Avoiding Saluting an LT; What do you do when you see this?

Did you talk to this NCO and mentor him? Did you get all of the facts or only assume he was avoiding a salute?

Very simple solution to fix this problem. Just walk over to his car and stand there until he arrives. He will not only walked an extra distance to get to his car, but will still end up rendering a salute once he make it to his car.

Once he makes it to his car, engage in conversation about why he decided it to be best to avoid saluting you.

This may also be an indictment of that particular 2LT.

I'm sorry that happened to you LT. Its not about you. Its about him. He obviously doesn't get it. I can't say that there were never officers that I didn't want to salute, but it had nothing to do with their rank. I would never have gone out of my way.

Not sure why someone would hide like a child to avoid a salute especially an NCO. If it was as blatant you say, I would definitely have hurried to his car and ask him for directions to the BX or something. This way he not only has to salute you, but he has to get out of his car as well.

When I was a Captain serving at NSB Bangor, it was common for sailors to take evasive action or avert their eyes to avoid rendering a salute. One of the Sergeants in my company saw a sailor do this with me. He snatched up the sailor and asked me if I had a minute. He then placed the sailor in front of me and explained to the sailor that when the sailor averted his eyes and went out of his way, that I would form a false impression that I was a god and that sailors would burst into flames if I were to let my eyes and attention rest on them too long. He further explained that the last thing we needed on base was officers that believed they could set enlisted men afire simply by meeting their eyes and saluting them. All three of us had a good laugh, the sailor apologized, I accepted the apology, we exchanged salutes, and life went on. Marines like a little friendly messing with sailors. It caught on with the Marine NCOs to get sailors to render salutes to both Navy and Marine officers. It took about six months but the military courtesy improved greatly. The exchange of salutes is common courtesy amongst brothers and sisters at arms. When the senior returns that salute he is showing that he recognizes and respects you as well. If people do not want the military customs and traditions they should join the US postal service.

Funny story. As a new Airman, I attended follow-on training at a base that also conducted pilot training. As such, there were plenty of young lieutenants around.

Back then, during our first weeks out of basic, we were pretty restricted and required to be in uniform anytime we left our quarters.

To entertain ourselves, a bunch of us new Airmen would wander around base "hunting" officers to salute.

It was silly, but in retrospect, the game was borne of excitement over our newly earned privilege to render the hand salute. If we all remembered that saluting is an honor granted only to our military fraternity, I think this problem would disappear.

Unfortunately, but usually not unfounded, Lieutenants have a stigma of knowing nothing but acting like we know everything and are above everyone else. Most people who would deliberately go out of their way to avoid saluting don't make it very far in the military. However we as lieutenants also need to be aware of the stigma attached to us and make sure that we don't come across that way. It's the only way the stigma will change.

I love young and new officers. I don't try to avoid them. I really take pride in showing them what is right.

I had no problem saluting the freshest of Ensign's to the saltiest of Admiral's. Sir, you have earned your rank and title and are deserving of the salute. This NCO you speak of has issues. Not a good way to show leadership. Carry on L.T. Thank you for joining up!