They don't give honor. Charter of the internal service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The command is not given

Military greeting, or Which hand is used to salute Human society is developing, traditions, views, turns of speech, and the language itself are changing. How obsolete the vocabulary phrases “I have the honor” and “to salute” are falling out of use even in the army. Even the original meaning of these wonderful phrases is distorted. What does it mean to “give honor” There was initially no talk of giving one’s own honor. It was about recognizing the merits of the person meeting halfway, about respect for him. At all times, the youngest, both in age and in rank or title, was the first to greet, recognizing high merits. You can salute either a person or a group of people, or something sacred - a banner or monument to fallen heroes.

A gesture, no matter what it was, was always a sign of recognition of honor in the counter. At all times and among all peoples there were various forms of greetings and expressions of respect: one could bow to the ground, bend the knee or both, prostrate oneself, click one's heels and nod one's bare head. In the dictionaries of V. I. Dahl and S. I. Ozhegov, “to salute” means to greet. And if S. I. Ozhegov’s dictionary describes this greeting only as placing a hand on a headdress, then V. I. Dal gives a whole list of actions. You can salute by bowing, bowing your sword or banner, making a weapon on guard, or beating a drum. Legend about the origin of the military greeting The origin of the greeting with the gesture of the right hand raised to the eyes is attributed to the famous British pirate Francis Drake, who had the honor of welcoming the English Queen Elizabeth I on board his ship. The legendary pirate did not have officer rank and became a knight after traveling around the world. Carrying out a secret order from Her Majesty, Drake not only robbed Spanish ships, he discovered many sea routes and made several geographical discoveries.

Legend has it that the pirate captain stood against the sun as the queen ascended the ladder and closed his eyes, placing the palm of his right hand over them. The team lined up behind him harmoniously repeated this gesture. The gallant corsair paid the ugly Elizabeth a compliment, comparing her to the blinding sun, which captivated Her Majesty. 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 salutation 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 hats in elite units became very bulky, that the rule arose not to take them off, but to greet officers by pressing a hand to the hat and bowing. Then they stopped even touching the hat, since the soldiers’ hands were always stained with soot, because they had to set fire to the pressure of the muskets. And with which hand Her Majesty’s guards salute was not specified in the regulations. Most likely, it went without saying that it was right.

Mounted and dismounted officers saluted by raising their bladed 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 salutation in different countries In the military salutation 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 about which hand is used to salute in the army - only the right one. But the hand gesture and the turn of the palm may be slightly different. Since the 19th century, in the British Army, the hand raised to the right eyebrow is facing outward. In the British Navy, since the days of sailing ships, when the hands of sailors were stained with tar and tar, and it was undignified to show dirty palms, the palm was turned down in salute. The same greeting is accepted in France. In the US Army, during a greeting, the palm is turned down, and the hand, held slightly forward, seems to shield the eyes from the sun. In the Italian army, the palm is placed above the visor in front.

In Tsarist Russia until 1856 and today's Poland, the military salute was performed with the index and middle fingers. From 1856 after Crimean War V Soviet army and today's Russian army is given honor with the entire palm facing down. The middle finger looks at the temple, touching the visor of the uniform cap. Hence the synonyms for the expression “salute” - take up the salute, salute. The hand with which Russian military personnel salute is stipulated by the Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Rules of Etiquette There is military etiquette that all military personnel must follow. Its rules are determined not only by traditions and rituals, principles of morality and ethics, but also by the provisions of the military oath and regulations. 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 walk to the left of his companion. But exceptions to the rule also depend on which hand they salute in Russia and beyond. general rules. Military men in uniform always walk to the woman's right so as not to touch her with their elbow during a military salute. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a soldier in uniform walks with a companion on his arm, then he should be to her right so that his hand remains free for the military greeting. Differences in performing the military salute The 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 oversight or inexperience, violate the rules of giving military honor, which are either enshrined in regulations or are an unshakable tradition.

