Military etiquette has its own norms and rules, and they are quite diverse. They have been formed over the centuries under the influence of historical factors, so they may differ depending on the country where a person in the military profession serves. The fundamental influencing factors in this regard should be considered the provisions of the military regulations adopted in a particular state, which, in turn, are based on military rituals, traditions of a given people, and their moral and ethical values.
A person who has decided to perform military service must be prepared for the fact that it consists not only of showing courage and heroism while performing dangerous tasks in extreme situations. Military service also implies daily strict observance of the clear requirements of the charter, one of the provisions of which is military salute. There are no and cannot be trifles in the military regulations; each of the requirements prescribed there is important to fulfill in accordance with certain rules. Therefore, it is so important to understand the question of which hand the Russian military salutes with and how exactly this should be done so as not to discredit the Russian army in the eyes of the population by ignorance of the basic rules of military etiquette.
Military salute: versions of the origin of the tradition of saluting with the right hand
Giving military honor is a tradition that has its roots in the deep past. For this reason, there are several versions of what exactly its appearance was connected with. Let's start with one of the most common. According to this theory, the ritual arose during the time of the knights, more specifically, in the 13th century. It is common knowledge that these warriors wore heavy armor In particular, there was almost always a bulky metal helmet on his head. If a meeting with an enemy took place under such circumstances that the knight could not or did not want to engage in battle, then he raised the visor of his helmet, while making a characteristic gesture right hand, for the simple reason that it was convenient to do so. In this way, he exposed his face so that a potential enemy could be convinced of the absence of aggression on his part. In one of the readings of this version, the knight raised the visor of his helmet so that the person he met on his way would recognize him by his face, and the fact that the gesture was made with his right hand without a weapon in it meant that he was not ready for battle and had no warlike intentions. With the right hand, namely with the palm open to the opponent, those peoples whose armed forces did not have heavy cavalry demonstrated their peace-loving sentiments - North American Indians and Mongols.
For changing knight's armor another military uniform came - more comfortable and lighter - and the gesture of friendliness adopted by the knights was entrenched, and to this day it has the meaning of showing mutual respect between people related to military affairs. His semantic load has not changed fundamentally: it is still a demonstration of a polite, non-aggressive attitude towards a colleague.
It must be admitted that the theory of the origin of the tradition of saluting associated with knights has one small inconsistency. In those days, each of them had clothes equipped with tribal symbols. By it you could easily find out who was in front of you, and the knight did not need to raise the visor of his helmet for this.
There is a romantic hypothesis, also dating back to knightly times. In agreement with her, raising his hand to his eyes, a knight taking part in a tournament for the heart beautiful lady, symbolically covered them from the brilliance of her incomparable beauty.
The next two theories of the origin of the ritual are more prosaic and are associated with different stages of the development of military affairs. The fact is that during the Renaissance, military headdresses were very magnificent, one might even say, bulky. This was justified by the circumstances that the commander of the troops could only recognize the location of a group of his subordinates on the battlefield by such voluminous decoration. In those days, it was generally customary for military personnel to salute with a bow of the head. To prevent the shako or plume from flying off, it was removed or held by hand. As military uniforms were simplified, the greeting ceremony became simpler - all that remained was the movement of the hand to the headdress.
Many military historians adhere to the hypothesis that the first to salute by touching the visor of the headdress were members of the British armed forces, starting around the 17th century. This gesture eventually replaced the removal of the hat as a demonstration of respect for juniors to elders, since this headdress became so bulky that it was simply inconvenient and even burdensome.
How people salute in different countries - modern times
Military science has developed since then, and in different historical contexts. Therefore, while the essence of the military greeting remains unchanged, the armed forces of different states give the honor in different ways.
In the American military, according to the rules, salute must be given only when both hands are not occupied with anything. This is a strict requirement of military etiquette in the United States - so much so that if the greeting cannot be carried out in this way, then it is abandoned altogether. It is customary for American troops to salute with the right hand, with the fingers tightly closed, the palm turned down, and the hand itself extended slightly forward, as if covering the eyes.
