At attention

Standing at attention is also a critical component of any audience when the Canadian national anthem (O Canada) is being played.

In Russia and countries of Soviet influence, on the command of attention (Russian: Смирно; Smer-nah), the soldiers of any sized unit snap their heads to the front, with their chin up and looking straight ahead.

When the drill gives the order, the soldiers, who must be in the aling up posture, snap their heads to the left and, after the executive order «¡Mar!» or «¡Ar!» they lower the arm that would have been extended to keep the distance with the soldier in front, keeping both arms at sides of the torso.

When soldiers are in uniform, the fists must be clenched, covering the gap between the index finger with the thumbs, keeping the knuckles against the legs.

In the United States military, the feet are at a 45-degree angle with heels together and the fingers are curled in a loose fist.