You call that a salute?

[SARMedTech]

THere has been a fair amount of chatter recently hereabouts concerning salutes. I wanted to inquire if there are folks out there who teach new members who have not had military service how to execute a proper salute. WHen i watch movies and TVs I cringe at most of what i see in this regard and always think of Gunny R. Lee Ermey teaching proper salute execution on his tv program. It seems to me that the salute, the philosophy and intent behind it are the linch pin of military courtesy and respect and I cannot stomach sloppy salutes. The USCGAUX actually goes so far as to teach the technique and to regulate that "slop salutes" are not acceptable.

Also since I am not military, can anyone tell me if there are variations of the hand salute in the various branches? Ive noticed alot of personal variation especially in the way the hand is held. FOr me, and I may be in error but at least I am not sloppy, the salute is rendered sharply and quickly (except in some solemn ceremonies where it is done "at the slow." My understanding is that the hand is held straight with thumb along forefinger and slightly bent, hand perfectly straight, upper arm parallel to the deck, forearm at a 45 degree angle. My understanding is that if you are covered, the fingertips come almost to the brim of your cap but not actually touching it and if uncovered almost but not touching the eyebrown. As gunny says, imagine trying to blow your eyebrow off with the wind of your salute. I must admit I am a little unclear about saluting indoors. I understood that it was not done, but I see ALOT of it in CAP. I will admit having a fetish for a proper salute as they are required in one of the EMS agencies I work for.

Also, does anyone know of a particularly good video that demonstrates the ceremony and drill of the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown and as an aside, has a CAP member without previous military service ever been buried at Arlington. I know it is allowed in certain specific cases in the USCG AUX.  Thanks.

PS- back to saluting, I recently game unglued when I saw another SMWOG salute my units commander with a lit cigarette in his hand.

[davedove]

Also since I am not military, can anyone tell me if there are variations of the hand salute in the various branches? Ive noticed alot of personal variation especially in the way the hand is held.

As far as I recall, the salute is the same for all the US Military.  Any variations are just individuals being sloppy.

FOr me, and I may be in error but at least I am not sloppy, the salute is rendered sharply and quickly (except in some solemn ceremonies where it is done "at the slow." My understanding is that the hand is held straight with thumb along forefinger and slightly bent, hand perfectly straight, upper arm parallel to the deck, forearm at a 45 degree angle. My understanding is that if you are covered, the fingertips come almost to the brim of your cap but not actually touching it and if uncovered almost but not touching the eyebrown. As gunny says, imagine trying to blow your eyebrow off with the wind of your salute.

That pretty much covers it.  Also, if wearing glasses, the temple piece of the glasses is the point to aim for.  Another thing, the hand is brought up in front of the body.  DO NOT windmill the hand out to the side.

I must admit I am a little unclear about saluting indoors. I understood that it was not done, but I see ALOT of it in CAP.

You do not normally salute indoors, or in designated no salute zones.  You would salute indoors when reporting and at the appropriate times in ceremonies.  I can't think of any other circumstances.

PS- back to saluting, I recently game unglued when I saw another SMWOG salute my units commander with a lit cigarette in his hand.

That is just wrong.  I hope it was done out of ignorance and not just because he didn't care.

I'll agree that new CAP Officers should be shown how to salute properly, as many come in without a military background.  A great way to do this is to have one of the senior cadets teach the class.  They know how it's done.  This works to teach the proper way to wear the military style uniforms too.

[NEBoom]

Also since I am not military, can anyone tell me if there are variations of the hand salute in the various branches? Ive noticed alot of personal variation especially in the way the hand is held.

As far as I recall, the salute is the same for all the US Military.  Any variations are just individuals being sloppy.

There is one slight variation in salute execution between the Navy/Marine Corps and the Army/Air Force.  When they (Sailors or Marines) bring the hand up, instead of coming up the center of the body like we (CAP/AF) do, they move their hand upward and outward in an arc outside the body up to the head.  Hard to describe in words, but that's the gist of it.  The hand position for the salute itself is the same, and they bring their hand back down the center of the body like we do.  Just a slight variation in how it's done.  I've heard it referred to as saluting "off the deck."

