An Cosantóir

| 27 SALUTING Continued Taken from the Manual of Foot Drill Part 1, Section 5 Saluting on fatigue duty, or otherwise incompletely dressed or when carrying anything other than his rifle which would prevent his using his right arm, will, if standing, come to attention as an officer passes him. If walking, he will turn his head smartly towards the officer in passing him, keeping his disengaged hand (or hands) by his side. 80. Exceptions. 76. Saluting when meeting an officer. (a) When a soldier meets an officer, he will salute on the third pace before reaching him and cut away his hand to the side on the third pace after passing him. (b) Recruits will be practised in marching, two or three together, saluting points being placed on either side. When several men are together, the nearest man to the point, will give the time. They will be practised in saluting officers when meeting them. 77. Saluting when sitting. A soldier, if sitting when an officer approaches, will stand to attention facing the officer and salute. If two or more men are sitting or standing about, the senior NCO or soldier will face the officer, call the whole party to attention and he alone will salute. In the absence of a NCO, the soldier who first sees an officer will bring the party to attention and salute. 78. Saluting before addressing an officer. (a) Before a soldier addresses an officer, he will halt two paces in front of him and salute, as for saluting to the front, judging the time. He will also salute before withdrawing. (b) When bringing a written message to an officer, the soldier will carry it in his left hand and after saluting transfer it to his right hand before handing it to the officer. 79. Saluting when without cap or tunic. A soldier without cap or tunic, or with tunic undone as when (a) Salutes and Honours are not normally given by troops actively engaged in training. A man in the ranks on parade does not salute if directly addressed but comes to the position of attention unless already in that position. (b) Soldiers actually at work are not required to cease work to salute an officer unless addressed by him. (c) In public conveyances, e.g., trains and in such places as theatres, hotels, etc., salutes may be omitted when inappropriate. (d) Soldiers at meals, on being visited by an officer, will stop eating and talking and will remain seated. 81. Compliments when National Anthem is being played. When the National Anthem is being played and members of the Defence Forces are present, they will stand to attention facing towards the music. If in uniform and wearing headdress, they will salute at the first note and remain at the salute until the last note of the Anthem. If the Flag is displayed during the playing of the National Anthem, they will face in that direction and not towards the music. If in civilian attire, they will uncover instead of saluting, holding the head-dress opposite the left shoulder. In very inclement weather the head-dress may be held slightly raised. If present under the command of an officer, NCO or man they will be called to attention and the commander will salute. All officers will salute when the unit to which they belong is called to attention. www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

• Cover