MILITARY COURTESY

The fact that the Confederate Army was not as well equipped as the Federal Army is, an always will be historical fact. However, the Confederate Army was well drilled and was very, disciplined. It is our duty as living historians, to honor those who served by correctly adhering to military courtesy. We, after all are a military structured unit. This also will help in the proper portrayal of military life to those who come to observe and learn about the American Civil War.

As it is the goal for the 18th Regiment to set a standard in the way we carry ourselves. It is required that the members learn and adhere to this principle.

Salutes

A Salute is a military greeting that is given to an Officer of higher rank. This is a military courtesy, which goes with the rank held, not to the person who possesses the rank. This is required, not optional. Salutes are given to all Commissioned Officers of any branch of service or Military Command, that hold a higher rank (Even Enemy Officers), or to the Colors as they are raised and lowered. Non-Commissioned officers are not saluted but when being addressed in you should come to attention for issuance of orders.

Verbally addressing a senior Commissioned Officer should be by Rank, Rank and Last Name, or Sir, an example being, Captain, Captain Smith, or Sir. If being given an order the response is to salute, say Yes Sir, wait for the returned salute then carry out your orders.

Verbally addressing a senior Non-Commissioned Officer should be by Rank or Rank and Last Name only. Non-Commissioned Officers are not called Sir nor are they saluted. If given an order by a senior Non-Commissioned Officer, the response is to say Yes, Sergeant or Yes Sergeant Smith, etc.

The correct salute of the period was one very similar to those done in the British Army. The fingers and thumb of the right hand were together and the hand was presented to the brow with the palm facing forward, elbow bent and arm presented parallel to the ground. Once the salute is presented it is held until the Officer returns your salute, passes by or has acknowledged in some form that the courtesy has been given. Then the salute is brought forward and down to the right.

In Formation

When in a formation the Ranking Officer or if no Officer, the Senior NCO has the responsibility to step forth and render a salute to higher-ranking officer approaching the formation. The members of the formation come to attention until they are advised to relax. If on a detail then the highest-ranking leader renders the salute, if under arms (Guard or Picket Duty) the salute is made with the arms.

During Order Arms

 When you are at orders arms and your weapon is resting in your right hand the salute is modified and rendered with the left hand. You forearm and held straight, parallel across the chest with palm facing downward fingers and thumb together with the tip of the fingers touching the rifle.

During Shoulder Arms

A salute while at shoulder arms is the same but in reverse the right hand comes across the chest with palm facing down slightly higher so that the fingers touch the lock of the musket.

As a Color Bearer:

 The salute is the same as Order Arms.

When you are at orders arms and your weapon is resting in your right hand the salute is modified and rendered with the left hand. You forearm and held straight, parallel across the chest with palm facing downward fingers and thumb together with the tip of the fingers touching the rifle.

On Review

When passing in review you will be commanded to “Present Arms” or for “Eyes Right” (the purpose of Eyes Right of Left allows troops to look toward the reviewing officer.) All troops except the inside end file turns and looks. The inside end file stays focused ahead to maintain unit direction.

Example: if order Eyes Right, the end right side soldier looks straight ahead, and this is reversed if order Eyes Left is given.

The Color Bearer will lean the flag forward to a 45 degree angle. Immediately after passing the flag is raised back up and the soldiers turn their heads straight.

While marching remember to not swing your free arm as this is very improper. Your arms are to be down to your sides. This is the correct fashion while on the march.

Passing or meeting an Officer

If you are walking up upon an officer traveling in the same direction and you overtake them, you simply salute and state “By your Leave; Sir”, an indication that you mean no disrespect but you are required else where.

When walking and you meet an Officer who is standing or passing in the opposite direction, you salute and or salute and say Good (time of day) then the Officer’s rank, Sir. Example “Good Morning, Lieutenant, Sir.”

When entering an Officer’s Quarters

Upon entering the officer’s quarters a soldier shall, if under arms, make the proper salute. If the soldier is without arms, he must remove his cap and come to attention, remain standing unless directed to sit by the officer.

Soldiers in a room should rise when an officer enters and remain standing until invited to sit.

When Seated

When seated, soldiers in a room should rise when an officer enters and make the salutation, then remain standing until advised to sit.

When standing, turn and face the officer with the same purpose.

Guards

Come to the shoulder for Captains and below; to present arms for Majors and up including the officer of the day.

Guards also salute armed bodies of men. If commanded by a NCO, come to the shoulder. If commanded by an officer, then present arms. When not to Salute Once the Officer remains in the same area or when deployed on a work detail, or in formation.

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