Saluting a fellow officer or NCO is not only a sign of respect to your fellow reenactor, but it is also a sign of a professional.
Officers Saluting Fellow Officers
Officer Saluting the Same Rank:
Graciously raise your right hand and place the tip of your pointer figure to the edge of your hat. If the officer is well respected and admired, you will raise your right hand and grab your hat by the cock. Next, graciously remove your hat in a flowing motion. Finally, lower the hat to your side.
Officer Saluting Lower Ranking Officers:
Graciously raise your right hand and place the tip of your pointer figure to the edge of your hat.
Officer Saluting Higher Ranking Officers:
Raise your right hand and grab your hat by the cock. Graciously remove your hat in a flowing motion to your side.
If the officer is a member of the General Staff or a General Officer, grab your hat by the cock. Graciously remove your hat in a flowing motion to your side. Stepping back with your right foot, respectfully bow.
Saluting Officers While on the March with the Company, Battalion, or Brigade:
When passing a ranking officer and or an important person, the highest-ranking officer in the company, battalion or brigade will salute. One doesn’t want every officer in the column saluting because it looks unprofessional.
Important Note: How an officer salutes a fellow officer can either show respect or an insult. Removing your hat to any rank shows respect. Not removing your hat can be considered an insult. Only the individual officer can decide.
Authored by Capt. Rick Lee