|
In 1976, the SAF adopted a new hand salute in place of the British version. The SAF hand salute is executed with the palm facing downwards such that it shades the right eye from the sun, and with the fingers together.
Origin of the Salute
There are many plausible origins of the salute, but a common thread that runs through the different theories is the salute evolved from gestures of trust and respect. Knights raised their visors with the right hand when they needed to identify themselves to another party, while in the Middle Ages, men typically concealed their swords with a cape, and greeted each other with their right arm to show that they had no harmful intentions. Among the more widely accepted explanations of the salute's origins is that it is a modification of the practice of raising one's hat to one's superior. As it was cumbersome for soldiers to repeatedly raise their heavy helmets, a more convenient action of clapping their hands to their helmets was devised.
Interestingly, salutes executed with the palm downwards may have their roots in British naval history. Naval personnel often dirtied their hands and because it was considered disrespectful to present an unclean palm to a superior, they opted to turn their palms downwards instead of using the open-palm salute.
The salute used in modern armies may not always resemble the actions it originated from, but as a sign of mutual trust and respect, it remains highly relevant to military culture.
Whom to Salute
Servicemen are to salute officers who are senior in rank. In the course of official duties, National Cadet Corps Officers should also be saluted. Police Officers and military officers from foreign armies are to be accorded the same compliments paid to SAF Officers. The salute can be executed while in any military attire, with or without headdress.
When to Salute
Servicemen are to salute officers who are senior in rank. In the course of official duties, National Cadet Corps Officers should also be saluted. Police Officers and military officers from foreign armies are to be accorded the same compliments paid to SAF Officers. The salute can be executed while in any military attire, with or without headdress.
When a salute is required, it should be made when the officer receiving is approximately six paces away and held in position until returned. The officer receiving the salute is obliged to return the salute promptly. The salute is rendered only once if the senior remains in the immediate vicinity and no conversation take place. If conversation takes place, the junior salutes again when either leaves. It is inappropriate to salute when indoors unless reporting to an officer. When reporting to an officer, salutes are exchanged both when reporting and leaving. If a junior serviceman is reporting indoors, he first removes his headdress, knocks on the door, and steps in only upon instruction. After entering the room, he should halt at least two paces away from the officer before saluting and stating the purpose of his reporting. He should not sit unless invited to do so. At the end, a salute is executed by the junior before he leaves.
There are occasions when a salute is not required, such as when engaged in physical training (a greeting should be rendered instead), or when driving/riding as it will interfere with safe driving/riding practices. A salute is also not required when riding in a public conveyance or inside places of worship, theatres or places of public assemblage.
Saluting in Groups
Unless given the command "Present Arms", soldiers in formation should not salute or return a salute. The individual in charge salutes for the entire formation. On the approach of an officer senior in rank, a group of serviceman not in formation is called to attention by the first person seeing him. All come smartly to attention and salute.
Other Situations when Saluting is Appropriate
The raising and lowering of the State Flag is a solemn affair. When outdoors, all personnel in uniform must salute in the direction of the flag. If a group of soldiers are in formation, only the commander will salute. Servicemen are obliged to salute when cars flying the State Flag pass their immediate front. Cars with "Star Plates", indicating that the Chief of Defence Force or a Service Chief is in the vehicle, are to be saluted as well, except when the plate is covered.
All in uniform must salute when the State and Regimental Colours are being cased or uncased, and when the Colours pass their immediate front.
More interesting information on saluting can be found in the book "Our Army: Customs and Traditions".
|
