When to give a military salute. Why you can't put your hand on an empty head

giving away military honor

a form of military greeting and the provision of military honors. In the Soviet Armed Forces, according to the Charter of the Internal Service, all servicemen are obliged to salute each other; subordinates and juniors in rank salute first ( rice. ).

Honor is given by individual military personnel, as well as military units and subunits (on command) to the Mausoleum of V.I. flag, funeral processions accompanied by troops. Military units and subunits, while in service, salute on command: Chairman of the Presidium Supreme Council USSR, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Ministry of Defense of the USSR, Marshals of the Soviet Union and Admirals of the Fleet of the Soviet Union, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council and Chairman of the Soviet Ministry of the Union Republic in whose territory (in waters) this part, Chief marshals, army generals, marshals of military branches and special forces, admirals of the fleet, colonel generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to lead the conduct of the inspection review of the unit (unit). O.'s rules hours are determined by the Combat Charter of the Armed Forces of the USSR, and in the Navy, in addition, by the Ship Charter of the Navy of the USSR.


Big soviet encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .

See what "Salute of military honor" is in other dictionaries:

    One of the military rituals, a military greeting, showing respect. Edwart. Explanatory Naval Dictionary, 2010 ... Marine Dictionary

    Salutation of military honor- military greeting, showing respect and military honor (see. Military ritual). In the USSR Armed Forces, all military personnel are required to salute military honor, while subordinates and juniors in rank salute first. Rules and order O. in. h… … Dictionary of military terms

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A military salute or salute is a gesture or other action used to show respect by the military. The history of saluting in the army goes back hundreds of years. Military traditions different countries and times were extremely varied. Hand gestures, rifle and cannon shots, banner hoisting, headgear removal and other means were used, all to show respect and reverence.

There is a beautiful legend about the first salute.

Sir Francis Drake- the legendary sailor and pirate, in 1588, hosting the Queen of England Elizabeth (far from the standard of beauty), pretended to be blind from her beauty, covering his eyes with his palm, and, allegedly, this tradition was born.

According to another version, more plausible, the knights raised the visor of the helmet with their unarmed hand, thus greeting their comrades. Today it is believed that the modern gesture of saluting in the army is rooted precisely in the second. Over time, putting the right hand to the headdress has become mandatory for showing respect in all regular (and not only) armies of the world.

Interesting! The modern salute of military honor comes from Great Britain, which is documented by military regulations.

How to salute in the armies of the peoples of the world: the diversity of traditions

In Britain, the military salute is a tribute to the highest-ranking officer and the Queen in whose name he acts.

Important! A prerequisite for a hand gesture, for example, is the presence of a headdress: beret, cap, etc. Without a headdress (indoors), you should stand at attention.

Prudish British etiquette puts forward the most severe requirements for the criteria for performing a salute. How to properly salute in the army, popularly explains the military regulations:

  • fingers should be firmly pressed together, thumb located along the palm turned outward, the middle one is to the right and slightly above the eyebrows. As a result, the center of the conditional axis of the hand must be fixed at the level of the head, and the middle finger should be approximately flush with the base of the cockade;
  • salute only with the right hand;
  • the position of the hand should be maintained until a response gesture follows.

During combat operations, statutory salutes are generally prohibited, mainly due to the sniper threat. At the same time, do not forget about common sense, because a military base saturated with officers through a short time will turn into a farce, if there are no exceptions here.

salute during French army generally identical to the British. The armies of Australia and New Zealand also inherit the military etiquette of their former mother country. In the US Army, however, they practice saluting with a covered and uncovered head, provided that the hands are free. The Israeli army practically believes that it is not worth burdening soldiers with such rituals during barracks life, therefore it does not oblige anyone to anything.

How did they salute in the Russian army?

The Russian army was created in the European manner, adopting everything, including statutory traditions and military etiquette. Emperor Peter I, its direct creator, was guided by Prussia, Austria, Sweden and other leading military powers of that time. In the imperial army, the military salute was called a salute, and the matter was not limited to one gesture of removing the hat, the military, when meeting with a colleague or boss, had to perform a whole series of bows and squats in order to express deep respect to him, depending on social status. The location (street or room) during the salute also played an important role.

With the advent of massive headdresses in the Russian Imperial Army, such as a helmet and a shako, fastened with a strap at the chin, taking off and bowing became extremely problematic, namely long and clumsy. It was decided to abandon them, and replace them with a long-accepted salute in Europe with a bladed weapon or a movement of the hand to the headdress.

