A vet at my workplace salutes me as a greeting every day and I respond. Is that ok or not ok?

2018-08-17T14:29:08-04:00

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

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Aug 17 at 2018 2:33 PM

2018-08-17T14:33:49-04:00

Have several veteran friends where we great each other with salutes. No reason we just do.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Aug 17 at 2018 2:35 PM

2018-08-17T14:35:36-04:00

Nothing wrong with it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 17 at 2018 2:43 PM

2018-08-17T14:43:04-04:00

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.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 2:53 PM

2018-08-17T14:53:11-04:00

I suspect you will get differing answers on this. Some consider a salute to be an exclusive military thing - others do not.

Personally, I am retired and I tend to salute every WW-II vet I see (as told by their cap) It ALWAYS results in a return salute and or a thankful smile.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Aug 17 at 2018 2:57 PM

2018-08-17T14:57:27-04:00

Saluteing is an honor feel proud about it and return his salute

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 17 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-08-17T15:00:44-04:00

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?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 17 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-08-17T15:02:44-04:00

It's not disrespectful. You're fine. It is a gesture between the two of you. Is there more to salutes when you're in the military: of course there is. Should you necessarily be worried about that: of course not. The NCO in question has taken it upon himself to welcome you into the club - as you said, he has taken a liking to you and is in the process of a kind of mentoring program - don't worry yourself with the technicalities of salutes. I'm glad that you have someone to learn from as you prepare for your military career.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 17 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-08-17T15:04:57-04:00

Not a big deal if approached by the stolen valor police tell them that the old Sarge is helping you prepare for training by teaching you the greetings of the day and the mechanics and muscle memory of saluting. That should effectively screw with their heads.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 3:05 PM

2018-08-17T15:05:10-04:00

No problem with this at all. It's a sign of respect.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 17 at 2018 3:08 PM

2018-08-17T15:08:18-04:00

Perhaps the gentleman is showing you that he is unarmed enough history serves me correctly this is what the old nights during medieval times did with each other. He may also have the utmost respect for you and he is simply accepting you to his circle of veterans and if that is the case it should be an honor. You should salute back and do so properly.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Aug 17 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-08-17T16:31:55-04:00

I don’t think is weird at all. I do it all the time to individuals that I know that I currently serving. It is just a sign of respect from my part, that’s all.

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made Aug 17 at 2018 4:34 PM

2018-08-17T16:34:56-04:00

let it ride ... your worried about a big to do about nothing... have you researched the hand salute( where it originates from), might give you a better understanding of why its given... its a sign of respect.... there isn'..t a dang thing wrong with it.. while enlisted usually reserve it for Officers types ... it isnt the only time its given.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 17 at 2018 5:36 PM

2018-08-17T17:36:33-04:00

Nobody should care, if they do............tell them to get a life. Your a civilian until sworn in.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 17 at 2018 6:50 PM

2018-08-17T18:50:13-04:00

There is nothing wrong with it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 17 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-08-17T20:15:46-04:00

It is never wrong to return a salute from a well-wisher. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong, but it will be a longtime before they persuade me.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 17 at 2018 8:38 PM

2018-08-17T20:38:09-04:00

Welcome to the best exclusive organization in the world. We do that sort of thing

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 8:41 PM

2018-08-17T20:41:21-04:00

I think that if you can do something to humor, be friendly or make a vet/retiree smile and it don't cost much... do it every time.

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Aug 17 at 2018 9:24 PM

2018-08-17T21:24:53-04:00

If he is teaching you the proper way to salute you'll be ahead of the curve when you are at boot camp.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 10:44 PM

2018-08-17T22:44:16-04:00

While technically it's incorrect, I believe one of two things is happening. I think the Sergeant is just trying to have some fun with you (no one understands military humor better than other people in the military) or more likely, an old vet wants to show you how much your commitment means to him. Those who serve today ensure that the service of those who have come before has not been in vain.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 17 at 2018 11:02 PM

2018-08-17T23:02:23-04:00

Its between you and him, to hell with PC and others thoughts on it.

