Page 99 - MMI Cadet Manual SY2017.18
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14.3 Place of Honor
An ancient military custom dictates that juniors should always walk or sit to the left of seniors.
For centuries men fought with swords, and because most men are right-handed, the heaviest
fighting occurred on the right. The right of a battle line was the post of honor. When a senior
walks or sits to the right, he/she is symbolically filling the post of honor.
14.4 Saluting
Since antiquity, men of arms have rendered some form of salute as an exchange of greeting. In
the age of chivalry, it was common that knights were mounted and wore steel armor which
completely covered their body. When two friendly knights met, it was the custom for each to
raise his visor and expose his face to the other. This demonstration of respect was executed with
the right hand. It was a significant gesture as it exposed the features and also removed the right
hand (the sword hand) from the vicinity of the weapon.
Since MMI is a military school, saluting is an important feature of our military traditions and
customs. A smart and proud salute indicates both the attitude and the degree of military skill and
proficiency of the individual.
How to salute. The proper hand salute is rendered by raising the right hand smartly until the tip
of the forefinger touches the headdress just above and slightly to the right of the right eye. The
fingers are lined tightly together, and the thumb lies snugly along the side of the hand. The hand,
wrist, and forearm are aligned straight from the fingertips to the elbow. The upper arm (elbow to
shoulder) should be horizontal (parallel to the ground).
When rendering the hand salute, turn the head and eyes toward the person or flag being saluted.
Bring the hand to the correct position in one motion, without any preparatory movement. Hold
the salute until the person being saluted drops his/her hand, then bring the hand directly down to
its natural position at the side. Do not slap the leg or move the hand out to the side. Any flourish
in executing the salute is improper.
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