Posted on Aug 17, 2018
A vet at my workplace salutes me as a greeting every day and I respond. Is that ok or not ok?
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I’m in DEP at the moment, due to being an immigrant, so I still work a day job to keep the bills paid until I ship for BCT, but I have a signed contract and sworn oath at this point, so it’s a thing that Is definitely happening at this point bar any unexpected disaster.
One of my co workers is a retired infantry E-5 and has taken a personal interest in teaching me and learning what I know about the modern army (which is obviously all personal research at this point) and genuinely seems to be excited for me.
Every morning when he first sees me he pops a salute off and I have been responding in kind as a gesture of respect (even understanding that I am not presently military, nor is he, nor do you salute indoors or out of uniform, nor do an E-2 and 5 swap salutes as a greeting even if not for all that) but I’m concerned that this might be seen as disrespectful or even just plain silly by any other vets/active duty that come through our workplace (there is a lot, we are just south of Lewis-McChord) and I was wondering if I could get some people’s opinions on this
One of my co workers is a retired infantry E-5 and has taken a personal interest in teaching me and learning what I know about the modern army (which is obviously all personal research at this point) and genuinely seems to be excited for me.
Every morning when he first sees me he pops a salute off and I have been responding in kind as a gesture of respect (even understanding that I am not presently military, nor is he, nor do you salute indoors or out of uniform, nor do an E-2 and 5 swap salutes as a greeting even if not for all that) but I’m concerned that this might be seen as disrespectful or even just plain silly by any other vets/active duty that come through our workplace (there is a lot, we are just south of Lewis-McChord) and I was wondering if I could get some people’s opinions on this
Civilians
Drill and Ceremony
Recruit
Discipline
Saluting
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 61
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I don't see any problem. I wish someone had "schooled" me a little before I shipped out. Sadly, my father hadn't served and my brother who was NG for 8 years between Korea and Vietnam, was never around. So, tell us, who's been complaining?
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PFC (Join to see)
Nobody yet, other than my manager who dislikes the fact that I’m leaving, but he does so quietly.
I have a habit of trying to solve issues before they are complained about, it’s a mechanic thing.
I have a habit of trying to solve issues before they are complained about, it’s a mechanic thing.
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CPT Jack Durish
PFC (Join to see) - I only know two mechanic's "things". (1) I can fix this if I had a bigger hammer and (2) If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I think No. 2 applies here
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LTC John Griscom
PFC (Join to see) - Don't know if you are familiar with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), but if you might want to come back to that job, it's good to know about it.
Good luck for your future.
Good luck for your future.
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PFC (Join to see)
Thanks, don’t really want to come back to this job however, I’ve been a mechanic for 13 years now, so I’m looking for a career change, Army offers plenty of avenues to get some training and experience in a new field on top of all the other factors.
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Saluting out of uniform is appropriate. Saluting in gest with a Conrad is also fine. In fact the gesture of a tip of the imaginary hat is used by many in society and many do not even realize they are doing it.
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