this gesture. The gallant corsair paid the ugly Elizabeth a compliment, comparing her to the blinding sun, which captivated Her Majesty. Gossips argued that it was for gallantry that Drake was knighted, and the gesture went viral

Historical versions of the origin of the military salute

One of the historical versions of the origin of salutation refers to knightly traditions. A knight on a horse with reins and a shield in his left hand, having met the same knight, raised the visor of his helmet with his right hand. This gesture spoke of peaceful intentions.

A documented version says that it was in Great Britain in the 18th century, since hats in elite units became very bulky, that the rule arose not to take them off, but to greet officers by pressing a hand to the hat and bowing. Then they stopped even touching the hat, since the soldiers’ hands were always stained with soot, because they had to set fire to the pressure of the muskets. And with which hand Her Majesty’s guards salute was not specified in the regulations. Most likely, it went without saying that it was right.

Mounted and dismounted officers saluted by raising their bladed weapons, bringing the handle closer to their lips and then moving it to the right and down. The question of which hand the officers salute with did not arise.

Military salute in different countries

In a military greeting to any army, they do not bow their heads or lower their eyes, which also speaks of mutual honor, regardless of ranks and ranks, and there is no question about which hand they salute in the army - only the right.

But the rotation of the palm may differ slightly. Since the 19th century, the hand raised to the right eyebrow, palm facing outward. In the British Navy, since the days of sailing ships, when the hands of sailors were stained with tar and tar, and it was undignified to show dirty palms, the palm was turned down in salute. The same greeting is accepted in France. In the US Army, during a greeting, the palm is turned down, and the hand, held slightly forward, seems to shield the eyes from the sun. In the Italian army, the palm is placed above the visor in front.

In Tsarist Russia until 1856 and today's Poland, the military salute was performed with the index and middle fingers. From 1856 after Crimean War V Soviet army and today's Russian army is given honor with the entire palm facing down. Middle finger at the same time he looks at his temple, touching the visor of his uniform cap. Hence the synonyms for the expression “salute” - take up the salute, salute.

The hand with which Russian military personnel salute is stipulated by the Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Rules of etiquette

There is military etiquette that all military personnel must follow. Its rules are determined not only by traditions and rituals, principles of morality and ethics, but also by regulations and statutes.

But there is also an etiquette common to all, according to which, for example, a man, as a support and protector in the past, also with a weapon on his side, should walk to the left of his companion. But exceptions to the general rules also depend on which hand is used to salute in Russia and beyond. Military men in uniform always walk to the woman's right so as not to touch her with their elbow during a military salute. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a soldier in uniform walks with a companion on his arm, then he should be to her right so that his hand remains free for the military greeting.

Differences when performing a military salute

The military salute in all countries is given with the right hand. The question of which country salutes with the left hand arises when high government officials, through oversight or inexperience, violate the rules of giving military honor, which are either enshrined in regulations or are an unshakable tradition.

It would seem that if the gesture of the right hand arose when simplifying the procedure for removing a headdress, then a uniform cap or cap is required in such a ritual. But no. Army traditions in the United States began to take shape after the victory of the northern army in the Civil War of the North and South in the second half of the 19th century. The winning army was formed from volunteers without combat skills and dressed in ordinary clothes, often without hats. Honor was given by simply placing a hand on the head. Since then, in the US Army, honor is given regardless of the presence of a uniform cap or cap on the head.

Giving military honor, or, in the modern interpretation of the Russian military regulations, a military greeting, is a ritual, overshadowed centuries-old traditions armies of all countries of the world.

The army has its own laws, which can be either generally known or hidden from the uninitiated. The need to salute arises when greeting military personnel. This is one of the so-called “military rituals”, which is part of the etiquette of military personnel. Currently, the military salute is present in the armies of most countries of the world. However, the order in which it is performed may vary.

When this phrase is used, it implies recognition of the merits of the military man and showing respect for him. This is a unique form of greeting used by soldiers.