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

Military salute

43. The military salute is the embodiment of the comradely cohesion of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and a manifestation general culture. All military personnel are obliged to greet each other when meeting (overtaking), strictly observing the rules established by the Military Regulations of the Armed Forces Russian Federation. Subordinates and juniors in military rank greet first, and in case of equal position, the one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered greets first.
44. Military personnel are also obliged to greet:

- The Battle Banner of the military unit, as well as the Naval flag upon arrival on a warship and upon departure from it;
- funeral processions accompanied by military units.
44. Military units and subunits, when in formation, salute upon command:
- President and Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation;
- marshals of the Russian Federation, army generals, fleet admirals, colonel generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to manage the inspection (check) of a military unit (unit).
To greet the above-mentioned persons in the ranks, the senior commander gives the command “At attention, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT, to the MIDDLE)”, meets them and reports.
For example: “Comrade Major General. The 110th Motorized Rifle Regiment has been assembled for the general regimental evening verification. The regimental commander is Colonel Petrov.”
When constructing a military unit with the Battle Banner (at a parade, parade review, during the Military Oath, etc.), the report indicates the full name of the military unit with a list of honorary names and orders assigned to it. When greeting the ranks while on the move, the chief gives only a command.
46. Military units and units also salute on command:
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
- mass graves of soldiers who died in battles for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland;
- The Battle Banner of the military unit, and on a warship the Naval Flag when it is raised and lowered;
- funeral processions accompanied by military units;
- each other when meeting.
47. The military greeting by the troops in formation on the spot to the President and the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation is accompanied by the performance of the “Counter March” and the National Anthem by the orchestra.
When a military unit greets direct superiors from the commander of its unit and above, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (check), the orchestra performs only the “Counter March”.
48. When out of formation, both during classes and in free time from classes, military personnel of military units (units) greet their superiors with the command “Attention” or “Stand up. Attention.” At headquarters and in institutions, only direct superiors and persons appointed to supervise the inspection (check) are greeted by command. During classes outside the formation, as well as at meetings at which only officers are present, the command “Comrades” is given for a military greeting to commanders (superiors). officers." The command “Attention”, “Stand at attention” or “Comrade officers” is given by the eldest 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 arriving commander (chief) and take a combat stance, and officers, warrant officers and midshipmen, with their headgear on, also put their hand to it. The eldest of the commanders (chiefs) present approaches the newcomer and reports to him. The arriving commander (chief), having accepted the report, gives the command “At ease” or “Comrade officers”, and the person reporting repeats this command, after which all those present take the “at ease” position. Officers, warrant officers and midshipmen, while wearing headdress, lower their hand and subsequently act according to the instructions of the arriving commander (chief).
49. The command “Attention” or “Stand at attention” and a report to the commander (chief) are given upon his first visit to a military unit or unit on a given day. The command "Attention" 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), the command for a military salute to the junior is not given and the report is not made. When conducting classroom lessons, the command “Attention”, “Stand at attention” or “Comrade officers” is given before each lesson and at its end. The command “Attention”, “Stand at attention” or “Comrade officers” before reporting to the commander (superior) is given if other military personnel are present; in their absence, the commander (superior) is only reported.
50. When performing the National Anthem, military personnel in formation take a formation stance without a command, and unit commanders from platoon and above, in addition, put their hand to their headgear. Military personnel who are out of formation, when performing the anthem, take a drill stance, and when wearing a headdress, they put their hand to it.
51. The command to perform a military salute is not given to military units and subunits:
- when a military unit or unit is raised on alert, on the march, as well as during tactical training and exercises;
- at control points, communication centers and in places of combat duty (combat service);
- at the firing line and firing (launching) position during firing (launching);
- at airfields during flights;
- during construction, economic work or work with educational purpose, as well as during classes and work in workshops, parks, hangars, laboratories;
- during sports competitions and games;
- when eating and after the “End Light” signal before the “Rise” signal;
- in rooms for patients.
In the listed cases, the chief or senior only reports to the arriving chief.
For example: “Comrade Major. The 2nd motorized rifle company is performing the second shooting exercise. The company commander is Captain Ilyin.”
Units participating in the funeral procession do not perform a military salute.
52. Reporting is not allowed at ceremonial meetings, conferences held in a military unit, as well as at performances, concerts and cinema. At general meetings of personnel, the command “Attention” or “Stand at attention” is given for a military greeting and reported to the commander (chief).