There are plenty of folks on here with Navy/Marine experience who can set me straight if I'm wrong on any of this.

[SarDragon]

I never "windmilled" a salute in my life. I learned in CAP, and my technique was found acceptable when I went to G'Lakes for boot camp, so there can't be too much real difference. I have seen some folks use an exaggerated method, but that's probably not how they were taught.

[Smokey]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

[SARMedTech]

I couldnt agree more. It goes all the way from not uncovering when we walk into buildings to saluting while holding cigarettes to pegging our BDU pants to ribbons worn improperly to the way we enter and leave a room. We may not be military, but we are a uniformed service with regulations and a heritage. So as my mother used to say to me "For God's sake stand up straight and look like you know what you are doing." We have protocols for dinner parties and color guards, we could use about a 1200 page book on military courtesy and customs. The worst part is, its us Seniors who are the worst. We need to start taking etiquette classes from the cadets. Fortunately there is always the ripple effect. If cadets are smart, squared away and respectful to CAP officers as well as military officers from all branches, it will come home to alot of CAP officers. Perhaps this CAP Culture thats been talked about can begin to evolve as we get newer officers who dont have the sort of been there done that blaze attitude that can breed sloppiness which is interpreted as lack of attention to custom and courtesy or like me, havent been in the military and so this is new and we are only learning the best way to do things from the folks with the experience then we will begin to see ourselves as the "Air Force's Air Force" and the culture will evolve. I know that a few weeks ago when I visited Scott  AFB an AF Major came in my direction and I stopped in the position of attention and when he got even with me I rendered a sharp salute which he smiling returned with an even sharper salute and then spent a few minutes of his busy day asking me about myself, what level of EMT I was, was I involved in ES, etc and then he put out his hand and shook my hand very warmly, gave me his card, expressed his wish that I enjoy my time on base and to let his office know if I needed anything or had and difficulties and he even offered to have his assistant find hotel accomadations as I was several hours from home. We just need to remember to emphasize and practice the courtesy, bearing and customs until they are second nature. I still say our best teachers are the cadets. I know the ones in my squadron are just fantastic young people.

[star1151]

I've heard it referred to as saluting "off the deck."

There are plenty of folks on here with Navy/Marine experience who can set me straight if I'm wrong on any of this.

I think you're right...simply because after years of being around both the Navy and Marines, the first time I saw someone in CAP salute, it looked really, really strange.  Guess that means I can't get my parents to teach me how to do it.

[JayT]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

[Ford73Diesel]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we can be

Doest this help? It's from AFMAN 36-2203

3.5. Hand Salute. This is used for training purposes only. The command is Hand, SALUTE, and it is performed in two counts. On the command SALUTE, the individual raises the right hand smartly in the most direct manner while at the same time extending and joining the fingers. Keep the palm flat and
facing the body. Place the thumb along the forefingers, keeping the palm flat and forming a straight line between the fingertips and elbows. Tilt the palm slightly toward the face. Hold the upper arm horizontal, slightly forward of the body and parallel to the ground. Ensure the tip of the middle finger touches the right front corner of the headdress. If wearing a nonbilled hat, ensure the middle finger touches the outside corner of the right eyebrow or the front corner of glasses. The rest of the body will
remain at the position of attention. This is count one of the movement. To complete count two of the movement, bring the arm smoothly and smartly downward, retracing the path used to raise the arm. Cup the hand as it passes the waist, and return to the position of attention.

[SarDragon]

Gee, that's the same thing it used to say on the Level I slide on saluting! Amazing! 

[SARMedTech]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

You might want to call the duty officer at AFRCC and let him know about the change. He's still waking up GT's at 0330 

[isuhawkeye]

AFRCC wakes up lots of people from lots of different orgonisations at lots of strange times. 

[flyguy06]

In my 20 plus years in CAP, I rarely see Senior members salute each other. Usually, they give a friendly greeting.

