While each service (Army, MC/Navy/CG and AF/SF) has a slightly different way of having the guidon render a salute while in formation, there is another salute rendered by a guidon that each service requires when outside of a formation when the guidon bearer is on his/her own.
The only authorized guidon bearer salute when in formation for each service ends up looking like below.
Army, Air Force, and Space Force Present Guidon Technique
- Army TC 3-21.5, Annex F
- AFPAM 34-1203, Section 5C
Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard Present Guidon Technique
- MCO 5060.20, Enclosure 1, Chapter 6
The Individual Salute
When a guidon bearer is not in a formation (either walking somewhere or standing and holding the guidon) and is approached by an officer, there is only one authorized salute, which is different from the salute pictured above. This salute is not authorized while in formation.
At left, you see the individual salute for all services when not in formation. In the middle is the Air Force and Space Force technique for the individual salute at Carry. At right is the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard technique for the individual salute at Carry.
Never Ever
Never use the individual salute for a flag. It is inappropriate at best to use for a state, territory, county, or city flag. It is absolutely wrong to use for anyone carrying the American flag. Below you see the improper use of the individual guidon salute. To read more about the photo, click here.
Comments 10
Is the guidon salute okay to be used by civilian organizations. When attending military funeral ?
Author
Mr. Fox,
Why would a civilian organization carry a guidon?
I didn’t completely explain myself in my last reply. My apologies.
The Patriot Guard Riders of Ohio are using the Guidon Salute with the American flag and calling it the Guidion salute.
These are individuals each standing with an American Flag each . It may seem to be a formation of sorts.
I’ve told them this is wrong. However they won’t believe a veteran. These are people in charge that have never served!
Author
Ah, thank you.
The American flag never renders a salute except aboard ship and that’s a long explanation. Anyway, the flag carried by an individual is not dipped – ever – and it’s bearer never renders any type of salute.
If you can send a photo, that would be great. drillmaster001@thedrillmaster.org
Where can I find this in army regulations because I saluted my commander the other day he told me I was wrong, and I said no sir that’s how you salute with the guidon when not in formation, but can’t find anything in the regulations
Author
I wrote the article years ago and, because of your question, realized it needed more information. I updated the images and info. Let me know if you need any thing else.
DM
Thanks helps lot and what I needed
Author
Great! I’m glad the update helped.
DM
Question: Can this apply to color guard flag bearers that are standing off to the side at parade rest and is approached by an officer, or should DAFPAM34-1203 para 3.6.1. apply as if the junior member is carrying articles in both hands? One of the JROTC programs in the area is holding a CG meet and part of their sequence card states the flag bearers will salute the judge when approached for inspection. I want to make sure I’m giving my cadets the correct information.
Author
Hi sir,
Color bearers in formation do not render an individual salute. There is no alternative to rendering a hand salute for the color guard. Rifle guards can and do salute, but that’s it.
DM