For example: “Comrade Lieutenant Colonel. The battalion personnel have arrived at the general meeting. The chief of staff of the battalion is Major Ivanov.”
53. When a superior or senior addresses individual military personnel, they, with the exception of sick ones, take a military stance and state their position, military rank and surname. When shaking hands, the elder shakes hands first. If the elder is not wearing gloves, the younger one takes off the glove from his right hand before shaking hands. Military personnel without a headdress accompany the handshake with a slight tilt of the head.
54. When greeted by a superior or senior (“Hello, comrades”), all military personnel, in or out of formation, respond: “We wish you good health”; if the boss or senior says goodbye (“Goodbye, comrades”), then the military personnel answer: “Goodbye.” At the end of the answer, the word “comrade” and military rank are added without indicating the type of military service or service.
For example, when answering: sergeants, foremen, warrant officers, midshipmen and officers “We wish you good health, comrade junior sergeant”, “Goodbye, comrade chief foreman”, “We wish you good health, comrade midshipman”, “Goodbye, comrade lieutenant”, etc. P.
55. If a commander (chief), in the course of his service, congratulates or thanks a serviceman, then the soldier answers the commander (chief): “I serve the Fatherland.” If the commander (chief) congratulates a military unit (unit), it responds with a drawn-out triple “Hurray”, and if the commander (chief) thanks, the military unit (unit) responds: “We serve the Fatherland.”
The procedure for presentation to commanders (superiors) and persons arriving for inspection (checking)
56. When a senior commander (chief) arrives at a military unit, only the unit commander is introduced. Other persons introduce themselves only when the senior commander (chief) directly addresses them, stating their military position, military rank and surname.
57. Military personnel introduce themselves to their immediate superiors:
- upon appointment to a military position;
- upon surrendering a military post;
- when conferring a military rank;
- when awarded an order or medal;
- when leaving on a business trip, for treatment or on vacation and upon return.
When introducing themselves to their immediate superior, military personnel state their military position, military rank, last name and reason for the introduction.
For example: “Comrade Major. Commander of the 1st motorized rifle company, Captain Ivanov. I introduce myself on the occasion of my being awarded the military rank of captain.”
58. Officers and warrant officers newly appointed to the regiment are introduced to the regiment commander and then to his deputies, and upon receipt of appointment to the company to the battalion commander, company commander and their deputies. The regimental commander introduces newly arrived officers to the regiment's officers at the next officers' meeting or regimental formation.
59. When inspecting (checking) a military unit, its commander introduces himself to the arriving person appointed to lead the inspection (check), if he has a military rank equal to the commander of the unit, or is senior in rank to him; if the inspector (checker) is junior in rank to the commander of the military unit, then he introduces himself to the commander of the military unit. Before the start of the inspection (check), the commander of the military unit introduces the commanders of the inspected (checked) units to the inspecting (verifying) officer.
60. When an inspector (inspector) visits a unit, the commanders of these units meet him and report to him. If the inspector (checker) arrives at the unit together with the commander of the military unit, then the unit commander reports to the inspector (checker) if the latter is of equal military rank with the commander of the military unit or is senior in rank to him. If during an inspection (check) a senior commander (chief) arrives, then the commander of the military unit (unit) reports to him, and the inspecting (verifier) introduces himself.
61. When visiting a military unit (ship) by the President of the Russian Federation, the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation and his deputies, commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces, members of the Government of the Russian Federation, the commander of the military unit (ship) meets, reports and accompanies these persons who have arrived at the location of the military unit ( on the ship), and upon arrival at the invitation to the military unit (ship) of the participants of the Great Patriotic War, internationalist warriors, veterans of the Armed Forces, honored figures of science, culture and art, representatives public organizations Russia, foreign states and other honored visitors, the commander of the military unit (ship) meets them, introduces himself to them and accompanies them without reporting. In memory of the visit to the military unit (ship) by honorary visitors, the Book of Honorable Visitors (Appendix 4) is presented to them for the corresponding entry.
62. When military personnel arrive at a military unit (unit) to carry out individual official assignments of senior commanders (chiefs), the commander of the military unit (unit) introduces himself only as the senior in military rank. In other cases, arrivals introduce themselves to the commander of the military unit (unit) and report on the purpose of their arrival.
63. All instructions from inspectors (inspectors) or military personnel performing individual official assignments from senior commanders (chiefs) are transmitted through the commander of the military unit. The named persons are obliged to inform the commander of the military unit (unit) about the results of the inspection (check) or the fulfillment of the official assignment assigned to them. When conducting a survey of military personnel of a military unit (unit), inspectors (verifiers) are guided by the requirements of Appendix 8.