Parallel for a long time coexisted and existed, side by side different variants salute in the army. However, finally there was a need to reform and unify this part of military etiquette. Saluting by offering a hand to a headdress was gaining more and more popularity, because of its simplicity and clarity. So, the universal form of the ritual was found. Initially, in the officer environment, preference was given to "trump cards" with two fingers. right hand, middle and index, the so-called "Polish" greeting, this tradition has been preserved in the Polish Army to this day. The origins of this movement are easily guessed by a simple gesture of removing the hat, when these two fingers were placed on top of the brim, and the thumb supported the headdress from below.

In the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th century new form saluting by bringing a brush to the visor of a headdress has become a cultural norm. However, the straightened fingers of the hand should have been brought to the visor with the palm down, which was recorded in the military regulations of the 1891 edition in this way:

  • banners should be saluted at attention;
  • from the crew should salute, with a gesture of moving the hand to the headdress;
  • to greet the chief, one should bring the brush to the headgear with straightened fingers, palm down and slightly outward, keep the elbow at shoulder level, while the gaze should be on the commander and accompany him with his eyes;
  • during the salute, the military should not take off his hat to anyone.

Honor was supposed to be given to the authorities, members royal family, colleagues, regimental banner, etc. All officers, and all lower ranks without exception, at a meeting had to greet each other, putting their right hand to the visor.

After the revolution Soviet government significantly reduced the ritual of saluting in the Red Army, but retained historical background. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, in Russian Federation the military are faithful to traditions, therefore they teach soldiers, how to salute in the army, modeled on 1975, although the very expression "salute", due to various socio-cultural reasons, has become an anachronism and is practically not used.

Many people probably know that they don’t put a hand on an empty head (without a headdress). This can be found in almost any war film. Where did the trump card of the military and why you can't put your hand on an empty head?

One of the most likely versions of the trump card is this. Medieval knights, who were, as you know, professional soldiers, wore not only iron armor, but also the same helmets that completely covered their faces during the battle. If the knight did not want to fight, that is, he showed peaceful intentions, then he opened his face - raised his visor. This sign, when the hand is raised to the head, has become the main symbol of the military when they showed respect or friendly feelings. When the need for knightly armor disappeared, the military raised their hand to remove the headdress or just lift it (remember how gentlemen politely raise their hats when meeting each other).

Later, when the headdresses of most armies in the world became bulky and pretentious, it became problematic to remove or lift them (shakos, caps with cockades, hats). And the hands of the military were not always able to lift colorful hats without damage and soiling. Their hands were covered in oil, dirt or soot, so the soldiers, and then the officers, simply began to make a symbolic movement to the temple, supposedly demonstrating the removal of the hat.

Now about why you can’t put your hand on an empty head

First, it's pointless. Raise your hand to take off a headdress that is not there? This is nonsense, given the history of the origin of the trump card.

But there is a more important reason, which is especially important for Russian army(and the armies of some countries). Putting his hand to his empty head, the soldier, instead of expressing his respect and obedience to the commander, actually insults him. In general, appearing before the commander without a headgear is already a violation of the charter, which already speaks of saluting. Soldiers (and other military personnel) can be without a headgear (and without a military uniform) during sleep, meals, worship, and so on, that is, in “worldly” life.

The third reason why it is impossible to salute without military equipment (caps, caps) is that this is directly written in the Charter of the Armed Forces. "The right hand must be attached to the headdress, and the left lowered at the seams." That is, in other cases, you can not put your hand.

By the way, in most armies there is no such rule, for example, the US military puts their hand to an empty head.

The question arises: why did this tradition “survive” in the Russian army - to salute only in a headdress. We didn't have knights. Some military historians suggest that the raising of the hand may have arisen from a desire to get a better look at the enemy. We all still do it, raise the palm to the eyes to see something.

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

3. Military greeting. Chapter. Servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (AF of Russia) and the relationship between them. internal order. "Charter of the Internal Service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" (UVS of the Armed Forces of Russia)

Military salute formerly called salute, saluting.

The rules of military greeting, in the Russian Armed Forces, are also obligatory for citizens dismissed from military service when they wear military uniforms.

Version of the magazine "Around the World"

Military salute in different countries

In Western countries

AT 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 kind of other salutes like artillery or rifle salute.