Response by Marcus Kesler made Aug 17 at 2018 11:16 PM

2018-08-17T23:16:00-04:00

There are plenty of regulations for all the situations where we are required to initiate a salute. We would probably have no problem putting together a two-hour Powerpoint explaining every possible situation for when we salute and don't salute.

But for me, the easiest situation to come across is "returning a salute". A salute can be a sign of camaraderie, a sign of respect, a sign of appreciation, and any other number of things (and yes, sometimes it's a sign of "I have to do this"). But if anyone gives me a salute, I always return it. Civilian giving a salute while I'm in uniform? Return that thing. A vet giving you a salute because he knows you are serving or have served in the past? Return that thing. Gate guard giving you a salute while you are in civilian clothes? Return that thing.

Returning a salute should be as basic and non-controversial as it gets.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 17 at 2018 11:59 PM

2018-08-17T23:59:54-04:00

Saluting back is fine. Nothing wrong with the recognition of a Vet. BTW, I had a retired Senior Chief working for me on the Civil Service side. She'd know the level of "Problem" that needed her attention by knowing my voice calling her "Teresa?", "Barnett!", and the uber-Nuke "Seeeenior Chieeeef!" It was one of our inside comms that helped prep her for what level of lawn mower mode she'd go into. She relished the opportunity when she heard the latter.
I remember when I worked as a Nurses Aid at Motion Picture Hospital when I was an E-4 Reservist. A couple of crippled Vets would salute me and I'd happily salute back. Nothing wrong with making someone's day. Someday you'll appreciate someone making your day.

Response by CPO John Moore made Aug 18 at 2018 1:23 AM

2018-08-18T01:23:19-04:00

I see nothing wrong with it. if you go back in history you will find this: it was common for meeting soldiers to use their hand to tip up their visors (such that their hand would be raised to their brow) in order to 1. reveal their face thus proving they were a friendly soldier and 2. get a better view of the other soldier as the field of view was quite.
you could say you friend is respecting you as a friend. I salute a lot of people I meet or see (retired military).

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Aug 18 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-08-18T10:06:30-04:00

I don’t see anything thing wrong with it. This man has taken you under his wing and wants to see you be a successful Troop. He’s going to tell you stories of the good the bad and the ugly, it’s up to you to learn from his life expectancies.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 18 at 2018 11:01 AM

2018-08-18T11:01:50-04:00

Some might say you have not earned it however it is a sign of respect that he is giving you and it is fine. As an officer, I am more concerned with returning a salute as not acknowledging someone to me is far more disrespectful.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 4:41 PM

2018-08-18T16:41:22-04:00

Hopefully he has taught you how to salute correctly.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Aug 19 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-08-19T11:26:41-04:00

It is a gesture of respect, him being a Vet recognizes what you are about to do for your country and showing you the greatest of respect.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 19 at 2018 12:25 PM

2018-08-19T12:25:59-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member - Its a sign of respect rendered by a vet to you as having the intention of enlisting. It doesn't matter what other people think of it. I bet they haven't gotten the Vet to stop it - or if they spoken with him they probably got a "Vet Answer".
You are DEP so as far as I'm concerned salute back. I salute you too and him also.

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Aug 22 at 2018 10:38 AM

2018-08-22T10:38:37-04:00

I think that in basic training, we sometimes are shown rank with salutes based on it's initiation. But in reality, this is parallel to a polite handshake out of respect that most people in polite society would do. It's a compliment.

Response by SGT Derek Evans made Aug 25 at 2018 12:09 AM

2018-08-25T00:09:52-04:00

Just be warned that when you’re pulling main gate guard, you salute blue stickered army officers. But then you have those pesky enlisted air force soldiers with blue stickers getting a kick out of you saluting them. Lol

Response by Sgt Mike Jacobi made Aug 25 at 2018 6:52 PM

2018-08-25T18:52:35-04:00

Saluting falls into either formal or informal. The formal rules you will learn in basic. Informally though it’s a thing of the moment. I am out of the military for many decades, but want the young servicemen to understand I am behind them, So when I run into them I give them a casual salute. I see it as a recognition,of respect between warriors.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Aug 26 at 2018 1:23 AM

2018-08-26T01:23:00-04:00

I always return a salute, even if improperly given (notvthat your case is necessarily improper)

Response by SSG Joel Burden made Aug 31 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-08-31T00:37:27-04:00

Lol civilians are free to salute anyway they like LOL it would only be disrespectful if you were both currently in the service and in uniform then it would be a breach of protocol

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Aug 31 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-08-31T11:41:17-04:00

Saluting is a sign of respect towards a brother in arms. Remember only 3% had the b###s to wear the uniform.