On military politeness and behavior of military personnel

64. Military personnel must constantly lead by example high culture, modesty and restraint, sacredly observe military honor, protect one’s dignity and respect the dignity of others. They must remember that not only themselves, but also the honor of the Armed Forces as a whole is judged by their behavior. Relationships between military personnel are built on the basis of mutual respect. Regarding service issues, they should address each other as “you”. When addressed in person, the military rank is called without indicating the type of military service or service. Chiefs and elders, addressing their subordinates and juniors in their service, call them by military rank and surname or only by rank, adding in the latter case the word “comrade” before the rank.
For example: “Private Petrov (Petrova)”, “Comrade Private”, “Sergeant Koltsov (Koltsova)”, “Comrade Sergeant”, “Midshipman Ivanov (Ivanova)”, etc.
Military cadets educational institutions vocational education, without military ranks when addressing sergeants and petty officers, warrant officers and midshipmen, as well as cadets of training military units (units), when addressing them, call them: “Cadet Ivanov”, “Comrade Cadet”. Subordinates and juniors, when addressing superiors and seniors in their service, call them by their military rank, adding the word “comrade” before the rank.
For example: “Comrade Senior Lieutenant”, “Comrade Rear Admiral”.
When addressing military personnel of guard formations and military units, the word “guard” is added before the military rank.
For example: “Comrade Guard Sergeant Major 1st Article”, “Comrade Guard Colonel”.
During off-duty hours and outside formation, officers can address each other not only by military rank, but also by name and patronymic. IN Everyday life officers are allowed to use the affirmative expression “the officer’s word” and when saying goodbye to each other, instead of “goodbye” they are allowed to say “I have the honor.” When addressing civilian personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, military personnel call them by their military position, adding the word “comrade” before the title of the position. Distortion of military ranks, use obscene words, nicknames and nicknames, rudeness and familiar treatment are incompatible with the concept of military honor and the dignity of military personnel.
65. Outside formation, when giving or receiving an order, military personnel are required to take a formation stance, and when wearing a headdress, put their hand on it and lower it. When reporting or accepting a report, the serviceman lowers his hand from his headgear at the end of the report. If the command “Attention” was given before the report, then the reporter, at the command of the chief “At ease,” repeats it and lowers his hand from his headdress.
66. When speaking to another serviceman in the presence of a commander (chief) or senior, he must be asked for permission.
For example: “Comrade Colonel. Allow me to address Captain Ivanov.”
67. B in public places, as well as on a tram, trolleybus, bus, metro car and commuter trains, if there are no empty seats, the serviceman is obliged to offer his seat to the superior (senior). If during a meeting it is impossible to freely part ways with the superior (senior), then the subordinate (junior) must give way and, when greeting, let him pass; if necessary, overtake the superior (senior), the subordinate (junior) must ask permission. Military personnel must be polite towards the civilian population, show special attention to the elderly, women and children, help protect the honor and dignity of citizens, and also provide assistance to them in case of accidents, fires and natural disasters.
68. Military personnel are prohibited from keeping their hands in their pockets, sitting or smoking in the presence of a superior (senior) without his permission, as well as smoking on the streets while moving and in places not designated for this purpose.
69. A sober lifestyle should be the daily norm of behavior for all military personnel. Appearing drunk on duty or in public places is a gross disciplinary offense that disgraces the honor and dignity of a military personnel.
70. For military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the necessary types of clothing are established. Military uniforms and insignia are approved by the President of the Russian Federation. All military personnel, as well as citizens in the reserve or retired, discharged from service, have the right to wear military uniforms. military service with the right to wear military uniform. Military uniforms are worn strictly in accordance with the rules approved by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. Outside the location of a military unit, on vacation, on leave or on vacation, military personnel are allowed not to wear military uniforms.
71. The rules of military politeness, behavior and performance of the military salute are also mandatory for citizens who are in the reserve or retired when they wear military uniforms. They must strictly adhere to the established rules for wearing military uniforms.

Giving military honor. History of the origin of the ritual

Famous military theorist General M.I. Dragomirov stated: “Giving military honors is not a toy or amusement for someone’s curiosity, but an outward expression of the fact that people belong to a great partnership, the purpose of which is to lay down one’s soul for one’s friend.”