An almost similar gesture is currently used by the Israeli military; the only slight difference is that the phalanx of the middle finger should almost touch the edge of the right eyebrow. However, the fundamental difference here is not in the form, but in the conditions of providing a military greeting. In the Israeli forces, this is more a right than a duty of a soldier.
As for the Russian armed forces, it is relevant here this moment are following rules regarding this military ritual. Firstly, all Russian citizens, without exception, who are in military service or have already been discharged from it, are required to salute, provided that they are wearing a military uniform.
The gesture with which the Russian military salutes is in itself no different from the military salute adopted in a number of modern states. The difference lies again in the conditions under which this gesture is acceptable. It's about that Russian military personnel do not put their hand to their bare heads in greeting. According to the regulations, the military salute in this case will consist of taking a military position, namely: arms along the body, body straightened as much as possible.
If the military moves in formation, then only the guide puts his right hand to the headdress, everyone else turns their head towards the senior ranks as they pass by them.
The order in which the military salute appears in the ranks Russian army, is obvious: the junior in rank or subordinate gives the honor first. The rules of the charter are mandatory, and the military is responsible for non-compliance with them.
§ 60. Performing a military salute without weapons on the spot and on the move
The military salute is the embodiment of the comradely cohesion of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and common culture.
All military personnel are required to greet each other when meeting (overtaking).
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.
Military personnel are also obliged to greet:
■ Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
■ mass graves of soldiers who died in battles for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland;
■ National flag Russian Federation, The battle flag of a military unit, as well as the Naval flag upon arrival on a warship and upon departure from it;
■ funeral processions accompanied by military units.
The military salute is performed clearly and bravely, with strict adherence to the rules of formation and movement.
To perform a military greeting in place outside the formation without a headdress, three or four steps before the commander (senior), turn in his direction, take a formation stance and look into his face, turning your head after him.
If the headdress is on, then, in addition, put your right hand to the headdress in the shortest possible way so that the fingers are together, the palm is straight, the middle finger touches the lower edge of the headdress (at the visor), and the elbow is at the line and height of the shoulder. When turning the head towards the boss (senior), the position of the hand at the headdress remains unchanged.
When the chief (senior) passes the person performing the military salute, put your head straight and at the same time lower your hand.
To perform a military salute while moving out of formation without a headdress, three or four steps before the commander (senior), at the same time as placing your foot, stop moving your arms, turn your head in his direction and, continuing to move, look into his face. After passing the boss (senior), put your head straight and continue moving your hands.
When wearing a headdress, simultaneously with placing your foot on the ground, turn your head and place your right hand on the headdress, left hand hold motionless at the hip; Having passed the boss (senior), at the same time as placing your left foot on the ground, put your head straight and lower your right hand.
When overtaking a superior (senior), perform the military salute with the first step of overtaking. With the second step, put your head straight and lower your right hand.
If a soldier's hands are full of a burden, perform the military salute by turning his head towards the commander (senior).
Additional materials to § 60
Charter of the Internal Service of the Russian Army (until 1917) on salutation.
Giving honor is giving honor to the military rank of the one to whom honor is given, and to the uniform he wears; therefore, it is equally obligatory both for subordinates and juniors - in relation to superiors and seniors, and for superiors and seniors - in relation to subordinates and juniors; both must mutually salute each other.
Subordinates and juniors are required to salute first. On the same basis, units of troops and commanders salute each other, military regalia, some monuments and funeral processions that are accompanied by troops. In addition, honor is given to spiritual processions.
Saluting when military ranks meet each other must precede any other kind of greeting, no matter what personal relationship those meeting may have; the obligatory mutual salute for all (not counting seniority) serves as a symbol of unity between all ranks of the Imperial Russian Army.
Every serviceman is obliged to greet another when meeting, without waiting for the latter to greet him, even if he was in a junior rank; some military officials, apparently deprived of military education and completely not imbued with the duties that a military uniform entails, consider themselves obliged only to respond to the greetings of officer ranks, which, according to the existing concept, should for some reason always greet them first.
