In most situations, the salute is made with the right hand, palm face out, the thumb holding down the little finger.
"[2] Originally, Baden-Powell intended for Scouts to salute each other in greeting when they first saw each other for the first time using the "secret sign", or half-salute.
Officers, such as Patrol Leaders, Scoutmasters, or members of the armed forces, were to be saluted with a full-salute.
[3][4] Full-salutes were also required at the hoisting of the Union Flag, the playing of the national anthem, or at funerals.
Beaver Scouts in Canada use a variant of the two-fingered sign with the fingers bent forwards forming "teeth".
Additional meaning of the thumb holding down the little finger as explained in Switzerland and Germany: the big and strong protects the weak and little.
The Scout sign is performed with the upper arm parallel to the ground and the forearm vertical, forming a right angle at the elbow.
[citation needed] As a member of WAGGGS, the Girl Scouts of the USA use the three-fingered sign at shoulder height.
The three fingers represent the person's own spiritual beliefs, other people and the Girl Scout Law.