At all times, the youngest military man in rank and age gave the honor first, thereby recognizing the high achievements of another soldier. Today honor can be given to:

To one person.
A group of people.
An item that has special meaning. We can talk about a monument to fallen heroes, a banner, etc.

Both the military salute itself and the procedure for performing it can vary significantly in different armed forces. The reason for this is the differences in the development of military affairs, the socio-political system, education, science and cultural traditions etc. However, no matter what such a gesture is, it always indicates respect and recognition of the merits of the person you meet.

There are two options for a military greeting:

The soldier performs it independently, finding himself next to a high-ranking military man.
Honor is given on command. At the same time, the greeting is often carried out by all personnel of a certain formation. This can be either a military unit or unit, or a ship.

Previously, the military salute was called a salute or salutation. Also in the literature you can find such a term as “trump”.

Rules

According to the requirements of modern etiquette, a girl walking with a military man should be on his left side

Since there is a concept of military etiquette, there are certain rules, which must be followed when complying with it. Similar rules apply to all military personnel, regardless of rank. They are determined by the provisions of the charters and the principles of the military oath.

There are also concepts of general etiquette. For example, in the old days, a man, being a protector and support for his woman, had to walk to her left. This was explained by the fact that he carried the weapon on his side, and if necessary, he should not have touched her if he pulled it out.

However, due to the need to salute, this rule of etiquette is a thing of the past. Today, uniformed soldiers walk to the right of the woman. In this case, the military man will not touch her with his elbow during the greeting. In addition, if a soldier is walking with a companion on his arm, he also needs to be to her right so that his right hand remains free for greeting.

Differences when performing a greeting

Many people who are not familiar with the nuances of army etiquette are interested in which hand they salute with? In all countries, honor is given with the right hand. This tradition does not depend on the culture of each specific country and is international. Violation of this rule is possible only due to inexperience or oversight.

The difference in a military salute may only concern the presence or absence of a headdress. Some believe that such a gesture arose as a simplification of the procedure for removing the headdress. At the moment, there are several hypotheses about the origin of the army salute:

The ritual originated in Great Britain. Here, military personnel with junior ranks greeted their elders by removing their hats. It has been this way since time immemorial. However, during the period from the 18th to the 19th centuries, soldiers' hats became quite cumbersome in order to constantly remove them. Therefore, the greeting procedure was reduced to a simple touch of the visor.
Another hypothesis says that the tradition of saluting originated in the United States. The first records regarding this military ritual date back to the second half of the 19th century. The emergence of army traditions occurred as a result of the end of the Civil War between the North and South. The army that won this war consisted of volunteers who did not have any combat skills. They wore ordinary clothes and often did not have hats. Therefore, honor was given by placing a hand on the head.
Romantic hypothesis. It is believed that the army salute originally arose as a gesture of a knight covering his eyes when he saw his lady. No connection to the headdress in in this case not visible.

Thus, today it is impossible to say with confidence which version of the military greeting is initially correct. However, in most countries, the hand is placed on the cap, and greeting without a headdress is considered a violation of the regulations.

Military salute in different countries

In all armies of the world, military honor is given with the right hand.

Regardless of the features of the military greeting adopted by the army of a particular country, there are certain general rules. When planning to salute, a soldier has no right to lower his eyes or bow his head.

When greeting another military man, you should look him in the eyes, which indicates mutual respect, regardless of rank and rank. As mentioned above, you should salute exclusively with your right hand.

The differences may be in the hand gesture and the rotation of the palm. Let's consider the most popular types military greetings:

In Great Britain, the hand is brought to the right eyebrow, with the palm facing outward.
In France, the greeting is done with the palm facing down.
In the US Army, soldiers also turn their palm down when saluting. In this case, the hand should be slightly extended forward, as if covering the soldier’s eyes from the sun.
The Italian Army has slightly modified rules. When greeting, the palm should be slightly raised above the level of the visor.
The greeting in the Polish army should be done only with the index and middle fingers, which are placed against the visor. The soldiers of Tsarist Russia saluted in a similar way until 1856.

