The three-finger salute is used by members of Scout and Guide organizations around the world when greeting other Scouts and in respect of a national flag at ceremonies. In most situations, the salute is made with the palm face out, the thumb holding down the little finger, and with the fingertips on the brow of the head. There are some variations of the salute between national Scouting organisations and also within some programme sections.
A "half-salute", known as the Scout Sign, is also used in certain situations. The hand is still held palm facing out, and the thumb holding the little finger, but the hand is held at the shoulder instead. Other organizations with historical ties to Scouting such a Scouts Royale Brotherhood do as well.
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In his book, Scouting for Boys, Robert Baden-Powell chose the three-finger salute for Scouts to represent the three aspects of the Scout Promise:
Cub Scout sections can use a two-finger salute, depending on the national Scouting organization they belong to. This is done to represent the two rules of the original Cub Scout / Wolf Cub law. It was also sometimes said to represent the two ears of a wolf (cub). The salute is done with the right hand.
Originally, Baden-Powell intended for Scouts to salute each other in greeting when they first saw each other for the first time using the "secret sign", or half-salute. This was regardless of whether the Scouts knew each other or not. Officers, such as Patrol Leaders, Scoutmasters, or members of the armed forces, were to be saluted with a full-salute.
Full-salutes were also required at the hoisting of the Union Flag, the playing of the national anthem, or at funerals.[1]
In Scouts Canada the Salute is rendered vertically, palm out similar to British Army/Commonwealth salutes, except if the member is a Sea Scout where it is palm in/angled down. (Traditionally, to hide your 'dirty hands' from the ship's captain).
The Scout Association uses the three-fingered salute for all sections, including Cub Scouts. The Scout Sign is used while reciting the Scout Promise when joining the group. The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association uses both the three and two fingered salutes.
The half-salute is used by Swiss Scouts when shaking (left) hands with other Scouts or leaders on greeting or parting.
Salutes are rendered in the American style with the palm in. Cub Scouts use the two finger Scout sign and salute; the sign is presented with the fingers apart to represent the ears of Akela the wolf. Boy Scouts use the three finger sign and salute. Venturers use a full hand sign and salute; the sign is formed with the fingers together and the thumb spread to form a "V".
When forming the Scout Sign, Boy Scouts hold the sign with their right hand, the elbow forming a 90-degree, or "right" angle. This symbolizes that a Scout should always do the "right" thing. The three fingers symbolizing the three points of the Scout Oath
The Sign is also used in Boy Scouts of America programs when one needs the attention of the group. All one must do is hold the sign up high, and all those around that notice will do so as well, and will remain quiet. Even at the National Jamboree Arena Show, with over 100,000 Scouts and Scouters in attendance, all one must do on stage to get the crowd silent is hold up the Sign.
Scouts use the Salute only when in uniform only to the flag of the United States. Early BSA protocol did require Scouts to salute each other, but this was made optional in 1972.
As a member of WAGGGS, the Girl Scouts of the USA use the three-fingered sign at shoulder height. The three fingers represent the person's own spiritual beliefs, other people and the Girl Scout Law. This differs from the 1913 version where the first finger represented God and Country.[2]
All World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts members share the three fingered sign, with the palm facing out held at shoulder height, elbow by the side and the thumb holding the little finger. This is used in numerous situations of respect including when making or reciting the Promise, receiving awards, honouring a flag, honouring the dead and meeting other Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. In the latter case, it may be used in conjunction with the left handshake.
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