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CHARTER OF THE INTERNAL SERVICE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 14-12-93) (as amended of 18-12-2006) (2019) Actual in 2018

Military salute

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

44. Soldiers are required, in addition, to welcome:

The Battle Banner of the military unit, as well as the Naval flag with the arrival on the warship and upon departure from it;

Funeral processions accompanied by military units.

44. Military units and subunits, while in service, greet on command:

President and Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation;

Marshals of the Russian Federation, generals of the army, admirals of the fleet, colonel generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (inspection) of a military unit (unit).

To greet in the ranks at the place of the above persons, 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 110th motorized rifle regiment was built for a general regimental evening verification. The regiment commander, Colonel Petrov."

When building a military unit with a Battle Banner (at a parade, drill review, during the military oath taking, etc.), the report indicates the full name of the military unit with a list of the honorary titles and orders assigned to it. When saluting in the ranks on the move, the chief gives only a command.

46. ​​Military units and subunits also welcome on command:

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;

Mass graves of soldiers who fell in the battles for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland;

Battle Banner of a military unit, and on a warship the Naval ensign when it is raised and lowered;

Funeral processions accompanied by military units;

each other when meeting.

47. A military salute by the troops in the field on the spot, the President and Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation is accompanied by the performance of the "Oncoming March" and the National Anthem by the orchestra.

When a military unit salutes 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 order, both during classes and in their free time, military personnel of military units (subdivisions) greet their superiors at the command "Attention" or "Stand up. Attention". At headquarters and in institutions, only direct superiors and persons appointed to lead the inspection (inspection) are welcomed on command. officers." The command "Attention", "Get up. 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 arrived commander (chief) and take a combat stance, and officers, ensigns and midshipmen, with a headdress on, in addition, put their hands on it. The eldest of the present commanders (chiefs) 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 reporter repeats this command, after which all those present take the position "at ease". Officers, warrant officers and midshipmen, when wearing a headdress, lower their hand and subsequently act on the instructions of the commander (chief) who has arrived.

49. The command "Attention" or "Get up. Attention" and the report to the commander (chief) are carried out at his first visit to the military unit or unit on a given day. The command "Smirno" is given to the ship's commander each time he arrives on the ship (disembarks from the ship). In the presence of the senior commander (chief), the command for a military greeting to the junior is not given and the report is not carried out. When conducting class exercises, the command "Attention", "Stand Attention" or "Comrade Officers" is given before each lesson and at its end. The command "Attention", "Stand at attention" or "Comrade officers" before the report to the commander (chief) is given if other military personnel are present, in their absence, the commander (chief) is only reported.

50. During the performance of the National Anthem, servicemen in the ranks take a combat stance without a command, and unit commanders from a platoon and above, in addition, put their hands on their headgear. Servicemen who are out of order, during the performance of the anthem, take a combat stance, and when wearing a headdress, they put their hand to it.

51. The command to perform a military greeting to military units and subunits is not given:

When raising a military unit or subdivision on alert, on the march, as well as in tactical exercises and exercises;

At command posts, communication centers and places of combat duty (combat service);

At the firing line and the firing (starting) position during firing (launches);

At airfields during flights;

During the performance of construction, household work or work for educational purposes, as well as during classes and work in workshops, parks, hangars, laboratories;

During sports and games;

When eating and after the signal "Clear" before the signal "Rise";

In rooms for patients.

In these cases, the chief or senior only reports to the arriving chief.

For example: "Comrade Major. The 2nd motorized rifle company is performing the second firing exercise. The company commander is Captain Ilyin."

The units participating in the funeral procession do not perform the military salute.

52. At solemn meetings, conferences held in a military unit, as well as at performances, concerts and in the cinema, a command for a military greeting is not given and the commander (chief) is not reported. At general meetings of personnel for a military greeting, the command "Attention" or "Stand at attention" is given and reported to the commander (chief).

For example: "Comrade lieutenant colonel. The personnel of the battalion arrived at the general meeting. The chief of staff of the battalion, Major Ivanov."