§61. Failure and return to service. Approaching the boss and leaving him.
A command is given for the serviceman to disable the ranks.
The command may sound like this: “Private Ivanov, break ranks by so many steps/” or “Private Ivanov, come to me (run to me)!”
The serviceman, hearing his last name, replies: “I am!”, and upon the command to leave the ranks (about a call) he replies: “Yes!” At the first command, the serviceman steps out of formation for the specified number of steps, counting from the first rank, stops and turns to face the formation. On the second command, the serviceman, having taken one or two steps straight from the first rank, turns towards the commander as he walks, approaches (runs up) to him in the shortest possible way and, stopping two or three steps later, reports his arrival.
For example: “Comrade Lieutenant! Private Ivanov has arrived on your orders" or "Comrade Colonel! Captain Petrov has arrived on your orders.”
When a serviceman leaves the second rank, he lightly places his left hand on the shoulder of the soldier in front, who takes a step forward and, without placing his right foot, steps to the right, lets the outgoing serviceman pass, then takes his place.
When a soldier leaves the first rank, his place is taken by the soldier of the second rank standing behind him.
When a soldier leaves the column in twos (threes, fours), he breaks ranks towards the nearest flank, first making a turn to the right (left). If a serviceman is standing nearby, he takes a step with his right (left) foot to the side and, without placing his left (right) foot, takes a step back, lets the serviceman pass and then takes his place.
When a soldier breaks down with a weapon, the position of the weapon does not change, with the exception of the carbine in the “shoulder” position, which is taken to the “leg” position when the movement begins.
A command is given to return the serviceman to duty. For example: “Private Ivanov! Get in line!” or just “Get in line!”
At the command “Private Ivanov!” a soldier standing facing the line, hearing his last name, turns to face his superior and answers: “I am!” At the command “Get in line!”, if he is unarmed or with a weapon in the “behind his back” position, the serviceman puts his hand to his headgear, answers: “Yes!”, turns in the direction of movement, lowers his hand with the first step, moving in formation step by step, taking the shortest route to his place in the ranks.
If only the command “Get into formation!” is given, the serviceman returns to formation without first turning to his superior.
When operating with a weapon, after returning to duty, the weapon is taken to the position in which it is held by the servicemen standing in the ranks.
When approaching a superior out of formation, a serviceman takes a formation step five or six steps ahead of him, stops two or three steps later and, at the same time as he puts his foot down, puts his right hand on his headgear, after which he reports his arrival. At the end of the report, the serviceman lowers his hand.
When approaching a superior with a weapon, the position of the weapon does not change, with the exception of the carbine in the “shoulder” position, which is taken to the “leg” position after the serviceman stops in front of the superior. The hand is not applied to the headgear, except when the weapon is in the “behind the back” position.
When leaving the commander, the soldier, having received permission to go, puts his right hand to his headdress, answers: “Yes!”, turns in the direction of movement, lowers his hand with the first step and, having taken three or four steps in front, continues moving at a marching pace.
When moving away from the commander with a weapon, the position of the weapon does not change, with the exception of the carbine, which, if necessary, is taken from the “to the leg” position by the soldier to another position after answering: “Yes!”
The commander, giving the command to return the serviceman to duty or giving him permission to go, puts his hand on the headdress and lowers it.
§ 63. Performing a military salute in formation, on the spot and on the move.
To perform a military greeting in the ranks on the spot, when the commander approaches 10-15 steps, the squad leader commands: “Squad, ATEMICLY, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT, to the MIDDLE)!”
The servicemen of the squad take a drill stance, simultaneously turn their heads to the right (left) and follow the commander with their gaze, turning their heads after him.
When the commander approaches from the rear of the formation, the squad leader turns the squad around and then gives the command to perform a military salute.
The squad commander, having given the command to perform a military salute, approaches the commander in a marching step; stops two or three steps before him and reports. For example: “Comrade Lieutenant, the second squad is doing something. Squad commander Sergeant Petrov."
