What is the first action taken when initiating a salute?

When initiating a salute, the first action is to raise the right hand smartly. This is a fundamental part of the military salute protocol, where the action of raising the hand to the forehead is not just about the gesture itself, but also represents respect and acknowledgment to a superior officer or flag. This action is performed sharply to convey discipline and readiness, which are essential components of military bearing.

Other elements, such as positioning the body at attention or making eye contact, typically follow or coincide with the salute but are not the primary action that initiates the salute itself. The other options may be important in the context of overall military conduct, but the act of raising the hand is distinctly recognized as the starting point of the salute, emphasizing the importance of the correct form and execution in military customs.