How come American service man salute without there caps on?

Answer 1

*sigh*
Depending on the service branch and the specifics of the duty station, the proper protocols for saluting vary. In the Navy, under certain circumstances, saluting indoors, without a cover, is appropriate.
In general, the standard protocols for saluting are:

Enlisted personnel salute officers.
Junior officers salute senior officers when meeting or passing.
When several officers are being saluted, all shall return the salute.
When overtaking a senior officer (passing), salute when abreast, while saying “By your leave, sir or ma’am.” The senior officer should return your salute and say, “carry-on,” “very well,” or “permission granted.” You may then drop the salute and proceed.

Do NOT Salute:
When uncovered (not wearing your “cover” /hat); indoors
When carrying articles in both hands
When in public conveyances or when obviously inappropriate
When in public places and where inappropriate (theaters, hotels, restaurants, etc.)

These rules can vary, and each specific branch/unit may follow amended protocols.

DD '73

Answer 2

There are only three situations in which a US Armed Forces member sulute when not wearing cover (always indoors):

1. When recieving an award from a Commanding Officer. In this situation the room is called to attention as the CO enters and the room will stay at the position of attention until the CO tells the room to stand at ease or be seated.
2. When an enlisted member or officer is taking the Oath of Enlistment. Much the same as number one.
3. When formally reporting to an officers desk. Usually this is only done when someone is being punished and is in their Full Service Dress. That's how it's done in the Air Force anyways.

The only time cover is not worn is in designated no-cover/no-salute areas. In these areas, usually flightlines or some large overhangs, members DO NOT salute.

Answer 3

Well, I see there are lots of opinions on this matter. Some even say they are right and others are wrong.....get the hint Grizzley?
There are times when a salute without headgear is correct.
26 years service here, and still serving......one example is working on a flight line. I've saluted more times than I can count WITHOUT a cover to departing and arriving aircraft on the flight line.
One rule of thumb about saluting......if in doubt, salute! Its better to be corrected about rendering salutes, than get chewed for not rendering.

Answer 4

A salute is only rendered with covers on. You see in the movies and on TV service people saluting without hats but that is totally inaccurate. Salutes are only done outdoors with caps on.

Answer 5

The only situations I know of where a salute is offered without wearing headgear (inside) are:

1. When reporting to the commander in her (or his) office. Even then, if the commander is not seated behind the desk to formally receive the subordinate...as salute is not offered.

2. When receiving an award or decoration from an officer (on stage...or in a formal presentation). In that case, once the award is presented it is customary to salute.

All other times, salutes are redered outdoors--and while wearing headgear.

Answer 6

First of all - "How comes American service men salute without their caps on?" is what I think you mean. US Service personal are required to salute whilst "under arms" ie they are carrying a side- or long-arm, or whilst "under cover" ie they are wearing a helmet, cap, forrage cap, beret etc. Generally, it is considered inappropriate to salute whilst neither of these conditions applies.

Answer 7

An American serviceman who salutes another without his headgear on is violating military courtesy, evidently because his boot camp training didn't take.
Military courtesy and regulations require that personnel of lower ranks(enlisted) salute those of officer ranks, and officers salute each other, when outdoors and "covered"(wearing their headgear, a required part of their uniforms). This is also required indoors when personnel are "under arms"(carrying weapons) at which time they must keep their headgear on while standing, not when seated, at a desk or dining table.
One does NOT salute without their cover on, unless things have changed since I got out(which I seriously doubt)

Answer 8

I found this very intresting I often wondered why we have seen US military on the tv or films salute without headgear but I amazed how some of the answers from ex serviceman denied this.

Answer 9

Where have you seen this?
A salute is generally only offered outside with head gear on.
If a soldier is in a "no head gear no salute zone" He or she might forget and salute anyway. Salutes are also offered in ceremony and to medal of honor recipients who return salutes with or with out uniform on.

to above poster. Head gear is always worn outside in the military execpt while under cover, on detail, or in "no head gear zones." Respect to an officer is given by the salute an not removal of headgear.

Answer 10

If I remember correctly ONLY the Navy does not salute INDOORS (except in formation or some other special circumstance) and NEVER without a COVER on.
As an American vet, I, and many others, feel we have earned the right to salute in civilian clothes when we have a hat/cover on or not. Just this past Saturday, I stopped, stood at attention and saluted one of our MARINES' finest and added, "God bless you, Marine!" and he saluted back and replied, "Thank you, sir."
(USN/in-country Viet Nam vet/retired)