The ritual has a long history. There is a literary version of the origin of this ritual:

Since in 1588, the pirate Drake, meeting the English Queen Elizabeth (known for her lack of beauty) on board a ship, pretended to be blinded by her beauty, and therefore was forced to shade his eyes with his palm, since then the military greeting has become a tradition.

There are other versions as well. When meeting, the warriors raised their hand not holding a weapon as a sign of greeting.

Later, when meeting, knights raised the visor of their helmet as a sign of acquaintance and greeting. Thus, moving the open right hand towards the headdress when greeting later became a ritual of giving military honor.

The rules of honor between military ranks were improved under each emperor and were established by the middle of the 18th century.

All officers and all lower ranks, without exception, when meeting, had to greet each other by putting their right hand to the visor.

They saluted generals, members of the imperial family, officers of their regiment, banners, and standards. Military funeral processions were saluted by military personnel, standing at the front. The same honor was given to monuments.

During the imperial period, the military greeting was called saluting, as it included not only raising the hand to the headdress, but also various bows, curtsies and other elements, depending on the rank of those encountered or entering the room. Depending on the place of execution (in an open area or indoors), the implementation of the greeting also differed.

Giving military honor by a soldier (Cossack):

If a soldier meets with a commander who is supposed to salute, then he must, four steps before the commander, place his right hand on the right side of the lower edge of his cap or cap so that the fingers are together, the palm is slightly turned outward, and the elbow is at shoulder height; at the same time look at the boss and follow him with your eyes. When the boss passes him a step, then lower his hand;

When meeting with the boss, who is supposed to be saluted by standing in front, he, not reaching four steps to the boss, takes the last step and another full step with his foot, while taking it out, he should turn his shoulders and body in front and then, simultaneously with the position, raise his foot right hand to the headdress, turning the head towards the boss's side. When saluting, you should stand according to the rules of the “stance”. When the boss passes him by a step, he turns in the direction he was going and begins to move with his left foot, lowering his right hand with the first step.

The lower ranks saluted, standing at the front:

To the Sovereign Emperor, 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.

Without standing in front, but placing only a hand on the headdress, they salute:

To all staff chief officers, military doctors, class officials of their regiment, reserve and retired generals, staff and chief officers (when they are in uniform); ensigns, estandard cadets and sub-warrants; palace grenadiers; to all sergeants, sergeants and those lower ranks to whom they are subordinate. And privates, in addition, to all non-commissioned officers of their regiment, non-combatant senior rank, as well as to all privates who have the Insignia of the Military Order.

If the lower rank leads the horse by the reins, then to salute he goes to the side of the horse that is closer to the leader and takes both reins in the hand closest to the horse; and in his other hand he takes the ends of the reins and turns his head to the boss.

In the Guards Regiment, all officers had to say “YOU” to each other, regardless of the difference in rank and years. All officers of the Guards Cavalry traditionally greeted each other and, in addition, shook hands when they met, regardless of whether they knew each other or not.

From that time on, honor should also be given to officers of foreign armies.

Human society is developing, traditions, views, turns of phrase, and the language itself are changing. How obsolete the vocabulary phrases “I have the honor” and “to salute” are falling 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 giving of one’s own honor. It was about recognizing the merits of the person meeting halfway, about respect for him. At all times, the youngest, both in age and in rank or title, was the first to greet, recognizing high merits. You can salute either a person or a group of people, or something sacred - a banner or monument to fallen heroes.

In the dictionaries of V. I. Dahl and S. I. Ozhegov, “to salute” means to greet. And if S. I. Ozhegov’s dictionary describes this greeting only as placing a hand on a headdress, then V. I. Dal gives a whole list of actions. You can salute by bowing, bowing your sword or banner, making a weapon on guard, or beating a drum.

The legend of the origin of the military greeting

The origin of the greeting with a gesture of the right hand raised to the eyes is attributed to the famous British pirate who had the honor of welcoming the English Queen Elizabeth I on board his ship. The legendary pirate did not have an officer rank and became a knight after traveling around the world. Carrying out a secret order from Her Majesty, Drake not only robbed Spanish ships, he discovered many sea routes and made several geographical discoveries.

Historical versions of the origin of the military salute

One of the historical versions of the origin of salutation 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.