Since 1856, in Russia the honor is given as follows: the entire palm is used, which turns downwards. The soldier's hand is positioned in such a way that his middle finger lightly touches the visor of his cap, being directed towards the soldier's temple.

It is because of this method of military greeting that such synonyms of military greeting as “trump”, “trump” and “take under the peak” appeared.

In Russia, a military salute is carried out with the right hand, which is enshrined in the corresponding paragraph of the Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

46. Military salute is the embodiment of the comradely cohesion of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and a manifestation of politeness and good manners. All military personnel are obliged to greet each other when meeting (overtaking), observing the rules established by the drill regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Subordinates (junior in military rank) greet their superiors (senior in military rank) first, and in an equal position, the one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered greets first.

3. Military salute. Chapter. Military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Russian Armed Forces) and the relationship between them. Internal order. “Charter of the internal service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” (UVS AF of Russia)

Military salute formerly called saluting, salute.

The rules of military salutation in the Russian Armed Forces are also mandatory for citizens discharged from military service when they wear military uniforms.

Version of the magazine "Around the World"

Military salute in different countries

In Western countries

In Western countries (which included the Russian Empire) salute was not and is not mutual military salute like a handshake, but is a symbolic gesture of respect. Actually salute(honors) or "hand salute"- This is a variation of other fireworks such as artillery or gun salutes.

Wherein salutation is not produced by humans. In republican countries (for example, the USA) salutation as a rule, it is produced in a uniform military uniform - one of the most important state symbols, second in importance only to the state flag - and is a gesture of mutual recognition and belonging to the same corporation, a symbol of mutual respect, therefore salute allowed only in uniform and only to a person in uniform.

Giving military honor soldier (Cossack): - If a soldier meets with a superior who is supposed to salute, then he must, 4 steps before the boss, place his right hand on the right side of the lower edge of his hat or cap so that the fingers are together, the palm is slightly turned outward, and the elbow is at shoulder height; at the same time look at the boss and follow him with your eyes. When the boss passes him a step, then lower his hand.
When meeting with a boss who is supposed to salute standing in front, he, not reaching four steps to the boss, makes last step with that foot to the side of which you should turn (that is, if you need to turn to the right, then with your right foot, and if to the left, then with your left) and another full step or slightly less with the other leg, during the extension of which you should turn your shoulders and body in front and then, simultaneously with placing your foot, raise your right hand to the headdress, turning your head towards the boss’s side. Saluting, you should stand according to the “stance” rules. When the boss passes him by a step, he turns in the direction he was going and, placing his remaining leg behind him, begins moving with his left leg, lowering his right hand with the first step.
The lower ranks salute, standing at the front: the Sovereign Emperor, the Empress and all Persons of the Imperial Family, all generals, admirals, the head of the garrison, their: regimental, squadron and hundred commanders, their staff officers, as well as banners and standards.
Without standing in front, but placing only your hand on the headdress,
salutes: - all headquarters and chief officers; military doctors; class officials of his regiment; reserve and retired generals, staff and chief officers, when they are in uniform; sub-ensigns, estandard cadets and sub-warrants; palace grenadiers; to all sergeants, sergeants and those commanding lower ranks to which they are subordinate; and privates, in addition, to all non-commissioned officers of their regiment, non-combatants of the senior rank and to all privates who have the Insignia of the Military Order.
If the lower rank comes with a gun or a naked saber, then for saluting he does not stand in front, but takes only four steps before the boss on his shoulder, turning his head towards him and following him with his eyes; then, when the boss passes him a step, he takes the gun or saber “freely.”
The lower rank, having some kind of burden, salutes according to the same rules; if the burden is large and both hands are occupied with it, then honor is given, following the boss with his eyes.
If a soldier stands still and his superior passes by, then the soldier saluting, must turn to face the boss; if the commander stands still and the soldier passes by, then the soldier salutes without stopping, but placing only his hand on the headdress. If a lower rank sees that the boss is overtaking him, then he salutes according to the same rules, standing in front where they should.
Honor is given and in the presence of a senior superior. If the boss, who has been put in front, gives a sign with his hand or says that saluting continued to walk, then he turns and walks, without lowering his arms, until he passes the boss.
Military personnel must not remove their headgear for greetings whoever it is.
If the lower rank rides on a bridled (in Cossacks, bridle) horse, then for saluting does not stop at the front, but takes correct landing, puts his right hand to his headdress and, turning his head to the boss, follows him with his eyes; and if with a pike, he takes it “in his hand.”
If the lower rank is riding a bridle horse (that is, the reins are in both hands), then for saluting He does not place his right hand on his headdress, but only turns his head towards the boss and follows him with his eyes. He does the same if he is driving a harnessed horse.
If the lower rank leads the horse on the bit, then for saluting goes over to the side of the horse that is closer to the leader and takes both reins in the hand closest to the horse, right under its muzzle; and in the other hand he takes the ends of the reins and turns his head to the boss.

