The first salute is a special tradition in the military that marks an important milestone for service members. When a service member is commissioned as an officer or graduates from basic training, they receive their “first salute.” This first salute acknowledges their new rank or status in front of their fellow service members.
What is the tradition of the first salute?
The first salute tradition dates back over two hundred years. There are a few competing stories about the exact origin, but it seems to have become widespread during the early 19th century.
According to one account, when a British officer named Alexander Douglas was commissioned in the Marines in 1783, his father gave him his first salute. The newly commissioned officer then gave his father a coin as thanks for acknowledging his rank. This began a tradition of newly commissioned officers providing a coin to the person giving them their first salute.
Another story credits the United States Navy for originating the tradition around the time of the War of 1812. After young naval officers earned their commissions, senior officers would provide them with their first salute to welcome them as fellow officers.
Whichever exact story is true, the tradition became a staple in both British and American military culture during the early 1800s. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the first salute tradition was firmly established as an important ritual across all branches of the U.S. armed forces.
Why is the first salute significant?
The first salute has special significance because it marks a transition to a higher status within the military ranks. For new officers, it is recognition that they are now leaders with the responsibilities and privileges of commissioned rank. For enlisted service members graduating basic training, it acknowledges that they are now regarded as soldiers, sailors, marines, or airmen within their branch.
By formally rendering and receiving that first salute, the junior service member’s status is changed before their military peers. Their fellow service members are witness to this symbolic “rite of passage.” As such, the first salute is considered an honor for both parties involved.
When do service members receive their first salute?
Traditionally, U.S. service members receive their first salute on two primary occasions:
- When receiving their officer commission
- When graduating from basic training
Once commissioned as officers, OCS/ROTC graduates and service academy graduates are usually afforded their first salute during their commissioning ceremony. At this ceremony, newly commissioned second lieutenants or ensigns will often receive their first salute from an NCO, senior officer, or someone else who has meaning in their life.
For enlisted service members, the first salute tends to occur immediately after graduating basic training. This represents their transition from civilian to military life. Drill sergeants, training instructors, or commanding officers will render the first salute to acknowledge that the trainees have earned the right to be regarded as members of the armed forces.
Does the first salute have to be in uniform?
No military regulations actually require that the first salute must be rendered while wearing a uniform. However, it is considered appropriate for both parties to be in uniform when it occurs.
The junior service member will typically be in uniform, as they will have just graduated from basic training or received their officer’s commission. For the person giving the salute, wearing a uniform helps convey that they are formally acknowledging the junior member’s rank or status advancement within the military hierarchy.
That said, there are certainly exceptions where the first salute is given by a civilian, such as a parent of the newly commissioned or graduated service member. There are also cases where uniforms may be impractical, such as for service academy graduates about to begin their graduation ceremonies.
Is there a ceremony or protocol for the first salute?
The traditions around first salutes can vary somewhat by specific military branch. However, there are some common elements of protocol across all the branches:
- The junior service member will come to attention for the first salute.
- The senior member faces the junior member and salutes while verbally acknowledging the junior member’s new status or rank.
- After the salute is completed, the junior member then provides a silver dollar, shiny penny, or other token of appreciation to the senior member as thanks for the honor.
Beyond these consistent practices, the ceremonies surrounding first salutes can be more elaborate in some settings. For instance, officer commissioning and graduation ceremonies will make the first salute a special moment within the overall event.
Who can give the first salute?
While anyone can render a first salute in theory, there are certain people who are considered particularly appropriate and meaningful choices:
- Fellow service members of higher rank, such as senior NCOs, warrant officers, or commissioned officers
- Commanding officers within the same unit or at the training installation
- Drill sergeants or training instructors
- A parent or other family member who has served in the military
- A mentor from the junior member’s military journey thus far
Choosing someone who has an important role in the junior service member’s path toward earning their new rank or status can make the moment more memorable. Selection criteria can also include characteristics like seniority, expertise, experience, and personal connection.
Can you refuse a first salute?
A junior service member offered their first salute could theoretically decline or refuse it. However, this would be considered highly disrespectful and inappropriate.
Declining the first salute rejects the recognition and honor being conveyed by the saluting party. It disregards the significance of formally marking the service member’s entry into their new status and role.
Barring some extraordinary circumstance, military members should graciously accept their first salute when properly rendered. Failing to do so contradicts military etiquette and protocol around this ceremonial tradition.
What if multiple people want to give the first salute?
It’s not uncommon for multiple people to want the honor of providing a newly commissioned or graduated service member with their first salute. This can happen if the occasion brings together family, friends, mentors, and fellow service members who all have meaningful connections to the junior member.
There are a few potential ways to handle this situation:
- The junior member can choose one primary individual to render the official first salute, then allow others to participate in subsequent salutes immediately after.
- Alternate; have one person (often a commanding officer) provide the first salute, then let the junior member select others to give subsequent salutes one after another.
- Invite multiple individuals to come forward together to simultaneously render the first salute.
The main goal is ensuring the people important to the junior service member can participate while still preserving the honor and significance of that very first salute.
Can enlisted service members give first salutes?