53. When the chief or senior addresses individual servicemen, they, with the exception of the sick, take a combat stance and name their position, military rank and surname. When shaking hands, the elder gives his hand first. If the elder is not wearing gloves, the younger removes the glove from his right hand before shaking hands. Soldiers without a headgear accompany the handshake with a slight tilt of the head.

54. To the greeting of the chief or senior ("Hello, comrades"), all military personnel who are in the ranks or out of order respond: "We wish you good health"; if the chief or senior says goodbye ("Goodbye, comrades"), then the military personnel answer: "Goodbye." At the end of the answer, the word "comrade" and the military rank are added without indicating the type of troops 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 the commander (chief) in the order of service congratulates the serviceman or thanks him, then the serviceman answers the commander (chief): "I serve the Fatherland." If the commander (chief) congratulates the military unit (subdivision), it answers with a drawn-out triple "Hurrah", and if the commander (chief) thanks, the military unit (subdivision) replies: "We serve the Fatherland."

The procedure for presenting to commanders (chiefs) and persons arriving for inspection (verification)

56. Only the commander of the unit is introduced to the senior commander (chief) who arrives at the military unit. Other persons are introduced only when the senior commander (chief) directly addresses them, naming their military position, military rank and surname.

57. Military personnel introduce themselves to their immediate superiors:

When appointed to a military position;

When surrendering a military post;

When conferring a military rank;

When awarded with 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, servicemen state their military position, military rank, last name and the reason for the introduction.

For example: "Comrade major. Commander of the 1st motorized rifle company, Captain Ivanov. I introduce myself on the occasion of conferring the military rank of captain on me."

58. Officers and warrant officers newly appointed to the regiment are presented to the regiment commander and then to his deputies, and upon receipt of the appointment to the company, to the battalion commander, company commander and their deputies. The regimental commander introduces newly arrived officers to the officers of the regiment at the next meeting of officers or formation of the regiment.

59. When inspecting (checking) a military unit, its commander introduces himself to the arriving person appointed to lead the inspection (check), if he is in a military rank equal to the commander of the unit, or a rank higher than him; if the inspector (checker) is lower in rank than the commander of the military unit, then he is presented to the commander of the military unit. Before the beginning of the inspection (inspection), the commander of the military unit presents the inspecting (inspecting) commanders of the inspected (inspected) units.

60. When visiting the inspecting (checking) units, the commanders of these units meet him and report to him. If the inspector (inspector) arrives at the unit together with the commander of the military unit, then the unit commander reports to the inspector (inspector) if the latter is in the same military rank as the commander of the military unit or is higher in rank than him. If during the inspection (check) a senior commander (chief) arrives, then the commander of the military unit (unit) reports to him, and the inspector (checker) 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 branches 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 (on the ship) of the participants of the Great Patriotic War, soldiers-internationalists, veterans of the Armed Forces, honored workers of science, culture and art, representatives of public organizations of Russia, foreign states and other honored visitors, the commander of the military part (of the ship) meets them, appears to them and accompanies them without reporting. In memory of the visit to the military unit (ship), honorary visitors are presented to them for the corresponding entry in the Book of Honored Visitors (Appendix 4).

62. When military personnel arrive at a military unit (unit) to carry out certain official assignments of senior commanders (chiefs), the commander of a military unit (unit) introduces himself only as a senior in military rank. In other cases, the arrivals introduce themselves to the commander of the military unit (subdivision) and report on the purpose of their arrival.

63. All instructions of inspectors (verifiers) or military personnel performing individual official assignments of senior commanders (chiefs) are transmitted through the commander of a military unit. The named persons are obliged to inform the commander of the military unit (unit) about the results of the inspection (verification) or the performance 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.

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.

The knightly armor was replaced by another military uniform - more comfortable and lighter - and the gesture of friendliness adopted by the knights was fixed, and to this day it is important to show 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 it, by raising his hand to his eyes, the knight, taking part in the tournament for the heart of a 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

Military affairs have developed since then, and in different historical contexts. Therefore, with the essence of the military salute unchanged, in the armed forces of 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 armed forces of Russia, 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 greet. 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 the ranks, then only the guide puts his right hand 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 first to salute the junior in rank or subordinate. The rules of the charter are obligatory, and the military bears responsibility for their non-compliance.

