Military etiquette has its own norms and rules, and quite diverse ones. They have been formed over the centuries under the influence of historical factors, so they may differ depending on the country where a person of the military profession is serving. The fundamental factors of influence 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, its moral and ethical values.

A person who has decided to perform military service must be prepared for the fact that it consists not only in the manifestation of courage and heroism in the course of performing dangerous tasks in extreme situations. Military business also implies daily strict observance of the strict requirements of the charter, one of the provisions of which is a military greeting. 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 military in Russia salutes and how exactly it should be done so as not to discredit the Russian army in the eyes of the population by ignorance of the elementary rules of military etiquette.

Military salute: versions of the origin of the tradition of saluting with the right hand

Saluting military honor is a tradition that has its roots in the deep past. For this reason, there are several versions of what exactly her appearance was connected with. Let's start with one of the most common. According to this theory, the ritual originated in the time of the knights, more specifically, in the 13th century. It is well known that these warriors wore heavy armor, in particular, they almost always had a bulky metal helmet on their heads. If the meeting with the 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 with his right hand, for the simple reason that it was convenient to do so. Thus, he opened his face so that a potential enemy could make sure that there was no aggression on his part. In one of the readings of this version, the knight raised the visor of his helmet so that the person who met him 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, had no warlike intentions. With the right hand, namely her palm open to the opponent, those peoples whose armed forces did not have heavy cavalry - the North American Indians and the Mongols, demonstrated their peace-loving moods.

Knightly armor was replaced by another military uniform- more convenient and easier, - and the gesture of friendliness adopted by the knights has become entrenched, and to this day it has the value of showing mutual respect between people related to military affairs. Its semantic load has not changed radically: 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. From it it was easy to find out who was in front of you, and there was no need for the knight to raise the visor of the helmet for this.

There is a hypothesis of a romantic persuasion, also related to chivalrous times. According to her, raising his hand to his eyes, the knight taking part in the tournament for the heart beautiful lady, symbolically covered them from the brilliance of her incomparable beauty.

The next two theories of the emergence of the ritual are more prosaic and are associated with different stages in the development of military affairs. The fact is that in the Renaissance, the headdresses of the military were very lush, one might even say bulky. This was justified by the circumstances that the commander of the troops could recognize the location of a group of his subordinates on the battlefield only by such voluminous decoration. In those days, among the military, it was generally customary to salute with a bow of the head. So that the shako or sultan does not fly off, it was removed or held by hand. With the simplification of military uniforms, the greeting ceremony became simpler - only the movement of the hand to the headdress remained.

Many historians of military affairs adhere to the hypothesis that the first to salute by touching the hand to the visor of the headgear were members of the British armed forces, starting around the 17th century. This gesture eventually replaced the removal of the hat as a show of respect from the juniors to the elders, as this headgear became so unwieldy that it was simply inconvenient and even burdensome.

How they salute in different states - modernity

Since then, military affairs have developed, and in different historical contexts. Therefore, with the unchanged essence of the military greeting, in the armed forces various states Honor is given in different ways.

In the American military, according to the rules, honor must be saluted only on the condition that both hands are not occupied. This is a strict requirement of military etiquette in the United States - so much so that if a greeting cannot be carried out in this way, then it is completely abandoned. It is customary to salute in the American troops with the right hand, while her fingers should be tightly closed, the palm turned down, and the hand itself is extended slightly forward, as if covering her 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 for rendering a military greeting. In the Israeli military, this is more of a right than a duty of a soldier.

As for the Russian armed forces, the following rules regarding this military ritual are relevant at the moment. First, all citizens of Russia, without exception, who are in military service or have already been discharged from it, are obliged to salute, provided that they are wearing a military uniform.

The gesture with which the Russian military salutes does not in itself differ from the military greeting adopted in a number of modern states. The difference lies again in the conditions under which this gesture is acceptable. We are talking about the fact that Russian servicemen do not put their hand to an uncovered head to salute. According to the charter, a military greeting in this case will consist in taking a combat position, namely: arms along the body, the body as straight as possible.

If the military move in formation, then right hand only the guide applies to the headgear, all the rest turn their heads towards the seniors as they pass by them.

The order in which the military greeting appears in the ranks of the Russian army is obvious: the junior in rank or subordinate salutes first. The rules of the charter are obligatory, and the military bears responsibility for their non-compliance.

