Posted on Jan 16, 2019
SSG(P) Senior Driver/ Protocol Nco
27K
33
13
2
2
0
Avatar feed
Responses: 8
TSgt John Marshall
8
8
0
When your right arm is misding or incapacitated. Otherwise there are only two positions in the US military that have authorization to salute left handed as part of their duty: the drum major of the Army Fife and Drum Corps and a Boatswain's Mate.
(8)
Comment
(0)
SSG(P) Senior Driver/ Protocol Nco
SSG(P) (Join to see)
6 y
What about saluting a passing officer while holding a unfurled unit guidon?
(2)
Reply
(0)
TSgt John Marshall
TSgt John Marshall
6 y
SSG(P) (Join to see) TC 3-21.5 shows you the individual guidon salute. It is only accomplished when carrying the guidon and not in formation.
(3)
Reply
(0)
CAPT Kevin B.
CAPT Kevin B.
6 y
The Boats will only use the left hand for saluting while performing "Tending the Side". He/she'll fall in the last outboard position and pipe "Alongside" and "Over the Side". I've seen a number of left handed pipers so the right hand is used for saluting. It's a tradition going way back to wood days where the pipe's shrill could be heard over rough seas and action stations. I do recall the pipe isn't a slam dunk to learn to do right. I've heard great talent and sewer grating efforts during my time.
(1)
Reply
(0)
SCPO William Akin
SCPO William Akin
6 y
CAPT Kevin B. - Meaning no disrespect Capt. its a Boatswains 'Call'..
It used to give me sadistic pleasure piping reveille when I had the 04-0800.. For an extra bit of 'feel good' I'd "accidentally" switch on the Officers Country circuit. Guaranteed ass chewing but worth it..
V/R
BMCS, Ret.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Retention Operations Nco
7
7
0
Of you're missing a right hand, or hoping to lose it.
(7)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CWO3 Us Marine
5
5
0
rifle salute when at order arms and hand salute when left arm is missing or incapacitated
(5)
Comment
(0)
CWO3 Us Marine
CWO3 (Join to see)
>1 y
should have said right arm, I recall a MSgt from Nam or earlier in Engrs when I was a boot that saluted with his left in Japan.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close