If you are in uniform, the military hand salute is given out of a show of respect to all staff members whether they are in uniform or not. Your salute should be given when you recognize that the person is a staff member. Usually this distance is not more than 30 paces nor less than 6 paces, so that the person that is receiving the salute has time to recognize and return it. When you salute, turn your head so that you observe the officer and look him straight in the eye. Salute sharply, it indicates your pride in your organization and yourself.
Sloppy salutes are discourteous.
If you are in conversation with a staff member, you should salute again when either you or the staff member leaves. If you leave, take one step back after saluting, do an About Face, and march away. If you are with a group of Young marines, not in formation, call the group to attention as soon as you recognize an officer approaching. If outdoors or in the Drill Hall, all members of the group, if covered, salute. If indoors, stand at attention unless otherwise directed.