V.V. Krestovsky, “Book for young cavalry soldiers and Cossacks”, St. Petersburg, ..

In the Red Army, RKKF and Red Guard

3. GREETINGS IN AND OUT OF FORMATION For greetings direct superiors are given the command “at attention”, “turn to the right (to the left, to the middle).” At this command, the military personnel take a military stance, and unit commanders (and political instructors) at the same time put their hand to their headgear and do not lower it until the command “at ease” given by the person who gave the command “at attention”. After the command is given, the senior commander approaches the newcomer and, stopping three steps from him, reports for what purpose the unit was built. Example: “Comrade Corps Commander, the 4th Infantry Regiment has been built for inspector shooting. The regiment commander is Colonel Sergeev." In the same order welcomes direct superiors of a Red Army soldier, appointed senior over several other Red Army soldiers. His approximate report: “Comrade Lieutenant, the team of Red Army soldiers of the 2nd squad, assigned to work on the target yard, has been built. The team leader is Red Army soldier Vasiliev.”
At the meeting of the chairmen of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Union republics, the Council People's Commissars The USSR and Union Republics, the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and his deputies, the orchestra performs the anthem “Internationale”. When direct superiors meet - from the commander and military commissar of their unit and above - the orchestra performs a counter march. If the commander greets a unit or individual military personnel, they answer “hello.” To congratulations, the military unit (unit) responds with a drawn-out cry of “hurray,” and individual military personnel respond with “thank you.” In response to gratitude, the military unit and individual servicemen respond: “I serve (I serve) Soviet Union" When saying goodbye, they say “goodbye.”
When passing by the Lenin Mausoleum, as well as state monuments declared by order of the People's Commissariat of Defense of the USSR, military units welcome them at the command “at attention.”
For mutual greetings When meeting military units (subunits), as well as separately the following teams, their commanders also give commands: “at attention”, “align to the right (to the left)”.
The commands “stand up” and “at attention” are not given during maneuvers, tactical exercises, shooting (at the firing line), marching movements, work in workshops, garages, parks, hangars, at radio and telegraph stations, in laboratories, clinics, drawing rooms , when performing various chores, after the evening dawn, before the morning dawn, during lunch, dinner and tea. In these cases, the senior commander present or the duty officer (orderly) approaches the arriving (or encountered) chief and reports which unit (unit) is doing what. Examples: “Comrade Colonel, the team of the 3rd company is determining distances. The senior team member is Red Army soldier Sidorov.” “Comrade regimental commissar, the communications company has arrived from lunch, Red Army orderly Voloshin.”
The command “at attention” and a report to the boss are given only when he attends classes for the first time on a given day. In the presence of a senior superior, the command “attention” and the report are not given to the junior superior. In the presence of the unit commander, the command “at attention” and the report to the military commissar of the unit are not given; in this case, the unit commander reports to the military commissar what the unit (unit) is doing. In the absence of the unit commander, the command “at attention” and the report are given to the military commissar of the unit. in cases where a person from the commanding staff arrives at the unit, whom the military personnel (duty officer, orderly) of this unit do not know, the senior commander (duty officer, orderly) approaches the arrival according to the rules of the Military Regulations and asks to present a document. Example: “Comrade Brigade Commander, I don’t know you, please show me your ID.” The procedure for checking a document is as follows. On the back of the top cover of the ID card, look for a photo card, the edge of which should be covered with the seal of the institution or military unit. Compare the photo with the face of the ID holder. On the first and second pages, read the title, surname, first name, patronymic and position. On page six, check for signatures and seals and return the ID. If the newcomer turns out to be the direct superior, give the command “at attention” (when required) and give a report, as indicated above.
As a sign of belonging to the Red Army, mutual respect and military courtesy, military personnel welcome each other. Never wait for it to happen to greet another soldier. First of all welcome myself. Seated for greetings get up. Get up cheerfully and abruptly. When singing the “International” anthem, when you are out of formation (at parades, parades and in public places), take a position “at attention”; If you are wearing a headdress, place your hand on it and stand in this position until the end of the anthem.

