What should accompany a salute?

When giving a salute in a military context, it is customary for the salute to be accompanied by an appropriate greeting. This practice reinforces respect and acknowledgement between individuals of differing ranks. By pairing the salute with a greeting, the individual expresses recognition of the higher rank and fosters an atmosphere of professionalism and courtesy.

The other options, while they may contribute to social interactions, do not fulfill the traditional expectations surrounding saluting protocol. A friendly smile, for example, can enhance the cordiality of the encounter but is not a formal requirement. A verbal command may not be relevant, as saluting is more about personal acknowledgment than issuing orders. Similarly, expecting a salute back from a senior officer does not align with the expected behavior; the junior rank salutes first as a sign of respect.