Are non-military personnel allowed to salute?
Asked by: Maynard Yundt Jr. | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (34 votes)
No, ordinary civilians generally should not give a military hand salute; instead, they should place their right hand over their heart and remove headwear as a sign of respect, particularly during the National Anthem or military funerals. While veterans or certain officials might salute in civilian attire, civilians are expected to follow the "hand over heart" gesture, as the military salute is a formal gesture reserved for service members.
Is it okay for civilians to salute?
Civilians are encouraged to be respectful of the American flag, especially during the National Anthem, but this does not include a hand salute. Rather, civilians should place their right hand over their hearts during the National Anthem.
Can you salute if you are not military?
Yes -- civilians can salute, but context, purpose and local customs determine whether it's appropriate and what it signifies. Official or ceremonial roles: government officials, veterans, or civilian employees in uniformed services (police, fire, some federal uniforms) may render salutes as part of duty.
Why are salutes illegal?
Many law enforcement agencies consider these explosive devices, commonly referred to as M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, cherry bombs, and silver salutes, illegal because they exceed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's explosive weight limits for consumer fireworks.
Do you salute officers if you're in civilians?
You don't have to salute indoors, except when you report to a superior officer. If either person is wearing civilian clothes and you do not recognize the other person as a superior officer, salutes are unnecessary. Use common sense.
Humble and Respectful Royal Marine Officer Makes a Surprise Visit
What are the rules for saluting?
Military salute rules involve precise hand placement (right forefinger to eyebrow/visor brim), maintaining a straight wrist and horizontal upper arm, holding until acknowledged by a senior, and saluting first when meeting a senior officer, all while at the position of attention, demonstrating respect and professionalism. Specific actions vary slightly by service and country, but core principles emphasize correct execution, timing (6-12 paces), and etiquette like greeting and clearing the salute properly.
Can I salute if I never served?
Civilians should not salute the American Flag with a military salute. The military salute is considered a privilege earned by those who have served in the Armed Forces and is reserved for official protocols.
What does M-80 stand for?
M-80s were originally made in the mid 20th century for the U.S. military to simulate explosives or artillery fire. The "M" is designated by a U.S. military convention for "standard" equipment and "80" is for the 80 grains (5.2 grams) of flash powder within it.
Are aerial salutes legal?
These banned fireworks include: large reloadable mortar shells, cherry bombs, aerial bombs, M-80 salutes, and larger firecrackers containing more than two grains of powder. Mail-order kits de- signed to build these fireworks are also banned.
Can a civilian salute during taps?
During a military funeral, there are specific moments when salutes are rendered, such as during the flag presentation and the playing of “Taps.” Military personnel in uniform will salute, while civilians can place their hands over their heart.
When did the American salute change?
In Bellamy's version, the flag was saluted with the right arm extended and the palm face down. Congress passed legislation in 1942 instructing Americans to place their right hand over the heart instead, as Bellamy's gesture of respect too closely resembled the Nazi salute.
What is the meaning of snappy salute?
a gesture of respect, given to a person of higher military rank:a snappy salute. a sign of respect performed by a military or naval force to honor someone or some occasion:a twenty-one-gun salute.
What is the difference between a salute and a greeting?
"salute" is used as a greeting in the military or armed forces and implies putting your right hand to your forehead. it is not spoken and is just a hand gesture. "greet" is more general. it is some form of communication when meeting someone, such as saying "hello".
Do you salute medal of honor recipients?
Medal of Honor Recipients are the only individuals saluted by all ranks of the military—including the President. As the only military decoration worn around the neck, the Medal of Honor has evolved since its founding in 1861. Today there are three variants, one for each military branch.
Is an M-80 equivalent to a quarter stick of dynamite?
No, an M-80 is not a quarter stick of dynamite; it's a common misconception, as M-80s use low-explosive flash powder (like black powder) that burns rapidly, while dynamite is a high explosive (nitroglycerin-based) that detonates, creating a powerful shockwave, meaning M-80s have far less explosive power and a different effect than actual dynamite, even though illegal versions of large firecrackers called "quarter sticks" resemble them and can be very dangerous.
What is a firecracker?
A firecracker is a small explosive in a paper tube designed to make a loud bang, used for celebrations, often with a fuse; metaphorically, it describes someone energetic, lively, or quick-tempered, like a "sassy firecracker," while historically, they were used to scare away evil spirits. They originated in China, where early versions were hollow bamboo that popped when heated, with gunpowder versions later developed to mimic the sound.
What is a cherry bomb?
A "cherry bomb" can refer to several things, most commonly a powerful, spherical firecracker banned in the U.S. for containing too much explosive, but also a type of muffler known for a deep sound, various cocktails/shots, or even an odor neutralizer, depending on the context. The original explosive firework was a red, round firecracker similar in size and shape to a cherry, hence the name.
Is it disrespectful for non-military to salute?
Yes, it's generally considered inappropriate and potentially disrespectful for a civilian to give a military hand salute, as it's a formal gesture reserved for military personnel, but veterans can salute the flag or fallen comrades; civilians should instead place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem or flag ceremonies as a sign of respect, or simply offer a verbal "Thank you for your service".
What are the three types of salutes?
Here are some common types of salutes:
- Hand Salute. Military Salute: The hand salute is one of the most recognized salutes, used primarily in military settings to show respect to superiors. ...
- Present Arms. ...
- Sword Salute. ...
- Gun Salute. ...
- Hand-over-Heart Salute. ...
- Two-Finger Scout Salute. ...
- Three-Finger Scout Salute. ...
- Bow Salute.
What to do when a civilian salutes you?
Salutes are returned by persons saluted except when they are uncovered—the person saluted should acknowledge the salute with an appropriate greeting or a nod of the head. Salutes are rendered to all of the following officers: Navy. Army.
Can a civilian salute a civilian?
Ordinary civilians also salute informally to greet or acknowledge the presence of another person, such as a tip of the hat or a hand wave to a friend or neighbor.
What is the 4 2 2 rule in the Navy?
The "4-2-2 Navy" refers to a common Military Service Obligation (MSO) contract for new enlistees, meaning 4 years of Active Duty, followed by 2 years in the Selected Reserve (SELRES), and then 2 years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), totaling eight years. This construct, implemented for contracts after October 1, 2020, ensures sailors complete a significant portion of their service in the SELRES (drilling part-time) before transitioning to the IRR (inactive status), fulfilling the Navy's need for trained reservists.
Should non-military salute the flag?
What about saluting the American flag? Civilians are encouraged to be respectful of the American flag, especially during the National Anthem, but this does not include a hand salute. Rather, civilians should place their right hand over their hearts during the National Anthem.