The commander who is being greeted puts his hand to his headdress after giving the command to perform a military salute.
Having finished the report, the squad leader, without lowering his hand from his headgear, takes a step to the side with his left (right) foot while simultaneously turning to the right (left) and, letting the chief go ahead, follows him one or two steps behind and on the outside of the formation.
Upon passing the boss or on the command “At ease!” The squad leader commands: “FREE!” - and lowers his hand.
If a superior addresses a serviceman in the ranks by military rank and surname, he replies: “I am!”, and when addressing only by military rank, the serviceman responds with his position, rank and surname. In this case, the position of the weapon does not change and the hand is not applied to the headdress.
To perform a military greeting in formation while moving, 10-15 steps before the leader, the squad leader commands: “Squad, ATEMIC, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT)!”
At the command “Attention!” all military personnel move to a combat step, and at the command “Alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT)!” at the same time turn their heads towards the boss and stop moving their hands or the hand not occupied with the weapon.
With the carbine in the “shoulder” position, the movement of the hand not occupied with the weapon does not stop.
The squad leader, if he is unarmed or with a weapon in the “behind his back” position, turns his head and puts his hand to his headgear.
Military units and subunits, when in formation, salute upon command:
■ the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and the 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 indicated persons in the ranks, the senior commander gives the command “Attention, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT, to the MIDDLE)”, meets them and reports. (For example: “Comrade Major General, the 46th Tank Regiment has been assembled for the general regimental evening verification. The regimental commander is Colonel Orlov.”)
When greeting the ranks while moving, the chief only gives a command.
Military units and subunits greet each other upon command when meeting, and also perform a military salute, paying tribute:
■ Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
■ mass graves of soldiers who died in battles for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland;
■ the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of a military unit, and on a warship the Naval Flag when it is raised and lowered;
■ funeral processions accompanied by military units.
46. The military salute is the embodiment of the comradely cohesion of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and a manifestation of politeness and good manners.
All military personnel are obliged to greet each other when meeting (overtaking), observing the rules established by the drill regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Subordinates (junior in military rank) greet their superiors (senior in military rank) first, and in an equal position, the one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered greets first.
47. Military personnel are obliged to perform a military salute, paying tribute to:
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
The State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of the military unit, as well as the Naval Flag upon each arrival on and departure from the ship;
48. Military units and subunits, when in formation, salute upon command:
the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and the 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 indicated persons in the ranks, the senior commander gives the command “Attention, alignment to the RIGHT (to the LEFT, to the MIDDLE)”, meets them and reports.
For example: “Comrade Major General. The 46th Tank Regiment was built for the general regimental evening verification. The regiment commander is Colonel Orlov."
When constructing a military unit with the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Battle Banner (at a parade, drill review, during the Military Oath (taking an obligation), 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.
49. Military units and subunits greet each other upon command when meeting, and also perform a military salute, paying tribute to:
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
mass graves of soldiers who died in battles for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland;
the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of a military unit, and on a warship - the Naval Flag when it is raised and lowered;
funeral processions accompanied by military units.
50. The military greeting by the troops in formation on the spot to the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation is accompanied by the performance by the orchestra of the “Counter March” and the National Anthem of the Russian Federation.
When a military unit greets direct superiors from the commander of its military unit and above, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (check), the orchestra performs only the “Counter March”.
51. When out of formation, both during classes and in free time, military personnel of military units (units) greet their superiors with the command “Attention” or “Stand up.” Attention."
Only direct superiors and persons appointed to supervise the inspection (check) are welcomed at headquarters.
During classes outside the formation, as well as at meetings at which only officers are present, the command “Comrade officers” is given as a military greeting to commanders (chiefs).
Commands “Attention”, “Stand up”. Attention" or "Comrade officers" is given by the eldest of the commanders (chiefs) present or the serviceman who was the first to see the arriving commander (chief). At this command, all those present stand up, turn towards the arriving commander (chief) and take a combat stance, and with the headdress on, they also put their hand to it.
