Editing Salute (section)

====France====
[[File:Pierre de Villiers (détail).jpg|thumb|A French military salute by the French general [[Pierre de Villiers]]]]

Subordinates salute superiors and every salute is given back. Hand salutes are not performed if a member is not wearing a headdress or if he is holding a weapon.

The French salute is performed with a flat hand, palm facing forwards; the upper arm is horizontal and the tips of the fingers come near the corner of the eyes. The hand, unlike the British salute, remains at a 45-degree angle in line with the lower arm. The five fingers are lined together. It mirrors the gesture made by [[knight]]s greeting each other, raising their [[visor]]s to show their faces.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}} A crisp tension may be given when the salute is taken or broken.

Some "creative" salutes are in use in certain mounted (cavalry) units. The fingers can be spread out with only the right thumb brushing the temple, or the hand can be cocked vertically along the cheek, with the little finger detached or not. These unusual regimental salutes are mannerisms which are lost during official ceremonies. A civilian (even if he has a hat) never salutes, but a nod to a patrolling soldier is generally appreciated.{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}