Response by Sgt Jeff Brunker made Sep 9 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-09-09T15:04:28-04:00

I believe only you know if the gentleman offering the salute is being respectful. I would guess he his simply tipping his hat at someone that served. I attend quite a few sporting events. I hold my hat over my heart and proudly sing our Anthem. At the end I offer my own salute to the flag. I don't know, or really care, if others find this appropriate. In my heart, I am once again offering my allegiance to the symbol of my country and all that it stands for.

Response by PO1 Roger Clites made Sep 10 at 2018 1:43 PM

2018-09-10T13:43:10-04:00

I am sure he is Saluting you as a sign of honor and respect for joining the service. He would be a definite go to person for advice on getting through boot camp and what to expect. Absolutely listen to his advice (and seas stories). He is someone that maybe qouldnt expect a visit from you after training, but stopping by qork in your uniform to say hello and give hime an official Salute from an active Duty Soldier would make his day. Many of Veteran's salute other Vets and active Duty. I personally like to salute Vets that served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam..... Those guys faces unimaginable things in their time and as a young Afganistan Marine Vet who lives locally here in our area recently said when we met a Marine Sergeant who served in WWII on Iwo Jima, "I never felt more like a boot!"

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Sep 17 at 2018 12:22 AM

2018-09-17T00:22:56-04:00

Enjoy saluting. As long as one is not being an asshole while doing so, it is no big deal. After I got out of the military, I was visiting Ft. Monroe to teach a graduate level class. As I was leaving and heading for my car, a Major General saluted me and said in passing, hope your having a great day. In truth, I was stunned but smiled. I had been promoted to civilian again :)

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 30 at 2018 9:38 PM

2018-09-30T21:38:36-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member I was fortunate to momentarily engage our late POTUS Ford in an In-n-Out Hamburger joint in CA. As I departed, I threw an NCO Salute in his direction. His secret service guard returned that salute in kind. Respectfully!

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Oct 7 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-10-07T08:47:17-04:00

Okay I feel compelled to say this Pv2 Sattler: Do a little research on the Salute you will find a long linage Or History of it. Nothing at all wrong with it, The Human population could do better if they found a way to express respect for each other.

Response by PFC Gerald Bailey made Oct 9 at 2018 7:42 AM

2018-10-09T07:42:39-04:00

There are friends of mine that have served and we sometimes salute each other. I also do not a problem with saluting a combat veteran when out of uniform.

Response by Cpl Spencer Allen made Oct 9 at 2018 8:54 AM

2018-10-09T08:54:08-04:00

I’m a Marine veteran and played in the sand box. My boss is a Army veteran, a CO of a rifle company, two tours in Vietnam. Both of us are out, and every single morning it’s a ritual with us. I stand at attention and pop off a proper salute, with a ‘good morning sir’ and he responds in kind. I’m hoping we are not wrong. And if we were we wouldn’t give a hoot. It’s a right earned, of brotherhood supreme that extends across ALL branches, though Marines are special (lol) and it’s an unwritten perk we get to enjoy that no one else does.

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Oct 11 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-10-11T21:46:48-04:00

Vets should never salute non vets. Saluting indoor only if being summoned in uniform to a ranking officers office.

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Oct 25 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-10-25T13:49:29-04:00

Non military and enlisted don't salute each other! Stick to just saying hello. It's disrespectful.