The senior commander (chief) present approaches the arriving commander (chief) and reports to him.
The arriving commander (chief), having accepted the report, gives the command “At ease” or “COMRADE OFFICERS”, and the one who reported repeats this command, after which all those present take the “at ease” position, with the headgear on, lower their hand from the headgear and then act according to instructions of the arriving commander (chief).
52. Giving the command “Attention” or “Stand up.” Attention" and the report to the commander (chief) is carried out upon his first visit to the 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 greeting is not given to the junior and no report is made.
When conducting classroom lessons, the commands are “Attention”, “Stand up”. Attention" or "Comrade officers" are served before the start of each lesson and at its end.
Commands “Attention”, “Stand up”. Attention" or "Comrade officers" before reporting to the commander (chief) are served in that
if other military personnel are present, in their absence the commander (superior) is only reported.
53. When performing the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, 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 National Anthem of the Russian Federation, take a drill stance, and when wearing a headdress, put their hand to it.
54. The command to perform a military salute is not given to military units and subunits:
when a military unit (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 classes and work in workshops, parks, hangars, laboratories, as well as when performing work for educational purposes;
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 commander (chief) or senior only reports to the arriving commander.
For example: “Comrade Major. The 1st motorized rifle company performs the second shooting exercise. The company commander is Captain Ilyin.”
Units participating in the funeral procession do not perform a military salute.
55. At ceremonial meetings, conferences in a military unit, as well as at performances, concerts and movies, the command for a military greeting is not given and is not reported to the commander (chief).
At general meetings of personnel, the command “ATRIC” or “STAND UP” is given as a military greeting. SMIRLNO” and reports to the commander (chief).
When a superior or senior addresses individual military personnel, they, with the exception of the sick, take a military stance and state their military 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.
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.” In this case, the word “comrade” and military rank are added without indicating the words “justice” or “medical service”.
For example: “We wish you good health, comrade junior sergeant,” “Goodbye, comrade chief foreman,” “We wish you good health, comrade midshipman,” “Goodbye, comrade lieutenant.”
58. 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 Russian Federation.”
If the commander (chief) congratulates the military personnel of a military unit (unit) who are in the ranks, they respond with a drawn-out triple “Hurray”, and if the commander (chief) thanks them, the military personnel respond: “We serve the Russian Federation.”
Procedure for presentation to commanders (chiefs)and persons arriving for inspection (checking)
59. When a senior commander (chief) arrives at a military unit, only the commander of the military unit is introduced. Other persons introduce themselves only when the senior commander (chief) directly addresses them, stating their military position, military rank and surname.
60. Military personnel introduce themselves to their immediate superiors in the following cases:
appointment to a military position; delivery military position; assignment of military rank; awarding an order or medal;
departures 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.”
61. 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.
62. When inspecting (checking) a military unit, its commander introduces himself to the arriving person appointed to lead the inspection (check), if the inspecting (checker) is of equal military rank with the commander of the military unit or is senior in rank to him; if the inspector (checker) is younger in military rank than the commander of the military unit, then he himself 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.
63. 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.
64. When visiting a military unit (ship) by the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian
Federation, the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation and his deputies, the commander of the military unit (ship) meets the indicated persons, reports to them and accompanies them to the location of the military unit (ship), and members of the Government of the Russian Federation and veterans of the Great Patriotic War who arrived at the invitation to the military unit (ship) war, veterans of combat operations on the territory of the USSR, on the territory of the Russian Federation and the territories of other states, veterans military service, as well as honored figures of science, culture and art, representatives of public organizations of the Russian Federation, foreign states and other honored visitors, the commander of a military unit (ship) meets, introduces himself to them and accompanies them without reporting to them.
In memory of the visit to the military unit (ship), honorary visitors are provided with the Book of Honorable Visitors (Appendix No. 4) for the corresponding entry.
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 military rank. In other cases, arrivals introduce themselves to the commander of the military unit (unit) and report on the purpose of their arrival.
