There are a number of
origins of the military greeting of saluting. In the age of chivalry the knights
were all mounted and wore steel armour, which covered the body completely. When
two friendly knights met it was the custom for each to raise the visor and
expose his face to the view of the other. This was always done with the right
hand, the left being used to hold the reins. It was a significant gesture of
friendship and confidence, since it exposed the features and also removed the
right hand from the vicinity of a weapon (sword). Also in ancient times the
freemen of Europe were allowed to carry arms: when two freemen met, each would
raise his right hand to show that he held no weapons in it and that the meeting
was friendly.
From this beginning, although there was some resistance, saluting, as we now
know it developed. Saluting in a form can also be traced back to the Stone Age
when the open hand held high indicated friendliness; while the holding of the
head erect is a reminder that officers and airmen are free men not required to
avert their eyes from an overlord.
Regardless of its origin, the salute is a symbol of greeting, of mutual respect,
trust and confidence initiated by the junior in rank, with no loss of dignity on
either side. It is also a sign of loyalty and respect to the Service of which a
member forms part and the general tone and spirit of the Service is indicated by
the manner in which servicemen/servicewomen offer the salute and officers return
it.
Saluting, however,
should be undertaken intelligently and only when headdress is worn. Salutes, for
example, should not be attempted in places where the presence of crowds or where
the distance from the officer makes it impracticable to salute. Saluting may be
executed in slow time, Quick time or at the halt. A member marching in Double
time is to change to Quick time to salute. All members are to salute with the
right hand unless physically unable to do so, in which case they are to salute
with the left hand. The junior member is to salute first and the senior member
is to return the compliment. Her Majesty the Queen, members of the Royal Family,
the Governor-General and State Governors are to be saluted at all times by all
ranks.