Federal period

In modern army jargon you can periodically hear the expression salute, however, taking into account irreversible changes class structure of society, as well as the transformation of the military greeting from a ceremony into a modern tribute to tradition, this expression is a rarely used anachronism.

Decree of the President of Russia of November 10, 2007 No. 1495 (as amended on July 29, 2011) "On approval of general military regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation"(together with the “Charter of Internal Service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”, “Disciplinary Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”, “Charter of Garrison and Guard Services of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”)

Military salute

46. Military salute is the embodiment of the comradely cohesion of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and a manifestation of politeness and good manners.
All military personnel are obliged when meeting (overtaking) to greet each other, observing the rules established by the Military Regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Subordinates (junior in military rank) welcome the first chiefs (senior in military rank), and in case of equal position the first welcomes one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered.
47. Military personnel are obliged to fulfill military salute, paying tribute to:

State flag of the Russian Federation, To the battle banner military unit, as well as the Naval flag upon each arrival on the ship and departure from the ship;

48. Military units and subunits, when in formation, salute upon command:

the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation;
marshals of the Russian Federation, army generals, fleet admirals, colonel generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to manage the inspection (check) of a military unit (unit).

For greetings in the ranks, in the place of the indicated persons, the senior commander gives the command “Attention, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT, to the MIDDLE)”, meets them and reports. For example: “Comrade Major General. The 46th Tank Regiment has been assembled for the general regimental evening verification. The regimental commander is Colonel Orlov.”
When constructing a military unit with the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Battle Banner (at a parade, drill review, during the Military Oath (taking an obligation), etc.), the report indicates the full name of the military unit with a list of honorary names and orders assigned to it .
At greeting in formation while on the move, the chief gives only a command.
49. Military units and units welcome on each other's command when meeting, and also perform military salute, paying tribute to:

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
mass graves of soldiers who died in battles for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland;
the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of a military unit, and on a warship - the Naval Flag when it is raised and lowered;
funeral processions accompanied by military units.