) are the first to greet the chiefs (senior in military rank), and with an equal position, the one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered is the first to greet.

3. Military greeting. Chapter. Servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (AF of Russia) and the relationship between them. internal order. "Charter of the Internal Service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" (UVS of the Armed Forces of Russia)

Military salute previously called - salute(for example, earlier, when a ship arrived at a foreign port, with peaceful intentions or during an official visit of high-ranking foreign guests, a “salute of nations” was made), salute, saluting. In the literature there is a word - salute (Kozyrnul), to denote military salute.

History of origin. Hypotheses

Origin of the ritual military salute, some military historians, fiction writers, are associated with a greeting in general, when a hunter (defender, warrior) raised his hand empty of weapons, greeting his fellow tribesmen. Ancient engravings keep the memory of the old days, when military salute performed both with the right and left hand, as well as with two hands at the same time.

Origin from lifting the visor

Origin of the ritual military salute, other military historians, fiction writers, associated with medieval knights. Allegedly to show their nobility in the face of the enemy, the knights threw back the visor of the helmet. The characteristic movement of the hand formed the basis of modern military salute. Heavy cavalry cavalry (knights, knights) wore helmets in the Middle Ages. Many helmets had visors or masks to protect the face. When passing on the opposite side, as a gesture showing peaceful intentions, the knight raised his visor or mask. He opened his face so that the oncoming one could recognize him. This was done with the right hand, which also showed that the warrior was not ready to start the fight and had no aggressive intentions. The gesture seemed to say "there is no weapon in my right hand." Among peoples whose armed forces did not have heavy cavalry (Mongols, Indians of North America), the salute is simply a demonstration of the open right palm. Ammunition changed over time, and the gesture was transformed into a salute.

This theory does not take into account the fact that all the knights had their coats of arms on the shields, flags and clothes of their subordinates and it was not difficult to find out who it was.

romantic hypothesis

According to the romantic hypothesis, with a similar gesture, the knight covered his eyes from the dazzling beauty of the lady of the heart, who watched his performances at knightly tournaments.

Origin from holding the headdress while bowing

Military salute in different countries

In Western countries

In Western countries (which included the Russian Empire) salute was not and is not mutual military salute like a handshake, but is a symbolic gesture of respect. Actually salute(honors) or "hand salute"- this is a kind of other salutes like artillery or rifle salute.

Once I was walking down the street and saw Colonel Orlov, the newly appointed commander of the Peterhof Guards Lancers, coming towards me. Knowing his predilection for military bearing, I clearly saluted, and he just as clearly, and not waving away, as some, answered me greetings.

Wherein saluting is not produced by humans. In republican countries (for example, in the US federation) saluting as a rule, it is produced in a military unified form - one of the most important state symbols, inferior in value only to the state flag - and is a gesture of mutual recognition and belonging to one corporation, a symbol of mutual respect, therefore salute allowed only in uniform and only to a person in uniform (the exception is the president and so on, in accordance with the laws of a particular state).

