• When you see a vehicle with General Officer Stars or a Colonel Rank on the license plate, you will salute the vehicle.

• When talking to an officer of superior rank, stand at attention until ordered otherwise.

• When you are dismissed, or when the officer departs, come to attention and salute.

• When speaking to or being addressed by a noncommissioned officer of superior rank, stand at parade rest until ordered otherwise.

• When an officer of superior rank enters a room, the first soldier to recognize the officer calls personnel in the room to attention but does not salute. A salute indoors is rendered only when reporting.

• When an NCO of superior rank enters the room, the first soldier to recognize the NCO calls the room to “At ease.”

• Walk on the left of an officer or NCO of superior rank.

• When entering or exiting a vehicle, the junior ranking soldier is the first to enter, and the senior in rank is the first to exit.

• When outdoors and approached by an NCO, you greet the NCO by saying, “Good morning, Sergeant,” for example.

• The first person who sees an officer enter a dining facility gives the order “At ease,” unless a more senior officer is already present. Many units extend this courtesy to senior NCOs, also.

• When you hear the command “At ease” in a dining facility, remain seated, silent and continue eating unless directed otherwise.

The salute is not simply an honor exchanged. It is a privileged gesture of respect and trust among soldiers. Remember the salute is not only prescribed by regulation but is also recognition of each other’s commitment, abilities, and professionalism.  

The salute is widely misunderstood outside the military. Some consider it to be a gesture of servility since the junior extends a salute to the senior, but we know that it is quite the opposite. The salute is an expression that recognizes each other as a member of the profession of arms; that they have made a personal commitment of self-sacrifice to preserve our way of life. The fact that the junior extends the greeting first is merely a point of etiquette—a salute extended or returned makes the same statement. 

Fort Sam Houston Bugle Call Schedule