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, it is one thing to display heroism in extreme situations and another to daily comply with the requirements of military etiquette. 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 “salting military honor”, ​​today the military charter, as it were, returns us to the requirements of noble knights: the soul - to God, life - to the fatherland, heart - to the lady, honor - to no one.
One of the ancient military rituals that have survived to this day is the salutation of military honor. AT tsarist army 2 fingers were applied to a military headdress, in the Soviet and Russian - a palm. This tradition arose in the 13th century among the knights. When, upon meeting in the “open field”, they had no intention of engaging in battle, they raised the visor of their metal helmets. And although later they were replaced by helmets, cocked hats, hats, etc., the custom of bringing a hand to the head as a sign of friendliness has been preserved. 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), lifted the visor of the 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 courtesy debt to their colleague in military uniform.
A soldier serving in the city has many contacts with other people on the street, in public transport, in shops and other public places. With the fast pace of city life, the rush at peak hours, the 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, a boss, or an elderly man, since the place on the right is considered honorable when two people walk down the street. If a woman takes a soldier by the arm, he should be on her right in order to have an opportunity for a military salute. 200-300 years ago, men did not leave the house without weapons. Each 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 scabbard with the right hand. And officials - so even before the end of the last century they were required to wear a sword with their uniform. And the sword also hung on the left side. So that when walking, the weapon does not hit the companion on the legs, the gentleman tried to walk to the left of the lady. It has become a custom. Now only the military carry weapons, and even then not always. Still, it’s right for a man to go to the left of a woman, because people with us often disperse to the right and it’s better for the oncoming one to inadvertently hit you with his shoulder, and not your companion. You, as the stronger one, must protect her. But only the military, when they are in uniform, do not obey this rule. In order to give a military greeting to the oncoming military and not touch the companion with the elbow, the right hand of a soldier or officer must be free. Therefore, it is more convenient for them to go on the left, and not on the right.
There is a beautiful legend that one pirate, at the sight of the English Queen Elizabeth, covered his eyes with his hand: "I am blinded by the beauty of your Majesty." And that it was from that time that the custom began to salute with a hand.

Greetings. Without it, the armies of many states are not conceived today. Naturally, the performance of a military greeting is strictly regulated. It may also vary depending on the situation. Specifically, we will deal with this military ritual in the article using an example. Russian army.

What's this?

A military greeting is one of the embodiments of the comradely unity of the military personnel of a certain state, evidence of their mutual respect for each other, a manifestation of good breeding and courtesy.

When overtaking, meeting for military personnel, it is mandatory to perform a military greeting strictly according to the rules established by the Combat Regulations of the Russian Armed Forces. At the same time, juniors in rank, subordinates are the first to greet superiors, seniors in rank. If the military personnel are in equal ranks, then the most well-mannered salutation is the first to salute.

Tribute

For Russian military personnel, the performance of a military greeting is obligatory to pay respect:

• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Mass graves of servicemen who gave their lives for their Motherland.
• State flag of Russia.
• The battle banner of his military unit. As well as the Naval flag upon arrival / departure on the ship.
• Funeral processions, which are accompanied by military units.

In service

When in service, the performance of a military salute for units and subunits is mandatory in such cases:

• Greetings from the President of the Russian Federation.
• Greetings from the marshals of the Russian Federation, generals of the army, colonel generals and admirals and admirals of the fleet.
• Greetings to all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspections (inspections) of this military unit.
• Greetings of persons who came to the military unit to present the Battle Banner and / or state awards.

How is the military salute performed in the ranks in front of the indicated persons? The following algorithm is observed:

1. The senior military man pronounces the following: "Attention! Alignment to the right (to the middle, to the left)!".
2. Then he meets the above persons and reports to them (for example): "Comrade Colonel General, the 50th Tank Regiment has been built for regimental general verification. The commander of the regiment is Colonel Ivanov."

If there is a construction of a military unit with the State Flag or the Battle Banner (combat review, parade, swearing in), then the full name of the military unit (military unit) must be mentioned in the report, as well as list the orders and honorary awards assigned to it.

In move

Performing a military greeting on the move is necessary when military units meet each other. It is also performed as a tribute to:

• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Mass graves of servicemen who gave their lives for the Fatherland.
• State Russian flag.
• The battle banner of their own military unit.
• The naval flag on the ship when it is lowered and raised.
• Funeral processions that are accompanied by military units.

On site

Now about the performance of a military salute in the ranks on the spot. It is necessary in the following cases:

• Greetings from the President of the Russian Federation.
• Chairman's greeting Russian government.
• Greetings from the Minister of Defense.

