TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Air Force Culture Moment
349th AMW Public Affairs
Knowing and practicing customs and courtesies is a fundamental part of military service. It helps maintain discipline, esprit de corps and demonstrates pride in the armed forces of the nation.
Saluting is one of the oldest courtesies. While the origin of the hand salute is unclear, some historians say the practice started in medieval times, when knights would raise their visors to identify themselves as friend or foe. Today, Air Force Instruction 1-1 describes the modern hand salute as, “a courtesy exchanged between members of the Armed Forces as both a greeting and a symbol of mutual respect.”
While outdoors, uniformed Airmen, including those wearing the *PT uniform, must render a salute to commissioned officers and warrant officers of superior rank. Additionally, AFI 1-1 directs Airmen to salute the president, vice president, secretary of defense, service secretaries, all Medal of Honor recipients, and superior officers of friendly foreign nations. Salutes should also be rendered when staff vehicles or aircraft display the occupant’s rank. The salute is for the leader; do not salute unoccupied vehicles.
As the Gateway to the Pacific, Travis Air Force Base is host to many distinguished visitors from across the world year-round, making it especially important to exhibit the highest standards of military bearing. So look up, look sharp and reflect credit.
*Editor's Note: 1.6.1.3.4. States "Saluting due to grade while in PT gear is authorized, but not required."