There are slight differences in the way the Army Salutes and the way the Marines salute and the way the Air Force does it. The Marines are more canted downward than anyone else.

[SARMedTech]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

Well, I am sure the US Power Squadron is taking applications and I have a source I can pass along to you for yacht caps. The cadets know what we are, maybe its time we took their lead for a while.

[SeattleSarge]

Also, does anyone know of a particularly good video that demonstrates the ceremony and drill of the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown and as an aside, has a CAP member without previous military service ever been buried at Arlington.

I would reccomend looking at a DVD from the National Geographic entitled, "Arlington, Field of Honor" for more information about the Sentinels and the ceremonies there.  You can get it from Netflix.

Just one note about the drill performed at the Tomb;  the Sentinels exaggerate facing movements, the manual of arms, and salutes somewhat.  This exaggeration is purposeful and meant to accent the movements and the ceremony for those observing.  Having watched the guard changing, and wreath laying ceremony many, many times the exaggerated movements are obvious, but it is very well done.

There is also a copy of the USAF AFI on Drill and Ceremonies on the CAP National website.

-SeattleSarge

[SARMedTech]

Thanks, Sarge. Could you toss me a link...i went to the site but cant find what you mentioned as far as AFI.

[Flying Pig]

Go to www.youtube.com and type in Tomb f the Unknown Soldier.  Several videos come up.

[Flying Pig]

As Seattle Sarge stated, their way of marching, manual of arms etc. is unique to their unit.  I was stationed in Va. and spent A LOT of time at Arlington.  I had a friend of mine, a former CAP cadet, who was with the Old Guard.  The guards even have differences between them individually when they march, face, and perform the manual of arms when they stand post.

[JCJ]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we are, but that's really irrelevant to the discussion.  Our organization chooses to render military customs & courtesies whether or not we're "Aux ON" or 'Aux OFF".  Members agree to follow our regulations when they join (it's on the membership application, and now the new member oath as well).  We do it by choice, it's a very honorable tradition and we should do it right.

As I recall, Navy & USMC never render a hand salute unless covered (wearing a hat) and are never covered indoors unless under arms (such as an armed sentry).  Navy and USMC would therefore not salute indoors, even when formally reporting, unless the individual is under arms.

USAF (and CAP) occasionally salutes indoors, such as when formally reporting - and being covered or not doesn't have anything to do with it.

I don't know what the protocol is in the Army.

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

[SarDragon]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we are, but that's really irrelevant to the discussion.  Our organization chooses to render military customs & courtesies whether or not we're "Aux ON" or 'Aux OFF".  Members agree to follow our regulations when they join (it's on the membership application, and now the new member oath as well).  We do it by choice, it's a very honorable tradition and we should do it right.

As I recall, Navy & USMC never render a hand salute unless covered (wearing a hat) and are never covered indoors unless under arms (such as an armed sentry).  Navy and USMC would therefore not salute indoors, even when formally reporting, unless the individual is under arms.

USAF (and CAP) occasionally salutes indoors, such as when formally reporting - and being covered or not doesn't have anything to do with it.

I don't know what the protocol is in the Army.

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

I know, I know! 

[JayT]

When a formal report is handed over?

[SarDragon]

When a formal report is handed over?

Don't think so.

[SeattleSarge]

Thanks, Sarge. Could you toss me a link...i went to the site but cant find what you mentioned as far as AFI.

Roger that...

http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/member_services/publications/other_publications.cfm

It's actually a AFMAN instead of an AFI.  My mistake.

-SeattleSarge

[JCJ]

When a formal report is handed over?

nope

[JCJ]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remembver that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impresssion with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we are, but that's really irrelevant to the discussion.  Our organization chooses to render military customs & courtesies whether or not we're "Aux ON" or 'Aux OFF".  Members agree to follow our regulations when they join (it's on the membership application, and now the new member oath as well).  We do it by choice, it's a very honorable tradition and we should do it right.

