Origin

• The salute originated in ancient Rome where individuals would raise their hands in the air, with their palms forward, to show that they were friendly and unarmed. This evolved into the salute that we know today.
  
  

Features

• Military personnel salute when the national anthem is played. They also salute to "Hail to the Chief," "Ruffles and Flourishes," "To the Colors," when uncased standards or national colors pass by, in all official greetings, at ceremonial occasions, at "Reveille," if the soldier is in sight of the colors or the sound of music, and when encountering an officer. Soldiers also salute when the national anthems of other countries is played, as well as saluting foreign officers, according to Military-net.com.
  
  

Identification

• A soldier salutes at an oncoming superior when that person is six steps away. The junior military person initiates the salute and holds it until it is acknowledged, at which time she can drop her hand to her side.
  
  

When You Don't Have to Salute

• A soldier does not have to salute when he is driving a vehicle, engaged in athletics or a work detail.
  
  

Non-Military

• A non-military person should not salute a military person because the salute is a gesture of brotherhood and is shared between those in the military or who were in the military at one time and earned this honor. A non-military person should put his hand over his heart, according to flag code, when the national anthem is played or when the flag passes. This is custom, not law.
  
  

Execution

• Proper saluting involves raising the right hand sharply, with thumbs and fingers extended while joined, according to the Commissioned Corps Personnel Team. The hand and wrist are straight and the tip of the index finger touches the lower part of your forehead or headdress. Your saluting hand is situated slightly above the right eye. Your right upper arm is horizontal to the floor, and your right forearm is inclined at 45 degrees.