Posted on Jan 14, 2014
Are you supposed to salute the flag while walking by it?
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<p>Since I have been in one of the foremost custom and courtesies that have been drilled into me is saluting. Whether it be officers or our nations flag and I have no problem making a correction (tactfully) when needed. Now I have respecfully brought this up to multiple superiors where I work (which is not a designated no hat no salute area) that when they walk pass that flag in the morning and evening they should be saluting it in accordance with FM 7-21.13 Chapter 4 Paragraph 23. I have gotten this way after getting to my first duty station and being told to bring a 1SG in our BN the reg after i did not salute the flag. Now am I misinterpreting this regulation or am I right in trying to ensure that my leaders set an appropriate example for my peers. <br><br>I have even had a couple of NCO's tell me that they have never heard of any such reg the whole time they have been in the Army and these are SSG and above. </p><p> </p><p>Whats your thoughts? Correct me if I am wrong.</p>
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Saluting
Customs and Courtesies
Saluting Customs and Courtesies
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 15
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We were always told you salute the American flag when you pass by, it much like when you pay your respects to an officer you meet or pass by as an enlisted soldier. This includes American flags flying outside of government buildings on a pole near your path of travel.
You render the salute when within 3 paces and hold the salute until three paces past the flag. It's such a small act of respect for a flag that a lot of men and women have died to protect. It makes you look sharp and squared away when you show this respect for our flag.
We should be more than willing to set the example even if it isn't called for or expected. God Bless you veterans and God Bless America!
You render the salute when within 3 paces and hold the salute until three paces past the flag. It's such a small act of respect for a flag that a lot of men and women have died to protect. It makes you look sharp and squared away when you show this respect for our flag.
We should be more than willing to set the example even if it isn't called for or expected. God Bless you veterans and God Bless America!
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No, you are right. The FM says that. You ought to note, however, that the FM is not a regulation in and of itself, but merely a field manual. It is not the proper reference to cite. You need to quote from AR 840-10 which governs on this matter.
Now, how you go about an on-the-spot correction for a superior (NCO or Commissioned Officer), that is another matter. I would urge caution in making a big point of this. If your unit leadership is not bothered about this, you can rest assured that the installation leadership does not consider this to be a priority. You can rock the boat if you want to but I suspect the only one who's going to end up in the drink will be you.
There is attention to detail and proper military customs and courtesies, true. But there is also a healthy sense of self-preservation to consider. Choose your battles. Is this one you are prespared to fall on?
Being "right" is not always everything it's cracked up to be.
Now, how you go about an on-the-spot correction for a superior (NCO or Commissioned Officer), that is another matter. I would urge caution in making a big point of this. If your unit leadership is not bothered about this, you can rest assured that the installation leadership does not consider this to be a priority. You can rock the boat if you want to but I suspect the only one who's going to end up in the drink will be you.
There is attention to detail and proper military customs and courtesies, true. But there is also a healthy sense of self-preservation to consider. Choose your battles. Is this one you are prespared to fall on?
Being "right" is not always everything it's cracked up to be.
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As salute is only required at Revali, retreat, in a parade, National Anthem or funeral procession ( I think).
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I have heard many people state that they have never done this. I remember when I first when to the Warrior Leader Course that we told about this regulation. We were also informed that most people are simply wrong or as they put it "jacked up". Just because others are wrong, does not mean that we need to keep doing it wrong. I had developed the attitude as an NCO that it was my job to correct those who are wrong, no matter the rank. Wrong is wrong.
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