Posted on Jul 9, 2014
SFC Steven Borders
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Out of curiosity how many members have saluted the wrong rank working on a Joint Base or Assignment. With me working on JBAB (Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling) it has happened a couple times. I find it hard to recognize the Navy ranks sometimes at a distance. And found myself saluting a Chief. I have always followed the rule "when in doubt whip it out". Most just laugh and we carry on about our day. Would love to hear some stories.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
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"Don't Let It Linger,
Give'm The Finger".
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PO3 Sean Carr
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As a Seabee, I wore the old OD Green uniform. I was also a Petty Officer 3rd Class. I stopped at Fort Meade to go to the commissary after work. No soft cover, but a hard hat with my crow and 1 chevron. Keep in mind this is a joi t base at the time, due to NSA on post. I was saluted 3 times in less than 50 yards in the parking lot, one was a Major, who hoped I was "ready for the long lines sir". Still brings a smile to my face.
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CAPT Thomas Vaughn
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My biggest gaffe was calling a Sr Chief “sir”. Politeness is always the best policy (and I reminded: “don’t call me sir I work for a living”)
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
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Edited 3 y ago
I did know all the US service ranks anyway but sometimes someone in a foreign service uniform maybe I wasn't sure, better to salute when it's not required than miss one that should have been saluted. As We were taught, if in doubt salute, besides its still a show of respect between fighting men and woman both giving and returning a salute.

Another place a salute is ok it as a greeting to a woman not in the military as opposed to a civilian tipping their hat which should never be done with military headgear. That practice I guess as fallen by the wayside like many polite greetings but it's still ok.
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TSgt J.L. Brown Jr
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I was stationed at misawa air base Japan, army air force navy marines, if they had collar brass I saluted. I'm sure I crossed it a time or two. But you see the metal or braids, I always threw up the salute, better save than sorry.
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1SG Alan Boggs
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It happens, dont sweat it. Move on
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CMDCM Jimmie Brooks
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I am a retired Navy Master Chief, so my garrison cap and collar devices are the Navy CPO device with two silver stars at the top of the device. While serving as the Command Master Chief, Commander Naval Forces Korea (COMNAVFORKOREA), Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, ROK, my wife and I were walking to the PX. As two young Army enlisted approached me, they rendered the hand salute, so I returned it. As they went past me, I heard one ask the other one, "What was he?" To which his fellow soldier responded, "I don't know, but he had two stars."
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Capt Christian D. Orr
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When the Army first started going over to “berets for all” back in circa 2001, it was way too damn easy to mistake Army soldiers’ metallic unit crests for officers’ rank insignia until I got within spitting distance.
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SGT Keith Boettcher
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Guess I was one of the lucky ones. I served in the AF, Navy, and Army in my military career. I did have fun with a Navy Lt one day standing at an intersection waiting for the light to change. We looked at each other and I saw his Lt bars and said good afternoon Cpt. He responded with I’m a Lt. I said well you’re wearing the wrong rank. He said it excuse me. I said in the Army rail tracks are Cpt. bars. He got all flustered and looked at my uniform and tags and said oh you’re in the Army. I said yes sir. He said that explains everything. Laugh Out Loud. Light changed and we crossed the street and I said have a good day sure. He said you too petty officer. Laugh Out Loud.
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SSG Retired
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LoL... The rule of thumb...."if it shines it gets a sniper check"
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