What action should a mounted officer take before addressing a superior who is not mounted?

Dismounting before addressing a superior who is not mounted is an important aspect of military and law enforcement protocols that demonstrate respect and adherence to hierarchy. By dismounting, the officer acknowledges the authority of the superior and approaches the interaction with a level of equality and professionalism. This action helps to foster an environment of mutual respect and demonstrates that the officer is willing to engage with the superior on a more personal level.

While other options might involve some form of acknowledging the superior, they do not align with the tradition of dismounting, which is particularly significant in mounted operations where there is a visual difference in stature between a mounted officer and an unmounted superior. This practice helps maintain the chain of command etiquette essential in professional settings such as these.