Yes, enlisted service members are absolutely authorized to render first salutes if chosen to do so. In fact, first salutes being given by senior NCOs are very common.
Drill sergeants and drill instructors routinely render the first salute to new privates, seamen recruits, airmen basics, etc. after they graduate basic training. Their first salute comes from the very individuals who led their initial training into the military.
Likewise, senior NCOs who have mentored junior officers may render the first salute at commissioning ceremonies. The officer candidates often specifically ask notable NCOs in their life to give their first salute because of the meaningful impact these leaders had on them.
Do you salute indoors vs. outdoors?
From a protocol standpoint, whether a first salute occurs indoors or outdoors does not change the procedures involved. The traditions and etiquette remain the same.
However, the setting can influence some factors such as the nature of the ceremony, number of observers, etc. Outdoor spaces like parade fields allow for larger gatherings of witnesses, while indoor spaces like halls and chapels offer cover from the elements.
The differences are mostly logistical considerations based on the venue. The actual rendering of the first salute transpires in the same manner either way.
Can veterans receive a first salute ceremony?
Veterans who completed their military service without ever receiving an official first salute (or lost their documentation of it) have the option to participate in commemorative first salute ceremonies.
The Army offers first salute certificates and coins to honorably discharged veterans who did not get properly recognized originally. Veterans can request to have a commemorative ceremony conducted where soldiers render the first salute along with presentation of the commemoratives.
Other branches, units, and organizations may also extend similar first salute opportunities to help veterans gain closure. While not the same as getting during active duty, these ceremonies allow veterans to belatedly receive the honorable rite of passage.
Can you give a first salute at a retirement ceremony?
It is not typical to render first salutes during military retirement ceremonies. Instead, these ceremonies focus on honoring the retiree’s years of military service now coming to a close.
However, bringing a career full circle with bookend salutes can make for a meaningful statement. Some retirees choose to incorporate a first salute recreation into their ceremony to represent closure. This is up to the individual’s preferences and not codified in military protocol.
Who gets the coin after a first salute?
The longstanding tradition is for the junior service member to present a token of gratitude (usually a coin) to the person giving their first salute. The senior member rendering the salute gets to keep the coin as a cherished memento.
Exchanging the coin demonstrates mutual respect and appreciation between both parties. It also serves as a tangible reminder of a special career milestone that the senior member helped facilitate.
However, if desired, the junior member can request to retain possession of the coin instead. The protocol is flexible based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
The first salute is a time-honored tradition marking pivotal moments of transition on a service member’s journey. While customs vary somewhat between branches, the underlying meaning remains consistent. The first salute formally recognizes a member’s newly earned higher status among the ranks through ceremonial gesture.
No regulations mandate that first salutes must be rendered in uniform. But it is considered most appropriate for both the junior and senior member to be in uniform when possible. The protocols focus mainly on displaying honor and respect between service colleagues while acknowledging advancement.
When multiple individuals wish to bestow the first salute, options like grouped salutes or sequences can allow sharing in the experience. The tradition remains a cherished rite of passage for service members as they progress through the ranks.
| Military Branch | Typical First Salute Occasions |
|---|---|
| Army | ROTC commissioning, West Point graduation, basic training graduation |
| Navy | ROTC commissioning, Naval Academy graduation, basic training graduation |
| Air Force | ROTC commissioning, USAFA graduation, basic training graduation |
| Marines | ROTC commissioning, OCS graduation, basic training graduation |
| Coast Guard | OCS graduation, basic training graduation |
As shown in the table, each military branch has customary occasions where service members will receive their first salute. These rites of passage vary somewhat but share the common thread of recognizing completion of officer training or enlisted basic training.
Understanding the first salute tradition provides insight into military culture and the significance placed on ceremonies marking advancement through the ranks. While informal in nature, the rendering of a first salute is an esteemed honor in the armed forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you decline a first salute?
It is highly discouraged to decline or refuse a first salute except under extraordinary circumstances. Doing so rejects the recognition and honor being conveyed, contradicting military etiquette.
Who typically gives the first salute?
Common choices include senior NCOs, commanding officers, drill sergeants, family members with military service, and other influential mentors to the junior member.
Is a uniform required to give a first salute?
No, though both parties rendering and receiving the salute should wear uniforms when feasible. Civilian clothes are acceptable but less customary.
Can multiple people give a single first salute together?
Yes, individuals important to the junior member can come together to simultaneously render the first salute if coordination allows.
Do enlisted service members give first salutes?
Absolutely, senior NCOs giving first salutes is very common, especially for new officers and graduates of basic training.
Can veterans receive a commemorative first salute ceremony?
Yes, branches like the Army will conduct commemorative first salute ceremonies for veterans who did not receive one originally.
Conclusion
The first salute represents far more than a simple gesture and greeting among military members. It symbolically marks major milestones in a service member’s career. While flexible in protocol, the underlying significance remains constant across the generations.
Witnessing a first salute often represents watching a young recruit transition into a true soldier, sailor, airman, etc. Likewise, newly commissioned officers cement their status as leaders and decision-makers before peers. The tradition still carries meaningful weight today.