Wherein saluting is not produced by humans. In republican countries (for example, in the USA) saluting as a rule, a uniform military uniform is produced - one of the most important state symbols, second only to the national 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 away military honor soldier (Cossack): - If the soldier meets with the chief, who is supposed to salute, then he must, 4 steps before the boss, put his right hand to right side the lower edge of the hat or cap so that the fingers are together, the palm is slightly turned outward, and the elbow is at shoulder height; while looking at the boss and following 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 getting to the front, he, not reaching four steps to the boss, takes the last step with the foot to which side you should turn (that is, if you need to turn to the right, then right foot, and if to the left, then with the left) and another full step or somewhat less with the other leg, during the removal of which you should turn your shoulders and body in the front and then, simultaneously with putting your foot on, raise your right hand to the headdress, turning your head to the side of the boss. saluting, you should stand according to the rules of the "rack". When the boss passes him by a step, he turns in the direction he was going and, putting his left foot behind, starts moving with his left foot, lowering his right hand with the first step.
The lower ranks salute, standing in front: the Sovereign Emperor, the Sovereign 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.
Not standing in front, but putting only a hand to the headdress,
salute: - all headquarters and chief officers; military doctors; class officials of his regiment; reserve and retired generals, headquarters and chief officers, when they are in uniform; sub-ensigns, estandard junkers and sub-corpsmen; palace grenadiers; to all sergeants, sergeants and those commanding lower ranks to whom they are subordinate; and privates, in addition, to all non-commissioned officers, non-combatants of their senior rank and all privates with the Badge of Distinction of the military order.
If the lower rank comes with a gun or a naked saber, then for salutations he does not stand in front, but takes only four steps before the chief on his shoulder, turning his head towards him and seeing him off with his eyes; then, when the boss passes him a step, he takes a gun or a saber "at ease".
The lower rank, having some kind of burden, salutes according to the same rules; if the burden is great and both hands are occupied with it, then honor is given, following the chief with his eyes.
If a soldier stands still and the chief passes by him, then the soldier, saluting, should turn to face the boss; if the chief stands still, and the soldier passes by, then the soldier salutes not stopping, but putting only a hand to the headdress. If the lower rank sees that the boss is overtaking him, then he salutes according to the same rules, becoming, who should, to the front.
Honor is given and in the presence of a superior. If the chief, who was placed in the front, gives a sign with his hand or says to saluting continued to walk, then he turns and walks, without dropping his hands, until he passes the chief.
Soldiers must not remove their headgear for greetings whoever it was.
If the lower rank rides on a muffled (in the Cossacks on a bridled) horse, then for salutations does not stop in front, but takes proper fit, puts his right hand to the headdress and, turning his head to the boss, follows him with his eyes; and if with a pike, then he takes it “in hand”.
If the lower rank rides on a bridled horse (that is, reins in both hands), then for salutations he does not put his right hand to the headdress, but only turns his head to the boss and follows him with his eyes. He does the same if he drives a harnessed horse.

If the lower rank leads the horse on the occasion, then for salutations goes to the other side of the horse, which is closer to the boss and takes both reins in the hand closest to the horse under its very muzzle; and in the other hand he takes the ends of the reins and turns his head to the boss.

V.V. Krestovsky, "A book for young soldiers of the cavalry and Cossacks", St. Petersburg, ..

