The salute for the period is for a soldier without arms (or with sidearms only) to initiate the salute by raising the right hand to the right side of the visor of his kepi or hat. The right hand is to be positioned so that the palm of the hand faces forward, and the elbow is level with his own shoulder. At all times, the soldier is to maintain a facial expression which is as respectful and soldier-like as possible. The officer will return the courtesy with a salute, and the soldier may complete the salute by lowering his hand from his visor to his side.

When a soldier encounters an officer when that soldier is not in formation, he should salute when he is approximately six feet from the officer, and the officer will return the courtesy in like manner. Once the officer has either completed his own salute or walked past the soldier, the soldier may then complete his salute.

The same is true when the soldier is at his leisure in the camp. When an officer makes his way through camp, it is common military etiquette to have the first soldier who sights the officer to declare "Officer in the camp!" . At that notice, the practice is for the other soldiers within hearing in the camp to come to attention and salute. Once the officer has either completed his own salute in response to their salute, or has walked past the soldier, the soldier may then complete his salute. In the event that the officer does not make a comment or give a command, such as "As you were" or "At ease", the soldiers are then free to resume the activities (or inactivity) in which they were engaged prior to the appearance of the officer.

Particular attention should be paid to the manner of saluting when hands are occupied with legitimate military tasks. Rarely is a soldier excused from saluting

All too often, the courtesy which should be extended to ladies is neglected. In Army Regulation 15, proper military etiquette would dictate that any soldier or officer encountering a lady should touch the brim of his hat in the manner of a salute, or remove his cover in her presence. It is not necessary to exchange greetings or comments with the lady, but it is necessary to acknowledge the presence of those of the fairer sex to whom respect and admiration are due, without regard to their station in life. There is some dispute as to whether it is appropriate to greet ladies unknown to one, as it is improper for ladies to greet those strange to the lady unless requiring aid of some sort from anyone at hand. Therefore, our recommendation is to avoid the promiscuous habit of greeting all ladies with a salute unless first acknowledged or engaged by the lady.