giving away military honor soldier (Cossack): - If the soldier meets with the chief, who is supposed to salute, then he must, 4 steps before the boss, attach his right hand to the right side of the lower edge of the hat or cap so that the fingers are together, the palm is slightly turned outward, and the elbow is at shoulder height; while looking at the boss and following him with your eyes. When the boss passes him a step, then lower his hand.
When meeting with a boss who is supposed to salute standing in front, he, not reaching four steps to the boss, takes the last step with the foot to the side of which he should turn (that is, if you need to turn to the right, then with the right foot, and if to the left, then with the left) and another full step or several less than the other leg, during the removal of which you should turn your shoulders and body in front and then, simultaneously with putting your foot on, raise your right hand to the headdress, turning your head to the side of the boss. saluting, you should stand according to the rules of the "rack". When the boss passes him by a step, he turns in the direction he was going and, putting his left foot behind, starts moving with his left foot, lowering his right hand with the first step.
The lower ranks salute, standing in front: the Sovereign Emperor, the Sovereign Empress and all the 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.
Not standing in front, but putting only a hand to the headdress,
salute: - all headquarters and chief officers; military doctors; class officials of his regiment; reserve and retired generals, headquarters and chief officers, when they are in uniform; sub-ensigns, estandard junkers and sub-corpsmen; palace grenadiers; to all sergeants, sergeants and those commanding lower ranks to whom they are subordinate; and privates, in addition, to all non-commissioned officers, non-combatants of their senior rank and all privates with the Badge of Distinction of the military order.
If the lower rank comes with a gun or a naked saber, then for salutations he does not stand in front, but takes only four steps before the chief on his shoulder, turning his head towards him and seeing him off with his eyes; then, when the boss passes him a step, he takes a gun or a saber "at ease".
The lower rank, having some kind of burden, salutes according to the same rules; if the burden is great and both hands are occupied with it, then honor is given, following the chief with his eyes.
If a soldier stands still and the chief passes by him, then the soldier, saluting, should turn to face the boss; if the chief stands still, and the soldier passes by, then the soldier salutes not stopping, but putting only a hand to the headdress. If the lower rank sees that the boss is overtaking him, then he salutes according to the same rules, becoming, who should, to the front.
Honor is given and in the presence of a superior. If the chief, who was placed in the front, gives a sign with his hand or says to saluting continued to walk, then he turns and walks, without dropping his hands, until he passes the chief.
Soldiers must not remove their headgear for greetings whoever it was.
If the lower rank rides on a harnessed (in the Cossacks on a bridled) horse, then for salutations does not stop to the front, but takes the correct landing, puts his right hand to the headdress and, turning his head to the boss, accompanies him with his eyes; and if with a pike, then he takes it “in hand”.
If the lower rank rides on a bridled horse (that is, reins in both hands), then for salutations he does not put his right hand to the headdress, but only turns his head to the boss and follows him with his eyes. He does the same if he drives a harnessed horse.

If the lower rank leads the horse on the occasion, then for salutations goes to the other side of the horse, which is closer to the boss and takes both reins in the hand closest to the horse under its very muzzle; and in the other hand he takes the ends of the reins and turns his head to the boss.

In the Red Army, RKKF and the Red Guard

For greetings direct superiors are given the command “attention”, “alignment to the right (to the left, to the middle)”. On this command, the military personnel take a combat stance, and the unit commanders (and political officers) at the same time put their hand on the headgear and do not lower it to the command “at ease”, given by the person who gave the command “at attention”. After the given command, the senior commander approaches the arrival and, stopping three steps away from him, reports for what purpose the unit was built. Example: “comrade commander, the 4th rifle regiment for inspector shooting has been built. Regiment commander Colonel Sergeev. In the same order welcomes the direct superiors of a Red Army soldier who was appointed senior over several other Red Army soldiers. His exemplary report: “Comrade Lieutenant, the Red Army team of the 2nd division, assigned to work on the target yard, has been built. The team leader is the Red Army soldier Vasilyev.

At the meeting of the chairmen of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the Union Republics, the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and the Union Republics, the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and his deputies, the orchestra plays the anthem "The Internationale". When direct superiors meet, from the commander and military commissar of their unit and above, the orchestra performs an oncoming march. If the chief greets a unit or individual servicemen, they answer "hello." To congratulations - the military unit (subdivision) responds with a drawn-out cry " cheers", and individual military personnel - "thank you". To gratitude, the military unit and individual servicemen answer: "we serve (serve) the Soviet Union." At parting - they answer "goodbye."

Salutation of military honor

18. All military personnel are obliged to salute each other when meeting (overtaking), strictly observing the rules established by the Military Regulations. Subordinates and juniors salute first.

19. Soldiers are required, in addition, to salute:

Mausoleum of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin;

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;

To the mass graves of soldiers who fell in the battles for the freedom and independence of our Motherland;

Combat banners of military units, as well as the Naval ensign upon arrival on the warship and upon departure from it;

Funeral processions accompanied by troops.

Federal period

The rules of military salute in the Armed Forces of Russia are also obligatory for citizens dismissed from military service, when they wear military uniforms.

In modern army jargon, you can periodically hear the expression salute, however, taking into account the irreversible changes in the class structure of society, as well as the transformation of the military salute from ceremony to modern tribute to tradition, the expression is a rarely used anachronism. The commanding staff of the army does not approve of this expression, and when it is used, a critical remark may follow: "A woman in bed gives honor" or "You will give honor around the corner."