When performing a military salute on the spot, the orchestra performs the State Russian anthem, as well as the composition "Counter March".

If the military unit greets its direct commander, as well as persons sent to check this military unit, who arrived to present a state award or Combat Knowledge, then the musicians play only the "Counter March".

out of formation

We continue to analyze the military greeting and the order of its implementation. When out of order (for example, during the passage of tasks or in their free time from this activity), military personnel greet their direct superiors by "Attention" or "Stand at attention".

Headquarters will welcome only direct leadership, as well as persons assigned to inspect the unit.

At meetings, in classes outside the ranks, where only officers are present, "Comrade officers" is used to greet commanders.

“Attention”, “Comrade officers”, “Stand at attention” is pronounced by the senior of the chiefs present or by one of the military personnel who first saw the superior commander.

1. At this command, all those present must stand up and turn towards the arrived chief, commander.
2. Soldiers take a stand. With the existing headdress, raise the right hand to it.
3. The eldest of all those present is obliged to approach the commander and make a report.
4. Having accepted the report, the commander (serviceman-chief) gives one of two commands: "Comrade officers" or "At ease".
5. The soldier who submitted the report must repeat this command to all those present.
6. Next, the servicemen take the command "At ease". The hand is removed from the headgear.
7. The servicemen act further on the command of the arrived commander.

Performance of the National Anthem

When playing the National Anthem, the following orders are introduced:

• Soldiers who are in the ranks must, without a command, take a combat stance. At the same time, the commander from the platoon (and above) must also attach a hand to the headgear.
• If the servicemen are out of order, when the anthem is played, they must take a combat stance. When wearing a headdress, you need to put your hand on it.

Special cases

Consider also special cases specific to the Russian army:

Command not given

The performance of a military salute in the ranks, on the move, out of formation is not always carried out. There are several cases where it is not required:

• When raising a military unit on alert, on marches, in exercises and various tactical exercises.
• At communication centers, command posts, in places of combat service (or duty).
• At the starting firing position, at the firing line during launches, as well as firing.
• During flights at military airfields.
• In continuation of work and classes in hangars, workshops, parks, laboratories. And also when performing similar work for educational purposes.
• During games and sports.
• When serving food.
• After the command "Hang up" and before the command "Rise".
• In rooms for patients.

Performing a military salute without weapons is not necessary here. In these cases, the following happens: the senior soldier reports to the arrived chief. For example: "Comrade Major! The third motorized rifle unit is performing the first exercise in target practice. The unit commander is Petrov."

If the unit is involved in a funeral procession, it also does not perform a salute.

A military salute is the observance of a special ritual for important occasions. Has its own characteristics different situations. There are cases when his work is not required.

Salutation of military honor

a form of military greeting and the provision of military honors. In the Soviet Armed Forces, according to the Charter of the Internal Service, all servicemen are obliged to salute each other; subordinates and juniors in rank salute first ( rice. ).

Honor is given by individual military personnel, as well as military units and subunits (on command) to the Mausoleum of V. I. Lenin, mass graves soldiers who fell in the battles for the freedom and independence of the Soviet Motherland, at a meeting with each other, the Banners of military units, as well as the Naval flag, funeral processions accompanied by troops. Military units and subunits, when in service, salute on command: Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Ministry of Defense of the USSR, Marshals Soviet Union and to the Admirals of the Fleet of the Soviet Union, the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Council and the Chairman of the Soviet Ministry of the Union Republic in the territory (in the waters) of which this unit is located, the Chief Marshals, army generals, marshals of the armed forces and special forces, admirals of the fleet, colonel generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to lead the conduct of the inspection review of the unit (unit). O.'s rules hours are determined by the Combat Charter of the Armed Forces of the USSR, and in the Navy, in addition, by the Ship Charter Navy USSR.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .

See what "Salute of military honor" is in other dictionaries:

One of the military rituals, a military greeting, showing respect. Edwart. Intelligent Military Marine Vocabulary, 2010 ... Marine Dictionary

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This article contains information about the history of Ancient Rome starting from 27 BC. e. Main article about the entire ancient Roman civilization Ancient Rome Roman Empire lat. Imperium Romanum other Greek Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων Ancient Rome ... Wikipedia

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A military salute or salute is a gesture or other action used to show respect by the military. The history of saluting in the army goes back hundreds of years. Military traditions different countries and times were extremely varied. Hand gestures, rifle and cannon shots, banner hoisting, headgear removal and other means were used, all to show respect and reverence.