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 provided for in Appendix No. 6.
On military politeness and behavior of military personnel
67. Military personnel must constantly serve as an example of high culture, modesty and restraint, sacredly observe military honor, protect their dignity and respect dignity
others. They must remember that not only themselves, but the Armed Forces as a whole are judged by their behavior.
Relationships between military personnel are built on the basis of mutual respect. In matters of military service, they must address each other as “you.” When contacting in person, the military rank is called without specifying the words “justice” or “medical service”.
Chiefs and seniors, when addressing matters of service to subordinates and juniors, call them by military rank and surname or only by military rank, adding in the latter case before military rank the word "comrade".
For example: “Private Petrov”, “Comrade Private”, “Sergeant Koltsov”, “Comrade Sergeant”, “Midshipman Ivanov”.
Military personnel studying in military educational institutions of professional education and not having the military ranks of sergeants, foremen, warrant officers, midshipmen, officers, as well as military personnel studying in military training units, are called by the military position to which they are assigned.
For example: “Cadet (listener) Ivanov”, “Comrade cadet (listener)”.
Subordinates and juniors, when addressing matters of service to superiors and elders, call them by military rank, adding the word “comrade” before the military 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”.
Outside the ranks, 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 saying “goodbye,” they are allowed to say “I have the honor.”
When addressing civilian personnel of the Armed Forces holding military positions, military personnel call
them by military position, adding the word “comrade” before the name of the position, or by name and patronymic.
Distortion of military ranks, use of obscene words, nicknames and nicknames, rudeness and familiar treatment are incompatible with the concept of military honor and the dignity of a serviceman.
68. When out of 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 after giving or receiving an order.
When reporting or accepting a report, the serviceman lowers his hand from his headgear at the end of the report. If before the report the command “Attention” was given, then the reporter, at the command of the chief “At ease”, repeats the command, and with the headdress on, lowers his hand.
69. 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.”
When an affirmative answer must be given to a question from a superior or senior, the serviceman answers: “That’s right,” and when it is negative, “No way.”
70.V 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 boss (senior), the subordinate (junior) is obliged to give way and, when greeting, let him pass; If it is necessary to overtake the boss (senior), the subordinate (junior) must ask permission.
Military personnel must be polite towards the civilian population, show special attention to the disabled, 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 other natural and man-made emergencies.
71. 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 walking and in places not designated for smoking.
72. A sober lifestyle should be the daily norm of behavior for all military personnel. Appearing on the streets, squares, parks, public vehicles, and other public places while intoxicated is a disciplinary offense that disgraces the honor and dignity of a military personnel.
73. Military uniforms and insignia are established for military personnel. All military personnel, as well as citizens discharged from military service with the right to wear, have the right to wear military uniforms. military uniform clothes. Military uniforms are worn strictly in accordance with the rules for wearing military uniforms and insignia, determined by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation.
Military personnel performing military service under a contract have the right not to wear military uniforms during the time free from performing the duties of military service, determined by the regulations of service time, and military personnel performing military service on conscription - outside the location of a military unit upon discharge or on leave.
74. The rules of military politeness, behavior and performance of the military salute are also mandatory for citizens discharged from military service when they wear military uniforms.
Why is military honor given with the right hand?
The norms and rules of military etiquette are very diverse. They are based on the principles of morality and morality, the provisions of the military oath and military regulations, military traditions and rituals. However, showing heroism in extreme situations is one thing, and daily compliance with the requirements of military etiquette is another. Some of them seem small and therefore unimportant. For example, a military salute. Let us emphasize a detail that is worth paying attention to: if earlier this ritual was called “giving military honor,” today the military regulations seem to return us to the requirements of noble knights: soul to God, life to the fatherland, heart to the lady, honor to no one.