Decree of the President of Russia dated November 10, 2007 No. 1495 (as amended on July 29, 2011) "On the Approval of General Military Regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation"(together with the Charter of the Internal Service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Disciplinary Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Charter of the Garrison and Guard Services of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation)

Military salute

46. Military salute is the embodiment of the comradely unity of military personnel, evidence of mutual respect and a manifestation of politeness and good breeding.
All servicemen are required to meet (overtake) to greet each other, observing the rules established by the Combat Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Subordinates (younger in military rank) welcome the first chiefs (senior in military rank), and with an equal position, the first welcomes one who considers himself more polite and well-mannered.
47. Military personnel are required to comply military salute paying tribute to:

• the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the Battle Banner of the military unit, as well as the Naval Flag at each arrival on the ship and departure from the ship;

48. Military units and subunits, while in service, greet on command:

• President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation;
• marshals of the Russian Federation, generals of the army, admirals of the navy, colonel-generals, admirals and all direct superiors, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (inspection) of a military unit (unit).

For greetings in the ranks at the place of the indicated persons, the senior commander gives the command “QUIETLY, 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 general regimental evening verification. Regiment commander Colonel Orlov.
When building a military unit with the State Flag of the Russian Federation and a Battle Banner (at a parade, drill review, during taking the Military  oath (taking an obligation), etc.), the full name of the military unit is indicated in the report, listing the honorary titles and orders assigned to it .
At greetings in the ranks on the move, the chief gives only a command.
49. Military units and divisions welcome at each other's command at a meeting, and also perform military salute paying tribute to:

• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
• mass graves of soldiers who fell 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. Military salute troops in service on the spot, 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 of the "Oncoming March" and the National Anthem of the Russian Federation by the orchestra.
At greetings military unit of direct superiors from the commander of his military unit and above, as well as persons appointed to lead the inspection (inspection), the orchestra performs only the "Counter March".
51. When out of order, both during classes and in their free time, military personnel of military units (subdivisions) welcome chiefs on the command "Attention" or "Stand up. Quietly."
at the headquarters welcome on command only direct superiors and persons appointed to manage the inspection (inspection).
In classes outside the ranks, as well as at meetings at which only officers are present, for military salute commanders (chiefs) the command "Comrade officers" is given.
Teams "Quietly", "Get up. Attention” or “Comrade Officers” is served 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 arrived commander (chief) and take a combat stance, and when wearing a headdress, in addition, they put their hand on it.
The eldest of the present commanders (chiefs) approaches the arriving commander (chief) and reports to him.
The arriving commander (chief), having accepted the report, gives the command “FRIENDLY” or “COMRADE OFFICERS”, and the reporter repeats this command, after which all those present assume the position “at ease”, with the headgear on, lower their hand from the headgear and then act according to instructions of the arrived commander (chief).
52. Giving the command “Attention” or “Stand up. Smirno” and a report to the commander (chief) are carried out at his first visit to a military unit or unit on a given day. The command "Smirno" is given to the commander of the ship each time he arrives on the ship (disembarks from the ship).
In the presence of a senior commander (chief), a command for military salute the younger one is not submitted and the report is not produced.
When conducting classroom lessons, the teams “Quietly”, “Stand up. Attention” or “Comrade Officers” are served before the start of each lesson and at the end of it.
Teams "Quietly", "Get up. Attention" or "Comrade officers" before the report to the commander (chief) are served if other military personnel are present, in their absence, the commander (chief) is only reported.
53. During the performance of the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, military personnel in the ranks take a combat stance without a command, and unit commanders from a platoon and above, in addition, put their hands on their headgear.
Servicemen who are out of order, during the performance of the National Anthem of the Russian Federation, take a combat stance, and when wearing a headgear, they put their hand to it.
54. Command to execute military salute military units and divisions are not served:

• when raising a military unit (unit) on alert, on the march, as well as in tactical exercises and exercises;
• at control posts, communication centers and in places of combat duty (combat service);
• at the firing line and the firing (starting) position during firing (launches);
• at airfields during flights;
• during classes and work in workshops, parks, hangars, laboratories, as well as when performing work for educational purposes;
• during sports and games;
• when eating and after the signal "Clear" before the signal "Rise";
• in rooms for patients.

