How to Stand at Attention

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Last Updated: November 26, 2023 References

Standing at attention is a common position for military and marching band members. To perform a proper position of attention, you will need to keep your legs straight, your head and neck erect, and your arms at your side. Depending on the situation, you may also need to vary this position for National Anthems or marching band drills. With practice and the proper technique, you'll be able to develop and strengthen your position of attention.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Performing a Position of Attention

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1
Stand up straight, and roll your shoulders back. Straighten your spine as much as you can without feeling significant strain or tension. Hold your shoulders back and level with the top of your chest.^{[1]
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- One common error is to raise your shoulders up towards your ears. If you notice this, shrug your shoulders down and try to relax them of tension.
- Don't worry if your lower back still has a slight curvature, as this is natural. Holding your back too straight can cause immediate strain and back problems over time.
2
Point your feet at a 45-degree angle with your legs straight and heels touching. Keep your legs straight, and try to balance your body weight evenly between your right and left feet.^{[2]
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- Avoid locking your knees while you stand at attention, as this can cause dizziness.
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3
Hold your head and neck erect. Look straight ahead and hold your head up so that your neck is directly parallel with the ground. Draw in your chin to keep your head and neck in a vertical alignment.^{[3]
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- Try not to look around or move your head while standing at attention to keep an air of formality.
- To prevent stiffness, try to relax the muscles in your neck and jaw while holding your head erect.
4
Cup your hands, and let your arms hang straight down. Hold your arms straight against your sides, relaxing them as much as possible to prevent tension. Cup your fingers so that your thumbs are touching the first joint of your pointer finger.^{[4]
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- To ensure proper hand alignment, try to position your thumbs along the seams of your pant legs.^{[5]
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5
Stay silent and unmoved until prompted. Standing at attention is just as much about your actions as your posture. Do not speak, look around, or make any movements until directed to by your drill leader.^{[6]
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- Moving or talking without being addressed while standing at attention is considered a violation and may result in apprehension, depending on the situation.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Standing at Attention During the U.S. National Anthem

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1
Face the U.S. flag or direction of the music. If you notice a visible flag, position your body toward it. In situations where no flags are visible, position your body toward the direction of the music.^{[7]
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- If no flags are visible and the music seems to come from your right, for example, stand facing the right.
2
Place your hand over your heart while performing a position of attention. Whether in military uniform or not, perform a basic stand of attention while the National Anthem plays. Place your right hand over your heart, with your left at your side.^{[8]
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- If you're a U.S. military personnel, you may also follow this during other songs like Taps, the Marines Hymn, or the U.S. Army Anthem.^{[9]
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3
Remove any non-military headdresses, if applicable. If you are in civilian clothes and wearing a hat or other headdress, take it off as the National Anthem plays. Hold it in your right hand and, while holding your hand over your heart, drape the headdress over your left shoulder.^{[10]
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- Unless directed otherwise by your superiors, you usually may wear military headdresses while the National Anthem plays.
4
Salute if you are a member or veteran of the Armed Forces. If you are a current or former military personnel, you may render the military salute during the National Anthem whether you're in uniform or not. Bring your right arm up with your forearm at a 45-degree angle, and touch your forehead or hat brim with the tip of your index finger.^{[11]
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- If you are former or current part of the U.S. Military, you may salute for the entire National Anthem.
- To show respect for the U.S. Military, do not salute if you are not a current or former member of the Armed Forces.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Standing at Attention in Marching Band

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Marching bands stand of attention as military personnel do when directed, though with some variations. Practice the military stand of attention, with some variations to accommodate your instruments and uniform.
2
Hold your instruments perpendicular to the ground. While standing at attention, grasp the instrument firmly in your hands and hold it perpendicular to the ground with your arms out in front of you. The instrument should be held in front of you so that, when directed by your instructor, you can swiftly bring your instrument up to march or play.^{[12]
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- Your arms should be straight and extended while standing at attention. Do not tuck your elbows in towards your chest while standing at attention.
- If standing without instruments, hold your hands at your side with your fingers slightly cupped, as you would while performing a military position of attention.
3
Look down instead of straight ahead. Because of the headgear worn by marching band members, looking straight ahead can block your vision while standing at attention. To keep your vision clear, look down the bridge of your nose instead.^{[13]
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- As with military positions of attention, do not move your eyes around while standing at attention.
4
Avoid locking your knees while standing at attention. Accidentally locking your knees is common among marching band members, which can be dangerous while carrying heavy instruments and wearing bulky uniforms. To avoid this, keep your leg muscles as relaxed as possible without bending your joints.^{[14]
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- Locking your knees for too long can cause lightheadedness or even fainting.

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Tips

"Stand at Attention" competitions are popular among Armed Forces members to see who can hold the position the longest for hours at a time. If you're interested in this competition, practice holding a position of attention on your own for increasingly long amounts of time.

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Don't feel discouraged if holding a position of attention is difficult at first. In time, you'll be able to strengthen your posture and overall technique.

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