Is there a sensible reason why it is against the rules for a soldier to salute if he doesn't have a cap on?

Question

A question for the British forces

Answer 1

It's a matter of tradition. Saluting originated from the time Knights wore heavy armor. When 2 knights approached one another it was customary for them to lift their visors, this was also a sign of trust between two knights since they were uncovering their most vital spot (their head).

Knights were pretty much the equivalent of officers (high ranking officers) today, and the tradition has been passed to modern military. To salute without a cover is silly if you understand it's history.

Answer 2

Most of the answers so far (with the exception of crookmatt's) are way wide of the mark. It's nothing to do with being improperly dressed - there are times when soldiers are not required to wear one - being indoors, for a start.

The military salute is a symbolic "raising of the hat". Soldiers used to raise their hat to the king on seeing an officer (who represented the King), and the officer would return the compliment (a basic rule of etiquette) on the King's behalf.

Officers began to complain that their hats were becoming dirty and scruffy (officers paid for their own uniforms) by continually being doffed and donned, and eventually the Guards Division changed the rules. Now, a soldier only touches the hat symbolically.

If he's not wearing his hat, a soldier can pay respect in other ways - usually by coming to attention (this can be done even when walking), and giving an "eyes left or right".

Answer 3

Well it's kinda sensible...in the US Army as a soldier, Saluting has more to do with militay respect and when it is rendered as opposed to when you do or do not have a cap on. Army Regs perscribe that you do not have to salute when on a work detail or during a meal, there are occasions when you do have to salute and you dont have a cap on, one of which is when you are reporting to the CO etc...

Answer 4

In the British Army the rules and regulations regarding drill and saluting etc are divised by the Guards Division - Grenadier Guards etc.

Back in the late 18th Century and into the Regency, British Army regiments displayed a mish-mash of assorted drills and saluting.

Drill/saluting etc was standardised throughout the British Army by the Guards Division.


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Answer 5

Most of the above sensilbe answers are true, it's about wearing the uniform. However, even without the uniform, the soldier, sailor or airman is still required to stand (or sit!) to attention in the presence of a commissioned rank senior to themselves. This applies in all situations, even when wearign civilian clothes. This is the same as a salute in terms of respect for authority.

Answer 6

Not exactly sure what supersix is saying?

What the soldier is actually doing is saluting the Queen, the Officer being the Queens representative, but only when both are properly dressed in the Queens uniform.

Answer 7

Because they are improperly dressed and therefore are not wearing the Queen's uniform.

One does not wear headwear indoors - therefore saluting indoors is not required - unless one is going before a disciplinary hearing (ie Captains table) or on official business in which case headwear is worn and salute is required.

Answer 8

As conranger stated, he/she would be out of uniform, the cap is a part a soldiers uniform. If the solder is not uniform and is in civilian clothing, he/she is not required to saulte an officer

Answer 9

i cant believe no one knows this? it's because you salute the rank,not the person. no headress to complete the rank,,no salute.

Answer 10

Yes, without the cap on his head, he is technicaly OUT of uniform.