There is a beautiful legend about the first salute.

Sir Francis Drake, the legendary sailor and pirate, in 1588, hosting the Queen of England Elizabeth (far from the standard of beauty), pretended to be blinded by her beauty, covering his eyes with his palm, and, allegedly, this tradition was born.

According to another version, more plausible, the knights raised the visor of the helmet with their unarmed hand when they met, thus greeting their comrades-in-arms. Today it is believed that the modern gesture of saluting in the army is rooted precisely in the second. Over time, putting your right hand on your headgear has become mandatory for showing respect in all regular (and not only) armies of the world.

Interesting! The modern salute of military honor comes from Great Britain, which is documented by military regulations.

How to salute in the armies of the peoples of the world: the diversity of traditions

In Britain, the military salute is a tribute to the highest-ranking officer and the Queen in whose name he acts.

Important! A prerequisite for a hand gesture, for example, is the presence of a headdress: beret, cap, etc. Without a headdress (indoors), you should stand at attention.

Prudish British etiquette puts forward the most severe requirements for the criteria for performing a salute. How to properly salute in the army, popularly explains the military regulations:

• fingers should be firmly pressed together, the thumb is located along the palm turned outward, the middle finger is to the right and slightly above the eyebrows. As a result, the center of the conditional axis of the hand must be fixed at the level of the head, and the middle finger should be approximately flush with the base of the cockade;
• salute only with the right hand;
• the position of the hand should be maintained until a response gesture follows.

During combat operations, statutory salutes are generally prohibited, mainly due to the sniper threat. At the same time, one should not forget about common sense, because the army is saturated with officers military base in a short time it will turn into a farce, if there are no exceptions here.

The salute in the French army is generally identical to the British. The armies of Australia and New Zealand also inherit the military etiquette of their former mother country. In the US Army, however, they practice saluting with a covered and uncovered head, provided that the hands are free. The Israeli army practically believes that it is not worth burdening soldiers with such rituals during barracks life, therefore it does not oblige anyone to anything.

How did they salute in the Russian army?

The Russian army was created in the European manner, adopting everything, including statutory traditions and military etiquette. Emperor Peter I, its direct creator, was guided by Prussia, Austria, Sweden and other leading military powers of that time. In the imperial army, the military salute was called a salute, and the matter was not limited to one gesture of removing the hat, the military, when meeting with a colleague or boss, had to perform a whole series of bows and squats in order to express deep respect to him, depending on social status. The location (street or room) during the salute also played an important role.

With the advent of massive headdresses in the Russian Imperial Army, such as a helmet and a shako, fastened with a strap at the chin, taking off and bowing became extremely problematic, namely long and clumsy. It was decided to abandon them, and replace them with a long-accepted salute in Europe with a bladed weapon or a movement of the hand to the headdress.

In parallel, for a long time they got along and existed, side by side different variants salute in the army. However, finally there was a need to reform and unify this part of military etiquette. Saluting by offering a hand to a headdress was gaining more and more popularity, because of its simplicity and clarity. So, the universal form of the ritual was found. Initially, among the officers, preference was given to "trump cards" with two fingers of the right hand, middle and index, the so-called "Polish" greeting, this tradition has been preserved in the Polish Army to this day. The origins of this movement are easily guessed by a simple gesture of removing the hat, when these two fingers were placed on top of the brim, and the big one supported the headdress from below.

AT Russian Empire In the second half of the 19th century, a new form of saluting by bringing a brush to the visor of a headdress became a cultural norm. However, the straightened fingers of the hand should be brought to the visor with the palm down, which was recorded in the military regulations of the 1891 edition in this way:

• banners should be saluted at attention;
• from the crew should salute, with a gesture of moving the hand to the headdress;
• to greet the chief, one should bring the brush to the headgear with straightened fingers, palm down and slightly outward, keep the elbow at shoulder level, while the gaze should be on the commander and accompany him with his eyes;
• during the salute, the military should not take off his hat to anyone.

Honor was supposed to be given to the authorities, members of the royal family, colleagues, the regimental banner, etc. All officers, and all the lower ranks without exception, had to greet each other when they met, putting their right hand to the visor.

After the revolution, the Soviet government significantly reduced the ritual of saluting in the Red Army, but retained the historical basis. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, in Russian Federation the military are faithful to traditions, therefore they teach soldiers, how to salute in the army, modeled on 1975, although the very expression "salute", due to various socio-cultural reasons, has become an anachronism and is practically not used.