In the Red Army, RKKF and the Red Guard

3. GREETINGS IN LINE AND OUT OF LINE For greetings direct superiors are given the command "at attention", "alignment to the right (to the left, to the middle)". On this command, the servicemen take a combat stance, and the unit commanders (and political officers) at the same time put their hand on the headgear and do not lower it to the command “at ease”, given by the person who gave the command “at attention”. After the given command, the senior commander approaches the arrival and, stopping three steps away from him, reports for what purpose the unit was built. Example: “comrade commander, the 4th rifle regiment for inspector shooting has been built. Regiment commander Colonel Sergeev. In the same order welcomes the direct superiors of a Red Army soldier who was appointed senior over several other Red Army soldiers. His exemplary report: “Comrade Lieutenant, the Red Army team of the 2nd division, assigned to work on the target yard, has been built. The team leader is the Red Army soldier Vasilyev.
At a meeting between the chairmen of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and Union republics, Council People's Commissars USSR and the Union Republics, the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and his deputies, the orchestra performs the anthem "The Internationale". When direct superiors meet, from the commander and military commissar of their unit and above, the orchestra performs an oncoming march. If the chief greets a unit or individual servicemen, they answer "hello." To congratulations - the military unit (subdivision) responds with a drawn-out cry " cheers", and individual military personnel - "thank you". To gratitude, the military unit and individual servicemen answer: “we serve (serve) Soviet Union". At parting - they answer "goodbye."
When passing by the mausoleum of Lenin, as well as state monuments, declared by order of the People's Commissariat of Defense of the USSR, military units welcome them on command "quietly."
For mutual greetings when meeting military units (subdivisions), as well as separately following commands, their commanders also give commands: “at attention”, “alignment to the right (to the left)”.
The commands “stand up” and “at attention” are not given during maneuvers, tactical exercises, firing (at the firing line), marching movements, work in workshops, garages, parks, hangars, at radio and telegraph stations, in laboratories, clinics, drawing , when performing various chores, after dusk, before dawn, during lunch, dinner and tea. In these cases, the senior of the chiefs present or the duty officer (orderly) approaches the arriving (or meeting) chief and reports which part (unit) and what he is doing. Examples: “Comrade Colonel, the team of the 3rd company is engaged in determining distances. The senior team member of the Red Army Sidorov. "Comrade regimental commissar, the communications company arrived from lunch, the orderly soldier of the Red Army Voloshin."
The command "attention" and a report to the boss are given only at his first visit to classes on a given day. In the presence of the senior chief, the command “attention” and the report are not given to the junior chief. In the presence of the commander of the unit, the command "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 commander of the unit, the command "attention" and the report are given to the military commissar of the unit. in cases where a person of the commanding staff arrives at the unit, whom the military personnel (on duty, orderly) of this unit do not know, the senior commander (on duty, orderly) approaches the newcomer according to the rules of the Combat Charter and asks to present a document. Example: "Comrade brigade commander, I don't know you, please show your ID". The procedure for checking the document is as follows. On the reverse side of the top cover of the identity card, look at the photo card, the edge of which must be captured by the seal of the institution or military unit. Compare the picture with the face of the ID holder. On the first and second pages, read the title, last name, first name, patronymic and position. On the sixth page, check for signatures and seals and return the certificate. If the arrival turns out to be a direct boss, give the command "attention" (when necessary) and give a report, as indicated above.
As a sign of belonging to the Red Army, mutual respect and military courtesy, servicemen welcome each other. Never wait to be to greet another soldier. Primarily greet myself. seated for greetings get up. Get up briskly and abruptly. When performing the anthem "The Internationale", when you are out of order (at parades, reviews and in public places), take the position "at attention"; if a headdress is worn, place your hand on it and remain in that position until the end of the anthem.

Federal period

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

Decree of the President of Russia dated 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 the internal service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation", "The disciplinary charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation", "The charter of the garrison and guard services of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation")

Military salute

46. Military salute is the embodiment of the comradely unity of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and a manifestation of politeness and good breeding.
All servicemen are required to meet (overtake) to greet each other, observing the rules established by the Combat Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Subordinates (younger in military rank) welcome the first chiefs (senior in military rank), and with an equal position, the first welcomes one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered.
47. Military personnel are required to comply military salute paying tribute to:

  • The State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of the military unit, as well as the Naval Flag at each arrival on the ship and departure from the ship;

48. Military units and subunits, while in service, greet on 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, generals of the army, admirals of the fleet, colonel-generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (inspection) of a military unit (unit).

For greetings in the ranks at the place of the indicated persons, the senior commander gives the command "QUIETLY, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT, to the MIDDLE)", meets them and reports. For example: "Comrade Major General. The 46th Tank Regiment was built for a general regimental evening check. The regiment commander, Colonel Orlov."
When building a military unit with the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Battle Banner (at a parade, drill review, during taking the Military oath (taking an obligation), etc.), the report indicates the full name of the military unit with a list of the honorary titles and orders assigned to it .
At greetings in the ranks on the move, the chief gives only a command.
49. Military units and divisions welcome at each other's command at a meeting, and also perform military salute paying tribute to:

  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
  • mass graves of soldiers who fell 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 the ranks 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 "Oncoming March" and the National Anthem of the Russian Federation by the orchestra.
At greetings military unit of direct superiors from the commander of his military unit and above, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (inspection), the orchestra performs only the "Counter March".
51. When out of order, both during classes and in their free time, military personnel of military units (subdivisions) welcome chiefs on the command "Attention" or "Stand up. Attention."
at the headquarters welcome on command only direct superiors and persons appointed to manage the inspection (inspection).
In classes outside the ranks, as well as at meetings at which only officers are present, for military salute commanders (chiefs) the command "Comrade officers" is given.
Commands "Attention", "Get up. Attention" or "Comrade officers" are given by the senior 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 arrived commander (chief) and take a combat stance, and when wearing a headdress, in addition, they put their hand on it.
The eldest of the present commanders (chiefs) approaches the arriving commander (chief) and reports to him.
The arriving commander (chief), having accepted the report, gives the command “FREE” or “COMRADE OFFICERS”, and the reporter repeats this command, after which all those present take the position “at ease”, with the headgear on, lower their hand from the headgear and then act according to instructions of the arrived commander (chief).
52. The command "Attention" or "Stand at attention" and the report to the commander (chief) are carried out at his first visit to a military unit or subunit on a given day. The command "Smirno" 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), a command for military salute the younger one is not submitted and the report is not produced.
When conducting class exercises, the commands "Attention", "Stand 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 the report to the commander (chief) are given if other military personnel are present, in their absence, the commander (chief) is only reported.
53. During the performance of the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, military personnel in the ranks take a combat stance without a command, and unit commanders from a platoon and above, in addition, put their hands on their headgear.
Servicemen who are out of order, during the performance of the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, take a combat stance, and when wearing a headdress, put their hand to it.
54. Command to execute military salute military units and divisions are not served:

  • when raising a military unit (unit) on alert, on the march, as well as in tactical exercises and exercises;
  • at command posts, communication centers and in places of combat duty (combat service);
  • at the firing line and the firing (starting) position during firing (launches);
  • during classes and work in workshops, parks, hangars, laboratories, as well as when performing work for educational purposes;
  • during sports and games;
  • when eating and after the signal "Clear" before the signal "Rise";
  • in rooms for patients.

In these cases, the commander (chief) or senior only reports to the arrived chief. For example: "Comrade Major. The 1st motorized rifle company is performing the second firing exercise. Company commander Captain Ilyin."
Units involved in funeral procession, military salute do not perform.
55. At solemn meetings, conferences in a military unit, as well as at performances, concerts and in the cinema, a team for military salute is not served and the commander (chief) is not reported.
On the general meetings personnel for military salute the command "Attention" or "STAND UP. Attention" is given and reported to the commander (chief).
56. When a chief or a senior addresses individual servicemen, they, with the exception of the sick, take a combat stance and name their military position, military rank and surname. When shaking hands, the elder gives his hand first. If the elder is not wearing gloves, the younger removes the glove from his right hand before shaking hands. Soldiers without headgear accompany the handshake with a slight tilt of the head.
57. On greetings the chief or senior ("Hello, comrades"), all servicemen who are in the ranks or out of order, answer: "We wish you good health"; if the chief or senior says goodbye ("Goodbye, comrades"), then the military personnel answer: "Goodbye." At the same time, the word "comrade" and the 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 the commander (chief) in the order of service congratulates the serviceman or thanks him, then the serviceman answers the commander (chief): "I serve the Russian Federation."
If the commander (chief) congratulates the military personnel of the military unit (unit) who are in the ranks, they answer with a drawn-out triple "Hurray", and if the commander (chief) thanks them, the military personnel answer: "We serve the Russian Federation."

Military salute when ships meet

647. Military salute when ships meet at sea or in the roadstead in daylight hours days are 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 "Entrance" signal is played at the moment when the ship's stems are equal, while the first "Entrance" signal is played on a ship of a lower rank or under the flag (braid pennant) of a junior (subordinate) chief. At this signal, everyone who is not busy with the service and located on the upper deck turns to face the passing ship and takes the position “Attention”, and the officers, midshipmen and foremen of the contract service, in addition, put their hand to the headgear.
The “Executive” signal is played first on a ship sailing under the flag (braid pennant) of the senior commander;
b) when warships of the same rank meet or march under the flags or braided pennants of equal officials, the signals “Entrance” and “Executive” are played simultaneously on both ships;
c) when warships meet with support vessels, the “Entrance” signal is played first on the support vessels.
On ships where there are no buglers, the “Setting” signal is replaced by a single sound signal with a hand whistle of medium duration, and “Executive” - with two short signals with a hand whistle.
648. The seniority of commanders of formations is declared by order of the commander of the fleet (flotilla), and the seniority of commanders of divisions and commanders of ships - by orders of commanders of formations.
649. Military salute officials when meeting with them at sea or in the roadstead 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 meeting a ship of the Navy with 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

Military greeting, or Which hand salutes Human society is developing, changing traditions, attitudes, turns of speech, the language itself, finally. As obsolete phrases “I have the honor” and “salute” go 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 saluting of one's own honor. It was said about the recognition of the merits of a person who comes forward, about respect for him. At all times, the youngest was the first to greet both by age and by rank or rank, recognizing high merits. You can salute both a person or a group of people, and something sacred - a banner or a monument to fallen heroes.