In these cases, the commander (chief) or senior only reports to the arrived chief. For example: “Comrade Major. The 1st motorized rifle company is performing the second firing exercise. Company commander Captain Ilyin.
Units participating in the funeral procession, military salute do not perform.
55. At solemn meetings, conferences in a military unit, as well as at performances, concerts and in the cinema, a team for military salute is not served and the commander (chief) is not reported.
At general staff meetings for military salute the command "QUIET" or "STAND UP" is given. SMIRNO" and reported to the commander (chief).
56. When the chief or senior addresses individual servicemen, they, with the exception of the sick, take a combat stance and give their military position, military   rank and surname. When shaking hands, the elder gives his hand first. If the elder is not wearing gloves, the younger removes the glove from his right hand before shaking hands. Soldiers without a headgear accompany the handshake with a slight tilt of the head.
57. On greetings chief or senior (“Hello, comrades”), all military personnel who are in the ranks or out of order answer: “We wish you good health”; if the chief or senior says goodbye ("Goodbye, comrades"), then the military personnel answer: "Goodbye." At the same time, the word “comrade” and the 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 sergeant”, “We wish you good health, comrade midshipman”, “Goodbye, comrade lieutenant”.
58. If the commander (chief) in the order of service congratulates the serviceman or thanks him, then the serviceman answers the commander (chief): "I serve the Russian Federation."
If the commander (chief) congratulates the military personnel of the military unit (unit) who are in the ranks, they answer with a drawn-out triple “ Hooray”, and if the commander (chief) thanks them, the military personnel answer: “We serve the Russian Federation”.

Military salute when ships meet

647. Military salute when meeting ships at sea or in the roadstead during daylight hours, it is performed in the following order:
a) at the meeting of warships sailing under the State flag of the Russian Federation, the Naval flag or the flag of the Federal Border Service, the signals "Entry" and "Executive" are played on the ships.
The signal "Entrance" is played at the moment when the stems of the ships are equal, while the first signal "Entrance" is played on the ship of the lowest rank or under the flag (braid pennant) of the junior (subordinate) chief. At this signal, everyone who is not busy with the service and located on the upper deck turns to face the passing ship and takes the position “Attention”, and the officers, midshipmen and foremen of the contract service, in addition, put their hand to the headgear.
The “Executive” signal is played first on a ship sailing under the flag (braid pennant) of the senior commander;
b) when warships of the same rank meet or march under the flags or braid pennants of equal officials, the signals “Entrance” and “Executive” are played simultaneously on both ships;
c) when warships meet with support vessels, the “Entrance” signal is played first on the support vessels.
On ships where there are no buglers, the "Setting" signal is replaced by a single sound signal with a medium-length hand whistle, and "Executive" with two short signals with a hand whistle.
648. The seniority of commanders of formations is declared by order of the commander of the fleet (flotilla), and the seniority of commanders of divisions and commanders of ships - by orders of commanders of formations.
649. Military salute officials when meeting with them at sea or in the roadstead is carried out if they are on a ship (boat) under the flag assigned to them (braid pennant) and if the distance to the ship (boat) does not exceed 2 cables.
650. When meeting a ship of the Navy with ships of civil departments of the Russian Federation and non-military ships of foreign states, if these ships greet the warship by lowering the stern flag, that is, they salute the flag, at the command of the watch officer, they are answered by a single lowering of the Naval flag for one one third of the length of the flagpole (halyard).
When saluting, the flag is slowly lowered to half-mast and also slowly raised.

Even those people who are very far from the army and military service and have nothing to do with it are well aware military greeting ritual. Speaking in the language of encyclopedias, a military greeting is a greeting of military personnel or formations of the Armed Forces of different countries, established in accordance with the governing documents.

A military greeting is referred to military rituals, traditions or military etiquette. Previously, a military greeting was also called a salute, saluting, saluting, it can also be denoted by the word "trump". At the same time, there are a sufficient number of hypotheses for the emergence of this army ritual.