50. Military salute troops in formation on the spot, the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation is accompanied by the performance of the “Counter March” and the National Anthem of the Russian Federation by the orchestra.
At greeting military unit direct superiors from the commander of their military unit and higher, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (check), the orchestra performs only the “Counter March”.
51. When out of formation, both during classes and in free time from classes, military personnel of military units (units) welcome superiors on the command “Attention” or “Stand up. Attention.”
At headquarters welcome on command only direct superiors and persons appointed to manage the inspection (check).
In classes outside the formation, as well as in meetings at which only officers are present, for military greeting Commanders (chiefs) are given the command “Comrade officers.”
The commands “Attention”, “Stand at attention” or “Comrade officers” are given by the eldest of the present commanders (chiefs) or the serviceman who first saw the arriving commander (chief). At this command, all those present stand up, turn towards the arriving commander (chief) and take a combat stance, and with the headdress on, they also put their hand to it.
The senior commander (chief) present approaches the arriving commander (chief) and reports to him.
The arriving commander (chief), having accepted the report, gives the command “At ease” or “COMRADE OFFICERS”, and the one who reported repeats this command, after which all those present take the “at ease” position, with the headgear on, lower their hand from the headgear and then act according to instructions of the arriving commander (chief).
52. The command “Attention” or “Stand at attention” and a report to the commander (chief) are given upon his first visit to a military unit or unit on a given day. The command "Attention" is given to the ship's commander each time he arrives on the ship (disembarks from the ship).
In the presence of a senior commander (chief), the command to military greeting the youngest is not served and the report is not made.
When conducting classroom lessons, the commands “Attention”, “Stand at attention” or “Comrade officers” are given before the start of each lesson and at its end.
The commands “Attention”, “Stand at attention” or “Comrade officers” before reporting to the commander (superior) are given if other military personnel are present; in their absence, the commander (superior) is only reported.
53. When performing the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, military personnel in formation take a formation stance without a command, and unit commanders from platoon and above, in addition, put their hand to their headgear.
Military personnel who are out of formation, when performing the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, take a drill stance, and when wearing a headdress, put their hand to it.
54. Command to execute military greeting Military units and subunits are not served:

when a military unit (unit) is raised on alert, on the march, as well as during tactical training and exercises;
at control points, communication centers and in places of combat duty (combat service);
at the firing line and firing (launching) position during firing (launching);
during classes and work in workshops, parks, hangars, laboratories, as well as when performing work for educational purposes;
during sports competitions and games;
when eating and after the “End Light” signal before the “Rise” signal;
in rooms for patients.

In the listed cases, the commander (chief) or senior only reports to the arriving commander. For example: “Comrade Major. The 1st motorized rifle company is performing the second shooting exercise. The company commander is Captain Ilyin.”
Units participating in the funeral procession military salute do not comply.
55. At ceremonial meetings, conferences in a military unit, as well as at performances, concerts and cinema, the team for military greeting is not submitted and is not reported to the commander (chief).
On general meetings personnel for military greeting the command “ATRICLY” or “STAND UP. ATEMICLY” is given and reported to the commander (chief).
56. When a superior or senior addresses individual military personnel, they, with the exception of the sick, take a military stance and state their military position, military rank and surname. When shaking hands, the elder shakes hands first. If the elder is not wearing gloves, the younger one takes off the glove from his right hand before shaking hands. Military personnel without a headdress accompany the handshake with a slight tilt of the head.
57. On greetings superior or senior (“Hello, comrades”), all military personnel, in or out of formation, answer: “We wish you good health”; if the boss or senior says goodbye (“Goodbye, comrades”), then the military personnel answer: “Goodbye.” In this case, the word “comrade” and military rank are added without indicating the words “justice” or “medical service”. For example: “We wish you good health, comrade junior sergeant,” “Goodbye, comrade chief foreman,” “We wish you good health, comrade midshipman,” “Goodbye, comrade lieutenant.”
58. If a commander (chief), in the course of his service, congratulates or thanks a serviceman, then the soldier answers the commander (chief): “I serve the Russian Federation.”
If the commander (chief) congratulates the military personnel of a military unit (unit) who are in the ranks, they respond with a drawn-out triple “Hurray”, and if the commander (chief) thanks them, the military personnel respond: “We serve the Russian Federation.”

