Solider's Courtesy
One of the first things that a soldier should learn upon entering the service is proper military conduct. This is nothing more than the military way of performing the courtesies required from a well-bred man, giving much to his credit as the observance to ordinary rules of common politeness.
The following regulations should be strictly observed, and their faithful performance will add much to the reputation of a company or regiment:
The following regulations should be strictly observed, and their faithful performance will add much to the reputation of a company or regiment:
- When a soldier without arms [musket], or with side arms only, meets an officer, he is to salute the officer by raising his right hand to the right side of the visor of his cap, palm to the front, elbow raised as high as the shoulder, looking at the same time in a respectful and soldierly manner at the officer, who will return the compliment thus offered.
- When a soldier with arms [musket] meets an officer, he will salute the officer by bringing the musket to shoulder arms, and bringing the left hand across the body, so as to strike the musket near the right shoulder, palm down looking at the same time in a respectful and soldierly manner at the officer, who will return the compliment thus offered.
- Sergeants carrying swords will salute by bringing their sword to present arms.
- When a soldier being seated, and without particular occupation, meets an approaching officer, he will rise and make the customary salutation. If standing, he will turn towards the officer and make the customary salutation. If the parties remain in the same place or the same ground, such compliments need not be repeated.
- When a soldier is employed in any work, they are not expected to discontinue their employment to salute.
- When a soldier is marching or in ranks, they do not salute, unless ordered to at the time.
- When a soldier addresses an officer, or is spoken to by one, he should salute. Upon completion of receiving an answer or communication from the officer, he should again salute before turning away.
- When a soldier enters an officer's quarters armed, he simply makes the required salute, and does not take off his cap. Without arms, or with side arms only, he should remove his cap and stand in the position of a soldier while he delivers the message or communication in as few words as possible, to the point, and in a respectful and soldierly manner. He should remain standing in the position of a soldier until invited to sit down.
- When soldiers are in a room and an officer enters, they should rise and remain standing until invited to sit down.
- A mounted soldier should always dismount if the officer he wishes to address is dismounted. A mounted soldier passing an officer should salute with his hand, except when his saber is drawn, and then he salutes with the saber.
- At guard post - salute all officers who pass near the post by means to halt and face outward towards him. If the officer is the rank of Captain or below, stand at "carry arms" until the officer is passed. If the officer is the rank of Major or above, or Officer-of-the-Day, or the Commanding Officer, the sentinel must "present arms".