Describe the basic hand salute posture used by U.S. military personnel.

• A. Left hand over the heart.
• B. Right hand raised with fingers extended.
• C. Arm extended horizontally at the shoulder.
• D. Right hand raised with fingers and thumb extended, palm at roughly a 45-degree angle, fingertips touching the eyebrow/forehead area; arm in line with the body.

Answer: (D)

The essential posture is a precise, formal gesture with the right hand. The hand is raised to the temple or forehead with fingers and thumb extended and joined, the fingertips touching the eyebrow area, the palm angled about 45 degrees toward the face, and the forearm kept in line with the body. This specific alignment and contact signal respect and is the standardized way troops greet officers or participate in ceremonial moments. Other gestures don’t fit the formal salute: placing a hand over the heart is for the pledge or national anthem, simply lifting the right hand without the exact fingertip location and angle isn’t the military salute, and extending the arm horizontally isn’t the correct position.