Sign, Salute & handshake

Drill

Scouting is an active outdoor movement but there are times when some formality and ceremony is used. Ceremonies usually involve some simple drill, and the orders will be given by the Skipper or another Leader. Most Sea Scout meetings and events (eg. Regattas, competitions, prize givings etc.) will start with “Fall In” and finish with “Dismiss”. Not all ceremonies are the same in every Troop, and the traditions of your Troop may be slightly different to the descriptions given below.

The Drill

At Ease Standing up straight, hands held behind your lower back and feet slightly apart.

Alert Standing up straight, hands down by your sides, and feet together. You should be facing forward and quietly waiting for the next instruction. To move from At Ease to Alert you move the left foot.

Right turn or Left turn Standing at alert at the command turn smoothly ninety degrees to the left or right and finish standing at Alert.

About Turn Standing at alert at the command turn smoothly one hundred and eighty degrees to the right (to face the opposite direction) and finish up at Alert.

Fall In Gather together with your Watch in line, standing At Ease. Wait quietly for the next instruction.

Dismiss Usually given at the end of a meeting or gathering. Standing at “Alert” at the command, turn right, salute and

Sign, Salute & Handshake

The Scout Sign and Salute The Scout sign and salute is made standing at attention and by using the right hand. The sign and salute are common to Scouting movements all over the world. The three fingers represent the three parts of the Promise – remember we promised to do our best to: 1. Do our duty to God and our Country. 2. To help other people 3. To keep the Scout Law.

In the salute the tips of the three fingers are brought smartly to the right temple (in front of the ear). When making the sign the hand is only brought up to about shoulder height. The sign is always used during investiture and at any other time the Promise is repeated.

The Scout Handshake Scouts throughout the world shake hands with their left hand, this handshake is a sign of trust, introduced by our founder “BP”. The story is that an African Chief once greeted “BP” by the use of the left handshake: This African Chief held his spear in his right hand and his shield in his left hand, when he greeted someone, he would put down his shield and shake hands with the left hand. This showed trust.

So when Scouts shake hands with their left hand they also are trusting that the other people are not going to attack them. It is only through trust that friendships can grow.