According to one version military greeting came to us from the Middle Ages, being a knightly tradition. Meeting with each other, the knights raised the visor of their helmets with a movement of their hands to show that a friend’s face was hidden under it (this version does not take into account the fact that all knights had their coats of arms on shields, clothes, flags, this was enough to the friend was able to identify the friend).

According to another version raising the visor of the helmet, they demonstrated their peaceful intention. This was done with the right hand to show that the knight is not yet ready to start the fight and does not have aggressive intentions. Such a gesture, as it were, said that "there is no weapon in my right hand now."

At the same time, among peoples who were deprived of heavily armed cavalry (Mongols, Indians who inhabited North America), the salute consisted in a simple demonstration of an open right hand. The most romantic version of the appearance of a military greeting is also attributed to the era of chivalry. With this gesture, the knight at the tournament covered his eyes, protecting himself from the dazzling beauty of the beautiful lady of the heart, who was watching his performance.

But, most likely, the military greeting in the form in which it is known to us today appeared in Great Britain. The version that such a greeting originated in the British Isles in the 18th century is documented by military regulations. In those years, in many armies of the world, junior military ranks, greeting seniors in rank, took off their hat or other headgear. This was the case in the UK, but over time, headgear, especially in elite units, became very cumbersome, so that the greeting was reduced to the usual raising of the hand to the headdress and touching the visor.

The greeting known to all of us first took shape in 1745 in the regiment of the Coldstream Guards - the elite unit of the personal guard of the Queen of England. At the same time, the ammunition of the military was constantly changing, and the gesture was slightly transformed.

Over time, even the very touch of the headdress with the hand disappeared. According to one version, the replacement of removing the headgear by simply bringing the hands to them may be associated not only with heavy and bulky headdresses, but also with the widespread use of firearms. The first samples of small arms could hardly be called perfect. The hands of the soldiers almost always turned out to be stained with soot, since they needed to set fire to the oppression of muskets, their hands also got dirty when reloading small arms. Thus, dirty hands in soot could cause damage to the headdress when trying to take it off to greet.

Military salute in the UK

At the same time, in a military greeting of any army in the world, they do not lower their eyes and do not bow their heads, which speaks of mutual honor, regardless of ranks, ranks or ranks. There is also no question of which hand salutes in the army. Always right. At the same time, the hand gesture itself and the turn of the palm may differ slightly in different countries of the world.

For example, starting from the 19th century in the British army, the hand raised to the right eyebrow was turned palm outward. Such a greeting has been preserved in the army and the Air Force, at the same time in the Royal Navy since the days of sailing ships, when the sailors' hands were stained with tar and tar, and it was unworthy to show dirty palms, during the military salute the palm was turned down. Exactly the same greeting was adopted in France.

In the American army, the greeting could have been taken from the English navy. At the same time, in the USA, during a military salute, the palm is turned down, and the hand, which is extended slightly forward, as if covers the eyes from the sun. In the army of Italy, the palm is carried over the front of the visor.

For many, it may come as a revelation that in the German army during the Second World War, soldiers and officers did not at all “ziggle” right and left, as can often be seen in feature films. In parts of the Wehrmacht, throughout almost the entire war, a standard military salute was adopted with the right hand raised to the head, which was spelled out in the charter. The introduction of the party or Nazi greeting in the Wehrmacht took place only on July 24, 1944, immediately after the unsuccessful assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler, which was organized by the officers.

In the Russian Empire, until 1856, the military greeting was performed not with the whole palm, but only with the index and middle fingers. To this day, such a greeting has been preserved in the armed forces of Poland. Starting from 1856, after the end of the Crimean War, in the army of tsarist Russia, and then the Soviet Army and the modern Russian army, a military greeting is given with the whole palm. At the same time, the middle finger looks at the temple, slightly touching the visor of the uniform cap. From here, by the way, synonyms for saluting military honor or military salutation arose - to salute, salute, etc.

At present, the rules of military greeting in the Russian Federation are also obligatory for persons who have already been dismissed from military service, when they wear military uniforms. In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, a military salute is performed with closed fingers of the right hand, the brush is straightened. Unlike the armies of some other states, with an uncovered head, a military greeting in the Russian army is performed without raising a hand by adopting a military position.