One of the ancient military rituals that has survived to this day is the giving of military honor. IN tsarist army 2 fingers were applied to the military headdress, in the Soviet and Russian - the palm. This tradition arose among the knights in the 13th century. When, upon meeting in an “open field,” they had no intention of engaging in battle, they raised the visors of their metal helmets. And although they were later replaced by helmets, cocked hats, hats, etc., the custom of raising a hand to the head as a sign of friendliness remained. When meeting each other, the knights, with a movement of their right hand (and many of us, as before at that time, were right-handed) raised the visor of their helmet to show that the face of a friend was hidden behind the armor. Raising their hand to their headgear, modern military personnel repeat this gesture, paying a debt of politeness to their colleague in military uniform.
A soldier whose service takes place in the city has many contacts with other people on the street, in city transport, in shops and other public places. With the fast pace of city life, rush during rush hours, and crowded streets, he needs reasonable and optimal behavior in a wide variety of street situations. According to etiquette, a man should walk to the left of a woman, boss or elderly man, since the place on the right is considered honorable when two people are walking down the street. If a woman takes a soldier by the arm, he must be on her right in order to be able to give a military greeting. About 200-300 years ago, men did not leave the house without weapons. Each one had a saber, rapier or dagger hanging on his left side. On the left in order to quickly and more conveniently grab the weapon from the sheath with the right hand. And even until the end of the last century, officials were required to wear a sword in their uniform. And the sword also hung on the left side. To prevent the weapon from hitting his companion's legs when walking, the gentleman tried to walk to the left of the lady. This has become a custom. Now only military personnel carry weapons, and even then not always. Still, it is correct for a man to walk to the left of a woman, because people here often move to the right, and it is better for the person you meet to accidentally hit you with his shoulder, and not your companion. You, as the stronger one, must protect her. But only the military does not obey this rule when they are in uniform. In order to give a military salute to the oncoming military and not touch your companion with your elbow, the soldier’s or officer’s right hand must be free. Therefore, it is more convenient for them to walk on the left rather than on the right.
There is a beautiful legend that one pirate, seeing the English Queen Elizabeth, covered his eyes with his hand: “I am blinded by the beauty of your Majesty.” And that it was from this time that the custom began - to salute with the hand.
MILITARY ETIQUETTE: I have the honor!
To salute means to show respect to a person of higher rank. It has been established that in different time this was done different ways. And there are many versions of the origin of this ritual.
Many believe that the tradition of the modern military salute, or salute, originates on the island of Great Britain. In many armies of the world, junior ranks greeted senior ranks by removing their hats, and this was, in fact, the case in the British army, but by the 18th-19th centuries, soldiers’ headdresses had become so bulky and “complicated” that this greeting was reduced to a simple touch of the visor.
WHERE THE CUSTOM CAME FROM
The greeting we know is believed to have taken shape in 1745 in the Coldstream Regiment, an elite guard unit of the Queen of England's personal guard. In the regimental regulations of the guards it was written: “Personnel are ordered not to raise their hats when they pass by an officer or address him, but only to press their hands to their hats and bow.” In 1762, the charter of the Scots Guards clarified: “Since nothing disfigures a headdress and contaminates the lacings like removing a hat, in the future, personnel are ordered to only briefly raise their palm to their hat when passing an officer.” Such an innovation caused some resistance, but, as we see, it still took root. Wherein great importance attached to the fact that during a military greeting they do not bow their heads or lower their eyes, this means: military personnel of different ranks are free people serving one state. TO mid-19th century, the military greeting in Great Britain has undergone new changes: the hand raised to the headdress (more precisely, to the right eyebrow) is facing outward with the palm.
In the USA, the hand is brought forward slightly, as if closing the eyes from the sun, and the palm looks at the ground. The American gesture was influenced by the traditions of the British Navy: back in the days of sailing ships, sailors used resin and tar to seal cracks in the wooden parts of the ship so that they would not leak sea water. At the same time, the hands were protected with white gloves, but showing a dirty palm was undignified, so in the navy the greeting hand turned 90 degrees down. The military salutes the same way in France. In Tsarist Russia, the military saluted with two fingers (this tradition still remains in Poland), and in the Soviet and modern Russian army they salute with the entire palm facing down, with the middle finger looking at the temple.