A gesture, whatever it may be, has always been a sign of recognition of honor in the opposite. At all times and all peoples have had various forms salutations and expressions of respect: one could bow to the ground, kneel, or both, prostrate, click his heels and nod his bare head. In the dictionaries of V. I. Dahl and S. I. Ozhegov, “to salute” means to greet. And if the dictionary of S.I. Ozhegov describes this greeting only as putting a hand on a headdress, then V.I. Dal gives a whole list of actions. You can salute with a bow, bowing a sword or banner, making a weapon on guard, breaking through a drum roll. The legend of the origin of the military greeting The emergence of a greeting with a gesture of the right hand raised to the eyes is attributed to the famous British pirate Francis Drake, who was honored to welcome the English Queen Elizabeth I on board his ship. The legendary pirate did not have an officer rank and became a knight after a trip around the world. Fulfilling Her Majesty's secret mission, Drake not only robbed Spanish ships, he discovered many sea routes and made several geographical discoveries.

The legend says that the captain of the pirates stood against the sun when the queen climbed the ladder, and covered his eyes, putting the palm of his right hand to them with a visor. The team lined up behind him repeated this gesture in unison. The gallant corsair complimented the ugly Elizabeth by comparing her to the blinding sun, which won Her Majesty over. Evil tongues claimed that it was for gallantry that Drake was knighted, and the gesture spread throughout the armies of the world. Historical Versions of the Origin of the Military Salute One of the historical versions of the origin of saluting 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. The version documented by military regulations says that it was in Great Britain in the 18th century, since headgear in elite units became very cumbersome, that a rule appeared not to take them off, but to greet officers by pressing a hand to a hat and bowing. Then they even stopped touching the hat, since the hands of the soldiers were always stained with soot, because they had to set fire to the oppression of muskets. And with what hand the guardsmen of Her Majesty salute, the charters did not specify. Most likely, it goes without saying that the right one.

Mounted and foot officers saluted by raising edged 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 greeting in different countries In the military greeting of any army, they do not bow their heads and do not lower their eyes, which also speaks of mutual honor, regardless of ranks and ranks, and there is no question of which hand is saluted in the army - only with the right. But the gesture of the hand and the turn of the palm may be somewhat different. Since the 19th century, in the British army, a hand raised to right eyebrow, palm facing out. In the British Navy since sailing ships when the sailors' hands were stained with tar and tar, and it was unworthy to show dirty palms, the palm was turned down in greeting. The same greeting is accepted in France. In the US Army, during the greeting, the palm is turned down, and the hand, extended slightly forward, as if covering the eyes from the sun. In the Italian army, the palm is carried over the front of the visor.

AT tsarist Russia until 1856 and today's Poland, the military salute was performed with the index and middle fingers. From 1856 after Crimean War in the Soviet Army and today's Russian army, honor is saluted with the entire palm that is turned down. Middle finger while looking at the temple, touching the visor of the uniform cap. Hence the synonyms of the expression "salute" - to salute, salute. The way in which Russian servicemen salute is enshrined in the Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Rules of etiquette There is a military etiquette that all military men must follow. Its rules are determined not only by traditions and rituals, the principles of morality and morality, but also by the provisions of the military oath and charters. 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 go to the left of his companion. But on which hand they salute in Russia and not only, exceptions to general rules. Soldiers in uniform always walk to the right of a woman so as not to hit her with an elbow during a military salute. However, there are exceptions to this rule as well. If a soldier in uniform walks arm in arm with a companion, then he should be to her right so that the hand for the military salute remains free. Differences in the performance of a military salute 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 negligence or inexperience, violate the rules for saluting military honor, which are either enshrined in charters or are an unshakable tradition.

A serious difference can be considered not with which hand they salute, but only the presence or absence of a headdress when saluting. It would seem that if the gesture of the right hand arose during the simplification of the procedure for removing the headgear, then a uniform cap or cap is mandatory in such a ritual. But no. Army traditions in the United States began to take shape after the victory of the army of northerners in civil war North and South in the second half of the 19th century. The victorious army was formed from volunteers without combat skills and dressed in ordinary clothes, often without hats. Honor in it was given simply by putting a hand to the head. Since then, in the US Army, honor is given regardless of the presence of a uniform cap or cap on the head. The salutation of military honor, or, in the modern interpretation of the Russian military regulations, the military salute is a ritual overshadowed by the centuries-old traditions of the armies of all countries of the world.