Rendering the Salute — Foundation, Protocol, Indoors and Outdoors
Salute Foundation
Salute Definition
Saluting is a courtesy exchanged between members of the U.S. Armed Forces as both:
- A greeting
- A symbol of mutual respect
What the Salute Expresses
Profession of Arms Recognition
The salute is an expression of recognition for one another as members of the profession of arms, representing a personal commitment of self-sacrifice to preserve the American way of life.
Who to Salute
Salute Recipients
Salutes are appropriate to:
- The U.S. President
- The Vice President
- Secretary of Defense
- Service Secretaries
- All superior commissioned and warrant officers
- All Medal of Honor recipients
- Superior officers of friendly foreign nations
Other Salute Occasions
Flag Salute
A salute is also rendered as a sign of respect to the United States flag and during official ceremonies.
Saluting Uniformed Forces and Other Services
USAF Salute Exchange
Salutes will be exchanged between officers (commissioned and warrant), and enlisted personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Other Uniformed Services
Other Services Salute
Salutes will also be exchanged between U.S. Armed Forces personnel and the Uniformed Services of:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- U.S. Public Health Service
…as appropriate.
Saluting Protocol
Junior Salutes First
When a salute is exchanged among individuals, the junior member always salutes the senior member first.
Timing
Junior Initiates Timing
The junior member should initiate the salute in time to allow the senior officer to return it.
Distance
No Exact Distance
To prescribe an exact distance for all circumstances is not practical; however, good judgment should dictate when salutes are exchanged.
Discretion
Salute Discretion
While any Airman (enlisted or officer) recognizing a need to salute or a need to return a salute may do so anywhere at any time, there are circumstances when saluting may or may not be practical or warranted.
Indoors
Indoors No Salute Default
Salutes are NOT rendered indoors, except for formal reporting.
Formal Reporting Procedure
Formal Reporting Steps
When reporting to an officer indoors:
- Knock once
- Enter when told to do so
- March to approximately two paces from the officer or desk
- Halt
- Salute and report: "Sir (Ma'am), (rank and last name) reports as ordered," OR "Sir (Ma'am), (rank and last name) reports."
After Conversation
After Reporting Procedure
When the conversation is completed:
- Execute a sharp salute
- Hold the salute until the officer acknowledges the salute
- Perform the appropriate facing movement
- Depart
Outdoors
Outdoors Salute
When outdoors (outside of a building, on a porch, a covered sidewalk, an entryway, a reviewing stand, or at a bus stop), the salute will be exchanged.
On and Off Installation
This applies both on and off military installations.