Finding some rules to share with you. This is from one site:
Here are some guidelines for saluting, according to AFMAN 36-2203, section 3.6 EXCHANGE OF SALUTES.
The junior member always initiates a salute, and does so in time for the senior person to return the salute. When returning or rendering the salute, turn your melon and your peepers in the direction of the person (or flag) you're saluting. Don't be admiring the clouds when you're saluting the colonel as he walks by. This would be bad form, Jim. I can see it now, "Dude... er, I mean... SIR -- check out THAT one... it looks like the StayPuft Marshmallow Man!"
Some say that you are supposed to salute exactly six paces from a superior officer. Hooey! The book says, "To prescribe an exact distance for all circumstances is not practical, but good judgment indicates when salutes should be exchanged." Hint: If you find yourself pinned down by enemy fire and the lieutenant crawls over to give you assault instructions, it would NOT be a good idea to snap to attention and render the military salute, unless of course you're interested in becoming dead. Just my humble opinion... this particular instance is not covered in the manual.
Saluting is to take place outdoors. The only time you should be saluting inside is during formal reporting. What do I mean by "outdoors?" Well, AFMAN 36-2203 actually cites some circumstances that might be confused for "indoors." Porches, covered sidewalks, bus stops, covered or open entryways, and reviewing stands are all considered outdoors and fair territory for the military salute to be seen.
If a superior is carrying articles in both hands, he or she need not return the salute. Doing so may cause a concussion, or at the very least, knock of the headgear. The Air Force discontinued the practice of saluting while carrying articles in both hands when the dry cleaning bills for military headgear when through the roof. Data on the concussions sustained are inconclusive at best. If you're the junior guy and you're carrying a box of glass vases, you need not send them crashing to the ground to render a salute to the general. You should simply render a friendly verbal greeting. "Howdy, General," or, "Dude, check out these cool vases," are probably NOT what I mean. Try something along the lines of, "Good morning, General Bowling." I'm sure the General would even accept, "Good afternoon, sir."
If you're in formation, don't salute unless given the command to do so. If you're in a group, but not in formation, the rules are slightly different. When a senior officer approaches, the first person noticing the officer will call the group to attention. ALL MEMBERS face the officer and salute. If the officer addresses an individual in the group, all should remain at attention unless otherwise directed. The entire group will salute when the officer leaves. Don't believe me? Check out 3.6.4!
At a public gathering such as a sporting event, large meeting, etc. or when a salute would be inappropriate or impractical, salutes between individuals need not be exchanged. If you find yourself in a work detail, individual workers do not salute. The person in charge salutes for the whole detail. You might be carrying supplies at encampment, or pitching a GP Medium... don't worry about the salute. This is a work detail.
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http://www.dirauxwest.org/customs_&_courte.htm
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Some interesting comments:
http://caltechgirlsworld.mu.nu/archives/164857.php
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Can anyone here add anything else about rules and reg?
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"