Military salute in Poland

When moving in formation, a military greeting is carried out as follows: the leader puts his hand to the headdress, and the formation presses his hands at the seams. All together they move to the front step and turn their heads as they pass by the commanding officers they meet. When passing towards units or other military personnel, it is enough that the military greeting is performed by the guide.

At the same time, in the Russian army, when meeting, a junior in rank is obliged to first greet a senior in rank, and a senior in rank may perceive the failure to perform a military greeting during a meeting as an insult. In the absence of a headdress on a soldier, the greeting is performed by turning the head and adopting a combat position (the body is straightened, arms at the seams).

But not in all countries, a military greeting to seniors in rank is the duty of a soldier. For example, in modern units of the Israel Defense Forces, the salutation procedure at the sight of a senior in rank is mandatory only during the course of a young fighter. In all other cases, a military salute is not an obligation, but is the right of a soldier. In parallel with this, prisoners of Israeli military prisons (an analogue of the domestic guardhouse) are deprived of this right at all.

Military greeting in Russia

In all countries, the military salute is given exclusively with the right hand.. The question of in which state the honor is saluted with the left hand usually arises when high-ranking government officials, through inexperience or oversight, violate the rules of military salute, which are either an unshakable tradition or enshrined in charters. A serious difference in a military greeting can be called not with which hand they salute, but only the presence or vice versa the absence of a headdress on a soldier during this military ritual.

The well-known today expression “they don’t lay a hand on an empty head” in Russia is usually remembered in the same context as the tradition of military salute in the United States. In the US Army, the presence of a headdress on a soldier when bringing his hand to his head is not mandatory. Historians justify this difference as follows. During the civil war of the North and South (1861-1865), the northerners won. History, as you know, is written by the winners, who form certain traditions. Unlike the Confederate army, the Union army that won the war was made up primarily of volunteers. Many of these volunteers, especially in the early stages of the war, were dressed in civilian clothes. From this we can conclude that the rank and file of the army of the northerners sometimes did not have hats at all - hence the tradition of a military greeting, regardless of whether the soldier is wearing a hat or not.

US military salute

At the same time, the military greeting, which looks organically in peacetime, fades into the background or even further during hostilities. In many conflicts of the 20th century, statutory conventions and military subordination posed a danger to the lives of senior officers. In popular culture, this is well reflected in the American films Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump, in which there are episodes when soldiers are reprimanded by more experienced comrades for giving a military salute to their commanders. During combat operations, this helps enemy shooters and snipers to determine a priority target for themselves.

Many people probably know that they don’t put a hand on an empty head (without a headdress). This can be found in almost any war film. Where did the trump card of the military and why you can't put your hand on an empty head?

One of the most likely versions of the trump card is this. Medieval knights, who were, as you know, professional soldiers, wore not only iron armor, but also the same helmets that completely covered their faces during the battle. If the knight did not want to fight, that is, he showed peaceful intentions, then he opened his face - raised his visor. This sign, when the hand is raised to the head, has become 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 just 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 lift them (shako, caps with cockades, hats). And the hands of the military were not always able to lift colorful hats without damage and soiling. 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 the hat.

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

First, it's pointless. Raise your hand to take off a headdress that is not there? This is nonsense, given the history of the origin of the trump card.

But there is a more important reason, which is especially important for the Russian army (and the armies of some countries). Putting his hand to his empty head, the soldier, instead of expressing his respect and obedience to the commander, actually offends him. In general, appearing before the commander without a headgear is already a violation of the charter, which already speaks of saluting. Soldiers (and other military personnel) can be without a headgear (and without a military uniform) during sleep, meals, worship, and so on, that is, in “worldly” life.

The third reason why it is impossible to salute without military equipment (caps, caps) is that this is directly written in the Charter of the Armed Forces. "The right hand must be attached to the headdress, and the left lowered at the seams." That is, in other cases, you can not put your hand.

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

The question arises: why did this tradition “survive” in the Russian army - to salute only in a headdress. 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 the palm to the eyes to see something.