As I recall, Navy & USMC never render a hand salute unless covered (wearing a hat) and are never covered indoors unless under arms (such as an armed sentry).  Navy and USMC would therefore not salute indoors, even when formally reporting, unless the individual is under arms.

USAF (and CAP) occasionally salutes indoors, such as when formally reporting - and being covered or not doesn't have anything to do with it.

I don't know what the protocol is in the Army.

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

I know, I know! 

I suspect you do.  I PM'd you to be sure we're thinking the same.

[Eeyore]

I'm pretty sure that I know.

[JCJ]

I'm pretty sure that I know.

PM me

SarDragon has it but he has an unspecified advantage which allowed him to shack it.

[Major Carrales]

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

Is it when one is at Right Shoulder Arms? 

[JCJ]

I'm pretty sure that I know.

Your answer might be correct in the specific unit you mentioned, but not what i'm thinking.  The situation i'm thinking of results in a left-handed salute if the situation occurs anywhere in the relevant armed forces branch.

[JCJ]

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

Is it when one is at Right Shoulder Arms? 

Sorry no

[JCJ]

I'm pretty sure that I know.

Your answer might be correct in the specific unit you mentioned, but not what i'm thinking.  The situation i'm thinking of results in a left-handed salute if the situation occurs anywhere in the relevant armed forces branch.

Here's a hint - It involves a branch that has some association with water (i.e. not Army or USAF)

[Major Carrales]

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

Is it when one is at Right Shoulder Arms? 

Sorry no

This is what I was taking about...I've seen it in representations of 19th Century.  I guess it was not what you are looking for.

NJROTC MANUAL OF ARMS OUTLINE

(From NJROTC Cadet Field Manual: NAVEDTRA 37116 - C)

A. Rifle Salutes
1. Command is RIFLE, SALUTE and termination command is READY, TWO
2. Can be given from Order, Trail, Right Shoulder, or Left Shoulder Arms.
   A. Salute from Order
      1. On SALUTE move the left arm across body keeping your arm
      and wrist straight with fingers joined and palm down.  First finger
      joint touches rifle between stacking swivel and bayonet stud.  (not
      in ranks turn head toward person or colors the salute is for).
   B. Salute from Trail
      1. Same as from order only rifle is 3 inches off the deck
   C. Salute from Right (Left) Shoulder
      1. Your left (right) arm moves across the body with fingers
      straight and joined and palm down.  First finger touches receiver
      and arm is parallel to the deck (not in ranks turn head and eyes
      toward person or colors saluting).

[JCJ]

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand becasue the right hand is inop.

Is it when one is at Right Shoulder Arms? 

Sorry no

This is what I was taking about...I've seen it in representations of 19th Century.  I guess it was not what you are looking for.

NJROTC MANUAL OF ARMS OUTLINE

(From NJROTC Cadet Field Manual: NAVEDTRA 37116 - C)

A. Rifle Salutes
1. Command is RIFLE, SALUTE and termination command is READY, TWO
2. Can be given from Order, Trail, Right Shoulder, or Left Shoulder Arms.
   A. Salute from Order
      1. On SALUTE move the left arm across body keeping your arm
      and wrist straight with fingers joined and palm down.  First finger
      joint touches rifle between stacking swivel and bayonet stud.  (not
      in ranks turn head toward person or colors the salute is for).
   B. Salute from Trail
      1. Same as from order only rifle is 3 inches off the deck
   C. Salute from Right (Left) Shoulder
      1. Your left (right) arm moves across the body with fingers
      straight and joined and palm down.  First finger touches receiver
      and arm is parallel to the deck (not in ranks turn head and eyes
      toward person or colors saluting).

I guess the above true for rifle drill, but I am thinking of a regular hand salute like we do with the right hand, instead it's done with the left.

[Grumpy]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remember that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impression with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we are, but that's really irrelevant to the discussion.  Our organization chooses to render military customs & courtesies whether or not we're "Aux ON" or 'Aux OFF".  Members agree to follow our regulations when they join (it's on the membership application, and now the new member oath as well).  We do it by choice, it's a very honorable tradition and we should do it right.