Response by SPC Erik Thompson made Oct 25 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-10-25T15:04:42-04:00

Two things, I work for a former ADA Captain who was in the NG. He and I salute each other regularly (I was active duty 1st ID and 204 MI in Germany). It's just a show of a common experience he and I have. Second, as a native born Veteran I would like to thank you for coming to this country and though not born here, deciding to serve in uniform.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 29 at 2018 2:38 PM

2018-10-29T14:38:10-04:00

it's a sign of respect from a former soldier to a future soldier. continue on just as you have been doing. learn as much as you can from him. he is obviously interested in your future success in the military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-10-29T21:11:28-04:00

Just remember that the Army is an ever changing animal. I appreciate his wanting to guide you, that’s what NCOs do. But keep in the back of tour mind that his information could be ‘dated.’ Take the new PT Test as a prime example.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2018 12:22 PM

2018-11-01T12:22:15-04:00

It seems to me you are making a mountain out of a "makes no never-mind." The guy's helping you out in your preparation and you are benefitting from it. If you are happy and he is happy, all is good.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Monk made Nov 4 at 2018 12:07 AM

2018-11-04T00:07:28-04:00

I still do it with my friends most Vietnam Vets. Just like they like to call me Sarg. The military is a family and we have our own way to show respect and have fun.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Nov 9 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-11-09T14:22:58-05:00

It's fine by me. I think of all vets as my brother/sisters in life. If it's done as a form of respect, common allegiance, that we are of the same tribe why not. If it done to mock me or others who have served, you better sand by your lines as you're in for some heavy seas

Response by SPC Edwin Franco made Nov 11 at 2018 8:30 PM

2018-11-11T20:30:29-05:00

Do it all the time with fellow vets at work

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Nov 23 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-11-23T21:51:50-05:00

Saluting is a sign of respect for each other some we respect because they earned it some get it by act of Congress

Response by SGT George Duncan made Nov 24 at 2018 2:21 PM

2018-11-24T14:21:34-05:00

u bet it is if there was more respect in the world we wouldn't have most of the problems of today?

Response by SPC Donald Pierce made Nov 25 at 2018 5:52 PM

2018-11-25T17:52:52-05:00

Not a problem

Response by Edward Samsen made Nov 25 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-11-25T20:52:21-05:00

He is giving you a sign of respect. You are getting ready to pick up a rucksack and weapon, something he did in his younger days. BZ to your mentor for grooming you for basic training.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Nov 30 at 2018 12:32 PM

2018-11-30T12:32:02-05:00

Between the two of you it’s a form of respect and respectful jest and should any ask or criticize then just explain it that way. Sometimes I’ve ran into one of my former soldiers who salute me with a smile. It was all in good humor and respect with each other. Sometimes I saluted back or jokingly tell him to knock it off and do a bro hug.
Just don’t let it be perceived as if you’re mocking the military and it’ll be fine.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 8:53 PM

2018-12-02T20:53:34-05:00

Do it and be proud. It’s about recognising we’re all family. For a very short, wonderful few moments, you’re the youngest, then you get some responsibilities, then you’re the responsible one. It’s a wonderful thing being part if this family, sharing experiences all over the world, and seeing family members come home again.

Response by CPO Chris Kellar made Dec 19 at 2018 8:50 AM

2018-12-19T08:50:51-05:00

Sure, it is a sign of respect

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Dec 24 at 2018 7:48 PM

2018-12-24T19:48:12-05:00

I don't see a problem, but to me a simple " thank you for your service" is fine, i mostly got that then a salute.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 4:29 AM

2018-12-25T04:29:01-05:00

Seems like their just displaying a sign of respect in gest. No biggie. I work in a jail as a supervisor and I'm saluted by inmates and sometimes other officers. As an Officer candidate, I've been saluted by soldiers in my unit but they're mostly messing with me lol. They call me SPC sir and Sir SPC.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2018 2:05 PM

2018-12-25T14:05:36-05:00

It's all good since you clearly know how to use it appropriately when you don the uniform. He obviously respects you and your decision, and is encouraging you with this sign of respect. If anyone thinks it's silly, that's on them.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jan 5 at 2019 5:54 AM

2019-01-05T05:54:59-05:00

A salute is an ages-old sign of mutual respect and esteem. The army doesn't own it -- the army merely regulates it while you are in uniform by telling you when you Must salute, and the form the "official" salute must take.
So, to quote my crusty old drill sergeant - "when it doubt, whip it out" (a salute, that is).