Military salute when ships meet

647. Military salute when ships meet at sea or in a roadstead during daylight hours, it is performed in the following order:
a) when meeting warships sailing under the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Naval Flag or the flag of the Federal Border Service, the signals “Entry” and “Executive” are played on the ships.
The “Entry” signal is played at the moment when the ships’ stems are aligned, while the first “Entry” signal is played on a ship of the lowest rank or under the flag (braid pennant) of a junior (subordinate) commander. At this signal, everyone not engaged in service and located on the upper deck turns to face the passing ship and assumes the “Attention” position, and officers, midshipmen and foremen of the contract service, in addition, put their hand to their headgear.
The “Executive” signal is played first on a ship sailing under the flag (bread pennant) of the senior officer;
b) when meeting warships of the same ranks or sailing under the flags or braid pennants of equal officials, the “Entry” and “Executive” signals are played simultaneously on both ships;
c) when warships meet support vessels, the “Entry” signal is played first on the support vessels.
On ships without buglers, the “Entry” signal is replaced by one sound signal on a medium-length hand whistle, and the “Executive” signal by two short signals on a hand whistle.
648. The seniority of formation commanders is announced by order of the fleet (flotilla) commander, and the seniority of division commanders and ship commanders is announced by orders of formation commanders.
649. Military salute officials when meeting them at sea or in a roadstead, it is carried out if they are on a ship (boat) under the flag assigned to them (braid pennant) and if the distance to the ship (boat) does not exceed 2 cables.
650. When a Navy ship meets ships of civil departments of the Russian Federation and non-military ships of foreign states, if these ships greet the warship by lowering the stern flag, i.e. salute the flag on command

Even those people who are very far from the army and military service and have nothing to do with it, is well known military greeting ritual. In the language of encyclopedias, a military salute is a greeting from military personnel or armed forces of different countries, established in accordance with governing documents.

The military salute is referred to as military rituals, traditions or military etiquette. Previously, the military salute was also called a salute, a salute, a salute, and it can also be designated by the word “trump.” At the same time, there are a sufficient number of hypotheses for the origin of this army ritual.

According to one version The military greeting came to us from the Middle Ages, being a knightly tradition. When meeting with each other, the knights raised the visor of their helmets with a movement of their hands to show that their friend’s face was hidden under it (this version does not take into account the fact that all the knights had their own coats of arms on their shields, clothes, flags, this was enough to the friend managed to identify the friend).

According to another version By raising the visor of their helmet, they demonstrated their peaceful intention. This was done with the right hand to show that the knight was not yet ready to start the battle and did not have aggressive intentions. Such a gesture seemed to indicate that “there is no weapon in my right hand now.”

At the same time, the peoples who were deprived of heavily armed cavalry (Mongols, Indians who inhabited North America), the welcome salute consisted of a simple display of the open right hand. The most romantic version of the appearance of the military greeting is also attributed to the era of chivalry. With this gesture, a knight at a tournament would cover his eyes, protecting himself from the dazzling beauty beautiful lady heart, which watched his performance.

But, most likely, the military greeting in the form in which we know it today appeared in Great Britain. The version that such a greeting originated on British Isles in the 18th century, documented by military regulations. In those years, in many armies of the world, junior military ranks, when greeting their senior ranks, took off their hat or other headdress. This was the case in the UK, but over time, headgear, especially in elite units, became very bulky, so that the salute was reduced to the usual raising of the hand to the headgear and touching the visor.

The greeting known to all of us first took shape in 1745 in the regiment of the Coldstream Guards, an elite unit of the Queen of England’s personal guard. At the same time, the military’s equipment was constantly changing, and the gesture was slightly transformed.

Over time, even the very touch of the headdress with the hand disappeared. According to one version, replacing the removal of headdresses with simply raising your hand to them may be associated not only with heavy and bulky headdresses, but also with the widespread firearms. The first samples of small arms could hardly be called perfect. The soldiers' hands were almost always stained with soot, since they had to set fire to the oppressive muskets, and their hands also got dirty when reloading small arms. Thus, dirty hands in soot could cause damage to the headdress when trying to remove it for greeting.

Military salute in Great Britain

At the same time, in the military greeting of any army in the world, they do not lower their eyes or bow their heads, which speaks of mutual honor, regardless of ranks, ranks or ranks. There is also no question of which hand is used to salute in the army. Always right. At the same time, the hand gesture itself and the turn of the palm may differ slightly in different countries peace.

For example, starting from the 19th century, in the British Army, the hand raised to the right eyebrow was facing outward with the palm. This greeting has been preserved in the army and air force, at the same time in the royal navy since the days of sailing ships, when the hands of sailors were stained with tar and tar, and showing dirty palms was undignified; during a military salute, the palm was turned down. Exactly the same greeting was accepted in France.