HONOR?! NOBODY!
But there are other opinions. By the way, let us emphasize a detail that is worth paying attention to: if earlier the ritual was called “giving military honor,” today the military regulations seem to return us to the requirements of noble knights: “soul to God, life to the fatherland, heart to the lady, honor to no one.” !" It sounds very pompous, and it is, to put it mildly, difficult to apply to the army with “hazing” and other delights. However, the ritual of giving military honor still exists. And it arose back in the 13th century among the knights. If, when meeting in an “open field,” they had no intention of engaging in battle, then they raised the visors of their metal helmets. And although they were later replaced by helmets, cocked hats, hats and the like, the custom of raising a hand to the head as a sign of friendliness remained. When meeting each other, the knights lifted the visor of their helmet with their right hands to show that their friend’s face was hidden behind the armor. Raising their hand to their headdress, modern military personnel repeat this gesture, paying the traditional duty of politeness to their older (and younger) colleague in uniform.
And again - the role of a beautiful lady.
There are those who believe that the custom of giving military honor in the armies of the world is associated with the name of the famous pirate Francis Drake.
"I'M BLINDED!"
Having completed in 1577-1580. circumnavigation, Drake sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth describing his exploits. Interested in the pirate's personality, and even more interested in the treasures he had looted, the queen visited Drake's ship. When she climbed on board, Drake, pretending to be blinded by her beauty (according to contemporaries, Elizabeth was extremely ugly), shaded his eyes with his palm.
Since then in English fleet this gesture allegedly began to be used to salute...
LEFT OR RIGHT?
This may be true, but most likely it is just a beautiful legend, although it has many supporters. However, let us see whether the need to give honor does not entail inconvenience.
According to etiquette, a man should walk to the left of a woman, since the place on the right is considered honorable. If a woman takes a soldier by the arm, he must be on her right in order to be able to give a military greeting. About 200-300 years ago, men did not leave the house without weapons. Each one had a saber, rapier or dagger hanging on his left side. On the left - in order to quickly and more conveniently grab the weapon from the sheath with the right hand. To prevent the weapon from hitting his companion’s legs when walking, the gentleman tried to walk to the left of his lady.
In general, it is correct for a man to walk on the left, because people here often move to the right, and it is better for the person you meet to accidentally hit you with his shoulder, and not your companion. Only the military does not obey this rule when they are in uniform. In order to give a military salute and not hit your companion with your elbow, the soldier’s or officer’s right hand must be free. Therefore, it is more convenient for them to walk on the right rather than on the left.
THEY DON'T PUT A HAND TO THE EMPTY HEAD?
In the Russian army, honor is given only when wearing a headdress, but in the American army... In America, honor is given not “to an empty head,” but in any case. It's all about the story. It should be taken into account that in the USA the traditions of the army of the Northerners (as winners) have been preserved mainly, which was created from volunteers, often dressed, at first, in ordinary clothes and did not have combat habits. Hence the salutation without military uniform and headdress, which sometimes simply did not exist. Accordingly, when the uniform appeared, honor was given by placing a hand on the head, regardless of the presence of a headdress.
Times changed, morals changed.
Officers or soldiers who carried a sword or saber, no matter whether mounted or on foot, saluted by raising the weapon, bringing the handle closer to the lips, then moving the weapon to the right and down. This form of greeting dates back to the Middle Ages and is associated with religion, when a knight would kiss the hilt of his sword, symbolizing the Christian cross. Then it became a tradition when taking an oath.
Raising your hand in greeting instead of taking off your hat had practical implications. As the soldiers lit the fuses of their muskets, their hands became dirty with soot. A with dirty hands removing the headdress meant rendering it unusable. Therefore, by the end of the 18th century, honor began to be given by simply raising one’s hand.
In the imperial period, saluting included not only raising the hand to the headdress, but also a variety of bows, curtsies and other elements, depending on the rank of the person being met and the meeting place.