A documented version says that it was in Great Britain in the 18th century, since hats in elite units became very bulky, that the rule arose not to take them off, but to greet officers by pressing a hand to the hat and bowing. Then they stopped even touching the hat, since the soldiers’ hands were always stained with soot, because they had to set fire to the pressure of the muskets. And with which hand Her Majesty’s guards salute was not specified in the regulations. Most likely, it went without saying that it was right.

Military salute in different countries

In a military greeting to any army, they do not bow their heads or lower their eyes, which also speaks of mutual honor, regardless of ranks and ranks, and there is no question about which hand they salute in the army - only the right.

But the rotation of the palm may differ slightly. Since the 19th century, the hand raised to the right eyebrow, palm facing outward. In the British Navy, since the days of sailing ships, when the hands of sailors were stained with tar and tar, and it was undignified to show dirty palms, the palm was turned down in salute. The same greeting is accepted in France. In the US Army, during a greeting, the palm is turned down, and the hand, held slightly forward, seems to shield the eyes from the sun. In the Italian army, the palm is placed above the visor in front.

In Tsarist Russia until 1856 and today's Poland, the military salute was performed with the index and middle fingers. Since 1856 after the Crimean War in the Soviet Army and today's Russian Army, honor is given with the entire palm facing down. The middle finger looks at the temple, touching the visor of the uniform cap. Hence the synonyms for the expression “salute” - take up the salute, salute.

The hand with which Russian military personnel salute is stipulated by the Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Rules of etiquette

There is military etiquette that all military personnel must follow. Its rules are determined not only by traditions and rituals, principles of morality and ethics, but also by regulations and statutes.

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 walk to the left of his companion. But exceptions to the general rules also depend on which hand is used to salute in Russia and beyond. Military men in uniform always walk to the woman's right so as not to touch her with their elbow during a military salute. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a soldier in uniform walks with a companion on his arm, then he should be to her right so that his hand remains free for the military greeting.

Differences when performing a military salute

The 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 oversight or inexperience, violate the rules of giving military honor, which are either enshrined in regulations or are an unshakable tradition.

It would seem that if the gesture of the right hand arose when simplifying the procedure for removing a headdress, then a uniform cap or cap is required in such a ritual. But no. Army traditions in the United States began to take shape after the victory of the northern army in the Civil War of the North and South in the second half of the 19th century. The winning army was formed from volunteers without combat skills and dressed in ordinary clothes, often without hats. Honor was given by simply placing a hand on the head. Since then, in the US Army, honor is given regardless of the presence of a uniform cap or cap on the head.

Giving military honor, or, in the modern interpretation of the Russian military regulations, a military salute, is a ritual overshadowed by the centuries-old traditions of the armies of all countries of the world.

Many people probably know that they don’t put their hand on an empty head (without a headdress). You can learn about this in almost any war film. Where did the trump card come from among the military and why can't you put your hand on an empty head??

One of the most likely versions of trumping is this. Medieval knights, who were known to be professional soldiers, wore not only iron armor, but also the same helmets that completely covered their faces during battle. If the knight did not want to fight, that is, showed peaceful intentions, then he opened his face and raised his visor. This sign, when the hand is raised to the head, became 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 simply lift it (remember how gentlemen politely raise their hats when meeting each other).

Later, when the headdresses of most armies of the world became bulky and pretentious, it became problematic to remove or raise them (shakos, caps with cockades, hats). And the military’s hands were not always able to lift colorful hats without damaging or getting dirty. 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 their caps.

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

First of all, it's pointless. Raise your hand to remove a headdress that is not there? This is nonsense, given the history of the origin of trumping.

But there is a more important reason, which is especially important for the Russian army (and the armies of some countries). By placing his hand on an empty head, the soldier, instead of expressing his respect and submission to the commander, actually insults him. In general, appearing in front of the commander without a headdress is already a violation of the regulations, which speaks volumes about saluting. Soldiers (and other military personnel) can be without a headdress (and without a military uniform) while sleeping, eating, worshiping, etc., that is, in “secular” life.

The third reason why you cannot salute without military equipment (cap, cap) is that this is directly written in the Charter of the Armed Forces. “The right hand should be placed on the headdress, and the left hand should be lowered along the seams.” That is, in other cases you cannot apply your hand.

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

The question arises: why exactly did this tradition “survive” in the Russian army - to salute only in a headdress? After all, 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 our palms to our eyes to see something.