In the American army, the greeting could have been taken from English navy. At the same time, in the USA, during a military salute, the palm is turned down, and the hand, which is moved slightly forward, seems to shield the eyes from the sun. In the Italian army, the palm is placed above the visor in front.

For many, it may be a revelation that in the German army during the Second World War, soldiers and officers did not “zig” right and left, as can often be seen in feature films. Throughout almost the entire war, Wehrmacht units adopted a standard military salute with the right hand raised to the head, which was prescribed in the regulations. The introduction of the party or Nazi salute in the Wehrmacht occurred only on July 24, 1944, immediately after the unsuccessful assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler, which was organized by officers.

IN Russian Empire Until 1856, the military salute was not performed with the entire palm, but only with the index and middle fingers. To this day, this greeting has been preserved in the Polish armed forces. Since 1856, after the end of the Crimean War, in the army of Tsarist Russia, and then the Soviet Army and the modern Russian army, the military salute is given with the entire palm. The middle finger looks at the temple, lightly touching the visor of the uniform cap. This, by the way, is where the synonyms for giving military honor or a military salute arose - to take the salute, to salute, etc.

Currently, the rules of military salutation in the Russian Federation are also mandatory for persons who have already been discharged from military service when they wear military uniforms. In the Russian Armed Forces, the military salute is performed with the fingers of the right hand closed and the hand straightened. Unlike the armies of some other states, with the head uncovered, the military salute in the Russian army is performed without raising a hand by means of the serviceman taking the line position.

Military salute in Poland

When moving in formation, the military greeting is carried out as follows: the guide puts his hand to the headdress, and the formation presses his hands at the seams. All together they take a marching step and turn their heads as they pass by the commanding officers they meet. When passing towards units or other military personnel, it is enough for the guide to perform the military salute.

At the same time, in the Russian army, when meeting, a junior in rank is obliged to greet the senior in rank first, and a senior in rank may perceive failure to perform a military greeting during a meeting as an insult. If the serviceman is not wearing a headdress, the greeting is performed by turning the head and assuming a combat position (body straightened, arms at sides).

But not in all countries a military salute to senior ranks is the duty of a serviceman. For example, in modern units of the Israel Defense Forces, the procedure of saluting upon seeing a senior in rank is mandatory only during the course of a young soldier. In all other cases, the military salute is not an obligation, but is the right of the serviceman. In parallel with this, prisoners in Israeli military prisons (an analogue of the domestic guardhouse) are completely deprived of this right.

Military salute in Russia

In all countries, the military salute is given exclusively with the right hand. The question of which country salutes with the left hand usually arises when high-ranking government officials, due to inexperience or oversight, violate the rules of military salutation, which are either an unshakable tradition or enshrined in regulations. A serious difference in a military salutation is not what hand is used to salute, but only the presence or, conversely, the absence of a headdress on the soldier during this military ritual.

The well-known expression today “you don’t put your hand to an empty head” in Russia is usually remembered in the same context with the tradition of military greetings in the United States. In the American army, it is not mandatory for a soldier to wear a headdress when raising his hand to his head. Historians justify this difference as follows. During civil war North and South (1861-1865) the northerners won. History, as we know, is written by the winners, who form certain traditions. Unlike the Southern army, the Union army that won the war was composed primarily of volunteers. Many of these volunteers, especially initial stage war, were dressed in civilian clothes. From this we can conclude that the rank and file of the northern army sometimes had no headdresses at all - hence the tradition of military greetings, regardless of whether the soldier had a headdress on or not.

Military salute in the USA

At the same time, the military greeting, which looks natural in peacetime, fades into the background or even further during hostilities. In many conflicts of the 20th century, statutory conventions and military chain of command posed a threat to the lives of senior officers. In popular culture, this is well reflected in the American films Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump, in which there are episodes where soldiers receive a beating from more experienced comrades for giving the military salute to their commanders. During combat, this helps enemy shooters and snipers determine their priority target.