As I recall, Navy & USMC never render a hand salute unless covered (wearing a hat) and are never covered indoors unless under arms (such as an armed sentry).  Navy and USMC would therefore not salute indoors, even when formally reporting, unless the individual is under arms.

USAF (and CAP) occasionally salutes indoors, such as when formally reporting - and being covered or not doesn't have anything to do with it.

I don't know what the protocol is in the Army.

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand because the right hand is inop.

In the Navy the Boatswain salutes with his left while using his Boatswain's Pipe (that's a pipe, not a whistle) with his right hand.

[JCJ]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remember that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impression with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we are, but that's really irrelevant to the discussion.  Our organization chooses to render military customs & courtesies whether or not we're "Aux ON" or 'Aux OFF".  Members agree to follow our regulations when they join (it's on the membership application, and now the new member oath as well).  We do it by choice, it's a very honorable tradition and we should do it right.

As I recall, Navy & USMC never render a hand salute unless covered (wearing a hat) and are never covered indoors unless under arms (such as an armed sentry).  Navy and USMC would therefore not salute indoors, even when formally reporting, unless the individual is under arms.

USAF (and CAP) occasionally salutes indoors, such as when formally reporting - and being covered or not doesn't have anything to do with it.

I don't know what the protocol is in the Army.

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand because the right hand is inop.

In the Navy the Boatswain salutes with his left while using his Boatswain's Pipe (that's a pipe, not a whistle) with his right hand.

Shack!  Bosun salutes with left hand while piping aboard a dignitary with the Bosun's pipe in his right hand.  Everyone else (sideboys, etc) salute with right hand in the usual manner

SarDragon got it early becasue he used to do it back in the day.

[Grumpy]

I think CAP needs to spend more time on customs and courtesies like the salute.  We ARE the AF Aux.....we need to follow their lead and conduct ourselves with the same military bearing , especially when around members of the AF or any military service.  Far too many members fail to remember that we are being watched and judged. A poor salute or failure to respect customs and courtesies reflects on us all and the organization.

Failure to act properly leaves the impression with military folks that we are just a bunch of boobs with no class.

We're not really the Air Force Auxiliary.

At times we are, but that's really irrelevant to the discussion.  Our organization chooses to render military customs & courtesies whether or not we're "Aux ON" or 'Aux OFF".  Members agree to follow our regulations when they join (it's on the membership application, and now the new member oath as well).  We do it by choice, it's a very honorable tradition and we should do it right.

As I recall, Navy & USMC never render a hand salute unless covered (wearing a hat) and are never covered indoors unless under arms (such as an armed sentry).  Navy and USMC would therefore not salute indoors, even when formally reporting, unless the individual is under arms.

USAF (and CAP) occasionally salutes indoors, such as when formally reporting - and being covered or not doesn't have anything to do with it.

I don't know what the protocol is in the Army.

Here's a trivia question - Under what circumstance does a U.S. Armed Forces member regularly salute with the left hand?  And I do not mean the individual whose right hand is injured (in a cast or similar) and temporarily salutes with the left hand because the right hand is inop.

In the Navy the Boatswain salutes with his left while using his Boatswain's Pipe (that's a pipe, not a whistle) with his right hand.

Shack!  Bosun salutes with left hand while piping aboard a dignitary with the Bosun's pipe in his right hand.  Everyone else (sideboys, etc) salute with right hand in the usual manner

SarDragon got it early becasue he used to do it back in the day.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
I know SarDragon, when he was in the Navy, Old Ironsides was still on the drawing boards.

[Hoser]

The catapult officer also salutes left handed just before the cat shot

[jb512]

In my 20 plus years in CAP, I rarely see Senior members salute each other. Usually, they give a friendly greeting.

It depends on the setting.  You'll see more senior saluting at an encampment or a cadet squadron meeting than you will at a flying club meeting.   

[SarDragon]

The catapult officer also salutes left handed just before the cat shot

Only on the port cats. Starboard cats get a right handed salute. Just looked at some videos to verify.