An Cosantóir

tac aide- saluting | 25 SALUTING While the origin of the hand salute is uncertain, many historians believe it began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Knights in armour raised visors with the right hand when meeting a comrade. This practice gradually became a way of showing respect and in the early 1820s, the motion was modified to touching the hat and since then it has become the hand salute. In the Defence Forces only officers are saluted, and the salute is to the commission they carry. Taken from the Manual of Foot Drill Part 1, Section 5 Saluting - Preliminary Instructions 72. Every soldier owes respect to his superiors of whatever rank. He owes this respect on and off duty and he owes it to superiors in units other than his own. The salute is the definite and particular expression of this respect. In order to instil this respect for the superior, the recruit must be thoroughly drilled in saluting from the earliest moment of his instruction. He must be taught to regard the salute as an act indicating recognition of the bond between him and the superior, a declaration that he is at the orders of his superior in case of need. The salute has nothing servile in its character, but is, on the contrary, a symbol of manly co-operation in a common service. paying compliments, order his party to march to attention and will give the command 'Dearcaig fó dheis/chlé!' ('Eyes right/left!'), he himself saluting at the same time. (d) Officers and other ranks in civilian clothes will render and acknowledge salutes by raising the head-dress. (e) When addressing the Sergeant-Major or Company Sergeant on parade, a soldier will halt smartly in front of him at the 'Slope', or 'Order', if armed, or if unarmed in the position of attention. (f) If a number of men are walking together and not under the command of an officer or NCO all will salute, the time being taken from the man nearest to the officer. 73. As a smart salute is the indication of the subordinate's confidence in his superior, so that superior must show that he is conscious of that confidence by the manner in which he acknowledges the salute. Officers must be careful to display no slackness in this respect, even when wearing civilian clothes. The salute is a professional bond between soldiers and therefore should exhibit a soldierly character on both sides. A military subordinate must address his superior with respect and politeness but without nervousness or servility. A military superior must address his subordinate firmly but without pompousness or stiffness. Any familiarity of address is undesirable. 75. SALUTING WITHOUT ARMS Saluting – 'CÚIRTÉIS – AON' (SALUTE - ONE) (a) Bring the right hand smartly with a circular motion to the head, palm turned downwards, fingers extended and close together, point of the forefinger touching the peak of the cap (or lower edge of forage cap or Glengarry) over the right eye, thumb close to the forefinger, elbow in line and square with the shoulder. "DO" (TWO) Cut away the arm straight down to the side. (b) "JUDGING THE TIME - SALUTE" As before. After a pause equal to two paces in quick time, cut away the arm to the side. 74. GENERAL NOTES ON SALUTING (a) The President, the Taoiseach and other Members of the Government will be saluted by all ranks. (b) Officers or soldiers meeting troops with uncased Standard or Colours will halt and salute the Standard or Colours. (c) An officer or NCO in charge of a party on the move will, in NOTE: (i) When saluting to the right (left) the head will be turned smartly to the right (left) and turned smartly to the front as the arm is cut away to the side. (ii) When saluting on the move, the left arm will be as in the position of attention. www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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