Can a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or guardian salute another (even if in another Service) while in civilian attire?

2023-12-03T18:10:14-05:00

At the mall, I met with others who were in other services, but we were all in our civvies. When they discovered that I am a senior-ranked (retired) officer, they rendered a salute. I returned it. Nearly broke into tears.

* Guardian is now the official term for members of the Space Force (a Service of the Department of the Air Force).

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 4 at 2023 12:44 AM

2023-12-04T00:44:10-05:00

I have before. Kinda depends on the situation and who the officer is.

There is one retired O-6 in the local area I deal with occasionally in my EMS role. I usually render a salute at the end of our interaction just because I respect the heck out of him.

There's another retired O in the local area I will make a point of referring to him by his first name just because I know it pisses him off and there is nothing he can do about it. He's an unmitigated horse's posterior and I imagine he was just as insufferable when active.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 8:09 AM

2023-12-04T08:09:02-05:00

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis It is a lifetime honor to be able to render a salute to the flag and to veterans.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 1:07 PM

2023-12-04T13:07:14-05:00

Can you? Sure. Clearly. Do you have to? No. For the Army, the only time you have to by regulation is if civilian clothes are the duty uniform that day and you know the other person is higher ranking. Otherwise - no. One does not have to. Especially after ETS or retirement.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Dec 4 at 2023 4:42 PM

2023-12-04T16:42:31-05:00

I certainly would...it's an honor to render and return that courtesy/respect to others. Whether still active duty or retired, and regardless of Service, the military salute is our version of a not-so-secret handshake among military members that symbolizes a shared identity and camaraderie. In a setting like you described, a salute with positive eye contact can say more than any spoken word.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 5 at 2023 5:07 PM

2023-12-05T17:07:58-05:00

Congress finally gave the right to us to salute our own flag, why put down an honor handed to up by others?

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Dec 5 at 2023 9:39 PM

2023-12-05T21:39:07-05:00

I am not saluting anyone I don't have to....

so...if I am in civilian clothes, or you are in civies, my right hand isn't moving.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 6 at 2023 7:22 AM

2023-12-06T07:22:33-05:00

They chose to show the respect they have for your service. That is an honor and the fact that it made you feel great is a testament to why it is done. RESPECT!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 6 at 2023 10:40 PM

2023-12-06T22:40:05-05:00

My younger brother also served (and retired). He achieved a higher grade. I salute him (at least once) during family reunions. He might think it's silly, but I think it's cool.